Asme Sec V A-10

ARTICLE 10
LEAK TESTING
T-1000 INTRODUCTION shall, as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in

the applicable Appendices, paras. I-1021 through X-1021
T-1010 SCOPE
and Tables I-1021 through X-1021. The written procedure
This Article describes methods and requirements for shall establish a single value, or range of values, for each
the performance of leak testing. requirement.
(a) When a leak testing method or technique of Article T-1021.2 Modification of Requirements. Article 10 04
10 is specified by a referencing Code Section, the leak contains test techniques; therefore, there are requirements
test method or technique shall be used together with that cannot be modified by the manufacturer through the
Article 1, General Requirements. demonstration process per T-150. Only those require-
(b) Definition of terms used in this Article are in Man- ments listed in Tables I-1021 through X-1021 may be so
datory Appendix VII of this Article. modified by demonstration.
(c) The test methods or techniques of these methods
can be used for the location of leaks or the measurement T-1021.3 Procedure Qualification. When procedure
of leakage rates. qualification is specified, a change of a requirement in
The specific test method(s) or technique(s) and Glos- the applicable Appendix Tables I-1021 through X-1021
sary of Terms of the methods in this Article are described identified as an essential variable, from the specified
in Mandatory Appendices I through X and Nonmandatory value, or range of values, shall require requalification of
Appendix A as follows: the written procedure. A change of a requirement identi-
Appendix I — Bubble Test — Direct Pressure Tech- fied as a nonessential variable from the specified value,
nique or range of values, does not require requalification of the
Appendix II — Bubble Test — Vacuum Box Tech- written procedure. All changes of essential and nonessen-
nique tial elements from the value, or range of values, specified
Appendix III — Halogen Diode Detector Probe Test by the written procedure shall require revision of, or an
Appendix IV — Helium Mass Spectrometer Test — addendum to, the written procedure.
Detector Probe Technique
Appendix V — Helium Mass Spectrometer Test — T-1022 Referencing Code
Tracer Probe Technique
Appendix VI — Pressure Change Test For the leak testing method(s) or technique(s) specified
Appendix VII — Glossary of Terms by the referencing Code, the referencing Code Section
Appendix VIII — Thermal Conductivity Detector shall then be consulted for the following:
Probe Test (a) personnel qualification /certification
Appendix IX — Helium Mass Spectrometer Test — (b) technique(s) /calibration standards
Hood Technique (c) extent of examination
Appendix X — Ultrasonic Leak Detector Test (d) acceptable test sensitivity or leakage rate
Appendix A — Supplementary Leak Testing Formula (e) report requirements
Symbols (f) retention of records
T-1020 GENERAL T-1030 EQUIPMENT

T-1021 Written Procedure Requirements T-1031 Gages
T-1021.1 Requirements. Leak testing shall be per- (a) Gage Range. When dial indicating and recording
formed in accordance with a written procedure, which pressure gage(s) are used in leak testing, they should
145
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T-1031 2004 SECTION V T-1063.1
preferably have the dial(s) graduated over a range of T-1044 Pressure /Vacuum (Pressure Limits)
approximately double the intended maximum pressure,
Unless specified in the applicable Mandatory Appendix
but in no case shall the range be less than 11⁄2 nor more
of this Article or by the referencing Code Section, compo-
than four times that pressure. These range limits do not
nents that are to be pressure-leak tested shall not be tested
apply to dial indicating and recording vacuum gages.
at a pressure exceeding 25% of the Design Pressure.
Range requirements for other types of gages given in an
applicable Mandatory Appendix shall be as required by
that Appendix.
T-1050 PROCEDURE
(b) Gage Location. When components are to be
pressure /vacuum leak tested, the dial indicating gage(s) T-1051 Preliminary Leak Test
shall be connected to the component or to the component Prior to employing a sensitive leak testing method, it
from a remote location, with the gage(s) readily visible may be expedient to perform a preliminary test to detect
to the operator controlling the pressure /vacuum through- and eliminate gross leaks. This shall be done in a manner
out the duration of pressurizing, evacuating, testing, and that will not seal or mask leaks during the specified test.
depressurizing or venting of the component. For large
vessels or systems where one or more gages are specified
or required, a recording type gage is recommended, and T-1052 Test Sequence
it may be substituted for one of the two or more indicating It is recommended that leak testing be performed before
type gages. hydrostatic or hydropneumatic testing.
(c) When other types of gage(s) are required by an
applicable Mandatory Appendix, they may be used in
conjunction with or in place of dial indicating or recording T-1060 CALIBRATION
type gages.
T-1061 Pressure /Vacuum Gages
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(a) All dial indicating and recording type gages used

