Interstitial monitoring plays a crucial role in tank safety and compliance. This leak detection method guarantees that storage systems adhere to regulatory standards and tank safety requirements. Interstitial monitoring can also protect the environment by controlling leaks and ensuring safe operations in industrial settings.
Delve into what interstitial monitoring is and its role in leak detection and prevention. You’ll also find information on the types of monitoring gauges and systems available at Krueger.
What Is Interstitial Monitoring?
Interstitial monitoring is a leak detection method used in double-walled piping systems. These systems feature an inner and outer pipe with interstitial space between them. Sensors or monitoring devices continuously check for the presence of leaked substances in the area. Piping systems are designed to contain any leaked fuel in the area between the two walls.
The primary goal of interstitial monitoring is to detect leaks earlier so potential issues can be addressed before they become major problems. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of costly clean-ups and environmental damage. Interstitial monitoring is commonly used in underground storage tanks (USTs) and above-ground storage tanks (ASTs), providing a reliable detection method that maintains the integrity of storage systems and protects the environment.
Importance Of Interstitial Monitoring
Interstitial monitoring is a critical component of comprehensive automatic tank gauging systems (ATGS). Federal UST regulations require that the monitoring system in place must reliably detect any leakage coming through the inner wall of the piping system. Interstitial monitoring quickly and consistently detects even the smallest leaks, preventing significant damage and costly repairs.
Monitors can vary in complexity, ranging from simple dipsticks to advanced automated systems:
Simple Monitors. These monitors are manually checked to detect leaked liquid at the lowest containment point.
Advanced Systems. More advanced systems can continuously monitor for physical changes or conditions that indicate a potential leak, such as loss of vacuum or changes in monitoring liquid levels.
Automated Systems. These systems use the latest technology to provide real-time data and alerts, allowing for immediate action and minimizing environmental impact.
Types Of Interstitial Monitoring Gauges & Systems
At Krueger Sentry Gauge, we offer a range of interstitial monitoring gauges and systems designed for reliability and accuracy:
Type K Interstitial Leak Gauge Monitor
Our Type K leak detection gauge is a dependable vertical monitor for double-walled above-ground containment tanks (ASTs). This gauge detects leaks within the annular/interstitial space.
The Type K monitor is ideal for facilities looking for a straightforward, reliable solution to leak detection. Its robust mechanical design promotes durability, dependable monitoring, and easy installation and repairs.
LRDP (Liquid Release Detection Probe)
The LRDP is an advanced, automatic, computer-controlled system for bulk fuel ASTs. It uses a mass-based measurement technique to detect small leaks. The system includes a closed reference tube filled to the same level as the tank, with a differential pressure (DP) sensor to detect any discrepancies.
The LRDP’s sophisticated design offers continuous, accurate monitoring, making it a valuable tool for large-scale fuel storage facilities. This method offers high precision and can be customized to meet your application’s needs. Temperature sensors can also be attached to account for diurnal expansion and contraction with regular testing to minimize the effects of temperature variations.
Interstitial Monitoring Gauges & Systems by Krueger
Investing in interstitial monitoring systems from Krueger Sentry Gauge means prioritizing safety, compliance, and environmental protection. We have been a leading manufacturer of high-quality tank gauges for nearly a century.
Our continued commitment to excellence is evident in the over four million liquid-level gauges we’ve produced, catering to various industries and applications. Our gauges and components are all made in the USA and comply with the Buy American Act.
Contact us today to discuss your needs or request a quote. Our team is ready to help you find the best solutions for your storage systems.
Standard Krueger sight gauges are best known in the petroleum equipment industry for providing inexpensive yet reliable liquid level fill gauges for all types of tanks. Yet with the growing amount of alternative fuels including bio diesel and E-85, we found it advantageous to create sight gauge packages that include all stainless steel or all plastic components. This created an excellent side effect.
Our sight gauges can now handle extremely aggressive chemicals including Sulfuric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid. Some chemical sight gauge examples include:
All stainless steel chemical fill gauge construction – E-85, Bio Diesel, Peroxide, Nitric Acid, Caustics, Calcium Chloride, KOH, and more.
All plastic chemical sight gauge construction – Peek Plastic Option – Phosphoric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Bleach, and more.
All plastic chemical fill gauge construction – Kynar Plastic Option – Chlorine, Sulfuric Acid, and more.
The LED At A Glance, a remote display accessory for the Krueger line of liquid level gauges, has been put through some rigorous weather tests and has passed with flying colors.
Early in the winter season, we set up some liquid level gauges outside the shop mounted to some 55 gallon drums. The wires for the remote level monitors were then run over to the wall and the LED At A Glance remote level gauge displays were then set up in exposed areas.
LED At A Glance Remote Monitor – Liquid Level
Luckily, (for our testing purposes anyway), we got hit with a major snow storm. (18 inches of snow, 20 below zero with windchill).
Pictured above (the first picture) you can see the exposed remote display wire encased in ice.
Pictured directly above, you can see how the remote liquid level monitor itself was totally buried in snow and then dug out.
Although we do suggest placing a hood or some other sort protection over the level monitor, in all testing cases the remote liquid level monitor still worked great after the storm went through.
