How long has Dri-sump been in use?
The method has been in use 6 1⁄2 years to date in 49 states and the UK.
Approximately how many tests have been conducted?
Over 200,000 tests have been conducted.
What percentage of these tests identified leaks?
About 37% of older sumps fail the test. Only about 10% of new sumps fail the test.
Is the Dri-sump test an “Underfill” Test?
Dri-sump is NOT an underfill test. It tests from the TOP to the BOTTOM. It is easy to see the aerosol to visually identify this.
Exactly what parts of the sump does Dri-sump test?
Dri-sump tests EVERY Part of the Sump including the sides, bottom, seams, penetration points, electrical penetrations, and any “chase pipe” that is connected to the sump. It finds leaks smaller than 100 microns (about the size of a human hair) within 60 seconds of creating the vacuum.
What kind of test is Dri-sump?
Dry vacuum. The vacuum is generated using a patented air generator that creates a high volume-low pressure vacuum on the exterior of the sump. This vacuum “pulls” the heavy vapor aerosol (fog) through any orifice into the backfill and directly into a Viewing Chamber where the sub-micron particles of aerosol are reflected under a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation...or digital laser.
What does a failed test look like?
The digital laser reflects off the sub-micron particles of fog and looks like a green line. It is a visual test that anyone can see. A pass merely looks like a laser “dot”.
How do you know the vacuum is actually pulling on the exterior of the sump?
This is accomplished easily using a manometer which is a highly sensitive instrument used to measure negative (vacuum) and positive air pressure. By taking measurements at the sump one can determine the movement or lack thereof of air through any kind of soil backfill including wetted or frozen soil particles.
Does groundwater affect the Dri-sump Test and can you still test if groundwater is present?
Dri-sump is the creator of the Groundwater Procedure for sump testing. Our technology allows the test to continue when any level of groundwater is present. Our intensive training teaches the certified Dri-sump Technician how to do this simply and safely. Our technology even allows testing in sub-zero conditions and frozen soil particles.
What problems does Dri-sump solve?
There is NO Environmental impact to the facility from the Dri-sump® Technology. Dri-sump testing eliminates the problems of testing with water. Test water leaks into tanks and contaminates the fuel. The contaminated test water also leaks into the soil and groundwater. Both of these can cause catastrophic problems. Test water also causes significant corrosion to fuel equipment. Dri-sump is pH neutral and dielectric in nature. Dri-sump also solves the transportation and disposal of contaminated test water since there is none.
What acceptance/evaluation/approvals have been assigned to Dri-sump?
Ken Wilcox Associates, EPA 3rd Party Evaluation – 100% successful results on all blind tests (these tests were conducted at a real-world site with sumps installed in 3 different soil types: sand, pea gravel and 95% compacted clay/silt)
National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluation – Published listings
Meets all requirements of PEI-RP1200-24, recognized as the national recommended practice and authoritative source of information
Meets all requirements of NLPA/KWA Standard 823, recognized as the national recommended practice and authoritative source of information for sump repair testing
Written acceptance/approval from most states where applicable
Patents awarded in the United States and other countries
Evaluated by 100s’ of tank owners and testing companies with 100% success rate
Can Dri-sump locate the leaks?
YES!!! Use small amounts of aerosol fog on specific areas, check with the digital laser and repeat to locate all leaks within a sump.
This process is covered in training.