T-1040 MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS shall be calibrated against a standard deadweight tester,
a calibrated master gage, or a mercury column, and recali-
T-1041 Cleanliness
brated at least once a year, when in use, unless specified
The surface areas to be tested shall be free of oil, differently by the referencing Code Section or Mandatory
grease, paint, or other contaminants that might mask a Appendix. All gages used shall provide results accurate
leak. If liquids are used to clean the component or if a to within the Manufacturer’s listed accuracy and shall be
hydrostatic or hydropneumatic test is performed before recalibrated at any time that there is reason to believe
leak testing, the component shall be dry before leak they are in error.
testing. (b) When other than dial indicating or recording type
gages are required by an applicable Mandatory Appendix,
they shall be calibrated as required by that Mandatory
T-1042 Openings Appendix or referencing Code Section.
All openings shall be sealed using plugs, covers, seal-
ing wax, cement, or other suitable material that can be T-1062 Temperature Measuring Devices
readily and completely removed after completion of the
test. Sealing materials shall be tracer gas free. When temperature measurement is required by the ref-
erencing Code Section or Mandatory Appendix, the
device(s) shall be calibrated in accordance with the
T-1043 Temperature requirements of that Code Section or Mandatory
Appendix.
The minimum metal temperature for all components
during a test shall be as specified in the applicable Manda-
tory Appendix of this Article or in the referencing Code T-1063 Calibration Leak Standards
Section for the hydrostatic, hydropneumatic, or pneu- T-1063.1 Permeation Type Leak Standard. This
matic test of the pressure component or parts. The mini- standard shall be a calibrated permeation type leak
mum or maximum temperature during the test shall not through fused glass or quartz. The standard shall have a
exceed that temperature compatible with the leak testing helium leakage rate in the range of 1 ⴛ 10−6 to 1 ⴛ 10−10
method or technique used. std cm3 /s. (1 ⴛ 10−7 to 1 ⴛ 10−11 Pa m3 /s).
146
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T-1063.2 ARTICLE 10 — LEAK TESTING T-1092
T-1063.2 Capillary Type Leak Standard. This stan- (a) date of test;
dard shall be a calibrated capillary type leak through a (b) certification level and name of operator;
tube. The standard shall have a leakage rate equal to or (c) test procedure (number) and revision number;
smaller than the required test sensitivity times the actual (d) test method or technique;
percent test concentration of the selected tracer gas.
(e) test results;
(f) component identification;
T-1070 TEST
(g) test instrument, standard leak, and material identi-
See applicable Mandatory Appendix of this Article. fication;
(h) test conditions, test pressure, tracer gas, and gas
T-1080 EVALUATION concentration;
T-1081 Acceptance Standards (i) gage(s) — manufacturer, model, range, and identi-
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing Code fication number;
Section, the acceptance criteria given for each method or (j) temperature measuring device(s) and identification
technique of that method shall apply. The supplemental number(s);
leak testing formulas for calculating leakage rates for the (k) sketch showing method or technique setup.
method or technique used are stated in the Mandatory
Appendices of this Article.
T-1090 DOCUMENTATION T-1092 Record Retention

T-1091 Test Report
The test report shall contain, as a minimum, the follow- The test report shall be maintained in accordance with
ing information as applicable to the method or technique: the requirements of the referencing Code Section.
147
ARTICLE 10
MANDATORY APPENDICES
APPENDIX I — BUBBLE TEST — I-1030 EQUIPMENT

DIRECT PRESSURE TECHNIQUE I-1031 Gases
I-1000 INTRODUCTION Unless otherwise specified, the test gas will normally
I-1010 SCOPE be air; however, inert gases may be used.
The objective of the direct pressure technique of bubble NOTE: When inert gas is used, safety aspects of oxygen deficient
atmosphere should be considered.
leak testing is to locate leaks in a pressurized component
by the application of a solution or by immersion in liquid
that will form bubbles as leakage gas passes through it. I-1032 Bubble Solution
(a) The bubble forming solution shall produce a film
I-1020 GENERAL that does not break away from the area to be tested, and
the bubbles formed shall not break rapidly due to air
I-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
drying or low surface tension. Household soap or deter-
I-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of gents are not permitted as substitutes for bubble testing
T-1021.1, Table I-1021, and the following as specified solutions.
in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
(b) The bubble forming solution shall be compatible
(a) soak time with the temperature of the test conditions.
(b) pressure gage
(c) test pressure
(d) acceptance criteria I-1033 Immersion Bath
I-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The requirements (a) Water or another compatible solution shall be used
of T-1021.3 and Table I-1021 shall apply. for the bath.
TABLE I-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A DIRECT PRESSURE BUBBLE LEAK TESTING PROCEDURE
Essential Nonessential
Requirement Variable Variable
Bubble forming solution (Brand name or type) X

