Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Mandatory Appendices
Appendix I Bubble Test Direct Pressure Technique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1000 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1010 Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1030 Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1031 Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1032 Bubble Solution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1033 Immersion Bath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1070 Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1071 Soak Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1072 Surface Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1073 Application of Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1074 Immersion in Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
I-1075 Lighting and Visual Aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
185
A99 186
Appendix V Helium Mass Spectrometer Test Tracer Probe and Hood Techniques . . . . . . . . . . 199
V-1010 Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
V-1030 Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199.1
V-1031 Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199.1
V-1032 Auxiliary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
V-1033 Calibration Leak Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
V-1060 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
V-1061 Instrument Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
V-1062 System Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
V-1070 Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
V-1071 Tracer Probe Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
V-1072 Hood Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
V-1080 Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
V-1081 Tracer Probe Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
V-1082 Hood Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
187 A99
Table
III-1031 Tracer Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
VIII-1031 Tracer Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204.1
Nonmandatory Appendix
Appendix A Supplementary Leak Testing Formula Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
A-10 Applicability of the Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
A99 188
189
T-1060 CALIBRATION
All openings shall be sealed using plugs, covers, (a) All dial indicating and recording type gages used
sealing wax, cement, or other suitable material that can shall be calibrated against a standard deadweight tester,
be readily and completely removed after completion a calibrated master gage, or a mercury column, and
of the test. Sealing materials shall be tracer gas free. recalibrated at least once a year, when in use, unless
specified differently by the referencing Code Section
or Mandatory Appendix. All gages used shall provide
results accurate to within the Manufacturers listed
T-1043 Temperature accuracy and shall be recalibrated at any time that
there is reason to believe they are in error.
The minimum metal temperature for all components (b) When other than dial indicating or recording
during a test shall be as specified in the applicable type gages are required by an applicable Mandatory
Mandatory Appendix of this Article or in the referencing Appendix, they shall be calibrated as required by that
Code Section for the hydrostatic, hydropneumatic, or Mandatory Appendix or referencing Code Section.
pneumatic test of the pressure component or parts. The
minimum or maximum temperature during the test shall
not exceed that temperature compatible with the leak T-1062 Temperature Measuring Devices
testing method or technique used. When temperature measurement is required by the
referencing Code Section or Mandatory Appendix, the
device(s) shall be calibrated in accordance with the
requirements of that Code Section or Mandatory Ap-
T-1044 Pressure /Vacuum (Pressure Limits)
pendix.
Unless specified in the applicable Mandatory Appen-
dix of this Article or by the referencing Code Section,
T-1063 Calibration Leak Standards
components that are to be pressure-leak tested shall
not be tested at a pressure exceeding 25% of the Design T-1063.1 Permeation Type Leak Standard. This
Pressure. standard shall be a calibrated permeation type leak
190
through fused glass or quartz. The standard shall have T-1090 DOCUMENTATION
a helium leakage rate in the range of 1 106 to 1
T-1091 Test Report A99
1010 std cm3 /sec.
The test report shall contain, as a minimum, the
A99 T-1063.2 Capillary Type Leak Standard. This stan- following information as applicable to the method or
dard shall be a calibrated capillary type leak through technique:
a tube. The standard shall have a leakage rate equal (a) date of test;
to or smaller than the required test sensitivity times (b) certification level and name of operator;
the actual percent test concentration of the selected (c) test procedure (number) and revision number;
tracer gas. (d) test method or technique;
(e) test results;
(f) component identification;
T-1070 TEST (g) test instrument, standard leak, and material identi-
fication;
See applicable Mandatory Appendix of this Article. (h) test conditions, test pressure, tracer gas, and gas
concentration;
(i) gage(s) manufacturer, model, range, and identi-
fication number;
T-1080 EVALUATION
(j) temperature measuring device(s) and identifica-
T-1081 Acceptance Standards tion number(s);
(k) sketch showing method or technique setup.
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing Code
Section, the acceptance criteria given for each method
or technique of that method shall apply. The supplemen-
T-1092 Record Retention
tal leak testing formulas for calculating leakage rates
for the method or technique used are stated in the The test report shall be maintained in accordance
Mandatory Appendices of this Article. with the requirements of the referencing Code Section.
191
193
I-1076 1998 SECTION V II-1073
I-1076 Indication of Leakage (c) The bubble forming solution shall be compatible
with the temperature conditions of the test.
The presence of continuous bubble growth on the
surface of the material indicates leakage through an
orifice passage(s) in the region under examination. II-1032 Vacuum Box
The vacuum box used shall be of convenient size
I-1077 Post-Test Cleaning [e.g., 6 in. (152 mm) wide by 30 in. (762 mm) long]
After testing, surface cleaning may be required for and contain a window in the side opposite the open
product serviceability. bottom. The open bottom edge shall be equipped with
a suitable gasket to form a seal against the test surface.
Suitable connections, valves, lighting, and gage shall
I-1080 EVALUATION be provided. The gage shall have a range of 0 psi
(0 kPa) to 15 psi (103 kPa), or equivalent pressure
(a) Unless otherwise specified by the referencing units such as 0 in. Hg to 30 in. Hg. The gage range
Code Section, the area under test is acceptable when limit requirements of T-1031(a) do not apply.
no continuous bubble formation is observed.
(b) When leakage is observed, the position of the
leak(s) shall be marked. The component will then be II-1033 Vacuum Source
depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by
the referencing Code Section. After repairs have been The required vacuum can be developed in the box
made, the repaired area or areas shall be retested in by any convenient method (e.g., air ejector, vacuum
accordance with the requirements of this Appendix. pump, or motor intake manifold). The gage shall register
a partial vacuum of at least 2 psi (4.1 in. Hg) (13.8 kPa)
below atmospheric pressure or the partial vacuum re-
quired by the referencing Code Section.
APPENDIX II BUBBLE TEST
VACUUM BOX TECHNIQUE
II-1000 INTRODUCTION II-1070 TEST
II-1010 SCOPE II-1071 Surface Temperature
The objective of the vacuum box technique of bubble As a standard technique, the temperature of the
leak testing is to locate leaks in a pressure boundary surface of the part to be examined shall not be below
that cannot be directly pressurized. This is accomplished 40F (4C) nor above 125F (52C) throughout the
by applying a solution to a local area of the pressure examination. Local heating or cooling is permitted
boundary surface and creating a differential pressure provided temperatures remain in the range of 40F
across that local area of the boundary causing the (4C) to 125F (52C) during the examination. Where it
formation of bubbles as leakage gas passes through is impractical to comply with the foregoing temperature
the solution. limitations, other temperatures may be used provided
that the procedure is demonstrated.
II-1030 EQUIPMENT
II-1031 Bubble Solution II-1072 Application of Solution
(a) The bubble forming solution shall produce a film The bubble forming solution shall be applied to the
that does not break away from the area to be tested, surface to be tested by flowing, spraying, or brushing
and the bubbles formed shall not break rapidly due to the solution over the examination area before placement
air drying or low surface tension. The number of of the vacuum box.
bubbles contained in the solution should be minimized
to reduce the problem of discriminating between existing
II-1073 Vacuum Box Placement
bubbles and those caused by leakage.
(b) Soaps or detergents designed specifically for The vacuum box shall be placed over the solution
cleaning shall not be used for the bubble forming coated section of the test surface and the box evacuated
solution. to the required partial vacuum.
194
II-1074 ARTICLE 10 MANDATORY APPENDICES III-1032
APPENDIX III HALOGEN DIODE III-1031.2 For Electron Capture. Halogen leak
DETECTOR PROBE TEST detectors, sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, is the recommended
tracer gas.
III-1000 INTRODUCTION
The more sophisticated electronic halogen leak detec-
tors have very high sensitivity. These instruments make
III-1032 Instrument A99
possible the detection of halogen gas flow from the
lower pressure side of a very small opening in an An electronic leak detector as described in III-1011
envelope or barrier separating two regions at different or III-1012 shall be used. Leakage shall be indicated
pressures. by one or more of the following signaling devices.
195
where the actual percent test concentration is the concen- III-1073 Soak Time
tration of the tracer gas that is to be used for the test.
