Abstract: The apparatus for checking the volume of bottles (1) comprises a head (2) adapted to be moved sealingly onto the bottle mouth (21), with a metering piston (7) which is displaceable in relation to the head (2) to be inserted into the bottle (1) and compress the air contained therein, and a pressure sensor (9) for measuring the excess pressure produced in the bottle. The measured volume (11) in the bottle is linked to a compensating volume (12) through a duct (10). The compensating volume is determined on the one hand by the constant starting height of the metering piston (7) and on the other hand by the variable displacement path length of the head (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing a large vessel utilizing a base enclosure having a base ring of the same diameter as the pressure vessel. The base enclosure includes a base plate welded to the base ring and beams under the base plate for supporting the weight of the base enclosure as well as the portion of the vessel to be tested. The vessel is fabricated in or divided into half portions with each portion being connected to a base ring for separate testing. This eliminates the excessive weight that would be experienced if the vessel were to be pressure tested as one unit, particularly in the case of hydrotesting where the vessel is filled with water.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an externally applied parameter to selected products. The invention involves a housing enclosing a sensor, and a monitoring and output network. The sensor has a characteristic that varies in some predetermined manner with variation in the monitored parameter. The monitoring and output network involves a sensor which produces a signal representative of the monitored characteristic. Values associated with the signal are stored in a memory device for subsequent, selected retrieval.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for monitoring an environment for the occurrence of an unexpected event, such as monitoring a containment vessel's surroundings for the presence of the contained substance outside of the vessel due to a leak. The method detects the probability that a leak has occurred as opposed to mere natural fluctuations in substance concentration in the surrounding environment. A sensor near the vessel measures substance concentration. The concentrations sensed are transformed into a signal representing substance concentration outside the vessel as a function of time. A statistical analyzer then monitors the signal for specific patterns which indicate that a leak has occurred. Various algorithms are utilizable to determine the probability that a leak has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, through-the-valve testing the pressure levels within pressurized containers, particularly aerosol containers, without dispensing the container contents. The apparatus includes a vertically reciprocal head in which a small charge of gas under greater pressure than the highest pressure level to be tested for is isolated in a small chamber. The head is lowered onto a container being tested and an adapter on the bottom of the head interfaces with the valve on the container. The pressure of the charge in the head is released into the adapter and the container valve is actuated to provide a connection between the container pressure and the higher pressure in the head and adapter. Due to its small volume the pressure in the head and adapter readily equalizes to the level of the pressure in the container. This equalized pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor or transducer connected to the chamber in the head.

Abstract: Improved multi-wall containers and pipes for transporting fluids which have to be protected against leakage and mechanical forces, have an inner and outer wall separated by a continuous foam layer integrated into the containers. Improved strength and resistance to axial inertial pressure is provided by the method of manufacture using chopped glass fibers, continuous windings of glass fibers and suitable polyester resins and circumferential ribs spaced at stress points and integrally incorporated into the containment walls. Vessels produced according to the methods of the invention have a moment of inertia strength of about 4.67 in.sup.4 substantially eliminating torquing, buckling and rupture.

Abstract: A method for testing a waterproof casing having a flexible watertight portion having a flexible waterproofing portion, which is compressed to establish a water tight seal, and a stationary watertight portion, in which the watertightness is established by an adhesive, using a test casing to serve as the adjoining element, wherein the flexible waterproofing portion and the test casing together define a closed chamber, and wherein an air pressure change can be effected in the chamber through the test casing. The method includes the steps of establishing a first air pressure in the closed chamber, less than atmospheric pressure, which causes elastic deformation of the flexible waterproofing portion, and subsequently detecting a change in internal air pressure of the closed chamber.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for detecting leaks in, cathodically protecting, determining the effectiveness of such cathodic protection, and/or remediating fluid leaked from an aboveground storage tank. At least one substantially horizontal bore is formed beneath an aboveground storage tank and a slotted pipe or casing is positioned within the bore. The pipe or casing can be simultaneously advanced within the substantially horizontal bore while the bore is being formed. Slotted tubing and at least one anode are positioned within the slotted casing. The bore is filled with coke breeze and current is supplied to the anode(s) to cathodically protect substantially the entire tank bottom. The anode and slotted tubing can be removed to provide a passageway for remediation of fluid leakage from the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a liquid storage tank utilizes a mass test in which a sample mass of liquid is removed from the storage tank and weighed. After a period of time, another sample mass of liquid, taken at exactly the same location as the first, is removed from the storage tank, and then weighed and compared to the first sample mass to determine whether there is a leak in the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of making a storage tank system comprises forming a series of outer wall sections over a cylindrical-shaped inner storage tank. Each outer wall section is bonded to the inner tank at a distance of less than about 1/2 inch in height from the inner tank. The inner storage tank is strengthened by the wall sections. Partial secondary containment is provided by the outer wall sections. A monitored storage tank system with partial secondary containment is provided by the use of a leak detection system to monitor the closed spaces defined by the outer wall sections and the inner storage tank.

