Compliance Protocol: Drop Tube & Spill Bucket Verification
Category: Compliance / Tank Hardware Source: Field Note WO#56805 + Regulatory Guidelines (OCC/OPW/Franklin) Last Updated: 11/27/2025
1. The Goal: Prevent Overfills (95% Rule)
State regulations (and manufacturers like OPW/Franklin Fueling) require that drop tubes shut off fuel flow before the tank exceeds 95% capacity.
The "Field Tech" Math (Approximation)
Note: Always verify with specific State Testing Forms and Tank Charts when available. The below is a field estimation method.
- Target: 95% of Tank Volume.
- Void Space Calculation: We need to ensure the drop tube valve sits low enough to leave space for that last 5% of fuel.
- Verification: Measure the riser. Calculate the "Void" (Tank Top minus 95% liquid level). The drop tube shutoff valve must be positioned to trigger before the liquid hits that void.
Pass/Fail Criteria
- PASS: Drop tube shutoff valve is positioned below the calculated 95% liquid level height.
- FAIL: Shutoff valve is too high, risking overfill.
2. Spill Bucket Integrity Test
Method: Hydrostatic Test (Water Level Monitoring) Standard regulatory requirement for most states.
- D: Depth of bucket
- W: Width of bucket
- WL: Water Level (Initial)
Procedure
- Fill bucket to marked level (WL).
- Wait 1 hour (standard test duration).
- PASS: No change in WL.
- FAIL: Any decrease in WL indicates a leak (or loose drain valve).
3. Veeder-Root (VR) Tank Setup Verification
Ensure the tank monitor programming matches the physical tank dimensions.
- Critical Check: Does the VR's "95% Volume" setting match the actual tank chart for that inch level?
- Common Error: Using a generic 95% calculation instead of the manufacturer's specific tank chart (which accounts for tank curvature).
4. Regulatory Reference
- OCC (Oklahoma Corporation Commission): Requires annual/tri-annual testing depending on installation date.
- Forms: Use official State Testing Forms for final validation.