California Designated Operator Practice Exam

After installation, what must be tested when gravity flow piping cannot be isolated from the tank?

1. A volumetric tank test

2. A visual inspection

3. A chemical resistance test

4. A pressure check

The correct answer is: A volumetric tank test

When gravity flow piping cannot be isolated from the tank after installation, a volumetric tank test is essential to ensure the integrity of the system. This test evaluates whether there are leaks or other issues within the tank and its associated piping, measuring the volume of liquid that is retained over a specified period. Since the gravity flow piping is integral to the operation and safety of the system, confirming that it does not have any leaks or defects before it is put into full service is crucial. While other methods, such as visual inspections or pressure checks, can help identify certain problems, they do not provide the comprehensive verification of volume integrity that the volumetric tank test offers. Visual inspections can miss hidden leaks, and pressure checks primarily address pressure retention rather than volume loss. Thus, conducting a volumetric tank test is the most effective means to ensure that no fluid is escaping from the system due to undetected leaks or failures within the piping connected to the tank.