ASTM E1526-93

1.1 This practice covers a uniform protocol for evaluating the performance of systems used to detect releases of regulated substances from underground storage tank systems or facilities. This practice applies to users, manufacturers, vendors, government regulators, and others using or concerned with release detection systems.

1.2 This practice covers release detection systems that are used internally, externally, or within the interstitial area of an underground storage tank system that has secondary containment.

1.3 This practice does not specify minimum performance standards.

1.4 The release detection system may consist of an individual or multiple tests. The release detection system may operate in a continuous or intermittent mode, and may produce either quantitative-output (measured value) or qualitative-output (on/off) results.

1.5 The release detection system may be applicable to any part of a storage tank system, a single storage tank system, or combination of systems. The manufacturer may further limit the use of a release detection system to specific test conditions (for example, tank sizes, geographical regions, etc.).

1.6 The evaluation given in this practice provides two separate performance descriptions: an estimate of the performance characteristics of the release detection system, and an estimate of probability of release detection and probability of false alarm.

1.6.1 This practice requires that the system performance characteristics must be determined for all release detection systems as described in 1.2.

1.6.2 Further, this practice currently requires the determination of an estimate of probability of false alarm.

1.6.3 Estimates of probability of detecting releases and false alarms for external release detection systems are not required.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A full disclosure is required if hazardous materials are released into the environment as part of the test procedure.

1.9 The sections and subsections in this practice are arranged in the following order: