S. Bravo Systems, Inc. strives to ensure 100% satisfaction
to its customers and all parties related to the installation
of our double and single wall systems.
To Ask Bravo Systems a question, please email webmaster@sbravo.com
Q: How do I get certified by Bravo?
A: All Bravo Certifications are performed through an open-book test covered under choice installation instructions. The test is downloaded online from our Certifications Page or mailed to you by request, then the provided Installation Manuals are studied and the test taken. Test results are FAXed to our main office.
A nominal fee of $30 per test applies.
Engineering firms or designers who attend our classroom training at our corporate facility are fee-exempt provided the entire class is observed. (3-4 hours)
Our tests are all provided as a Package, which is a .ZIP file containing the test and all study material.
The tests are:
DoubleWall Test - Covers all premier product lines common in California which are AB-2481 compliant, including our popular F-Series Fiberglass Fitting product line.
National Test - This test covers all SingleWall products back to Bravo's very first product. This certification is common for those who do maintenance on legacy product lines. This test is also for those who are being required to be certified by the manufacturer to repair or maintain SingleWall products in California.
FS Test - This stands for F-Series Test. This certification test is meant only for those:
1) who are only installing the F-Series fitting and is the only Bravo Systems product at the jobsite, or
2) who wish to augment their installation knowledge and understanding of the F-Series product line
7-Eleven Test - To become Certified to install Bravo Products for 7-Eleven, you must Contact us.
The above information is available on our Certification and Classification Page.
If you are unsure which Certification package best suits you, please call us.
Q: What are the test requirements for Singlewall and Doublewall sumps? A: The procedures approved by S. Bravo Systems, Inc. for the SB-989 and AB-2481 tests are both available below.
AB-2481 Testing Requirements 82 kB (PDF)
SB-989 Testing Requirements 19 kB (PDF)
Note: Always check with you local regulatory authority for additional guidelines for testing requirements that may be more stringent than those established by S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
Q: Do I have to "Lake Test" (water test) a DoubleWall Sump? A: No, you do not. And you will void a Bravo Systems warranty if you do, in any U.S. State.
Let's educate ourselves. Download LG Letter 162-1 and browse to Page 6, to the latter of Part II: Section A.
The paragraph reads: <quote> Pursuant to Section 2637(a)(6) of Title 23, CCR, portions of the UST system which are continuously monitored using vacuum, pressure, or interstitial liquid level measurement
methods are exempt from periodic secondary containment testing. Therefore, periodic
secondary containment testing is not required for secondary containment of tank and piping
that are continuously monitored using vacuum, pressure, or interstitial liquid level
measurement methods. Please note that annual certification of the leak detection equipment
is still required. <end quote>
Assembly Bill 2481 is specific to the State of California. These high standards far exceed the level of containment provided by the SB-989 standards. 2481 is a superior method of leak detection and prevention. Since AB-2481 is superior, why would it need to be supported by an inferior test procedure?
As far as testing is concerned, testing per SB-989 is only valid for SingleWall sumps. It is not a practical test method for DoubleWall sumps. Why? If the sump interstice is dry, how are you going to see a leak on the outer wall if you are filling the interior with water? Both walls would have to have a major breach. The level of damage needed to allow water to leak through both walls (including time to fill up the interstice) would be obvious. If there was only a breach in the outer wall, how would you tell with a lake test if the water was being contained by the inner wall? Also, if there was a breach in the inner wall, but the outer wall was fine, how would you tell if water entered the interstice? Visually perhaps with Bravo Systems DoubleWall sumps, but how long would it take to accumulate enough liquid to see? This method is a great waste of valuable time. We accomplish more with these procedures:
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1) Sump ships from factory sealed under a continuous Vacuum test of 20"+ Hg.
2) Any breach in the wall, after sealed (Eg. penetration fittings, lamination) is pressure/soap tested at 4 psi.
3) A 4 psi air integrity test is conducted after all laminations / fittings have been installed (prior to any hydrostatic filling) for one hour to allow the pressurized interstice to acclimate, then level is recorded, and tested for another hour before recording result.
4) We also recommend that when DoubleWall sumps are left overnight, that they have a factory-level vacuum (20"+ Hg) applied to the interstice, so that they can be inspected the next day.
5) If the sump is to be hydrostatically monitored, it is Hydro-Vac Filled. This is a Bravo-Exclusive installation procedure that pulls a 20"+ Hg vacuum on the interstice, then allows the interstitial fluid to flow in from a multi-gallon source through a ball valve. That isn't a test! You're right. The Advanced Leak Detection Procedure (ALDP) depends on the sump being filled with our interstitial fluid first. The ALDP test pulls a high vacuum on the interstice after it has been filled with liquid. With no acclimation necessary, the inspection can be done right after the Hydro-Vac filling process. Any leaks in the DoubleWall sump will show up as trails of bubbles coming directly from the leak point(s), which can then be located and repaired without wasting time guessing.
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Bravo Systems has been producing DoubleWall Containment sumps since August 2003 and has continued to be the Leader in reliable Secondary Containment equipment. Realizing that the last point of failure were the varied models of flexible penetration fittings, Bravo Systems engineered an entire line of Tank-Spec Fiberglass Fittings (F-Series) that allow you to install and forget while being compliant at the highest level. The F-Series provides unquestionable peace of mind as the fittings cannot deteriorate or fail. We are also the only manufacturer that provides an all-fiberglass conduit penetration fitting. Take a look at our line of F-Series fittings Here.
Q: Do I have to be certified to repair or test Bravo Float-Trip Mechanisms?
A: No. It is not required as long as the installer or repair technician follows the directions contained in our latest Installation Manuals. The most current Installation Manual from our website must be printed and used. These can be found at www.sbravo.com/install. Make sure that you have your paperwork in order and records are kept. Have the owner or other authority sign and date the Installation Manual that you download from our website. The most important things to know are these:
1) The float must be removed and tested to ensure it has not been breached and cannot be filled with liquid.
2) There can be no debris within the float cup so as to impede the travel or function of the float.
3) After connecting the ball chain to the shear valve retainer, testing the poppet shutoff must only be done by adding liquid to the cup until it trips (remove all liquids after this test). You must never test this mechanism by pulling the float stem, arm or chain because you bypass the intended function of the float. If the float has been penetrated in any way and allows fuel to enter it, then it will not trip the shear valve poppet.
The purpose of the Bravo Float Trip Mechanism is to minimize the amount of fuel needed to trip the shear valve and to maximize the amount of time a maintenance crew will have to get to the sump in question to repair it.
However, Bravo Systems recommends that the National Certification Test (primarily for SingleWall products) be completed by technicians in the field because it covers the installation and repair of our SingleWall product lines that feature Float Trip Mechanisms, but also requires the individual read through the Instruction Manuals, helping to educate and familiarize them with the products.
Q: Do Bravo DoubleWall Boxes (Sumps) include Interstitial Fluid?
A:YES! For each size of DoubleWall product, the correct amount of fluid is provided, with extra.
Q: Do Bravo DoubleWall Boxes (Sumps) include all the necessary Fittings, Hoses and Manometers?
A:YES! There is a monitoring manometer and an atmospheric manometer. Manometer = Fluid Reservoir.
The larger of the two is used for visual inspection of fluid level and is the unit that a float-style electronic level sensor is installed in, when required. The atmospheric manometer is used to help balance the fluid level within the sump.
Q: Do Bravo DoubleWall Boxes (Sumps) include Factory Installed Product Brackets?
A:YES! A product bracket for every Product line your dispenser requires is factory-installed at the correct location. Vapor brackets are not included in the list price for UDC's.
Q: Do Bravo DoubleWall Boxes (Sumps) include Product Shear Valves?
A: No. These are optional and come in Single-Poppet and Double-Poppet configurations. 1-1/2" and 2" sizes.
Q: Do Bravo DoubleWall Boxes (Sumps) include Vapor Shear Valves?
A: No. Bravo Systems Highly Recommends its B1 Vapor Shear Valve which is UL or CARB Approved.
Q: What common types of repairs are allowed on Bravo shallow pans? Read installation instructions on Bravo B2000 Shallow pans to see if they clarify how to repair various problems.
- For B-18-3 ‘Black Plastic Compression fittings leaking between gasket and pipe. Use WR-3 wrench to loosen seal between nut and doughnut gasket. Apply wet-dry grease between nut and gasket to allow nut to easily make a compression seal. If you can not get grease between nut and gasket spray WD-40 between surfaces to lubricate hard to reach areas. Then compress nut to ¼ to ½ turns past hand tight.