Surface temperature1 (change to outside the range specified in this article
or as previously qualified) X
Surface preparation technique X
Lighting intensity (decrease below that specified in this Article
Personnel performance qualification requirements, when required X
Solution applicator X
Pressurizing Gas (air or inert gas) X
Post testing cleaning technique X
Personnel qualification requirements X
NOTE:
(1) The minimum metal temperature during test shall not be below that specified in the referencing Code Section for the hydro, hydropneumatic,
or pneumatic test. The minimum or maximum temperature during test shall also be compatible with the testing method.
148
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I-1033 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES II-1031
(b) The immersion solution shall be compatible with I-1080 EVALUATION

the temperature of the test conditions. I-1081 Leakage
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
Section, the area under test is acceptable when no continu-
I-1070 TEST
ous bubble formation is observed.
I-1071 Soak Time
Prior to examination the test pressure shall be held for I-1082 Repair/Retest
a minimum of 15 min.
When leakage is observed, the location of the leak(s)
shall be marked. The component shall then be depressur-
I-1072 Surface Temperature ized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by the referenc-
ing Code Section. After repairs have been made, the
As a standard technique, the temperature of the surface repaired area or areas shall be retested in accordance with
of the part to be examined shall not be below 40°F (5°C) the requirements of this Appendix.
nor above 125°F (50°C) throughout the examination.
Local heating or cooling is permitted provided tempera-
tures remain within the range of 40°F (5°C) to 125°F
(50°C) during examination. Where it is impractical to
APPENDIX II — BUBBLE TEST —
comply with the foregoing temperature limitations, other VACUUM BOX TECHNIQUE
temperatures may be used provided that the procedure is II-1000 INTRODUCTION
demonstrated.
II-1010 SCOPE
The objective of the vacuum box technique of bubble
I-1073 Application of Solution leak testing is to locate leaks in a pressure boundary that
The bubble forming solution shall be applied to the cannot be directly pressurized. This is accomplished by
surface to be tested by flowing, spraying, or brushing applying a solution to a local area of the pressure bound-
the solution over the examination area. The number of ary surface and creating a differential pressure across
bubbles produced in the solution by application should that local area of the boundary causing the formation of
be minimized to reduce the problem of masking bubbles bubbles as leakage gas passes through the solution.
caused by leakage.
II-1020 GENERAL
I-1074 Immersion in Bath II-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
The area of interest shall be placed below the surface II-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
of the bath in an easily observable position. T-1021.1, Table II-1021, and the following as specified
in this Article or referencing Code shall apply:
(a) pressure gage
I-1075 Lighting and Visual Aids (b) vacuum test pressure
(c) vacuum retention time
When performing the test, the requirements of Article
(d) box overlap
9, T-952 and T-953 shall apply.
(e) acceptance criteria
II-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
I-1076 Indication of Leakage ments of T-1021.3 and Table II-1021 shall apply.
The presence of continuous bubble growth on the sur-
face of the material indicates leakage through an orifice
passage(s) in the region under examination. II-1030 EQUIPMENT
II-1031 Bubble Solution
I-1077 Post-Test Cleaning (a) The bubble forming solution shall produce a film
that does not break away from the area to be tested, and
After testing, surface cleaning may be required for the bubbles formed shall not break rapidly due to air
product serviceability. drying or low surface tension. The number of bubbles
149
II-1031 2004 SECTION V II-1076
TABLE II-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A VACUUM BOX LEAK TESTING PROCEDURE
Bubble forming solution (Brand name or type) X

Surface temperature1 (change to outside the range specified in this article
Lighting intensity (decrease below that specified in this Article
Vacuum box (size and shape) X
Vacuum source X
Solution applicator X
NOTE:
contained in the solution should be minimized to reduce nor above 125°F (50°C) throughout the examination.
the problem of discriminating between existing bubbles Local heating or cooling is permitted provided tempera-
and those caused by leakage. tures remain in the range of 40°F (5°C) to 125°F (50°C)
(b) Soaps or detergents designed specifically for clean- during the examination. Where it is impractical to comply
ing shall not be used for the bubble forming solution. with the foregoing temperature limitations, other temper-
(c) The bubble forming solution shall be compatible atures may be used provided that the procedure is demon-
with the temperature conditions of the test. strated.
II-1032 Vacuum Box II-1072 Application of Solution

