Protect Your Fuel System: Why Every Gas Station Needs a Mechanical Line Leak Detector

When it comes to operating a safe and compliant gas station, every component of your fuel system plays a vital role, especially your line leak detection. A Mechanical Line Leak Detector (MLLD) is one of the most crucial safety devices installed in pressurized fueling systems. Whether you're upgrading equipment or scheduling gas pump repair, understanding how an MLLD functions can help you avoid fuel leaks, environmental hazards, and costly fines, in this article, we'll explore what a mechanical line leak detector is, why it's essential, and how to choose the right one for your business.

What is a Mechanical Line Leak Detector?

A Mechanical Line Leak Detector (MLLD) is a safety device installed on pressurized fuel lines in fueling systems, such as those at gas stations. Its primary function is to monitor the fuel line for pressure drops that could indicate a leak and respond by restricting or stopping fuel flow to prevent environmental contamination, fire hazards, and fuel loss.

Some of the key features of an MLLD include:

• Mechanically Operated: It works without the need for electricity or electronics.
• Installed at the Pump: Typically located at or near the submersible pump at the underground storage tank.
• Detects Small Leaks Quickly: Can detect leaks as small as 3 gallons per hour at 10 psi, which is the standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Automatic Response: If a leak is detected, the device restricts or shuts off flow to prevent further fuel from escaping.

In short, an MLLD is a critical component of any fuel dispensing system, ensuring safe and compliant operation of gas stations and other fuel-handling facilities.

Why Does Your Gas Station Need a Mechanical Line Leak Detector?

A gas station needs a Mechanical Line Leak Detector (MLLD) to ensure safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Here's why:

1. Leak Detection and Spill Prevention - MLLDs are designed to detect leaks in pressurized fuel lines (between the pump and the underground storage tank). Early detection prevents hazardous fuel spills, which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
2. Fire and Explosion Risk Mitigation - Leaking fuel creates a serious fire or explosion hazard. An MLLD can shut off or restrict flow when it detects a pressure drop, helping prevent dangerous situations.
3. Environmental Compliance - Regulations from agencies like the EPA and state environmental departments require leak detection systems in gas stations to prevent pollution. An MLLD supports gas stations in meeting Underground Storage Tank (UST) compliance requirements.
4. Cost Savings - Catching a leak early reduces the potential for expensive cleanups, fines, and repairs, and helps protect the business's reputation.
5. Operational Safety - By ensuring that the fuel delivery system is secure, MLLDs help maintain safe daily operations for staff and customers.

In short, a Mechanical Line Leak Detector is a critical safety device that protects people, the environment, and the gas station's bottom line.

Choosing a Mechanical Line Leak Detector

In addition to offering gas pump repair, PumpTex can provide, install, and maintain your gas station's mechanical line leak detector. We are happy to discuss the various available options and help you decide which MLLD is the right option for your business. Some of the models we recommend include:

• Vaporless 99-LD2000 - The Vaporless 99 LD-2000 is a top-tier mechanical line leak detector designed for pressurized fuel systems. It uniquely maintains line pressure after pump shutdown, even amidst pump wear or failure, ensuring consistent operation. Its integrated check valve and pressure relief system prevent vapor lock and slow flow issues, reducing service calls and enhancing customer satisfaction. Compatible with various fuels and pumps, it features a field-adjustable leak threshold and a 2-year warranty, offering a cost-effective, reliable fuel system safety and compliance solution.
• FE PETRO® brand MLD+ - Franklin Fueling’s MLD+ Mechanical Leak Detectors deliver accurate and dependable leak detection for pressurized fuel systems. Featuring a space-efficient, piston-style build, these detectors respond swiftly to pressure changes and can identify leaks as small as 3 gallons per hour at 10 psi. Compatible with various fuels, including gasoline with up to 85% ethanol and diesel with up to 100% biodiesel, they feature color-coded covers for easy identification. The burnished piston chamber enhances durability, while the detector maintains full flow with discharge pressures as low as 1 PSI, ensuring efficient fueling operations.

Gas pump repair and maintenance involve more than just fixing nozzles and hoses—it includes safeguarding your entire fuel system with devices like mechanical line leak detectors. An MLLD ensures early detection of leaks, regulatory compliance, and overall safety for your business and community. At PumpTex, we're here to help you select, install, and service the best leak detection systems available. Contact us today to learn how we can protect your fueling operation from unnecessary risk and costly downtime.

We Keep You Pumping!

--

PumpTex, Inc. was founded in 1997 in the back of a garage with the dream of bringing a new level of customer service to the retail petroleum service industry. Over the years, we have grown to become a valuable resource to our customers. Many consider us to be the first responders of the retail petroleum service industry!

www.pumptex.com

888-906-PUMP (7867)

• 

  Customer Support & Guidance

  We search for the “WOW” moment in each and every customer interaction. Our team is known in the industry to have the best customer service and follow-up in our industry.

• 

  Partnership With Our Clients

  As a team, we also work intelligently to provide a valuable and tailored experience to each of our customers. We derive a great sense of pride from engaging our customers in a professional relationship.

• 

  Innovative Technologies Guidance

  Any client, vendor or media provider interacting with PumpTex discerns that our unique culture and operating practices separate us from our competitors and are drawn to our way of doing business.

• 

  Real-Time Solutions

  We offer real-time solutions to the problems our clients experience. Being a resource to our customers and becoming their eyes and ears in the field enables them to maximize uptime and profits.