How often must leak inspections be done?

Leak detection · EPA 608 Type III. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Pressurizing low-pressure systems for leak tests, signs of leaks, inspections and reports.

The question

A 650-pound R-11 chiller that cools a chemical process exceeds the 30% leak rate. How often must leak inspections be done?

• AOnce per calendar year, until a full year of calculations is under the rate
• BOnce a month, until the chiller is retrofitted
• CEvery six months, until two inspections find no leaks
• DEvery three months, until four quarters in a row are under the rateCorrect answer

Why “Every three months, until four quarters in a row are under the rate” is correct

Industrial process refrigeration and commercial refrigeration appliances with 500 pounds or more must have a leak inspection once every three months after exceeding their leak rate. Inspections continue until leak rate calculations show four quarters in a row under the rate.

Source: 40 CFR 82.157(g)

Why the other answers are wrong

• Once per calendar year, until a full year of calculations is under the rate — Annual inspections apply to smaller IPR and commercial systems and to comfort cooling.
• Once a month, until the chiller is retrofitted — The rule does not set a monthly schedule.
• Every six months, until two inspections find no leaks — Semiannual inspections are not part of 40 CFR 82.157(g).

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type III practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.