Abstract: A method for inventory maintenance and leak detection in liquid storage tanks and dispensing lines, that combines tank level measurements, tank product temperature measurements, output flow measurements, liquid product characteristics data, initial product delivery volume data, and redundantly calculates changes in the quantity of liquid product within the tank and compares these calculations to determine abnormalities in the changes in the quantities of product within the tank. Changes in the quantity of product within the tank are verified as either the delivery of additional product into the tank or the dispensing of product from the tank as with a customer sale. Changes that cannot be verified as either delivery into or dispensing from the tank are appropriately characterized as possible leak conditions in the tank or lines.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting leaks within underground or aboveground tanks and their associated piping whether the tank and/or piping is partially filled or empty. The apparatus is partially insulated to minimize temperature effects when injecting a test gas into the tank to be tested. The tank is pressurized to a fill pressure by injecting (bubbling) the test gas through any liquid in the tank. Once stabilized the pressure is reduced to a test pressure while the gas injection continues. The flow rate of gas into the tank is monitored by a flow meter able to measure small flows while the pressure is held constant by a pressure regulator having a high accuracy and the temperature of the ullage is monitored. A tight or leaking tank is determined by evaluating the flow rate of constant pressure against reference criteria which when met identify a tight tank and when not met identify a leaking tank under EPA guidelines.

Abstract: A floatable liquid hydrocarbon skimmer system for monitoring possible leaks in hazardous liquid tanks incorporates a vertically disposed tubular housing having an upper end with passages to admit liquid and provides a lower collection chamber for recovered hydrocarbon liquid. The housing has a hydrocarbon liquid-water separator associated with the chamber which has a capillarial filter which will pass only the hydrocarbon liquid through to the collection housing, while being impervious to the passage of water. A wick is in contact with the filter to draw the hydrocarbon liquid to the filter, and a valved outlet passage associated with the collection chamber permits emptying of the collected hydrocarbon liquid back to the tank.

Abstract: A vadose zone monitoring system for detecting leaks from a contaminant storage facility or the like is disclosed in which leaks are detected in a confined radial area around at least one generally horizontal, neutron access tube disposed under the landfill. A wicking layer of material increases the leakage detection coverage area by laterally transmitting leakage to the access tube via capillary action. A clay liner may be disposed between the landfill and wicking layer for controlling the rate of leakage to prevent build-up of a pressure head large enough to force liquid through the wicking layer before it is conducted laterally to the access tube. Leak detection may be carried out by neutron moderation techniques or other moisture detection schemes for developing logs indicative of the leakage from the landfill. The wicking layer permits an entire network of access tubes or other leak detection means to be installed under substantially the entire landfill for monitoring leaks therefrom.

Abstract: To improve the strength, resistance to leaks, and formation of tears and fissures in the inner wall of a double-wall tank, the inner wall is formed, as described in the inventor's earlier U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,895 (U.S. Pat. No. Re. 33,421) by a plurality of foil or sheet elements which are overlapped at the edges, and covered by a plastic, preferably epoxy layer. The sheet elements are preferably aluminum foils of from 0.15 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm thickness. The plastic layer is reinforced by a multi-ply, preferably two-ply, glass fiber fabric, which is so woven that the layers or plies of the fabric are interwoven or interlocked. The fabric is embedded in the plastic coating, before it is cured, for example by rolling it into the plastic coating. To assure good fitting of the inner wall against the outer wall, a vacuum is applied in the space formed by the projections or puckers of the sheet elements and the outer wall before the plastic coating has cured, and maintained until it is cured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for monitoring flat bottomed tanks for leaks utilizing a sensor cable, barrier layer or film impermeable to the leaking medium and a compensation layer housing the sensor cable and on which the tank bottom is placed.