- For Electrical fittings that do not have a seal or are leaking. If possible retrofit a compression fitting that seals to both the conduit and Bravo fitting. Blue Line has a split electrical fitting for this application. If split fittings do not apply, then use adhesive to seal annular space by first cleaning and prepping the area around conduit and fitting to remove all contaminates that will prevent bonding of adhesives. Pack annular space and seal area with one of three recommended adhesives: Bravo Vulkem sealant (VS), PetroSeal or Bravo B400-Adhesive Kit.
- For Shallow Pans with Divider Tabs - Required to electronically monitor each section? You have an option. You are authorized to remove the liquid divider(s) or a portion of them. In order to accommodate liquid communication between the divided areas you need only to remove an area of a few inches from each divider.
- Remove any sealant at the area you wish to remove
- Using Tin-Snips, snip the divider vertically in two places and remove the loose piece.
- Seal any metal that was cut, scratched or dinged with Vulkem sealant or PetroSeal to prevent against corrosion.
GUIDELINES: No exposed Steel. No power tools on the dividers. Electronic Sensor must be placed at the lowest point.
- How can I clean up the bottom of a Steel Dispenser Containment unit?
Follow this procedure:
- A) Use any solvent or cleaning solution you prefer.
- B) Scrape the bottom and/or walls with a flat-blade tool.
- C) Vacuum out any liquids, gunk, etc..
- D) Acetone to clean the surfaces so a visual inspection can be made.
- E) Lightly sand all areas where the factory epoxy-paint is missing.
- F) Dust, blow out and/or vacuum any debris from the interior.
- G) Protect any exposed test ports or threads, remove any electronic sensors.
- and H) Coat the interior well with AmerShield, covering all exposed steel.
For Product Information on AmerShield, Click Here.
For Information on Surface Preparation, Click Here.
Note: Always check with you local regulatory authority for additional guidelines and permitting.
Q: Can I modify or repair a Bravo Conversion Frame?
A: No. Under no circumstances can you modify, repair or add to a Bravo Systems Dispenser Conversion Frame (CONV-B2000) unless authorized in writing by the factory.
More information can be found on the Conversion Frame Page
Q: *How are Bravo Systems Fiberglass Products "Built like a Tank?"
Q: Are Bravo Products Compatible with E85 or Bio fuels?
A: At Bravo Systems, we meticulously engineer our products to be built right the first time. To do this for our UDC Sumps, Vent Transition Sumps, Tank Sumps and Fiberglass Penetration Fittings we looked to the highest standard, Tanks. Since the Tank is the primary fuel vessel meant for long-term storage, we studied it's specifications ( UL Spec 1316 ) and built our Fiberglass products to match them. Unlike other similar products out there, our choice of materials stands up to the test of years of use, rather than the minimum 30 day testing requirement. In this way we have designed our products to last the life of your station, as the Tank is meant to. Bravo Systems' Single and Double Wall Secondary Containment Systems truly are Built like a Tank. Simply put, anything a fiberglass tank can store... our fiberglass products can store as well, for the same duration, under the same conditions.
S. Bravo Systems Fiberglass Products are UL Listed to be compatible with all alcohol blends. For UL Documentation on our products, Click Here.
LIST OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS
Click Here For our list of Ethanol and Bio-Fuel Compatible Products at the Petroleum Equipment Institute.
Q: Are your products compatible with E85 specifically?
A: UL does not certify anything to be specifically "E85 Compatible" due to the wide range of blends possible.
But they do allow for certified products to have an optional certification to meet this compatibility.
To see this document Click Here. This document was found on the UL Website, Here.
S. Bravo Systems Fiberglass Products are UL Listed to be compatible with all alcohol blends. For UL Documentation on our products, Click Here.
Q: Can you make custom products? A: Bravo has custom made products since its inception in 1987. This includes custom fiberglass sumps as large as 10ft long by 6ft Wide by 5ft deep. Bravo is world renowned for both fiberglass and metal fabrication processes. Our Custom products are shown on our Custom Page. You can also email Bravo at info@sbravo.com for your special needs.
Q: Can I fill a Bravo Double Wall sump with a ‘brine' solution? A: NO! Bravo Systems allows only our own Propylene Glycol solution as an interstitial fluid. Using a brine solution or colored water will void your product warranty. The very idea of using brine as an interstice fluid was thrown out by Bravo for use in Double Wall sumps because brine would potentially accelerate deterioration of steel/stainless steel components that come into indirect and direct contact with the brine. This includes penetration fasteners, bolts, flex-connectors and band clamps. Propylene Glycol helps prevent the liquid from freezing within the interstice. Additionally, if the brine solution were to leak out of the wall it could also accelerate the corrosion of other metallic components within the sump.