See III-1072. Prior to examination, the test pressure shall be held a
minimum of 30 min. When demonstrated, the minimum
allowable soak time may be less than that specified
above due to the immediate dispersion of the halogen
A99 III-1062 Warm Up
gas when:
The detector shall be turned on and allowed to warm (a) a special temporary device (such as a leech box)
up for the minimum time specified by the instrument is used on open components to test short segments;
manufacturer prior to calibrating with the capillary leak (b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial
standard of III-1061. pressurization with halogen gas.
196
A99 III-1074 Scanning Distance leakage is detected that exceeds the allowable rate of
1 104 std cm3 /sec.
After the required soak time per III-1073, the detector
(b) When unacceptable leakage is detected, the posi-
probe tip shall be passed over the test surface. The
tion of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component
probe tip shall be kept within 18 in. (3.2 mm) of the
will then be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as
test surface during scanning. If a shorter distance is
required by the referencing Code Section. After repairs
used during calibration, then that distance shall not be
have been made, the repaired area or areas shall be
exceeded during the examination scanning.
retested in accordance with the requirements of this
Appendix.
III-1075 Scanning Rate
The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined
in III-1063. APPENDIX IV HELIUM MASS
SPECTROMETER TEST
DETECTOR PROBE TECHNIQUE
A99 III-1076 Scanning Direction
IV-1000 INTRODUCTION
The examination scan should commence in the upper-
most portion of the system being leak tested while IV-1010 SCOPE
progressively scanning downward. This technique describes the use of the helium mass
spectrometer to detect minute traces of helium gas in
III-1077 Leakage Detection pressurized components. The high sensitivity of this
leak detector makes possible the detection of helium
Leakage will be indicated and detected according to gas flow from the lower pressure side of a very small
either III-1032(a), III-1032(b), or III-1032(c). opening in an envelope or barrier separating two regions
at different pressures, or the determination of the pres-
III-1078 Application ence of helium in any gaseous mixture. The detector
probe is a semiquantitative technique used to detect and
The following are two examples of applications that locate leaks, and shall not be considered quantitative.
may be used (note that other types of applications may
be used).
III-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage IV-1030 EQUIPMENT
through the tube walls when testing a tubular heat
IV-1031 Instrument A99
exchanger, the detector probe tip should be inserted into
each tube end and held for the time period established by A helium mass spectrometer leak detector capable
demonstration. The examination scan should commence of sensing and measuring minute traces of helium shall
in the uppermost portion of the tubesheet tube rows be used. Leakage shall be indicated by one or more
while progressively scanning downward. of the following signaling devices.
(a) Meter a meter on, or attached to, the test
III-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examination.
instrument.
Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encapsula-
(b) Audio Devices a speaker or set of headphones
tor method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type
that emits audible indications.
with the small end attached to the probe tip end and
(c) Indicator Light a visible indicator light.
the large end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint.
If the encapsulator is used, the calibration response
time is determined by placing the encapsulator over IV-1032 Auxiliary Equipment
the orifice on the capillary calibration leak standard
(a) Transformer. A constant voltage transformer shall
and noting the time required for an indicated instrument
be used in conjunction with the instrument when line
response.
voltage is subject to variations.
(b) Detector Probe. All areas to be examined shall
be scanned for leaks using a detector probe (sniffer)
III-1080 EVALUATION
connected to the instrument through flexible tubing or
(a) Unless otherwise specified by the referencing a hose. To reduce instrument response and clean up
Code Section, the area tested is acceptable when no time, the tubing or hose length shall be less than 15
197
ft (4.6 m), unless the test setup is specifically designed IV-1033, containing 100% helium concentration for use
to attain the reduced response and clean up time for in IV-1062.2, shall be calculated as follows:
longer tubing or hose lengths.
actual percent test concentration
Q p 1 104
100
IV-1033 Calibration Leak Standards
Calibration leak standards may be either a permeation where the actual percent test concentration is the concen-
or capillary type standard per T-1063.1 and T-1063.2. tration of helium that is to be used for the test. See
The type of leak standard used shall be established by IV-1072.
the instrument or system sensitivity requirement, or as
IV-1062.2 Scanning Rate. After connecting the de- A99
specified by the referencing Code Section.
tector probe of IV-1032(b) to the instrument, the system
shall be calibrated by passing the detector probe tip
across the orifice of the capillary leak standard in
IV-1060 CALIBRATION IV-1062.1. The probe tip shall be kept within 18 in.
of the orifice of the capillary leak standard. The scanning
IV-1061 Instrument Calibration rate shall not exceed that which can detect leakage
IV-1061.1 Warm Up. The instrument shall be turned rate Q from the capillary leak standard. If the capil-
on and allowed to warm up for the minimum time lary leak standard helium source simulates the actual
specified by the instrument manufacturer prior to cali- test concentration, the scanning rate shall not exceed
brating with the calibrated leak standard. that which can detect actual allowable leakage of 1
104 std cm3 /sec.
