Owensby & Kritikos, Inc.
(O&K) uses this
testing procedure to locate and define breaches in above ground
storage tanks. The helium gas is mixed with a carrier gas,
usually carbon dioxide. The tank bottom is isolated from the
atmosphere by applying a foam barrier around the chime plate and
soil interface. Essentially, this forms an airtight environment
that will contain the helium and carrier gas. With extremely
low pressure, the area below the tank bottom plate is flooded
with this mixture.
Helium gas being of such small
molecular size seeks out the pinhole or opening that contributed
to the leaking condition. Sensor system equipment is used to
scan the tank internally and locate the area of helium
detection.
This method can be deployed for inspection of
pontoons on internal and external floating roofs also.