The vacuum box used shall be of convenient size [e.g., The bubble forming solution shall be applied to the
6 in. (150 mm) wide by 30 in. (750 mm) long] and contain surface to be tested by flowing, spraying, or brushing the
a window in the side opposite the open bottom. The open solution over the examination area before placement of
bottom edge shall be equipped with a suitable gasket to the vacuum box.
form a seal against the test surface. Suitable connections,
valves, lighting, and gage shall be provided. The gage II-1073 Vacuum Box Placement
shall have a range of 0 psi (0 kPa) to 15 psi (100 kPa),
or equivalent pressure units such as 0 in. Hg to 30 in. The vacuum box shall be placed over the solution
Hg (0 mm Hg to 750 mm Hg). The gage range limit coated section of the test surface and the box evacuated
requirements of T-1031(a) do not apply. to the required partial vacuum.
II-1033 Vacuum Source II-1074 Pressure (Vacuum) Retention

The required vacuum can be developed in the box by The required partial vacuum (differential pressure)
any convenient method (e.g., air ejector, vacuum pump, shall be maintained for at least 10 sec examination time.
or motor intake manifold). The gage shall register a partial
vacuum of at least 2 psi (4 in. Hg) (15 kPa) below atmo- II-1075 Vacuum Box Overlap
spheric pressure or the partial vacuum required by the An overlap of 2 in. (50 mm) minimum for adjacent
referencing Code Section. placement of the vacuum box shall be used for each
subsequent examination.
II-1070 TEST
II-1071 Surface Temperature II-1076 Lighting and Visual Aids
As a standard technique, the temperature of the surface When performing the test, the requirements of Article
of the part to be examined shall not be below 40°F (5°C) 9, T-952 and T-953 shall apply.
150
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II-1077 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES III-1032
II-1077 Indication of Leakage cathode. A current proportional to the rate of ion forma-
tion is indicated on a meter.
The presence of continuous bubble growth on the sur-
face of the material or weld seam indicates leakage
through an orifice passage(s) in the region under exami- III-1012 Electron Capture Halogen Leak
nation. Detectors
The electron capture halogen detector probe instrument
II-1078 Post-Test Cleaning uses the principle of the affinity of certain molecular
compounds for low energy free electrons usually pro-
After testing, cleaning may be required for product
duced by ionization of gas flow through an element with
serviceability.
a weak radioactive tritium source. When the gas flow
contains halides, electron capture occurs causing a reduc-
II-1080 EVALUATION tion in the concentration of halogen ions present as indi-
cated on a meter. Non-electron capturing nitrogen or
II-1081 Leakage argon is used as background gas.
Section, the area under test is acceptable when no continu-
ous bubble formation is observed. III-1020 GENERAL
III-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
II-1082 Repair/Retest III-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
T-1021.1, Table III-1021, and the following as specified
When leakage is observed, the location of the leak(s) in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
shall be marked. The vacuum box shall then be vented (a) leak standard
and the leak(s) repaired as required by the referencing
(b) tracer gas
Code Section. After repairs have been made, the repaired
(c) tracer gas concentration
area or areas shall be retested in accordance with the
(d) test pressure
requirements of this Appendix.
(e) soak time
(f) scanning distance
(g) pressure gage
APPENDIX III — HALOGEN DIODE (h) sensitivity verification checks
DETECTOR PROBE TEST (i) acceptance criteria
III-1000 INTRODUCTION III-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
The more sophisticated electronic halogen leak detec- ments of T-1021.3 and Table III-1021 shall apply.
tors have very high sensitivity. These instruments make
possible the detection of halogen gas flow from the lower
pressure side of a very small opening in an envelope or III-1030 EQUIPMENT
barrier separating two regions at different pressures. III-1031 Tracer Gas
Gases that may be used are shown in Table III-1031.
III-1010 SCOPE III-1031.1 For Alkali-Ion Diode. Halogen leak detec-
tors, select a tracer gas from Table III-1031 that will
The halogen detector probe test method is a semiquanti-
produce the necessary test sensitivity.
tative method used to detect and locate leaks, and shall
not be considered quantitative. III-1031.2 For Electron Capture. Halogen leak
detectors, sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, is the recommended
tracer gas.
III-1011 Alkali-Ion Diode (Heated Anode)
Halogen Leak Detectors
III-1032 Instrument
The alkali-ion diode halogen detector probe instrument
uses the principle of a heated platinum element (anode) An electronic leak detector as described in III-1011 or
and an ion collector plate (cathode), where halogen vapor III-1012 shall be used. Leakage shall be indicated by one
is ionized by the anode, and the ions are collected by the or more of the following signaling devices.
151
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III-1032 2004 SECTION V III-1065
TABLE III-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A HALOGEN DIODE DETECTOR PROBE TESTING PROCEDURE
Instrument manufacturer and model X

Metal temperature1 (change to outside the range specified in this Article
Scanning rate (maximum as demonstrated during system
calibration) X
Pressurizing gas (air or an inert gas) X
Scanning direction X
Signaling device X
NOTE:
TABLE III-1031 where Qs is 1 ⴛ 10−4 std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s), unless