IV-1061.2 Calibration. The instrument shall be cali-
brated as specified by the instrument manufacturer using IV-1062.3 Response Time. The time required for
a permeation type standard as stated in T-1063.1. an indication to appear and stabilize on the instrument
output is the response time and it should be observed
98 IV-1061.3 Sensitivity Acceptance during system calibration. It is usually desirable to
(a) For helium mass spectrometers with leak indicator keep this time as short as possible to reduce the time
meter range selector switch settings marked in actual required to pinpoint detected leakage.
leakage rate units and with the instrument tuned to
direct read when calibrated, the sensitivity of the instru- IV-1062.4 Clean Up Time. The time that is required
ment shall be a minimum of 1 109 std cm3/sec. If for the instrument to reduce its detected output signal
the sensitivity of the instrument at any calibration is to 37% of the signal indicated at the time tracer gas
less than 1 109 std cm3/sec, the instrument shall be ceases to be applied to the test system. It is usually
retuned, cleaned or repaired, and recalibrated until this desirable to keep this time as short as possible.
sensitivity can be attained. IV-1062.5 Frequency and Acceptance. Unless other-
(b) For helium mass spectrometers with leak indicator wise specified by the referencing Code Section, the
meter range selector switch settings marked in multiplier system sensitivity shall be determined before and after
units such as 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, etc., the sensitivity of testing and at intervals of not more than two hours
the instrument shall be a minimum of 1 109 std during the test. During any calibration check, if the
cm3/sec/div (a division is the unit on the instrument meter deflection, audible alarm, or visible light indicates
meter selected as the smallest readable signal indicating that the system cannot detect leakage per IV-1062.2,
real leakage. The meter unit selected as a division shall the instrument shall be recalibrated and all areas tested
be the same for both instrument and system calibration). after the last satisfactory calibration check shall be
If the sensitivity of the instrument at any calibration retested.
is less than 1 109 std cm3/sec/div, the instrument
shall be retuned, cleaned or repaired, and recalibrated
until this sensitivity can be obtained.
IV-1070 TEST
IV-1071 Location of Test
IV-1062 System Calibration
The component to be tested shall, if possible, be
A99 IV-1062.1 Standard Leak Size. The maximum leak- protected from drafts or located in an area where drafts
age rate Q for the capillary leak standard described in will not reduce the required sensitivity of the test.
198
A99 IV-1072 Concentration of Tracer Gas in the lowermost portion of the tubesheet tube rows
while progressively scanning upward.
The concentration of the helium tracer gas shall be
at least 10% by volume at the test pressure, unless IV-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examination.
otherwise specified by the referencing Code Section. Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encapsula-
tor method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type
with the small end attached to the probe tip end and
IV-1073 Soak Time
the large end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint.
Prior to examination, the test pressure shall be held If the encapsulator is used, the calibration response
a minimum of 30 min. The minimum allowable soak time is determined by placing the encapsulator over
time may be less than that specified above due to the the orifice on the capillary calibration leak standard
immediate dispersion of the helium gas when: and noting the time required for an indicated instrument
(a) a special temporary device (such as a leech box) response.
is used on open components to test short segments;
(b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial
pressurization with helium gas.
IV-1080 EVALUATION
A99 IV-1074 Scanning Distance (a) Unless otherwise specified by the referencing
Code Section, the area tested is acceptable when no
After the required soak time per IV-1073, the detector leakage is detected that exceeds the allowable rate of
probe tip shall be passed over the test surface. The 1 104 std cm3 /sec.
probe tip shall be kept within 18 in. (3.2 mm) of the (b) When unacceptable leakage is detected, the posi-
test surface during scanning. If a shorter distance is tion of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component
used during system calibration, then that distance shall will then be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as
not be exceeded during test scanning. required by the referencing Code Section. After repairs
have been made, the repaired area or areas shall be
retested in accordance with the requirements of this
IV-1075 Scanning Rate
Appendix.
