SEDL / STP / STP1161-EB / STP25075S

Analysis of UST Leak Vapor Diffusion and Liquid Build-Up

Schreiber, RP
Associate, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., Cambridge, MA

Rosenberg, MS
Vice President, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., Cambridge, MA

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

The need for improved leak detection and corrective action has prompted research into the movement of hydrocarbon vapors from leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) as well as the build-up of liquid hydrocarbon on the water table. This research has included the development of two evaluation techniques, one for simulating vapor diffusion from an UST leak and another for simulating the mounding of leaked hydrocarbon liquid. Both techniques are designed to produce approximate estimates of hydrocarbon movement and build-up, and as such are intended to be used in the early stages of site remediation planning and monitoring. The result of the research is a set of response curves and analytical techniques that can be used in designing monitoring systems and in performing site clean-ups.