UFC 3-460-03
21 JANUARY 2003
2.3.2. Inspecting Underground Piping. All LFM personnel should be aware of the various
underground pipeline routes and make a general visual surveillance when driving by or working in
these areas. The pipeline should be walked at least once a year. Leaks in underground pipelines can
sometimes be detected by fuel surfacing on the ground, fuel runoff in the storm drainage system, fuel
in underground pits or manholes, dead vegetation, or the continuous odor of fuel in a particular area.
Investigate any suspicious circumstances. Consult the base environmental coordinator for guidance
before excavating the soil. Periodic documented cathodic protection surveys should be accomplished
in accordance with AFI 32-1054, Corrosion Control.
2.3.3. Pipeline Testing. Pipelines must be tested annually for leaks. The MAJCOM fuels engineer
may authorize an equivalent methodology as long as state environmental requirements are met.
Pressure tests are affected by weather, so it is best to do them in the spring or fall when fuel, ground,
and air temperatures are similar. An overcast day or early in the morning would be preferable to
lessen the solar effects on aboveground lines. Maintain all leak test records in the LFM shop for five
years unless environmental requirements dictate longer. Send copies of these records to the
MAJCOM fuels engineer if requested. Use the following testing approach unless state requirements
are more stringent:
2.3.3.1. Annual Pressure Testing. Pressure-test all on-base fuel piping systems annually using
existing system pumps. Pressurize unloading, loading, transfer, and hydrant dispensing piping
systems by running the appropriate pumps against a closed system until deadhead pressure is
reached. Close appropriate valves to trap this pressure in the system, then turn off the pumps.
NOTE: Some ball valves do not provide isolation and require a differential pressure (DP) to seat,
so blind flanges may be required. Take pressure gauge readings within fifteen minutes after
allowing sufficient time for the fuel pressure to stabilize. Visually check all aboveground piping
and piping in concrete pits for leaks. Audibly check closed valves for sound as evidence of an
internal valve leak. If no visible or audible leaks occur, then take pressure gauge readings every
fifteen minutes for the first hour, and once every half-hour for the next hour. Total time for the
pressure test will be two hours. Document all pressure tests by recording the following:
2.3.3.1.1. Name of system test (i.e., refuel header, defuel header, lateral pipelines). Provide
facility number.
2.3.3.1.2. Date of test and weather conditions (e.g., sunny and 27 C [80 F]; cloudy and 18 C
[64 F]). NOTE: Record any weather change during the test period.
2.3.3.1.3. Pressure readings:
2.3.3.1.3.1. Start (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.2. Fifteen minutes (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.3. Thirty minutes (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.4. Forty-five minutes (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.5. One hour (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.6. One and one-half hours (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.1.3.7. Two hours (approximate local time) pressure.
2.3.3.2. Five-Year Hydrostatic Test. Perform a hydrostatic pressure test every five years on all
underground fuel transfer pipelines (product is typically the test media for this test). The
MAJCOM fuels engineer sets the specific year. A hand-operated hydraulic pump, or equivalent,
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