California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What is the leak detection threshold for suction piping?

1. 0.05 gallons/hour

2. 0.1 gallons/hour

3. 0.2 gallons/hour

4. 0.3 gallons/hour

The correct answer is: 0.1 gallons/hour

The leak detection threshold for suction piping is set at 0.1 gallons per hour. This standard is established to ensure the integrity of the piping system and to ensure that any potential leaks are identified and addressed promptly to prevent environmental contamination or safety hazards. This threshold is significant because it balances the need for sensitive monitoring with practical considerations regarding the capabilities of detection equipment and the operational characteristics of suction systems. If the standard were set too high, small leaks could go unnoticed, leading to more significant issues over time. Conversely, setting it too low might result in unnecessary alarm responses for minor or inconsequential leaks that do not impact safety or the environment. The figure of 0.1 gallons per hour is grounded in regulatory guidelines and reflects industry best practices for leak detection in suction systems, thus ensuring safer and more effective monitoring of these critical components.