Abstract: A shock sensor is able to detect an externally applied acceleration. A weight is fixed to a first end of a first supporting member. The weight is rotatably movable about an opposite end of the supporting member. A second supporting member, having an indicating portion, is provided under the first supporting member. A spring member is integrally formed with the second supporting member so as to hold the second supporting member either at an upper position to support the weight or at a lower position where a predetermined acceleration is detected. Whether or not the shock sensor has detected that an acceleration exceeding the predetermined value has been applied to the sensor is indicated by the position of the indicating portion.

Abstract: An automotive straight line G-meter utilizes the input from a piezoresistive accelerometer to accurately measure and display both straight line forward and backward as well as lateral or side to side acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle. The automotive straight line G-meter includes solid state circuitry which temperature compensates and amplifies the transducer output before coupling to an analog meter that is calibrated to show the gravity effect of acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The G-meter device further includes circuitry for energizing an automotive tachometer that employs a LED (light emitting mode) bar graph to display the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A storage tank apparatus is described which comprises an above-ground storage tank having a first, lowermost bottom, a second bottom joined to the walls of the storage tank above the first, lowermost bottom and defining a space between the first and second bottoms, structural support means placed in the space between the first and second bottoms for supporting the second bottom above the first bottom, and a plurality of sampling ports spaced about the perimeter of the storage tank and permitting access to the space between the first and second bottoms and to the avenues for fluid communication provided therethrough by the structural support means. Processes for detecting leaks and avenues for leaks of materials placed in the storage tanks of such apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A leak detection system having a tank with a tank bottom and a containment baffle disposed above the tank bottom defining a containment space therebetween. The containment baffle supports a stored material within the tank. An inert gas supply is connected to the containment space for passing an inert gas into the containment space. An inert gas flow sensor is interactive with the inert gas supply so as to sense the flow of inert gas into the containment space. An alarm is connected to the inert gas flow sensor so as to produce a humanly perceivable signal in relation to gas flow above a predetermined limit. A leak detector is also provided interactive with the containment space for detecting and sending signals in relation to the presence of materials within the containment space. A pressure regulator is interactive with the inert gas supply so as to limit the pressure of inert gas within the containment space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring the presence of hydrocarbons in a fluid medium at a remote location, by sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid in the fluid medium in the remote location, generating a signal indicative of the sensed fluid, and transmitting the signal to monitoring means for indication of hydrocarbon contamination. The apparatus has multiple sensors at different vertical levels for sensing the fluid medium at a plurality of levels within the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided utilizing volume measurement means and temperature determining means for empirically determining the coefficient of thermal expansion for a given fluid. Said apparatus and method are particularly suited for use in testing the tightness of storage vessels and may be used in conjunction with currently available tank testing equipment to provide more accurate leakage readings than may presently be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a tube for its strength to resist internal pressure, is composed of: an expandable elastomer having a hollow body with one open end; a test head, connected to the expandable elastomer, to provide the expandable elastomer with pressure using fluid as a medium; a holder, disposed below the test head, to vertically move a tube into a place in which the expandable elastomer is inserted into a tube; and a transferring mechanism, arranged beside the holder, to provide the holder with a tube from a rack. The apparatus according to the present invention can automatically and continuously test numerous tubes for its strength to resist internal pressure, overcoming disadvantages of the non-automatic, non-continuous apparatus previously disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid leak detector apparatus and method including a fluid system having two fluid tanks which are fluid flow interconnected and which have a fluid flow-rate switch operative between the tanks for detecting the quantity of flow for establishing equilibrium between the tanks and thereby detecting the leakage of fluid in the system.

Abstract: Inner and outer welded steel protective tanks are separated by a space containing a granular insulating material such as perlite preventing excessive heating of fuel in a storage space in the inner tank, even when there is a fire at the site. The inner tank is subdivided into portions by a partition defining a storage space and an overfill containment space receiving overflow from the storage space portion, with a sensor detecting overflow. The overflow containment space is also arranged to collect separated fuel when the tank system is used with a vapor recovery system. The granular insulating material acts as an explosion suppressant by dissipating heat and fuel vapors which may be present in the insulation space as a result of leakage from the inner tank.