TRACER GASES specified otherwise by the referencing Code Section, and %TG
Commercial Chemical is the concentration of the tracer gas (in %) that is to be used
Designation Chemical Designation Symbol for the test (See III-1072).
Refrigerant-11 Trichloromonofluoromethane CCl3 F
Refrigerant-12 Dichlorodifluoromethane CCl2 F2 III-1062 Warm Up
Refrigerant-21 Dichloromonofluoromethane CHCl2 F
Refrigerant-22 Chlorodifluoromethane CHCIF2 The detector shall be turned on and allowed to warm
Refrigerant-114 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane C2 Cl2 F4 up for the minimum time specified by the instrument
Refrigerant-134a Tetrafluoroethane C2 H2 F4 manufacturer prior to calibrating with the leak standard.
Methylene Chloride Dichloromethane CH2 Cl2
Sulfur Hexafluoride Sulfur Hexafluoride SF6
III-1063 Scanning Rate
The instrument shall be calibrated by passing the probe
(a) Meter — a meter on the test instrument, or a probe, tip across the orifice of the leak standard in III-1061. The
or both. probe tip shall be kept within 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) of the orifice
(b) Audio Devices — a speaker or set of headphones of the leak standard. The scanning rate shall not exceed
that emits audible indications. that which can detect leakage rate Q from the leak stan-
(c) Indicator Light — a visible indicator light. dard. The meter deflection shall be noted or the audible
alarm or indicator light set for this scanning rate.
III-1033 Capillary Calibration Leak Standard
A capillary type leak standard per T-1063.2 using III-1064 Detection Time
100% tracer gas as selected per III-1031. The time required to detect leakage from the leak stan-
dard is the detection time and it should be observed during
system calibration. It is usually desirable to keep this
III-1060 CALIBRATION time as short as possible to reduce the time required to
III-1061 Standard Leak Size pinpoint detected leakage.
The maximum leakage rate Q for the leak standard
described in III-1033 containing 100% tracer concentra- III-1065 Frequency and Sensitivity
tion for use in III-1063 shall be calculated as follows: Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
%TG Section, the sensitivity of the detector shall be determined
Q p Qs
100 before and after testing and at intervals of not more than
152
III-1065 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES IV-1010
4 hr during testing. During any calibration check, if the III-1077 Leakage Detection
meter deflection, audible alarm, or indicator light indi- Leakage shall be indicated and detected according to
cates that the detector cannot detect leakage from the III-1032.
leak standard of III-1061, the instrument shall be recali-
brated and areas tested after the last satisfactory calibra-
tion check shall be retested. III-1078 Application
The following are two examples of applications that
may be used (note that other types of applications may
III-1070 TEST be used).
III-1071 Location of Test III-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage
(a) The test area shall be free of contaminants that through the tube walls when testing a tubular heat
could interfere with the test or give erroneous results. exchanger, the detector probe tip should be inserted into
(b) The component to be tested shall, if possible, be each tube end and held for the time period established
protected from drafts or located in an area where drafts by demonstration. The examination scan should com-
will not reduce the required sensitivity of the test. mence in the uppermost portion of the tubesheet tube
rows while progressively scanning downward.
III-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examination.
III-1072 Concentration of Tracer Gas
Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encapsula-
The concentration of the tracer gas shall be at least tor method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type with
10% by volume at the test pressure, unless otherwise the small end attached to the probe tip end and the large
specified by the referencing Code Section. end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint. If the encap-
sulator is used, the detection time is determined by placing
the encapsulator over the orifice on the leak standard
III-1073 Soak Time
and noting the time required for an indicated instrument
Prior to examination, the test pressure shall be held a response.
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 gas when: III-1080 EVALUATION
(a) a special temporary device (such as a leech box) III-1081 Leakage
is used on open components to test short segments; Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
(b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage is
pressurization with halogen gas. detected that exceeds the allowable rate of 1 ⴛ 10−4 std
cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s).
III-1074 Scanning Distance
III-1082 Repair/Retest
After the required soak time per III-1073, the detector
probe tip shall be passed over the test surface. The probe When unacceptable leakage is detected, the location
tip shall be kept within 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) of the test surface of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component shall then
during scanning. If a shorter distance is used during cali- be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by
bration, then that distance shall not be exceeded during the referencing Code Section. After repairs have been
the examination scanning. made, the repaired area or areas shall be retested in accor-
dance with the requirements of this Appendix.
III-1075 Scanning Rate

The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined in APPENDIX IV — HELIUM MASS
III-1063. SPECTROMETER TEST —
DETECTOR PROBE TECHNIQUE
III-1076 Scanning Direction IV-1000 INTRODUCTION
The examination scan should commence in the upper- IV-1010 SCOPE
most portion of the system being leak tested while pro- This technique describes the use of the helium mass
gressively scanning downward. spectrometer to detect minute traces of helium gas in
153
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IV-1010 2004 SECTION V IV-1033
TABLE IV-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A HELIUM MASS SPECTROMETER DETECTOR PROBE TESTING PROCEDURE