The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined
in IV-1062.2.
199
V-1030 EQUIPMENT
A99 V-1031 Instrument
A helium mass spectrometer leak detector capable
of sensing and measuring minute traces of helium shall
be used. Leakage shall be indicated by one or more
of the following signaling devices.
(a) Meter (Tracer Probe and Hood Technique)
a meter on or attached to the test instrument.
(b) Audio Devices (Tracer Probe Technique) a
speaker or set of headphones that emits audible indica-
tions.
(c) Indicator Light (Tracer Probe Technique) a
visible indicator light.
199.1
V-1032 Auxiliary Equipment retuned, cleaned or repaired, and recalibrated until this
sensitivity can be attained.
(a) Transformer. A constant voltage transformer shall
(b) For helium mass spectrometers with leak indicator
be used in conjunction with the instrument when line
meter range selector switch settings marked in multiplier
voltage is subject to variations.
units such as 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, etc., the sensitivity of
(b) Auxiliary Pump System. When the size of the
the instrument shall be a minimum of 1 109 std
test system necessitates the use of an auxiliary vacuum
cm3/sec/div (a division is the unit on the instrument
pump system, the ultimate absolute pressure and pump
meter selected as the smallest readable signal indicating
speed capability of that system shall be sufficient to
the real leakage. The meter unit selected as a division
attain required test sensitivity and response time.
shall be the same for both instrument and system
(c) Manifold. A system of pipes and valves with
calibration). If the sensitivity of the instrument at any
proper connections for the instrument gages, auxiliary
calibration is less than 1 109 std cm3/sec/div, the
pump, calibration leak standard, and test component.
instrument shall be retuned, cleaned or repaired, and
(d) Tracer Probe. Tubing connected to a source of
recalibrated until this sensitivity can be obtained.
100% helium with a valved fine opening at the other
end for directing a fine stream of helium gas.
(e) Hood. Any suitable envelope or container, such
as a plastic bag, with a through aperture for the V-1062 System Calibration
manifold.
V-1062.1 Tracer Probe Technique. The capillary
(f) Vacuum Gage(s). The range of vacuum gage(s)
type calibrated leak standard, as stated in T-1063.2,
capable of measuring the absolute pressure at which
shall be attached to the component as far as possible
the evacuated system is being tested. The gage(s) for
from the instrument connection to the component. The
large systems shall be located on the system as far as
calibrated leak standard shall remain open during system
possible from the inlet to the pump system.
calibration.
(a) Calibration. With the component evacuated to
V-1033 Calibration Leak Standards an absolute pressure sufficient for connection of the
helium mass spectrometer to the system, the system
The calibration leak standard may be either a perme- shall be calibrated for the test by passing the tracer
ation or a capillary type standard as per T-1063.1 and probe tip across the orifice of the capillary leak standard
T-1063.2. The type of standard leak used shall be in V-1033. The probe tip shall be kept within 14 in.
established by the instrument or test sensitivity require- (6 mm) of the orifice of the capillary leak standard.
ments or as specified by the referencing Code Section. For a known flow rate from the tracer probe of 100%
helium, the scanning rate shall not exceed that which
can detect leakage (0) of 1 105 std cm3 /sec of
V-1060 CALIBRATION helium through the calibration leak standard into the
V-1061 Instrument Calibration test system. If the flow rate from the tracer probe is
reduced, the system calibration must be repeated to
V-1061.1 Warm Up. The instrument shall be turned determine a new scanning rate.
on and allowed to warm up for the minimum time (b) Normal Scanning. With the component evacuated
specified by the instrument manufacturer prior to cali- to an absolute pressure sufficient for connection of the
brating with the calibration leak standard. helium mass spectrometer to the system, the scanning
rate shall be determined by passing the tracer probe
V-1061.2 Calibration. The instrument shall be cali-
across the orifice of the capillary leak standard. The
brated as specified by the instrument manufacturer using
scanning rate shall not exceed that which can detect
a permeation type standard as stated in T-1063.1.
the leakage rate as stated in (a) above.