Abstract: A mass sensoring system for monitoring the amount of fluid in a storage tank with an accuracy high enough to determine both the quantity present and the potential loss of fluid at a loss rate of 0.05 gal/hr or at least 0.1 gal/hr. The system utilizes a pressure sensor positioned at the bottom of the tank and in contact with the fluid. This device includes a bellows unit whose displacement is correlated to changes in the mass of fluid in which it is immersed, and a transducer for monitoring the position of the bellows, wherein the interior of the bellows unit is in the same atmosphere as the sensor, and the sensor is in communication with the vapor pressure immediately above the fluid in the tank. The outside of the bellows is subjected to the stored fluid. A multiple-capsule bellows assembly is coupled to an LDVT transducer in a thermal-expansion-cancelling configuration of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a hollow body wherein the hollow body is placed in a test chamber. The hollow body is exposed to one of a positive or negative differential pressure between an internal pressure of the hollow body and a pressure in the test chamber. A pressure prevailing in the test chamber is tapped off from the test chamber at two points in time, with a signal being generated of a pressure differential between the values of the prevailing pressure in the test chamber at the two points of time. The tightness or change in volume of the hollow body is determined in dependence upon the generated pressure differential signal.

Abstract: Suction is applied to a pipe of an article. Then, the interior of the pipe is maintained under vacuum conditions for a period of several seconds. This is checked or monitored by a pressure switch. If the pressure in the pipe is raised from the predetermined level, then a pinhole is formed at a welded portion of the pipe to be examined.

Abstract: A leak detector is proposed for fluid systems serving intermittent loads. The device generates a signal representative of the minimum level of flow occurring from time to time, this level of flow being taken as the rate of leakage. On the basis of this signal, the device generates outputs indicative of the presence and relative magnitude of leakage. A preferred form of the device monitors flow with a thermal fluid flow detector which is adapted to be removably mounted on a distribution system pipe and to be sufficiently inexpensive to permit wide application of the device to small fluid distribution systems, such as residential water systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for detecting leaks in sealed packages. The apparatus and method are particularly well-suited for an on-line system wherein each package filled and sealed on a commercial packaging line is inspected for possible leaks or seal defects. A force transducer arrangement is used, and the package is maintained at substantially constant volume while positive wall pressure over time is monitored. Diagnostic properties can be included whereby it is possible to precisely detect exactly which compartment of a multiple-compartment package and exactly which package station, has an excessive incidence of defects.

Abstract: A protective composite liner for installation inside a vessel, such as a supertanker, is proposed with an outer layer of high strength fibers, a middle layer of flexible, high strength, resilient film material, and an inner chemical resistant layer. Means for anchoring the protective composite liner and sensor means for detecting a leak are further provided for use with the liner of the present invention.

Abstract: An underground storage tank is provided with a load-transmitting material in the annular space between inner and outer walls. The load-transmitting material passes aqueous liquid and the stored product and so may be used with either wet or dry alarm systems.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a leak in a high vapor-evolving hydrocarbon liquid underground storage tank filled incompletely with the liquid, wherein there is a projecting fill pipe connected with the ullage which is filled with hydrocarbon vapor and air. A vacuum source is connected to the fill pipe for withdrawing the atmosphere of the ullage and imposing a prescribed negative pressure. While some of the drawn off vapor and much of the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a significant portion of the ullage content is recirculated to build the relative proportion of hydrocarbon vapor to air in the ullage. The ullage is then isolated from the vacuum source and atmosphere, and allowed to stabilize over a predetermined time period with a reduced rate of hydrocarbon vapor release into the ullage.

Abstract: A fluid status detection system includes a controller that has eight sets of sockets for mechanically receiving a solid state input module. The module may be either an one of two A.C. responsive moduled responsive to two different A.C. voltage ranges or a D.C. responsive module. Either module provides the same output, a one-bit-digital signal, to the controller via the sockets. The controller includes a relay, an alarm, and a display. The operator may select one or more indicator conditions individually for each of the socket sets from a plurality of possible indicator alarm conditions and store the conditions in the controller. The controller then responds to the one-bit-digital signals to provide an alarm or other programmed indication that a device, such as a fire alarm, connected to a particular socket set has been activated. The modules respond to a wide range of voltages, thus a wide range of devices may be connected to the controller.