Detector Probe manufacturer and model X
Pressurizing gas (air or inert gas) X
Scanning rate (maximum as demonstrated during system calibration) X
Signaling device X
NOTE:
pressurized components. The high sensitivity of this leak used. Leakage shall be indicated by one or more of the
detector makes possible the detection of helium gas flow following signaling devices.
from the lower pressure side of a very small opening in (a) Meter — a meter on, or attached to, the test
an envelope or barrier separating two regions at different instrument.
pressures, or the determination of the presence of helium (b) Audio Devices — a speaker or set of headphones
in any gaseous mixture. The detector probe is a semiquan- that emits audible indications.
titative technique used to detect and locate leaks, and (c) Indicator Light — a visible indicator light.
shall not be considered quantitative.
IV-1020 GENERAL
IV-1021 Written Procedure Requirements IV-1032 Auxiliary Equipment
IV-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
(a) Transformer. A constant voltage transformer shall
T-1021.1, Table IV-1021, and the following as specified
be used in conjunction with the instrument when line
in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
voltage is subject to variations.
(a) instrument leak standard
(b) system leak standard (b) Detector Probe. All areas to be examined shall be
(c) tracer gas scanned for leaks using a detector probe (sniffer) con-
(d) tracer gas concentration nected to the instrument through flexible tubing or a hose.
To reduce instrument response and clean up time, the
(e) test pressure
tubing or hose length shall be less than 15 ft (4.5 m),
(f) soak time
unless the test setup is specifically designed to attain the
(g) scanning distance
reduced response and clean up time for longer tubing or
(h) pressure gage
hose lengths.
(i) sensitivity verification checks
(j) acceptance criteria
IV-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
ments of T-1021.3 and Table IV-1021 shall apply. IV-1033 Calibration Leak Standards
Calibration leak standards may be either a permeation

IV-1030 EQUIPMENT
or capillary type standard per T-1063.1 and T-1063.2.
IV-1031 Instrument The type of leak standard used shall be established by
A helium mass spectrometer leak detector capable of the instrument or system sensitivity requirement, or as
sensing and measuring minute traces of helium shall be specified by the referencing Code Section.
154
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IV-1060 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES IV-1078
IV-1060 CALIBRATION IV-1070 TEST

IV-1061 Instrument Calibration IV-1071 Location of Test
IV-1061.1 Warm Up. The instrument shall be turned The component to be tested shall, if possible, be pro-
on and allowed to warm up for the minimum time speci- tected from drafts or located in an area where drafts will
fied by the instrument manufacturer prior to calibrating not reduce the required sensitivity of the test.
with the calibrated leak standard.
IV-1061.2 Calibration. Calibrate the helium mass IV-1072 Concentration of Tracer Gas
spectrometer per the instruments manufacturer’s opera-
tion and maintenance manual, using a permeation type The concentration of the helium tracer gas shall be at
leak standard as stated in T-1063.1 to establish that the least 10% by volume at the test pressure, unless otherwise
instrument is at optimum or adequate sensitivity. The specified by the referencing Code Section.
instrument shall have a sensitivity of at least 1 ⴛ 10−9
std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−10 Pa m3 /s) for helium. IV-1073 Soak Time
Prior to testing, the test pressure shall be held a mini-
IV-1062 System Calibration mum of 30 min. The minimum allowable soak time may
IV-1062.1 Standard Leak Size. The maximum leak- be less than that specified above due to the immediate
age rate Q for the leak standard described in IV-1033, dispersion of the helium gas when:
containing 100% helium concentration for use in (a) a special temporary device (such as a leech box)
IV-1062.2, shall be calculated as follows: is used on open components to test short segments;
%TG
(b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial
Q p Qs pressurization with helium gas.
100
where Qs is 1 ⴛ 10−4 std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s), unless