Q: Can I fill a Bravo Double Wall sump with another manufacturers Propylene Glycol solution?
A: No. Our glycol is a light red color and is the only fluid allowed in our sump walls primarily to assist with troubleshooting and identification in the field. The exception is water if the sump must be emptied of glycol and flushed clean but water or colored water may not be used for continuous monitoring within our sump interstice. Additionally, other manufacturers may add other chemicals or inhibitors to their fluid in different concentrations which we do not test for or certify.
Q: What is propylene glycol?A: Click on this link to find technical reference: Propylene Glycol Used in moisturizers for medicines, carrier for fragrance oils, food grade antifreeze, hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions, saline solutions, cosmetics products, baby wipes, bubble bath solutions, shampoos, paint balls, and air craft deicing fluids. Bravo uses Propylene Glycol as a interstitial fluid for its double wall hydrostatic sumps. Bravo chose Propylene Glycol for its freeze-resistant, non-corrosive and non-toxic properties. You can also find the Bravo interstitial fluid MSDS Here.
Q: Can I change from hydrostatic monitoring to vacuum monitoring or vise versa? A: Yes one can change Bravo sumps from hydrostatic to vacuum however you must always check with your local regulatory authorities and sensor manufacturer before changing a Double Wall monitoring device. Also consult with Bravo for further recommendations. If you have a vacuum sump, some installation will be required to make your sump hydrostatic ready.
Q: Can the Bravo F-Series Fitting be used with a Brine-filled DoubleWall Sump?
A: Yes. The F-Series fitting is compatible with Brine or Saline Solution (sodium chloride) since the fitting does not consist of any metal components. However, sodium chloride is not allowed in Bravo Systems DoubleWall Sumps, and will void the warranty of that product.
Q: What kind of adhesive do I use for the F-Series Fiberglass Fitting?
A: Bravo Systems requires the installer to use the adhesive provided by or made for the brand of fiberglass pipe you are using. You are also required to mix the Bravo-Supplied Fiberglass Filler with each adhesive kit. These kits are used for gluing the F-Series Fitting to the Fiberglass Sump wall, as well as the adhesive injection step.
NOV Fiberglass: #7014, #8014, #8069
Ameron: PSX-20
F-Series Installation Instructions
Q: What kind of Conduit is allowed for the F-Series Electrical Fitting? And is there anything that will compromise the product warranty?
A: Specific types of conduit are mentioned in the F-Series Installation Instructions, they are:
Also, Each Install Manual has a list of specific requirements that if not met will Void the product warranty.
| Model Fitting |
Size |
SingleWall |
DoubleWall |
| F-10-SS |
1"
|
Galvanized Steel Only |
N/A |
| F-10-RR |
1" |
Rob Roy PVC-Coated Only* |
N/A |
| F-10-SS-D |
1" |
N/A |
Galvanized Steel Only |
| F-10-RR-D |
1" |
N/A |
Rob Roy PVC-Coated Only* |
| F-17-SS |
3/4" |
Galvanized Steel Only |
N/A |
| F-17-RR |
3/4" |
Rob Roy PVC-Coated Only* |
N/A |
| F-17-SS-D |
3/4" |
N/A |
Galvanized Steel Only |
| F-17-RR-D |
3/4" |
N/A |
Rob Roy PVC-Coated Only* |
Q: Is there a repair method for Bravo UniFitting flexible entry fittings?
A: Yes and no. There is no repair procedure or products. The fitting(s) must be replaced. The one exception is the exterior boot of a DoubleWall fitting, it cannot be replaced from the inside.
For DoubleWall models: (F-17-D, B-32-D, B-33-D) If the boot on the interior is the failure point, this can be replaced from the inside. Re-order the same part #.
For SingleWall models: (F-17, B-32, B-33, B-34) This boot was engineered to be replaced from the inside. Re-order the same part #. |
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Email info@sbravo.com for any questions, or to suggest a question to add to our page.
Faxing a question to Bravo customer service is also another good way to get a quick response and bypass the phones. The question is always answered with an easy-to-understand answer and the answer is explained so that you know the "why" involved.
MSDS For Bravo Systems Interstitial Fluid for use with Double Wall Hydrostatic Monitoring Systems
E-Mail us at: info@sbravo.com
