oSIST prEN 13160-3:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2025
Sistemi za kontrolo tesnosti - 3. del: Zahteve in metode za preskušanje in
ocenjevanje sistemov s tekočino za rezervoarje
Leak detection systems - Part 3: Requirements and test/assessment methods for liquid
systems for tanks
Leckanzeigesysteme - Teil 3: Anforderungen und Prüf-/Bewertungsmethoden für
Flüssigkeitssysteme für Tanks
Systèmes de détection de fuites - Partie 3 : Exigences et méthodes ďessai/ďévaluation
des systèmes à liquide pour des réservoirs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13160-3
ICS:
23.020.01 Vsebniki za shranjevanje Fluid storage devices in
tekočin na splošno general
23.040.99 Drugi sestavni deli za Other pipeline components
cevovode
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2025
ICS 23.020.01; 23.040.99 Will supersede EN 13160-3:2016+A1:2024
English Version
Leak detection systems - Part 3: Requirements and
test/assessment methods for liquid systems for tanks
Systèmes de détection de fuites - Partie 3 : Exigences et Leckanzeigesysteme - Teil 3: Anforderungen und Prüf-
méthodes dessai/dévaluation des systèmes à liquide /Bewertungsmethoden für Flüssigkeitssysteme für
pour des réservoirs Tanks
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 393.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13160-3:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Requirements . 5
4.1 Effectiveness . 5
4.1.1 General. 5
4.1.2 Leak detector . 5
4.1.3 Measurement of the level change (sensing device) . 6
4.1.4 Requirements for software (only if provided) . 8
4.2 Durability of effectiveness . 8
4.2.1 Durability of effectiveness against temperature . 8
4.2.2 Durability of effectiveness against chemical attack . 9
4.2.3 Durability of effectiveness against microbiological growth . 9
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods . 9
5.1 Effectiveness of leak detectors . 9
5.1.1 General function . 9
5.1.2 Leak detector . 9
5.1.3 Measure the level change (sensing device) . 10
5.1.4 Software . 14
5.2 Durability of effectiveness . 15
5.2.1 Durability of effectiveness against temperature . 15
5.2.2 Durability of effectiveness against chemical attack . 17
5.2.3 Durability of effectiveness against microbiological growth . 18
6 Checking the functionality and durability . 20
6.1 General. 20
6.2 Type testing . 20
6.2.1 General. 20
6.2.2 Test samples and testing . 20
6.2.3 Test reports . 21
6.3 Factory production control . 21
6.3.1 General. 21
6.3.2 Scope of testing . 21
6.3.3 Customised products manufactured in very small quantities. 21
7 Marking, labelling and packaging . 22
8 Environmental aspects . 22
Annex A (normative) Test of the compatibility of leak detection liquids with metals . 23
Bibliography . 27

European foreword
This document (prEN 13160-3:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 393
“Equipment for storage tanks and for service stations”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13160-3:2016+A1:2024.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 13160-
3:2016+A1:2024:
— The coefficient of thermal expansion has been adapted in 4.1.3.2.6
— The R phrase has been replaced by an H phrase in Clause 8;
— Clause 6 has been revised and renamed to Checking the functionality and durability;
The EN 13160 series, under the general title Leak detection systems, is composed of the following parts:
— Part 1: General principles
— Part 2: Requirements and test/assessment methods for pressure and vacuum systems
— Part 3: Requirements and test/assessment methods for liquid systems for tanks
— Part 4: Requirements and test/assessment methods for sensor-based leak detection systems
— Part 5: Requirements and test/assessment methods for in-tank gauge systems and pressurized
pipework systems
— Part 6: Sensors in monitoring wells
— Part 7: Requirements and test/assessment methods for interstitial spaces, leak detection linings and
leak detection jackets
1 Scope
This document gives requirements and the corresponding test/assessment methods applicable to leak
detectors based on the drop of the liquid level in the leak detection liquid reservoir. Leak detectors are
intended to be used with double skin, underground or above ground, non-pressurized tanks designed for
water polluting liquids.