Abstract: An improved leak detection float system for use in underground storage tank containing fuel wherein the float system utilizes an elongated hollow test probe extending downwardly into an underground storage tank and into the fuel stored therein. A microprocessor is contained in an upper compartment of the test probe along with control electronics. A rod is centrally affixed in the lower portion of the test probe and a float is disposed around the rod, but within the test probe so as to float on the surface of the fuel. The float uses tapered edges to minimize offset error due to surface tension. An excitation transducer is placed above the float on the rod which produces vibrational waves down the rod having a predetermined frequency, power, and duration. The vibrational wave breaks the surface tension existing between the float and the fuel so that the float can obtain a position within the fluid based upon the buoyancy of the float in the fluid.

Abstract: Testing apparatus and processes are described for testing containers or selected portions thereof for leaks. The device includes container receivers for receiving a container. A support engages a surface of the container. The support includes a network of rigid support surfaces, preferably a screen shaped by a rigid base to conform to and engage the container surface. Open fluid passageways are interspersed within the network of rigid support surfaces which hold the container against deformation in response to applied pressure differential. A pressure differential across the surface being tested will result in passage of fluid through a leak in the test area. The fluid passageways facilitate free flow of the fluid from one side to the other. Flow of fluid will produce a detectable pressure differential between the two sides, quickly identifiable as a container leak. The support surfaces expand and contract to facilitate placement and removal of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for employing the apparatus in testing underground fluid containing lines for leaks. The apparatus comprises (a) a differential pressure transducer mounted to a reservoir for indicating volumetric change in the reservoir; (b) a temperature transducer mounted in the reservoir for monitoring temperature fluctuation in the reservoir; (c) a gauge pressure transducer mounted in the reservoir; (d) a remote temperature sensor and a data acquisition and processing system. The method for employing the apparatus comprises of connecting the apparatus to the line under test and entering certain parameters of a line under test and product temperature into the test computer. The test system then monitors volumetric change in the reservoir as well as pressure and temperature fluctuations in the line under test at 30 second intervals. At the end of the predetermined test period, the system calculates the leak rate during each five minute interval of the test as well as a cumulative leak rate.

Abstract: A pressure testing device for detecting leaks in shipping vessels such as tank cars, delivery pipes, and tanker trucks. A hand-operated pump provides a source of pressure, with the pump having a hand plunger reciprocating within a pump body with handles at each end. At the end opposite the plunger handle there is a bifurcated fitting with a one-way valve in each of its two branches, with a first branch permitting only pump intake, and the second branch permitting only pump discharge. Both branches are fitted with quick-disconnect couplings which mate with a detachable flexible hose terminating in a test closure or pressure fitting having a shutoff valve and a pressure gauge. In use, the operator attaches the test closure to the vessel or pipe to be tested, attaches the hose to the proper coupling for delivery of the positive or negative pressure differential as desired, and operates the reciprocating hand plunger until the desired pressure differential is indicated on the gauge.

Abstract: A fluid detection system by which the presence or absence and identity of fluids may be detected within confined areas, such as those existing within underground storage tank systems and in which fluids may accumulate. The fluid detection system includes a probe assembly having circuitry which determines the presence of fluids by the capacitance developed across a variable capacitor. The output signal provided by the capacitor is converted to frequency values, is filtered by a receiver included with the system, and transmitted to a remote location for display. The system is suitable for deployment within and monitoring of one or a multiple of tank systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting micro-organisms comprises a sample container releasably received in a container-mounting member which comprises a spillage containment vessel. The sample container has secured to its base a socket member which nests with the inner surface of the spillage containment vessel. Spillage detection means comprises a pair of electrical probes in the base of the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel for containing an electro-conductive fluid, the vessel having a laminated wall structure and including an outer structural shell, an inner corrosion-resistant lining made of electrically non-conductive material, constituting a barrier between the structural shell and electro-conductive fluid in the vessel. An electrically resistive medium is mounted between the structural shell and the corrosion-resistant lining, the resistive medium carrying an array of electrodes mounted in spaced apart relationship at fixed and known locations. A main electrode is mounted in the vessel extending into the electro-conductive fluid which forms an electric path between the main electrode and the resistive medium in occurence of a fault in the corrosion-resistant liner, such that electro-conductive fluid is allowed to contact the resistive medium. An electronic controller impresses a voltage difference across electrodes of the array for causing electric current to circulate through the resistive medium.

