Electronic Line Leak Detection Required on Older Double-Wall Flex Pipe

Clause 4.5.1.3 of the Liquid Fuels Handling Code (LFHC) 2017 requires that double-wall underground pressure piping systems that were installed prior to January 1, 2006, and approved to one of the following standards, be upgraded with Electronic Line Leak Detection (ELLD) by October 1, 2020.

• ULC/ORD-C107.4-1992, Ducted Flexible Underground Piping System for Flammable and Combustible Liquids;
• ULC/ORD-C107.7-1993, Glass-Fibre Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable and Combustible Liquids; and
• ULC/ORD-C107.19-1992, Secondary Containment of Underground Piping for Flammable and Combustible Liquids

The upgrade is mandatory because the secondary walls of older double-wall flex piping (e.g. Total Containment Pipe) are not compatible with gasoline and degrade when they encounter fuel. To address the issue, the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) withdrew the abovementioned Other Recognized Documents (ORDs) on July1, 2005, and replaced them with ULC-ORD-C971-2005, Non-metallic Underground Piping for Flammable and Combustible Liquid.

The installation of ELLD was determined to be the best approach to mitigate potential risk of spills resulting from piping degradation as it will provide positive monitoring capabilities and detect failures in double-wall underground pressure piping systems.

As it may be difficult to determine what type of flex pipe is installed at a site, operators should speak with their contractors and check their installation records. If they are still unable to determine the certification of the pipe, they must upgrade it with ELLD by October 1, 2020. Of the piping that will require upgrading, piping manufactured by Environ, OPW & Total Containment was the most prevalent type of pre-2006 piping.