98 V-1061.3 Sensitivity Acceptance (c) Response Time. The time required for an indica-
(a) For helium mass spectrometers with leak indicator tion to appear and stabilize on the instrument output
meter range selector switch settings marked in actual should be observed during system calibration. It is
leakage rate units and with the instrument tuned to desirable to keep this time as short as possible to
direct read when calibrated, the sensitivity of the instru- reduce the time required to pinpoint detected leakage.
ment shall be a minimum of 1 109 std cm3/sec. If (d) Clean Up Time. The time that is required for
the sensitivity of the instrument at any calibration is the instrument to reduce its detected output signal to
less than 1 109 std cm3/sec, the instrument shall be 37% of the signal indicated at the time tracer gas
200
ceases to be applied to the test system. It is usually system upon completing the preliminary system sensitiv-
desirable to keep this time as short as possible. ity calibration.
(e) Calibration Frequency and Sensitivity. Unless (e) Final Calibration. Upon completing the test of
otherwise specified by the referencing Code Section, the system, and with the component still under the
the system sensitivity shall be determined before and hood, the instrument output reading M3 shall be deter-
after testing and at intervals of not more than 2 hrs mined with the calibrated leak closed. Again, the cali-
during testing. During any calibration check, if the brated leak shall be opened into the system being
meter deflection, audible alarm, or visible light indicates tested. The increase in instrument output M4 shall
that the system cannot detect leakage of 1 105 std be used in calculating the final system sensitivity as
cm3 /sec, the instrument shall be recalibrated and all follows:
areas tested after the last satisfactory calibration check
has been retested. CL
S2 p std cm3 / sec / div
V-1062.2 Hood Technique. A calibrated leak CL M 4 M3
standard as per T-1063.1 with 100% helium shall be
attached, where feasible, to the component as far as
If the final system sensitivity S2 has decreased below
possible from the instrument connection to the compo-
the initial system sensitivity S1 by more than 35%, the
nent. The calibrated leak standard shall remain open
instrument shall be cleaned and /or repaired, recalibrated
during system calibration until the response time has
and the component or system retested.
been determined.
(f) Measured Leakage Rate. The measured leakage
(a) Evacuation. With the component evacuated to
rate of the component shall be determined as follows:
an absolute pressure sufficient for connection of the
helium mass spectrometer to the system, the calibrated
leak standard shall be opened to the system. The Q1 p S2 (M3 M 2 ) std cm3 / sec
calibrated leak standard shall remain open until the
instrument signal becomes stable, and the response time (g) Actual Leakage Rate. Calculation of actual leak-
has been determined. age rate (corrected for tracer gas concentration used):
(b) Response Time. The time is recorded when the
calibrated leak standard is opened to the component
and when the increase in output signal becomes stable. Q1 100
Q2 p std cm3 / sec
The elapsed time between the two readings is the % He
response time. The stable instrument reading shall be
noted and recorded as M1 in divisions.
(c) Background Reading.1 Background M2 in divi-
sions is established after determining response time.
The calibration leak standard is closed to the system V-1070 TEST
and the instrument reading shall be recorded when it
becomes stable. V-1071 Tracer Probe Technique
(d) Preliminary Calibration. The preliminary system V-1071.1 Scanning Rate. The maximum scanning
sensitivity shall be calculated as follows: rate shall be as determined in V-1062.1(a).
1 Systembackground noise. For definition of symbols, see Nonmanda- V-1071.4 Leakage Detection. Leakage will be indi-
tory Appendix A. cated and detected according to V-1031.
