Operator Training

Suction Lines

South Carolina Department of Health

and Environmental Control
Suction Lines
Most suction systems use a
displacement pump in the dispenser
to draw product from the tank to
the dispenser. There are two types
of Suction Systems:
 European (Safe) Suction
 American Suction
Suction Lines
European (Safe) Suction Systems
A check valve is located
immediately below the dispenser
pump. This check valve keeps
the line pressurized so that the
pump stays “primed.” If there
is a line failure and/or prime is
lost, all of the fuel below the
check valve will drain back into
the tank.
Suction Lines
In order to be classified as safe suction, the piping has to meet all of
the following characteristics:
 There can only be one check valve per line and it must be located
directly below the dispenser;
 The piping must slope downward back to the tank; and
 The system must operate at less than atmospheric pressure.
Note: Owners must keep records verifying that it is safe suction for the
lifetime of the system. This piping does not require release detection.
The owner must understand that if the pump loses its prime then the
equipment should be checked and a line tightness test performed (if
needed).
Suction Lines
American Suction Systems
There are two types of valves associated
with this system: Angle Check
Valve
Angle Check Valve which is located near
the top of the tank; or
Foot Valve which is located at the Foot Valve
bottom of the suction line within the tank.
Note: Since these valves are closed, if there is a line failure fuel cannot
drain into the tank. The fuel in the piping above the point where the
piping failed is released to the environment.
 Suction Lines
 If the safe suction characteristics
cannot be verified, then the system is
considered to be American suction.
 This system requires a line tightness
test be conducted every 3 years .
 The results must be kept for 3 years
or until the next test is performed.
Suction Lines
Line Replacement:
 If the Suction line needs to be replaced, it must be replaced with
double walled piping.
 Sampling on the old piping must be conducted and the results sent to
the Department.
 Containment sumps must be placed at both the tank end and
dispenser end of the line.
 If a suction line is replaced with a suction line then Interstitial
Monitoring is not required.
Suction Lines
.Dispenser Replacement:
 Under dispenser containment (UDC) is required when
replacing any American Suction dispenser.
 UDC is required on European suction dispenser
replacements, only if changes are being made below where
the dispenser is connected to the underground piping (below
the union).