The liquid leak detectors are usually composed of:
— sensing device (liquid sensor);
— evaluation device;
— alarm device.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 981:1996+A1:2008, Safety of machinery — System of auditory and visual danger and information
signals
EN 1412, Copper and copper alloys — European numbering system
EN 1652, Copper and copper alloys — Plate, sheet, strip and circles for general purposes
EN 10027-1, Designation systems for steels — Part 1: Steel names
EN 12285-1, Workshop fabricated steel tanks — Part 1: Horizontal cylindrical single skin and double skin
tanks for the underground storage of flammable and nonflammable water polluting liquids other than for
heating and cooling of buildings
EN 12285-2, Workshop fabricated steel tanks — Part 2: Horizontal cylindrical single skin and double skin
tanks for the aboveground storage of flammable and non-flammable water polluting liquids
EN 13160-1:2016, Leak detection systems — Part 1: General Principles
EN 13160-7, Leak detection systems — Part 7: Requirements and test/assessment methods for interstitial
spaces, leak detection linings and leak detection jackets
EN 13341:2005+A1:2011, Static thermoplastic tanks for above ground storage of domestic heating oils,
kerosene and diesel fuels — Blow moulded and rotationally moulded polyethylene tanks and rotationally
moulded tanks made of anionically polymerized polyamide 6 — Requirements and test methods
EN 27888, Water quality — Determination of electrical conductivity (ISO 7888)
EN 61672-1, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications
EN ISO 175:2010, Plastics — Methods of test for the determination of the effects of immersion in liquid
chemicals (ISO 175:2010)
EN ISO 2719, Determination of flash point — Pensky-Martens closed cup method (ISO 2719)
EN ISO 3104, Petroleum products — Transparent and opaque liquids — Determination of kinematic
viscosity and calculation of dynamic viscosity (ISO 3104)
EN ISO 12185, Crude petroleum, petroleum products and related products — Determination of density —
Laboratory density meter with an oscillating U-tube sensor (ISO 12185)
EN IEC 60079-0:2012 , Explosive atmospheres — Part 0: Equipment — General requirements
(IEC 60079-0:2011, modified + Cor.:2012)
ISO 431 , Copper refinery shapes
ISO 48-4, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of hardness — Part 4: Indentation
hardness by durometer method (Shore hardness)
ASTM D 1177, Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 13160-1:2016 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
4 Requirements
4.1 Effectiveness
4.1.1 General
This type of leak detector is classified according to EN 13160-1:2016 as class II.
The general requirements on leak detection systems according to EN 13160-1:2016 Clause 5 shall be met.
The interstitial space shall be in accordance with EN 13160-7, EN 12285-1 or EN 12285-2.
NOTE To ensure the effectiveness of the system a liquid leak detector can only serve one tank.
A complete documentation shall be provided by the manufacturer. The documentation shall contain the
technical values according to 4.1.3 to 4.1.4 and 4.2 as well as a statement about the reaction of the leak
detector by over and under power supply voltage and current.
4.1.2 Leak detector
The leak detector shall consist of at least the following:
— sensing device (liquid sensor);
— evaluation device;
— alarm device.
Standard is withdrawn.
Standard is withdrawn.
4.1.3 Measurement of the level change (sensing device)
4.1.3.1 Leak detection liquid reservoir
The leak detection liquid reservoir shall have a useable volume of:
— at least 1 l/100 l of leak detection liquid in the interstitial space of tanks with at least 0,3 m earth
cover;
— at least 1 l/35 l of leak detection liquid in the interstitial space for all other tanks.
Leak detection liquid reservoir shall have a vent hole of minimum 20 mm open cross-section.
The useable volume of the leak detection liquid reservoir is considered to be 50 % of the volume between
the liquid level existing just before the visual or audible alarm is issued and the top edge of the leak
detection liquid reservoir or the air vent (if the latter is located at a lower level).
A facility for checking the tank level (inspection window or level plug) shall be provided. The latter shall
divide the volume between the liquid level at alarm indication and the top edge of the leak detection
liquid reservoir and/or the vent hole in two.
Leak detection liquid reservoirs that are simultaneously intended as a visual indicator shall be adequately
transparent or be equipped with a level indicator.