Abstract: The piston displacement apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures volume changes at different pressures to determine thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses a piston displacement apparatus to precisely determine volume changes.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for detecting the leakage of fluids from containment vessels. The tank is surrounded by or lined with a generally fluidtight envelope, and a vacuum is applied to hold the envelope against the tank and thereby control and limit to a very small volume the space between the primary containment, be it the vessel or liner, and the envelope. Fluids escaping from the containment vessel collect in that space. Collected fluids are evacuated; and fluid withdrawal information is processed, providing an advisory if a leak occurs or continues and/or information on the magnitude of the leak. An indication of a possible leak can also be obtained by monitoring the pressure in the space between the containment vessel and the encapsulating envelope. A trend-bucking change in that pressure is also an indication of a possible leak. Other installations make use of a second system to detect and evaluate leaks into the installation from the surrounding environs.

Abstract: A method of detecting leaks through a surface using a flexible film releasably bonded to the surface. Surfaces of pressurized fluid holding structures having a large number of surface penetrations, such as rivets, tend to have problems with leaks. Leaks at these penetrations are detected by forming a continuous film, typically a polymer film over the surface of a closed structure, pressurizing the structure with a suitable fluid and detecting leaks by the bubbles that form in the film. Generally, the bubbles ar reaily apparent due to tint changes in the film areas no longer in contact with the structure surface. Bubbles are also easily detected by feel. The film is removed around bubbles and the leaking penetration is repaired. Those areas can again be coated with the film and the structure repressurized to detect any remaining leaks. This test can be repeated until all leaks are eliminated. The film is then stripped from the surface and the structure is ready for cleaning use or further processing.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for reducing false indications of leakage between the inner and outer walls of a double-wall tank. The device reduces contact between a sensor assembly and condensation which forms between the walls, preferably comprising an isolation stand-off flange secured around a portion of the sensor assembly. The method comprises spacing the sensor assembly from the walls to reduce the potential for contact between the sensor assembly and condensation.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding stored material and for containing and detecting leaks of the stored material from the apparatus having a tank, a containment baffle, and a leak detection system. The tank includes a tank bottom having a continuous surface for supporting the stored material. A shell surrounds such stored material. The shell is disposed above the continuous surface of the tank bottom in continuous sealing contact therewith. The containment baffle is a baffle plate having a continuous surface for supporting the stored material. The baffle plate is disposed above the tank bottom and within the shell. The baffle plate is in continuous sealing contact with the shell so as to form a containment space between the baffle plate and the tank bottom. The baffle plate is rigidly supported above the tank bottom. A fill of aggregate material is interposed between the baffle plate and the tank bottom for structural support of the baffle plate.

Abstract: A conventional centrifugal forcemeter having a centrifugally leadwardly extendable spindle is trailwardly provided with a fixture having an underlying trough portion abuttable against the external contour of a baseball bat, a golfclub, or other selectable athletic club. Flanking the fixture underlying trough are two plurally-tabbed rows. A flexible girthing band, preferably of annular shape and of elastic material, engages at least one ear-like tab of each fixture row and tightly girds the athletic club to maintain the fixtured forcemeter in removably attached, secure and operable condition to the selected athletic club.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines disclosed herein measures thermally compensated leak rates. The apparatus uses an acoustic sensor and fiducial reference system to precisely determine leak rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating leakage from a liquid storage tank to test the accuracy of leak measurement instruments. An elongated pipe string formed by pipes connected end to end is extended into the tank. An end cap on the bottom of the pipe carries an inner cylinder which is smaller than the pipe and concentric with it. The inner cylinder is open at the top and, if it be an underground tank, may be loaded with fill material of the type that surrounds the tank. An orifice mounted to the end cap simulates a tank leak and allows liquid from the tank to flow through the backfill material into the pipe. A multiple orifice assembly may be remotely operated to change the orifice characteristics. The liquid in the pipe is collected for measurement to determine the leakage quantity.

Abstract: A method of making a storage tank comprises forming a cylindrical-shaped inner tank with support ribs and forming an outer wall comprised of a series of sections which are at least partially separated from the inner tank's walls between each set of support ribs. Each outer wall section is bonded to the top areas of the walls of the support ribs. The inner and outer walls of the system are both strengthened by the dual side wall support ribs. Secondary containment is provided by the outer wall. A monitored storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detection means to monitor the closed space defined by the rib interiors, the outer wall and the inner tank wall.