IV-1074 Scanning Distance
specified otherwise by the referencing Code Section, and
%TG is the concentration of the tracer gas (in %) that is After the required soak time per IV-1073, the detector
to be used for the test (See IV-1072). probe tip shall be passed over the test surface. The probe
tip shall be kept within 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) of the test surface
IV-1062.2 Scanning Rate. After connecting the
during scanning. If a shorter distance is used during sys-
detector probe to the instrument, the system shall be
tem calibration, then that distance shall not be exceeded
calibrated by passing the detector probe tip across the
during test scanning.
orifice of the leak standard in IV-1062.1. The probe tip
shall be kept within 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) of the orifice of the
leak standard. The scanning rate shall not exceed that IV-1075 Scanning Rate
which can detect leakage rate Q from the leak standard. The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined in
The meter deflection shall be noted or the audible alarm IV-1062.2.
or indicator light set for this scanning rate.
IV-1062.3 Detection Time. The time required to IV-1076 Scanning Direction
detect leakage from the leak standard is the detection
time, and it should be observed during system calibration. The examination scan should commence in the lower-
It is usually desirable to keep this time as short as possible most portion of the system being tested while progres-
to reduce the time required to pinpoint detected leakage. sively scanning upward.
IV-1062.4 Frequency and Sensitivity. Unless other-

wise specified by the referencing Code Section, the sys- IV-1077 Leakage Detection
tem sensitivity shall be determined before and after testing Leakage shall be indicated and detected according to
and at intervals of not more than 4 hr during the test. IV-1031.
During any calibration check, if the meter deflection,
audible alarm, or visible light indicates that the system
IV-1078 Application
cannot detect leakage per IV-1062.2, the system, and if
necessary, the instrument, shall be recalibrated and all The following are two examples of applications that
areas tested after the last satisfactory calibration check may be used (note that other types of applications may
shall be retested. be used).
155
IV-1078.1 2004 SECTION V V-1032
IV-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage V-1020 GENERAL

through the tube walls when testing a tubular heat V-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
exchanger, the detector probe tip should be inserted into V-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
each tube end and held for the time period established T-1021.1, Table V-1021, and the following as specified
by demonstration. The examination scan should com- in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
mence in the lowermost portion of the tubesheet tube
(a) instrument leak standard
rows while progressively scanning upward.
(b) system leak standard
IV-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examination. (c) tracer gas
Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encapsula- (d) vacuum test pressure
tor method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type with (e) vacuum gaging
the small end attached to the probe tip end and the large (f) soak time
end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint. If the encap- (g) scanning distance
sulator is used, the detection time is determined by placing (h) sensitivity verification checks
the encapsulator over the orifice on the leak standard (i) acceptance criteria
and noting the time required for an indicated instrument
response. V-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
ments of T-1021.3 and Table V-1021 shall apply.
IV-1080 EVALUATION V-1030 EQUIPMENT

IV-1081 Leakage V-1031 Instrument
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code A helium mass spectrometer leak detector capable of
Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage is sensing and measuring minute traces of helium shall be
detected that exceeds the allowable rate of 1 ⴛ 10−4 std used. Leakage shall be indicated by one or more of the
cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s). following signaling devices.
(a) Meter — a meter on or attached to the test
IV-1082 Repair /Retest instrument.
(b) Audio Devices — a speaker or set of headphones
When unacceptable leakage is detected, the location that emits audible indications.
of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component shall then (c) Indicator Light — a visible indicator light.
be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by
the referencing Code Section. After repairs have been
V-1032 Auxiliary Equipment
made, the repaired area or areas shall be retested in accor-
dance with the requirements of this Appendix. (a) Transformer. A constant voltage transformer shall
(b) Auxiliary Pump System. When the size of the test
APPENDIX V — HELIUM MASS system necessitates the use of an auxiliary vacuum pump
SPECTROMETER TEST — TRACER system, the ultimate absolute pressure and pump speed
PROBE TECHNIQUE capability of that system shall be sufficient to attain
required test sensitivity and response time.
V-1010 SCOPE
(c) Manifold. A system of pipes and valves with proper
This technique describes the use of the helium mass connections for the instrument gages, auxiliary pump,
spectrometer to detect minute traces of helium gas in calibration leak standard, and test component.
evacuated components. (d) Tracer Probe. Tubing connected to a source of
The high sensitivity of this leak detector, when tracer 100% helium with a valved fine opening at the other end
probe testing, makes possible the detection and location for directing a fine stream of helium gas.
of helium gas flow from the higher pressure side of very (e) Vacuum Gage(s). The range of vacuum gage(s)
small openings through the evacuated envelope or barrier capable of measuring the absolute pressure at which the
separating the two regions at different pressures. This is evacuated system is being tested. The gage(s) for large
a semiquantitative technique and shall not be considered systems shall be located on the system as far as possible
quantitative. from the inlet to the pump system.
156
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V-1033 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES V-1071
TABLE V-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A HELIUM MASS SPECTROMETER TRACER PROBE TESTING PROCEDURE