201
V-1072 1998 SECTION V VI-1061
V-1072 Hood Technique vacuum retention are examples of techniques that may
be used whenever pressure change testing is specified
V-1072.1 Hood. For a single wall component or
as a means of determining leakage rates. The tests
part, the hood (envelope) container may be made of
specify a maximum allowable change in either pressure
a material such as plastic.
per unit of time, percentage volume, or mass change
V-1072.2 Filling of Hood with Tracer Gas. After
per unit of time.
completing preliminary calibration per V-1062.2(d), the
space between the component outer surface and the
hood shall be filled with helium after the component
has been evacuated. VI-1020 GENERAL
V-1072.3 Estimating or Determining Hood Tracer Each of the tests shall be performed by either pneu-
Gas Concentration. The tracer gas concentration shall matic pressurization or evacuation of a closed compo-
be determined or estimated in the hood enclosure. nent or system to a specific pressure or vacuum. Temper-
ature, pressure, or vacuum are systematically recorded
for a specified period of time. Analysis of data deter-
V-1080 EVALUATION mines the component or system acceptability with re-
spect to leakage rate or pressure change per unit of time.
V-1081 Tracer Probe Technique
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage
VI-1030 EQUIPMENT
is detected that exceeds the allowable rate of 1 105
std cm3 /sec. VI-1031 Pressure Measuring Instruments
(a) Gage Range. Dial indicating and recording type
V-1082 Hood Technique gages shall meet the requirements of T-1031(a). Liquid
manometers or quartz Bourdon tube gages may be used
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code over their entire range.
Section, the component tested is acceptable when the (b) Gage Location. The location of the gage(s) shall
actual leakage rate Q2 is equal to or less than 1 be that stated in T-1031(b).
106 std cm3 /sec of helium. (c) Types of Gages. Regular or absolute gages may
(a) When the actual leakage rate exceeds the permis- be used in pressure change testing. When greater accu-
sible value, all welds or other suspected areas shall be racy is required, quartz Bourdon tube gages or liquid
retested using a tracer probe technique. All leaks shall manometers may be used. The gage(s) used shall have
be marked and temporarily sealed to permit completion an accuracy, resolution, and repeatability compatible
of the tracer probe retest. The temporary seals shall with the acceptance criteria.
be of a type which can be readily and completely
removed after testing has been completed.
(b) The component will then be vented and the VI-1032 Temperature Measuring Instruments
leak(s) repaired as required by the referencing Code
Section. After repairs have been made, the repaired Dry bulb or dew point temperature measuring instru-
area or areas shall be retested in accordance with the ments, when used, shall have accuracy, repeatability, and
requirements of this Appendix. resolution compatible with the leakage rate acceptance
criteria.
APPENDIX VI PRESSURE
CHANGE TEST VI-1060 CALIBRATION
VI-1010 SCOPE VI-1061 Pressure Measuring Instruments
This test method describes the techniques for de- All dial indicating, recording, and quartz Bourdon
termining the leakage rate of the boundaries of a closed tube gages shall be calibrated per T-1061(b). The
component or system at a specific pressure or vacuum. scale of liquid manometers shall be calibrated against
Pressure hold, absolute pressure, maintenance of pres- standards that have known relationships to national
sure, pressure loss, pressure decay, pressure rise, and standards, where such standards exist.
202
VI-1062 ARTICLE 10 MANDATORY APPENDICES VII-1010
203
VII-1020 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS temperature that the leak detector is capable of indicating
for a particular division on the leak indicator scale
(a) This standard terminology for nondestructive ex-
leakage the fluid, either liquid or gas, flowing
aminations ASTM E 1316 has been adopted by the
through a leak and expressed in units of mass flow;
Committee as SE-1316.
i.e., pressure and volume per time
(b) SE-1316 Section E provides the definitions of
leak standard see standard leak in VII-1030(a)
terms listed in VII-1030(a).
quartz Bourdon tube gage this high accuracy
(c) For general terms such as Discontinuity, Evalua-
gage is a servonulling differential pressure measuring
tion, Flaw, Indication, Inspection, etc., refer to Article
electronic instrument. The pressure transducing element
1, Mandatory Appendix I.
is a one piece fused quartz Bourdon element.
