Tracer Technology Group

Leak Detection

Brookhaven’s commercially-accepted perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) technology for underground leak detection of utility industry dielectric fluids can cost-effectively detect fuel pipeline system leaks to about 1 gallon per hour (GPH)—3 orders-of-magnitude better than any on-line system. Mobile surveys (such as those used periodically in the gas pipeline industry) at about 110 to 120 miles per day would allow such small leaks to be detected at 10-ppb tagging levels under worst-case meteorological dispersion conditions.  After locating the leak in the mobile survey, leaks can be pinpointed by subsequent conventional barholing and vapor analyses. The magnitude of detected leaks would be calculable as well based on meteorological conditions.   Smaller leaks could be detected by proportionately larger tagging concentrations. PFTs have been successfully used to pinpoint leaks in power lines contained in fluid-filled pipes under the streets of Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City.

Other successful applications of the PFT tracer technology have included: 

• Leak determination for subsurface waste disposal barriers and infiltration caps (more...)
•  Measurement of unfiltered in-leakage into nuclear power plant control rooms (more...)

Last Modified: May 14, 2008
Please forward all questions about this site to: Linda Satalino

One of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brookhaven National Laboratory conducts research in the physical, biomedical, and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security. Brookhaven Lab also builds and operates major scientific facilities available to university, industry and government researchers. Brookhaven is operated and managed for DOE’s Office of Science by Brookhaven Science Associates, a limited-liability company founded by Stony Brook University, the largest academic user of Laboratory facilities, and Battelle, a nonprofit, applied science and technology organization.

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