SGB Class I Leak Detection Systems

SGB pneumatic leak detection

Detect the breach before fuel reaches the environment

Class I leak detection turns the interstitial space of a double-wall tank or pipe into an actively monitored safety zone. A change in pressure triggers the alarm as soon as either wall is breached—giving operators time to act while the second wall retains the product.

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SGB Class I leak detectors, tank and pipe monitoring arrangements and accessories

Why Class I leak detection matters

EN 13160 divides leak detection systems into five classes. Class I provides the highest level of environmental protection in the standard because it continuously monitors the integrity of both walls and signals a leak before stored or conveyed product can escape from the containment system.

Both walls are continuously monitored

The detector supervises the air or gas pressure within the sealed interstitial space, covering breaches above and below the liquid level.

The alarm comes before environmental release

If either wall loses integrity, the monitored pressure changes and the detector alarms while the other wall continues to contain the fuel.

It proves the secondary barrier is being monitored

A liquid sensor reacts when liquid reaches it. A Class I pressure or vacuum system continually monitors the condition of the containment space itself.

One principle for tanks and pipework

The same preventative approach can protect compatible storage tanks, lined tanks and double-wall transfer, fill, suction and return pipework.

EN 13160 classes at a glance

Class	Detection approach	What it means in practice
Class I	Air or gas in a sealed double-wall interstitial space	Detects a breach above or below the liquid level before product can enter the environment.
Class II	Liquid-filled double-wall interstitial space	Detects a breach, with the possibility of leak-detection liquid entering the environment.
Class III	Liquid or gas sensors within a chamber or interstitial space	Detects product after it reaches the sensing point; product may enter the environment.
Class IV	Tank contents measurement and reconciliation	Identifies a calculated loss; escaped product is likely to have entered the environment.
Class V	Liquid sensing in a monitoring well or chamber	Detects liquid after it has already left the primary containment.

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Pressure or vacuum monitoring?

Both methods provide Class I continuous monitoring. The correct principle is determined by the tank or pipe construction, interstitial-space pressure resistance, fuel, operating conditions and hazardous-area requirements.

Pressure systems

Hold product back from the interstitial space

The detector maintains a monitored overpressure above the opposing product or groundwater pressure. A breach allows air or inert gas to escape, producing a pressure drop and alarm while the pressure barrier resists product entry.

Often selected for: suitably pressure-resistant double-wall steel tanks and double-wall pipe systems, including applications involving petrol, diesel, kerosene and other compatible liquids.

Vacuum systems

Draw any ingress into the monitored space

The detector creates and supervises a vacuum in the interstitial space. A breach draws air, groundwater or product inward, changes the vacuum and activates the alarm before liquid can pass through both walls.

Often selected for: lined tanks, interstitial spaces that are not suited to overpressure and compatible tank or pipe applications requiring standard or explosion-protected equipment.

The deciding factor is the complete installation—not fuel type alone. Correct selection also depends on dimensions, pressure and vacuum ratings, interstitial volume, number of connected assets, distances, environmental conditions and any hazardous-area classification.

Choose by the system being monitored

Start with the asset and installation arrangement. PFS has grouped the range so you can narrow the choice quickly, then confirm the operating details before ordering.

Double-wall and lined tanks

Pressure and vacuum systems for compatible double-skin steel tanks, lined underground tanks and above-ground storage arrangements.

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Double-wall pipework

Systems for compatible fuel transfer, fill, suction, flow and return pipework carrying flammable or non-flammable liquids.

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Outdoor combined systems

Pedestal-mounted arrangements designed to bring tank and pipework monitoring together in a robust outdoor installation.

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Accessories and alarms

Manifolds, tubing, fittings, condensate traps, liquid stop valves, dry filters, external alarms and remote-monitoring accessories.

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Leak detection across critical fuel applications

Wherever fuel is stored or transferred through compatible double-wall containment, Class I monitoring provides early warning and a clear route to intervention before a single breach becomes a release.

Forecourts and commercial fuelling

Monitor underground or above-ground storage, remote fills and double-wall pipework serving dispensers on retail, fleet and commercial sites.

Generators and critical power

Protect double-wall bulk tanks, day tanks and compatible fuel supply, return, fill and transfer lines supporting standby generators in data centres, hospitals, utilities and major buildings.

Automotive production and engine test

Monitor double-wall fuel storage and distribution serving production-line refuelling points, test cells, development facilities and fuel-conditioning systems.

Rail and transport depots

Add continuous containment monitoring to compatible fuel storage and transfer systems serving rail depots, bus fleets, logistics hubs and heavy vehicle operations.

Marine and waterside refuelling

Provide early warning on compatible tank and pipe systems at marinas, boatyards, ports and other locations where preventing a release to water is especially important.

Heating oil and specialist sites

Monitor compatible heating-oil tanks and distribution systems, together with selected fuel installations on estates, industrial plants and defence sites.

Specify the right detector first time

A few project details allow PFS and SGB to match the detector, monitoring pressure, connection arrangement and accessories to the installation.

Define the liquid

Product name, flashpoint, density, viscosity, temperature and any chemical-resistance requirements.

Identify the containment

Tank or pipe manufacturer, construction, materials, lining system, dimensions and interstitial-space arrangement.

Confirm pressures and geometry

Operating pressure, test rating, liquid head, pipe length and diameter, interstitial volume and available connections.

Describe the location

Above or below ground, indoor or outdoor position, detector distance, ambient conditions, power supply and hazardous-area zone.

Plan the complete monitoring system

Number of tanks or pipes, manifold arrangement, local and remote alarms, BMS connection, test points and service access.

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Complete, test and maintain the monitoring arrangement

The detector is one part of the system. Correct manifolds, tubing, filters, traps, valves, alarms and test equipment help create an installation that is clear to operate and straightforward to verify.

Build the connection system

Select the appropriate pressure or vacuum manifolds, colour-coded tubing, fittings, filters, condensate traps and protective accessories.

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Make alarms visible

Extend local audible and visual indication with external alarms or compatible remote-monitoring connections where the operating plan requires them.

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Verify system performance

Use purpose-selected pressure, vacuum and flow-test equipment to support commissioning checks and planned functional testing.

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Work from current technical information

Access SGB operating manuals, approvals, drawings and application examples when designing, installing and testing the system.

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Need help selecting an SGB Class I system?

Send us the completed tank or pipe questionnaire, the quantity required and your delivery timeframe. PFS will review the application and help identify the detector and accessories needed for a complete quotation.

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