The leak detection liquid reservoirs shall be positioned so that the hydrostatic pressure of the leak
detection liquid at the lowest point of the interstitial space is at least 3 kPa higher than both the maximum
pressure of stored product at the lowest point of the tank (including any operating pressure) and the
maximum pressure of the groundwater at the lowest point of the tank.
The leak detection liquid reservoir shall be positioned so that the pressure in the interstitial space shall
not exceed 92 % of p .
t2
NOTE p is defined in EN 13160-2.
t2
For leak detection liquid reservoir installed in a potentially explosive atmosphere the electrical surface
resistance of polymer materials shall be less than 1 GΩ, if the greatest projected surface is > 100 cm . For
further information see EN 60079-0:2012 7.4.2.
Polymer materials for leak detection liquid reservoirs shall be weather resistant according to
EN 13341:2005+A1:2011 Table 1.
4.1.3.2 Leak detection liquid
4.1.3.2.1 General
The manufacturer shall specify which leak detection liquids are suitable for the leak detection system and
which leak detection liquids can be mixed.
NOTE 1 When the term “leak detection liquid” is used in this document, the concentrate of leak detection liquid
diluted with water according to the ratio specified by the manufacturer is meant.
NOTE 2 Leak detection liquid can only be mixed if its compatibility is approved.
Leak detection liquids shall have the properties according to 4.1.3.2.2 to 4.1.3.2.9.
The compatibility of leak detection liquids with metals shall be tested in accordance with Annex A.
4.1.3.2.2 Electrical conductivity
The leak detection liquid shall have an electrical conductivity greater than 10 mS/m, if required.
4.1.3.2.3 Viscosity
The leak detection liquid shall have a viscosity not greater than 200 mm /s for the temperature range
according to 4.2.1.
4.1.3.2.4 Freezing point
The leak detection liquid shall have a freezing point below the minimum temperature of the appropriate
temperature range according to 4.2.1.
4.1.3.2.5 Flash point
The leak detection liquid shall have a flash point not below +80 °C.
4.1.3.2.6 Thermal expansion
−4
The leak detection liquid shall have a coefficient of thermal expansion < 5 × 10 1/K at a temperature of
+20 °C.
4.1.3.2.7 Segregation and formation of colloidal or solid deposition
The deposit volume of the leak detection liquid shall not be greater than 0,5 cm /l and the solid materials
of the deposit shall have a maximum grain size of 0,125 mm diameter.
4.1.3.2.8 Compatibility with metallic materials
The leak detection liquid shall have no deleterious corrosion effects on the materials with which they
might be expected to come into contact.
4.1.3.2.9 Reaction with the stored product
The leak detection liquid shall have no reaction with the stored product which causes an exothermic
reaction, volumetric expansion or the generation of vapour
4.1.3.3 Connection line between leak detection liquid reservoir and interstitial space
If a separate leak detection liquid reservoir is used the free passage of leak detection liquid is given when
the connection line has an internal diameter of minimum 13 mm. The connection lines shall ensure the
internal diameter over the life time given by the manufacturer. The minimum allowed bend radius of the
hose given by the manufacturer shall not be fallen below.
The Shore hardness of hoses tested according to ISO 48-4 shall be minimum 65 Shore A at a temperature
of (20 ± 5) °C.
The leak detection liquid reservoir shall have the possibility to be complete emptied in case of a leak in
the interstitial space.
The connection line between leak detection liquid reservoir and interstitial space installed in potentially
explosive atmosphere of zone 1 shall have an electrical surface resistance less than 1 GΩ. This
requirement concerning conductive connection lines of polymer materials becomes no longer necessary
if
— the outer diameter of the connection lines is ≤ 30 mm for potentially explosive atmospheres of
group II A and II B according to EN IEC 60079-0
or
— the outer diameter of the connection lines is ≤ 20 mm for potentially explosive atmospheres of
group II C according to EN IEC 60079-0
or
— the wall thickness of the connection lines is ≤ 2 mm for potentially explosive atmospheres of
group II A and II B according to EN IEC 60079-0 by using conductive leak detection liquid
or
— the wall thickness of the connection lines is ≤ 0,2 mm for potentially explosive atmospheres of
group II C according to EN IEC 60079-0 by using conductive leak detection liquid.