As most of you know, regulations on above ground storage tanks are getting more strict. Krueger Gauge has gotten some third party testing done on our Therma Tank Level Gauge and our Overfill Alert Gauge. The results have gotten us approved by Florida (FDEP) as an overfill prevention device on above ground storage tanks. We have not been informed at this point that we need any special approvals for other states, but you should check with your local governments for info on this. Special Documents are and ordering instructions are required for you to comply with some of these overfill regulations.
Overfill Gauge Maintenance – PDF File
Ordering Instructions for Overfill Prevention – PDF File
Also, some time ago, we were approved as a Leak detection gauge on double wall storage tanks in Florida as well. The documents for this are as follows.
Leak Gauge Recommended Maintenence – PDF File
For more information or product documents, please visit our website.
from Google Alerts – aboveground tank Is the aboveground storage tank (AST) temporary or permanently removed from … Is the aboveground tank protected from vehicle impacts by posts constructed …
www.deq.mt.gov/pet/Forms/PDFS/StorageTankCkecklist.pdf
PDF is a checklist provided by The Montana DEQ for AST self-inspection.
Krueger Sentry Gauge can provide a high-level overfill alarm (both visual and audible) to notify the person filling the tank that the fluid has reached 90 percent. This should satisfy step eleven on the inspection sheet. See the example products and documents from our website.
The following PDF is the NFPA Code for the above ground storage tank (AST) installation. Above-Ground-Tank-Installation-Relevant-NFPA-Code Means shall be provided to prevent overfilling by sounding an alarm when the liquid level in the tank reaches 90 percent of capacity and by automatically stopping the delivery of liquid to the tank when the liquid level in the tank reaches 95 percent of capacity. In no case shall these provisions restrict or interfere with the proper functioning of the normal vent or the emergency vent
Our Overfill alarms, when mounted to our standard liquid level gauge (Therma Gauge), provide a 110 DB alarm to warn that the tank is reaching capacity. The following documents provide testing results and ordering info:
90% Overfill Gauge Ordering
Intrinsically Safe Documentation on the gauge alarm
Recommended Maintenance and Installation Procedure on liquid level tank gauges
In cases where liquids are flammable and fire protection is paramount, adding the Glass Calibration and the Aluminum Lock Nut to the gauge should eliminate the plastic from the gauge and provide a glass and metal barrier between the inside of the tank and the outside. For additional protection, upgrade the Aluminum Nut to the Gauge Guard.
Already have a Krueger Gauge and want to get it up to code. If the gauge is fully functional, just order our upgraded Fire Protection Gauge Repair Kit and an overfill alarm. In the case of the kit, we will need to know what gauge type you have. Example part number is (-”gauge type”-Kit-GLC-ALN). Both the kit and the alarm are easily retrofitted to existing Krueger Tank Gauges.
New models available for the Krueger Audible Overfill Prevention Alarms
The Audible Alarm accessory for the Krueger Gauge line of products has become a hot selling item. Able to provide audible overfill protection or audible low level warnings, it is a convenient and inexpensive solution. In response to feedback, we are now offering the Overfill Gauge Alarm in several new configurations. All of the configurations are available in both our remote mounted versions and direct mounted versions.
DAlarm-FL and RAlarm-FL : With this model, the audible fill alarm is replaced with a flashing light. The flashing light will trigger with the magnetic sensor in the fill gauge and continues to flash until reset.
Dalarm-FL-TO & RAlarm-FL-TO : With this model, there is an audible alarm, a flashing light, and a time out feature. When triggered, the alarm will sound for 20 seconds, then it will silence itself and chirp every few seconds. The flashing light will go until reset.
DAlarm-DC-FL & RAlarm-DC-FL : This gauge alarm replaces the audible alarm with a set of dry contacts and a flashing light. The light will flash until reset.
DAlarm-DC-FL-TO & RAlarm-DC-FL-TO : This version has dry contacts, audible alarm, flashing light, and a time out feature. The alarm itself will shut off after 20 seconds and begin to chirp until reset. The flashing light will go until reset as well.
The new solid glass gauge display offers the same or better physical durability as the original plastic tops. However, this new glass gauge top offers much better resistance to sun damage, heat, weathering, chemical fumes, and more.
The new glass gauge top eliminates the discoloration and cloudiness that can sometimes occur with the original plastic tops.
It also will not warp, no matter how much heat and sun you expose it to.
The new glass calibration will also hold up better when exposed to more aggressive chemical conditions, such as acids, caustics, high ethanol E85, Bio-Diesel, etc…
I have done some research, and I am proud to announce that the current Krueger Liquid Level Gauge product line will be fully compatible with the new DEF that will be hitting markets soon. I recommend any one of the following three material configurations.
SSR – Stainless Steel Rods, the rest of the gauge is standard. This is compatible, and the least expensive option.
AllSS – Stainless Rods, Stainless Floats, and a Stainless Bushing. This DEF level gauge is a tank. The top model of our gauges.
AllPlastic – Peek Rods, HDPE Float, PVC bushing. This Diesel Exhaust Fluid Level gauge is extremely corrosion resistant and is fully compatible with DEF.
To learn more about DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) please read my full article here.
