With a growing interest to reduce the potential for containment defects, Electrical Leak Location (ELL) surveys and testing has proven to be a reliable method to assess construction, installation and application integrity. BLE provides ELL specialty services as an important component to our CQA expertise.

BLE has successfully performed numerous ELL surveys and tests totaling over 16 million square feet including:

  • TPO Roofing Systems
  • Lined or Coated Ponds
  • Basins
  • Piping Floor Slabs
  • Tank Interiors
  • Chemical Storage Vessels / Hazardous Waste Storage
  • Buried Structures
  • Pipelines
  • Concrete
  • Sewers
  • Manholes
  • Landfills / Solid Waste
  • Power Plants / Power
  • Coal Ash Disposal
  • Water / Waste Water
  • Animal Waste Storage
  • Industrial Facilities / Tank Farms / Ponds
  • Mining
  • Golf Courses
  • Ski Slopes

With our ELL services, we utilize various methods to evaluate the integrity of the liner or containment system and find leaks in the system, depending on the containment system.

 

Covered Testing Methods

Covered testing methods are performed by applying an electrical charge to the cover above the surface while placing an electrical ground below or outside of the area. A voltage meter, equipped with GPS technology, is used to observe and monitor electrical current flow. Variations in the electrical current flow indicate the potential of leak paths.

These methods can be performed on containment systems covered with water or earthen materials such as soil, sand, and aggregates.

Testing Methods Include:

  • ASTM D 7007 – Covered Earth/Water Method (Dipole Method)
  • ASTM D 8265 – Covered Earth/Water Method (Mapping Method)

 

Exposed Testing Methods

Exposed testing methods are performed by applying an electrical charge to the containment system surface while placing an electrical ground below or outside of the containment system area. A hand-held wand is used to impress across the containment system surface and breaches are detected by the formation of an electrical arc through the hole or holiday. The equipment produces audio alarms and visual formations of the arc, alerting the operator of leaks.

These methods can be performed on exposed containment systems and piping including installed liner systems or an applied coatings, epoxy or sealant.

Testing Methods Include:

  • ASTM D 7953 – Exposed Arc Testing Method
  • ASTM D 7240 – Exposed Spark Testing Method
  • ASTM D 5162 – Discontinuity Holiday Testing Method (Substrates on Metals)
  • ASTM D 4787 Continuity Verification Testing Method (Substrates on Concrete)
  • ASTM G 62 Holiday Detection Test Method (Pipeline Coatings)