(d) Paragraph VII-1030(b) provides a list of terms
regular pressure see gage pressure in VII-1030(a)
and definitions which are in addition to SE-1316 and
sensitivity the size of the smallest leakage rate
are Code specific.
that can be unambiguously detected by the leak testing
instrument, method, or technique being used
soak time the elapsed time between when the
desired differential pressure is attained on a system
and the time when the test technique is performed to
detect leakage or measure leakage rate
A99 VII-1030 REQUIREMENTS
standard dead weight tester a device for hydrau-
(a) The following SE-1316 terms are used in conjunc- lically balancing the pressure on a known high accuracy
tion with this Article: absolute pressure; background weight against the reading on a pressure gage for the
signal; gage pressure; gas; halogen; halogen leak purpose of calibrating the gage
detector; hood test; leak; leakage rate; leak testing; system calibration introduction of a known size
mass spectrometer; mass spectrometer leak detector; standard leak into a test system with a leak detector
sampling probe; standard leak; tracer gas; vacuum. for the purpose of determining the smallest size leakage
(b) The following Code terms are used in conjunction rate of a particular gas at a specific pressure and
with this Article. temperature that the leak detector as part of the test
background reading see background signal in system is capable of indicating for a particular division
VII-1030(a) on the leak indicator scale
calibration leak standard see standard leak in thermal conductivity detector a leak detector that
VII-1030(a) responds to differences in the thermal conductivity of
detector probe see sampling probe in VII-1030(a) a sampled gas and the gas used to zero it (i.e.,
dew point temperature that temperature at which background atmosphere)
the gas in a system would be capable of holding no vacuum box a device used to obtain a pressure
more water vapor and condensation in the form of dew differential across a weld that cannot be directly pressur-
would occur ized. It contains a large viewing window, special easy
dry bulb temperature the ambient temperature of seating and sealing gasket, gage, and a valved connec-
the gas in a system tion for an air ejector, vacuum pump, or intake manifold
halogen diode detector see halogen leak detector water vapor gaseous form of water in a system
in VII-1030(a)
helium mass spectrometer see mass spectrometer
and mass spectrometer leak detector in VII-1030(a)
hood technique see hood test in VII-1030(a)
immersion bath a low surface tension liquid into
which a gas containing enclosure is submerged to detect APPENDIX VIII THERMAL A99
leakage which forms at the site or sites of a leak or leaks CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR
immersion solution see immersion bath PROBE TEST
inert gas a gas that resists combining with other
VIII-1000 INTRODUCTION
substances. Examples are helium, neon, and argon.
instrument calibration introduction of a known These instruments make possible the detection of a
size standard leak into an isolated leak detector for tracer gas flow from the lower pressure side of a very
the purpose of determining the smallest size leakage small opening in an envelope or barrier separating two
rate of a particular gas at a specific pressure and regions at different pressures.
204
204.1
from the calibration standard of VIII-1061, the instru- VIII-1076 Scanning Direction
ment shall be recalibrated and areas tested after the
For tracer gases that are lighter than air, the examina-
last satisfactory calibration check shall be retested.
tion scan should commence in the lowermost portion
of the system being tested while progressively scanning
upward. For tracer gases that are heavier than air, the
examination scan should commence in the uppermost
VIII-1070 TEST
portion of the system being tested while progressively
VIII-1071 Location of Test scanning downward.
(a) The test area shall be free of contaminants that
could interfere with the test or give erroneous results. VIII-1077 Leakage Detection
(b) The component to be tested shall, if possible, Leakage shall be indicated and detected according
be protected from drafts or located in an area where to either VIII-1032(a), VIII-1032(b), or VIII-1032(c).
drafts will not reduce the required sensitivity of the test.
VIII-1078 Application
VIII-1072 Concentration of Tracer Gas The following are two examples of applications that
may be used (note that other types of applications may
The concentration of the tracer gas shall be at least be used).
10% by volume at the test pressure, unless otherwise
specified by the referencing Code Section. VIII-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage
through the tube walls when testing a tubular heat
exchanger, the detector probe tip should be inserted
VIII-1073 Soak Times into each tube and held for the time period established
by demonstration.
Prior to examination, the test pressure shall be held a
VIII-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examination.
minimum of 30 min. When demonstrated, the minimum
Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encapsula-
allowable soak time may be less than that specified
tor method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type
above due to the immediate dispersion of the tracer
with the small end attached to the probe tip end and
gas when: the large end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint.
(a) a special temporary device (such as a leech box) If the encapsulator is used, the calibration response
is used on open components to test short segments; time is determined by placing the encapsulator over
(b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial the orifice on the capillary calibration leak standard
pressurization with tracer gas. and noting the time required for an indicated instrument
response.
204.2
205