Superior Smoke #1A
Burn Time: 30 sec., Vol.: 4000 cu. ft., Size: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
The Superior Smoke Testing Technique was developed in 1961 as a way to locate and identify sewer faults at low cost. It has proven to be an extremely effective method of pinpointing sources of inflow and other sewer line problems in both existing and new collection systems. Use of the technique has also enabled many sewerage operating authorities to qualify for federal grants under the provisions of Water Pollution Control Public Law 92-500.
The procedure consists of blowing large volumes of air and smoke through the sewer lines. The smoke follows the path of the intruding water in a reverse to the surface pattern, revealing the source of the problem within seconds.
THE SUPERIOR SIGNAL SMOKE TESTING TECHNIQUE IS THE ORIGINAL METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY TESTING MAINS, HOUSE LATERALS AND PLUMBING. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT OVER 60% OF SURFACE WATER INFLOW OCCURS THROUGH LATERALS AND HOUSE PLUMBING!
A high reading on treatment plant flow gauges during or immediately following rainfall is a positive indication of storm/surface water inflow. Smoke testing is the fastest, most economical and positive means of locating sources of inflow in sewer collection systems. Elimination of these sources, as required by law, will improve treatment plant operations -- and correct problems of overloading which are a major contributor to pollution of water resources.
A portable air blower with a capacity of between 1500 and 2000 cfm is required. A blower of lesser capacity will not generate sufficient pressure to disclose all faults in a line and a blower with greater than 2000 cfm may blow water from traps. Recommended Blowers are the Superior Models 20-S or 10-S.
Other items required include line plugs and sand bags (partly filled with 1/4 round stones with an attached rope for easy positioning) and canvas or rubber flaps for confining the smoke in specific sections of line.
Material for sketching location of faults to complete engineering reports, and a Polaroid camera or equivalent are also needed.
CLICK HERE for Schematic of smoke testing. Sand bags or line plugs can be used to isolate sections of main.
Smoke tests are effective, regardless of surface, type of soil, or depth, provided openings exist for the smoke to follow. For example, it is not uncommon to see smoke exiting from cracks in paved surfaces, showing points of surface water entry.
Best results are obtained on dry days when water is not leaking into the line. (Other methods may overlook many sources of inflow, unless the passing camera picks up water actually leaking into the line).
The blower should not be started over the manhole because of the possibility of igniting flammable vapors in the line. The blower should be started first and then placed over the manhole. If line plugs are being used, do not tighten them before the smoke has fully penetrated the line, otherwise trapped air may prevent complete penetration.
Smoke may be induced through the intake of the blower. Smoke items may also be suspended on a wire or pail beneath the blower. This keeps the blower clean and in top operating condition. Superior blowers are equipped with a chain and hook for suspending smoke items in manholes. The hook is inserted into one of the holes running lengthwise on the side of the smoke items. In less than a minute, smoke will be issuing from the roof vents of buildings connected to the line.
Local fire and police departments should be advised daily of the areas being tested, on a street by street basis. Personnel handling telephone inquiries should be acquainted with the purposes of the smoke testing program, and be prepared to advise against unnecessary exposure to the smoke.
Superior Smoke is not a true smoke, but a mist containing a large percentage of atmospheric moisture that provides high visual obscurity at low concentrations. The mist formation is seeded by zinc chloride and some other by-products of combustion such as free carbon. The toxicity of the materials must be represented relative to the application and brief exposure time.
There is always the possibility of harmful gases or fumes in the lines and these may combine with smoke during the tests. Proper advance notices are necessary and the responsibility of the agency or contractor performing the tests. Door to door notification within 24 hours before the tests is recommended. This prevents unethical occupants from covering up illegal drains, sump pumps, etc. before the tests. While giving advance notices, discrete neighborhood inquiries can identify persons suffering from heart and/or lung diseases, such as emphysema, who should never be exposed to any smoke, including Superior. Individuals with respiratory problems should be removed from the premises prior to the tests. Others, such as house confined invalids, sleeping shift workers and locked in animals should be identified and evacuated if there is any possibility of exposure to the smoke during the tests.
Surface waters often enter sewage systems through openings in mains, house service lines, roof leaders, foundation drains, manhole covers, cross connections from storm sewers, combined sewers and catch basins. Intermittent rainfall is a major contributor to surface water inflow. Inflow sources are quickly and easily identified by smoke, which travels under pressure along lines and filling all openings (including paths in the soil which are invisible to the naked eye). Detailed field observations recorded with Polaroid pictures should be made for evaluation. Incidentally, sources of inflow are relatively inexpensive to eliminate once they have been identified.
Eliminating of surface and storm water from collection systems is required by new Federal laws and will improve the operation of sewerage collection systems.
In addition to locating the leaks or faults as outlined above, smoke is recommended for tracing sewer lines to verify existing maps, and for the preparation of new ones.
Unidentified discharges in areas with a number of lines can be identified by blowing smoke into the line showing the discharge, and checking the manholes for the origin of the discharge. Sources of inflow in the sewerage systems are extremely difficult to observe unless water is actually entering the line at the time of the survey. Because rainfall is intermittent, visual observations and cameras are often not successful in locating sources of rainfall inflow, although both are excellent methods for locating and confirming sources of subsurface or ground water infiltration.
Engineering studies and flow studies using smoke testing are extremely cost-effective as compared to other methods which are most costly and time consuming.
Model 10-S Standard equipment as detailed above
Model 20-S Standard equipment plus:
Superior Smoke #1A
Burn Time: 30 sec., Vol.: 4000 cu. ft., Size: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
Superior Smoke #2B
Burn Time: 1 minute, Vol.: 8000 cu. ft., Size 1 1/2" x 2"
Superior Smoke #3C
Burn Time: 3 min., Vol.: 40,000 cu. ft., Size 1 1/2" x 6"
Superior Smoke #W3C
Double wicked with quick clips furnished for multiple units extending smoke generating time.
Burn Time: 3 min., Vol.: 40,000 cu. ft., Size 1 1/2" x 6"
All smoke items come in Sealpac containers:
CLICK HERE for Schematic of smoke testing.
East County Wholesale -- U.S. Toll Free 1-888-466-7668 or (619) 443-4568