California UST System Operator Practice Test

At what pressure must automatic line leak detectors operate to detect a release effectively?

1. 5 PSI

2. 10 PSI

3. 15 PSI

4. 20 PSI

The correct answer is: 10 PSI

Automatic line leak detectors are critical components in underground storage tank (UST) systems, specifically designed to monitor the integrity of the fuel lines and detect any unintended releases of product. The effective operation of these detectors is largely determined by the pressure at which they are designed to function. Operating at 10 PSI is crucial because it is an ideal pressure setting that balances sensitivity and reliability for detecting leaks. At this pressure, the automatic line leak detection systems can effectively discern minor drops in pressure that may indicate a leak. Furthermore, the standards and regulations, such as those from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various state requirements, often dictate that leak detection systems maintain operations within a specified pressure range to ensure their effectiveness without triggering false alarms. If the pressure were set too low, the system may not detect a leak accurately, while setting it too high could increase the likelihood of false positives. Thus, 10 PSI is viewed as a standard that allows these systems to monitor effectively while complying with regulatory expectations.