For further information see EN IEC 60079-0:2012 7.4.2.
Polymer materials for connection lines shall be weather resistant according to EN 13341:2005+A1:2011
Table 1.
4.1.3.4 Liquid sensor
In the event of a sensor disconnection of the power supply an alarm condition shall result.
The sensor shall give a signal within 30 s after the leak detection liquid is no longer in contact with the
sensor.
The sensor shall have a measurable recovery time of max 30 s after immersing into the leak detection
liquid.
The system shall remain in the alarm condition until the sensor has recovered and the alarm has been
reset.
4.1.3.5 Alarm device
The alarm device shall generate an audible and visible alarm. The audible alarm shall have a sound level
of ≥ 70 dB (A) in a distance of minimum 1 m with a signal according to EN 981:1996+A1:2008 Table 1
which shall be maintained for a minimum period of 36 h.
The visible alarm shall be clearly indicated i.e. by a “red” light. The visible alarm shall have no switch off
option.
A test possibility shall be provided to test the functionality of the audible and visible alarm.
The alarm device should be designed for connecting an additional alarm device, e.g. signal horn. The
output parameter shall be stated.
4.1.4 Requirements for software (only if provided)
The software, where provided, shall have a facility for self-checking by fulfilling the following
requirements:
— a self-diagnostic mode to test the integrity of the system at start up and periodically during use. A
negative result of self-diagnostic mode shall result in an alarm condition;
— a facility to check the consistency of the input and output data, malfunction shall result in an alarm
condition.
4.2 Durability of effectiveness
4.2.1 Durability of effectiveness against temperature
At a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C the leak detector shall be able to work properly after 1 × 10 alarm cycles.
The temperature ranges for leak detector shall be as follows:
— Type 1: −20 °C to +60 °C;
— Type 2: 0 °C to +40 °C;
— Type 3: −40 °C to +40 °C.
4.2.2 Durability of effectiveness against chemical attack
4.2.2.1 Polymer materials
Plastic parts of liquid leak detector that can get into contact with the leak detection liquid or its vapour
shall be resistant.
4.2.2.2 Metals
The leak detection liquid shall not corrode metal components of the leak detection system.
4.2.3 Durability of effectiveness against microbiological growth
The leak detection liquid shall have fungicidal properties.
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods
5.1 Effectiveness of leak detectors
5.1.1 General function
For the tests minimum one sample shall be provided by the manufacturer.
For the tests the following documentation shall be provided by the manufacturer:
— instruction(s) according to Clause 7;
— datasheet of the parts of the leak detector;
— datasheet for the leak detection liquid;
— electrical diagrams of the parts of the leak detector;
— design and application drawings;
— parts lists of the used components including material data;
— certification for the conductivity and weather resistance of polymer materials.
Leak detectors shall be inspected visually to confirm that the sample complies with the documentation.
5.1.2 Leak detector
Visual test shall be carried out that the leak detector consists of sensing device, evaluation device and
alarm device.
5.1.3 Measure the level change (sensing device)
5.1.3.1 Leak detection liquid reservoir
Leak detection liquid reservoir shall be inspected visually to confirm that the sample complies with the
documentation.
5.1.3.2 Leak detection liquid
5.1.3.2.1 General
The documentation of the manufacturer shall be inspected.
5.1.3.2.2 Electrical conductivity
The electrical conductivity shall be tested according to EN 27888.
5.1.3.2.3 Viscosity
The viscosity of the leak detection liquid shall be determined according to EN ISO 3104.
5.1.3.2.4 Freezing point
The freezing point of the leak detection liquid shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 1177.
5.1.3.2.5 Flash point
The flash point of the leak detection liquid shall be determined according to EN ISO 2719.
5.1.3.2.6 Thermal expansion
The coefficient of thermal expansion of the leak detection liquid shall be determined according to
EN ISO 12185.
