ASTM_F_2550_-_13.pdf

Designation:F255013Standard Practice forLocating Leaks in Sewer Pipes By Measuring the Variationof Electric Current Flow Through the Pipe Wall1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2550;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.INTRODUCTIONInfiltration of groundwater into a sewer through defects in the pipe can considerably increase theoperation and capital costs of a sewer system.Exfiltration of sewage out of a sewer pipe may causedegradation of aquifers and shoreline waters.Accurate location,measurement,and characterization ofall potential pipe leak defects are essential inputs for cost-effective design,testing,and certification ofpipe repairs,renewal,and new construction.While commonly used sewer leak assessment methods,such as air and water pressure testing,represent cost effective methods to provide overall Pass/Failpipe assessments,their inability to provide accurate location and size of leaks,particularly atindividual joints and service connection,limit their use in remediation and rehabilitation decisionsupport.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers procedures for measuring the varia-tion of electric current flow to detect and locate potential pipeleaks in pipes fabricated from electrically nonconductivematerials such as brick,clay,concrete,and plastic pipes(thatis,reinforced and non-reinforced).The method uses the varia-tion of electric current flow through the pipe wall to locatedefects that are potential water leakage paths either into or outof the pipe.1.2 This practice applies to mainline and lateral gravity flowstorm sewers,sanitary sewers,and combined sewers withdiameters between 3 and 60 in.(75 and 1500 mm).The pipesmust be free of obstructions that prevent the probe passingthrough the pipe.1.3 The scanning process requires access to sewers,fillingsewers,and operations along roadways that are safety hazards.This standard does not describe the hazards likely to beencountered or the safety procedures that must be carried outwhen operating in these hazardous environments.(7.1.3)Thereare no safety hazards specifically associated with the use of anelectro-scan apparatus that complies with the specificationsprovided in this standard.(6.7 and 6.10.)1.4 The measurement of the variation of electric currentrequires the insertion of various items into a sewer.There isalways a risk that due to unknown structural conditions in thesewer such items may become lodged in the pipe or may causethe state of a sewer in poor structural condition to furtherdeteriorate.This standard does not describe methods to assessthe structural risk of a sewer.1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and to determine theapplicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 lateral,nsewer pipe connecting the common sewercollection system to the user.2.1.2 mainline,npipe that is part of the common sewercollection system.2.1.3 maintenance hole,n(MH)vertical shafts intersect-ing a sewer that allows entry to the sewer for cleaning,inspection and maintenance.2.1.4 owner,nentity holding legal rights to,and respon-sible for the operation and maintenance of the sewer pipe.2.1.5 probe,nscan electrode placed in a pipe.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F36 on Technologyand Underground Utilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F36.20on Inspection and Renewal of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure.Current edition approved Nov.1,2013.Published November 2013.Originallyapproved in 2006.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as F255006.DOI:10.1520/F2550-13.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 2.1.6 sliding pipe plug,ndevice that blocks the flowthrough a pipe and at the same time can be pulled through thepipe.3.Significance and Use3.1 The testing of sewers for leaks is a regular practicenecessary for the maintenance and optimal performance ofsewer collection systems so remedial action can be prioritized,designed,and carried out to reduce infiltration and exfiltration.3.2 This practice serves as a means to detect and locate alltypes of pipe defects that are potential sources of water leakseither into or out of electrically non-conducting pipes.Leakingjoints and defective service connections are detected that oftenmay not show as a defect