Mesa 2D FAQs

Why choose a MESA 2D tank testing system?
We designed this system based on our own field experience. The Mesa system was not just a theoretical concept by some engineer. It was designed by a company that actually performs these tests every day. We depend on these systems and have engineered them to be low cost, highly precise, and have little or no down time. Knowing each little nuance and every outside factor that affects testing, we built Mesa to be environmentally versatile, physically dependable and financially sound.

How does the MESA system work?
The Mesa system utilizes digital technology to transform and analyze acoustical signals at the source. The Mesa system consists of a sonde placed in the ullage portion of the underground tank, connected to a computer that digitally records the sounds in the underground tank. A computer analysis program processes the digital signals from the sonde to determine if a leak is present in the system.

The ACT V1 Water Sensor is designed to detect water entering the tank system. The use of the water sensor is required when any portion of the tank is submerged in water, as the water will mask the acoustical signals. The Mesa sonde and ACT V1 Water Sensor are completely compatible and work as one unit. This removes the problem of having to perform a separate test for water intrusion, saving time and money.

Is this type of testing safe for tanks?
The Mesa system uses the safest protocols on the market.

Under normal testing conditions, a maximum pressure of 60 inches of water vaccum or -2.16 psig must be used for testing underground tanks. The maximum is based on a tank differential pressure of no more than 4 psi to prevent any possible damage to tanks under test.

The Mesa system will automatically calculate pressure adjustments for interior levels of product as well as exterior warer levels to ensure both accuracy of testing and protection of the tank.

How much fuel needs to be in the tank to test?
The Mesa system has no minimum fuel requirements. Tanks that range between completely empty and filled to 90.6% capacity can be tested.

What types of tanks can MESA evaluate?
Mesa 2D can test both underground storage tanks and above ground storage tanks. Tanks as large as 30,000 gallons can be tested.

What are the licensing requirements?
Unlike other systems on the market, there are NO licensing requirements for us of the Mesa 2D system. You purchase the equipment, you own the equipment. We do not tack on additional charges for monthly fees, nor do we charge you for every report you generate.

Does the MESA system require certification of technicians?
Yes, EPA mandates that all operators of tank testing equipment by certified on the system they are using. If you are not certified, we have locations in Houston, Texas and Sparta, New Jersey. We can also train you at your locations. We have trained clients in 17 countries to date.

How often do you have to get certified?
Certifications are for 2 years. At this time re-certification involves taking a test online once every 2 years. This could always change is the US EPA changes regulations.

Is the MESA equipment 3rd party certified and if so by whom?
The Mesa 2D and the ACT VI equipment are both independently 3rd party certified by Ken Wilcox. It is EPA approved and is listed in the National Work Group as a certified test. Most countries accept this listing for determining acceptable test methods. Copies of both certifications will be provided upon request.

How often does MESA need to be re-calibrated and how much does it cost?
The Mesa system does not require any factory re-calibration. That translates to less downtime and huge savings over other systems that require shipment back to the manufacturer yearly for calibration. In addition to up to a week of lost testing time, the costs of re-calibration can be up to $1,000 per year.

How does temperature effect the testing?
The Mesa system is extremely versatile and accurate in a multitude of test environments because it is non-volumetric. Unlike other tank test systems, the Mesa system is not affected by wind, temperature fluctuations, or high and low pressure systems.


How long do I have to wait after a fuel delivery before I can perform a test?
No wait time at all! There is absolutely no wait time after recent fuel deliveries. That means you will not have to sit around wasting time and money or reschedule jobs because of a recent fuel drop. As the fuel truck pulls away, your test can begin!

How long does a typical test take?
The Mesa system will generate results in a matter of minutes, dramatically increasing operational efficiency. The acoustical test can be performed in less than ten minutes. Some systems have to sit in the tank for 60 to 90 minutes per test. Not so with the Mesa test; in 90 minutes you are at another location completing another job!

How often do I need to replace parts on the MESA system for wear and tear?
The Mesa unit was designed using solid state digital technology and does not contain mechanical moving parts that need periodic replacement for wear and tear. This will drastically reduce the cost and downtime for product repairs and maintenance.

Do I need to ship the unit back for new microphones?
No, absolutely not. Not only can you easily replace the microphone in the field, it’s only of fraction of the cost of the other systems of this type. Keep a spare on your truck and don’t miss a single job.

Can I generate a report from the Mesa System?
The Mesa test system has one huge distinct advantage over other test systems. All Mesa 2-D field data is interpreted by a computer analysis program, which determines whether the system fails or passes leak testing standards. With Mesa, a clear concise graph is charted and can be printed and made available as a matter of record in addition to a clear concise report of your entire inspection.

Can the testing calculations and levels be converted to metric?
Absolutely! The report form and all calculations can be converted to metric units with a simple click of a button. You can simply toggle between the two standards as needed.

Is the water sensor required on every test?
The water sensor is only used if there are exterior water levels at or above the base of the tank.
When the water sensor is used, is water required to be added the tank for an initial reference?
The water sensor requires a conductive liquid of a minimum height of 0.014 inches (.036 cm) measured from the base of the tank. If the tank does not contain any water than 0.014 inches of water must be added.

Do I need to listen through a headset to determine if the tank is leaking?
Other acoustical tank test systems are far less sophisticated and solely rely on a technician listening for leaks in the tank through a microphone and earphones. Using physical hearing to determine whether a tank passes or fails can be very susceptible to operator error. In addition, the acoustical sound produced by a leak may be out of the human hearing range. With Mesa, the computer will analyze all acoustical data and determine if the tank is leaking. The system includes earphones which are used to determine whether the leak is above or below the product level.

How many CU/FT min is the vacuum pump?
The vacuum pump is a multi stage venturi and does not require any electrical power. It is able to evacuate at a rate of 17.0 cu/ft per minute.

What type of power source is required?
The only power this equipment requires is the battery in your laptop. The MESA system does not require any direct power source. The use of the venturi vacuum eliminates electrical requirements needed on other systems to operate the pumps. If your laptop is charged up and ready to go, you can test anywhere any time; no noisy generators or miles or extension cord required.

How many tanks can I test at one time?
One Mesa 2D is required for each tank to be tested. If 2 tanks or 3 tanks have a common manifold you can evacuate all tanks at the same time but you would need a Mesa 2D in each tank. Since the amount of test time is so short you can test a number of tanks using one device in a relatively short period of time.

What are some of the main differences between MESA and its competitors?
One of the biggest differences is that Mesa is a single test. Competitor’s equipment requires that the liquid portion of the tank be evaluated as a stand alone followed by a test of the ullage space. Mesa test both at the same time.
The Mesa test system has one huge distinct advantage over other test systems. All Mesa 2-D field data is interpreted by a computer analysis program, which determines whether the system fails or passes leak testing standards. With Mesa, a clear concise graph is charted and can be printed on-site and made available as a matter of record in addition to a clear concise report of your entire inspection.
The Mesa test time is less than 10 minutes once the tank is at test pressure; whereas the other’s tests take 1.5 hours to as long as 3 hours. Click here for a comparison chart.

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THE MESA 2D SYSTEM – The premier tank testing technology.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION SHEET – Click for a product technical data sheet.
OPERATION DIAGRAM – Click to see the basics of how the system works.
COMPARISON CHART – See how the Mesa 2D system compares to the competition.
FINANCING – Find out how the Mesa 2D system can pay for itself.