5.1.3.2.7 Segregation and formation of colloidal or solid deposition
5.1.3.2.7.1 Test equipment
Test equipment shall be the following:
— a strainer of 0,2 mm inside mesh width 0,125 mm diameter and 0,325 mm mesh clearance;
— a graduated conical separating funnel according to Squibb with a nominal volume of 1 l;
— 1 l leak detection liquid.
5.1.3.2.7.2 Preparation
1 l of leak detection liquid shall be brought into contact with the materials relevant to testing its tendency
to de-mix and precipitate deposits.
5.1.3.2.7.3 Procedure
The leak detection liquid shall be stored at ambient temperature (20 ± 5) °C for 56 days in the graduated
conical separating funnel with a tap at the bottom.
The leak detection liquid shall be inspected for de-mixing and deposition.
The volume of the deposit shall be measured at the graduation at the lowest level of the conical separating
funnel, see Figure 1.
After opening the tap of the separating funnel, the deposit shall be tested whether it will pass completely
through the strainer.
Key
1 conical separating funnel, 1 l
2 graduation
3 cock
4 sieve
Figure 1 — Conical separating funnel
5.1.3.2.7.4 Evaluation
If the deposit volume is greater than 0,5 cm /l, or if it does not pass completely through the strainer, then
the leak detection liquid shall be deemed to have failed the test.
5.1.3.2.8 Compatibility with metallic materials
Compatibility with metallic materials shall be according to Annex A.
5.1.3.2.9 Reaction with stored product
5.1.3.2.9.1 Test equipment
Test equipment shall be the following:
— adiabatic calorimeter with maximum working pressure of 14 MPa (140 bar) with an accuracy of
50 kPa (500 mbar) and a temperature range from 0 °C to 500 °C with an accuracy of 0,1 K;
— measuring cell of the adiabatic calorimeter for
— temperature range from 10 °C to 200 °C and a measurement of temperature change of minimum
100 K/min;
— pressure range 100 kPa (1 bar) to 1 MPa (10 bar) and a measurement of pressure change of
minimum 50 kPa/min (500 mbar/min);
— temperature measuring device with measurement range from 0 °C to 500 °C within an accuracy
of ± 0,1 K;
— pressure measuring device with measurement range from 0 kPa (0 bar) to 20 MPa (200 bar) within
an accuracy of ± 10 mbar;
— time measuring device having a time indication in steps of 1 s, within an accuracy of ± 1 s;
— 150 cm concentrate of leak detection liquid.
5.1.3.2.9.2 Preparation
3 3
For one test, 50 cm concentrate of the leak detection liquid and 50 cm of the stored product are
required.
5.1.3.2.9.3 Procedure
The test shall follow the principle of adiabatic calorimetric. The concentrate of leak detection liquid and
suitable sample of the stored product shall be tested as a solution in the ratio 1 : 1 inside of the adiabatic
calorimeter according to the instruction for use. Three replication tests shall be carried out. Temperature
and pressure shall be recorded.
5.1.3.2.9.4 Evaluation
In-between test duration of 120 min there shall be no increase of temperature of ± 0,1 K and pressure of
+1 kPa (+0,01 bar) of the test solution in every replication test.
5.1.3.3 Connection line between leak detection liquid reservoir and interstitial space
Connection line between leak detection liquid reservoir and interstitial space shall be inspected visually
to confirm that the sample complies with the documentation.
5.1.3.4 Liquid sensor
5.1.3.4.1 Test equipment
For type test, the test equipment shall be the following:
— test vessel with a minimum volume of 1 l;
— temperature measuring device within an accuracy of ± 1 K;
— time measuring device having a time indication in steps of 1 s, within an accuracy of ± 1 s;
— minimum 0,5 l of concentrate of leak detection liquid.
5.1.3.4.2 Preparation
a) For type test:
The sensor shall be installed in the test vessel for the function test in such a way that it can be immersed
either by changing the level of leak detection liquid or by raising and lowering of the sensor.
The concentrate of leak detection liquid shall be diluted with water according to the ratio specified by the
manufacturer for the lowest temperature.
The sensor under test shall be connected to the evaluation and to t
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