Tracer probe manufacturer and model X
Tracer probe flow rate (minimum demonstrated during system calibration) X
Scanning rate (maximum as demonstrated during system calibration) X
Signaling device X
Vacuum pumping system X
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NOTE:
V-1033 Calibration Leak Standard shall be calibrated for the test by passing the tracer probe
tip across the orifice of the leak standard. The probe tip
A capillary type leak standard per T-1063.2 with a
shall be kept within 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) of the orifice of the
maximum helium leakage rate of 1 ⴛ 10−5 std cm3 /s (1
leak standard. For a known flow rate from the tracer
ⴛ 10−6 Pa m3 /s) shall be used unless otherwise specified
probe of 100% helium, the scanning rate shall not exceed
by the referencing Code Section.
that which can detect leakage through the calibration leak
standard into the test system.
V-1060 CALIBRATION V-1062.3 Detection Time. The time required to detect
V-1061 Instrument Calibration leakage from the leak standard is the detection time, and
V-1061.1 Warm Up. The instrument shall be turned it should be observed during system calibration. It is
on and allowed to warm up for the minimum time speci- desirable to keep this time as short as possible to reduce
fied by the instrument manufacturer prior to calibrating the time required to pinpoint detected leakage.
with the calibration leak standard.
V-1062.4 Frequency and Sensitivity. Unless other-
V-1061.2 Calibration. Calibrate the helium mass wise specified by the referencing Code Section, the sys-
spectrometer per the instruments manufacturer’s opera- tem sensitivity shall be determined before and after testing
tion and maintenance manual, using a permeation type and at intervals of not more than 4 hr during testing.
leak standard as stated in T-1063.1 to establish that the During any calibration check, if the meter deflection,
instrument is at optimum or adequate sensitivity. The audible alarm, or visible light indicates that the system
instrument shall have a sensitivity of at least 1 ⴛ 10−9 cannot detect leakage per V-1062.2, the system, and if
std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−10 Pa m3 /s) for helium. necessary, the instrument, shall be recalibrated and all
areas tested after the last satisfactory calibration check
V-1062 System Calibration shall be retested.
V-1062.1 Standard Leak Size. The calibrated leak
standard, as stated in V-1033, shall be attached to the
component as far as possible from the instrument connec-
tion to the component. The leak standard shall remain V-1070 TEST
open during system calibration.
V-1071 Scanning Rate
V-1062.2 Scanning Rate. With the component evacu-
ated to an absolute pressure sufficient for connection of The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined in
the helium mass spectrometer to the system, the system V-1062.2.
157
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V-1072 2004 SECTION V VI-1062
V-1072 Scanning Direction allowable change in either pressure per unit of time, per-
centage volume, or mass change per unit of time.
The examination scan should commence in the upper-
most portion of the system being tested while progres-
sively scanning downward. VI-1020 GENERAL
VI-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
V-1073 Scanning Distance VI-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
T-1021.1, Table VI-1021, and the following as specified
The tracer probe tip shall be kept within 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
of the test surface during scanning. If a shorter distance
(a) test/vacuum test pressure
is used during system calibration, then that distance shall
(b) soak time
not be exceeded during the examination scanning.
(c) test duration
(d) recording interval
V-1074 Leakage Detection (e) acceptance criteria
Leakage shall be indicated and detected according to VI-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
V-1031. ments of T-1021.3 and Table VI-1021 shall apply.
V-1075 Flow Rate VI-1030 EQUIPMENT

The minimum flow rate shall be as set in V-1062.2. VI-1031 Pressure Measuring Instruments
(a) Gage Range. Dial indicating and recording type
gages shall meet the requirements of T-1031(a). Liquid
V-1080 EVALUATION manometers or quartz Bourdon tube gages may be used
V-1081 Leakage over their entire range.
(b) Gage Location. The location of the gage(s) shall
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code be that stated in T-1031(b).
Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage is (c) Types of Gages. Regular or absolute gages may be
detected that exceeds the allowable rate of 1 ⴛ 10−5 std used in pressure change testing. When greater accuracy
cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−6 Pa m3 /s). is required, quartz Bourdon tube gages or liquid manome-
ters may be used. The gage(s) used shall have an accuracy,
V-1082 Repair /Retest resolution, and repeatability compatible with the accept-
ance criteria.
When unacceptable leakage is detected, the location
of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component shall then
VI-1032 Temperature Measuring Instruments
be vented, and the leak(s) repaired as required by the
referencing Code Section. After repairs have been made, Dry bulb or dew point temperature measuring instru-
the repaired area or areas shall be retested in accordance ments, when used, shall have accuracy, repeatability, and
with the requirements of this Appendix. resolution compatible with the leakage rate acceptance
criteria.
APPENDIX VI — PRESSURE VI-1060 CALIBRATION

CHANGE TEST VI-1061 Pressure Measuring Instruments
VI-1010 SCOPE All dial indicating, recording, and quartz Bourdon tube
gages shall be calibrated per T-1061(b). The scale of
This test method describes the techniques for determin- liquid manometers shall be calibrated against standards
ing the leakage rate of the boundaries of a closed compo- that have known relationships to national standards,
nent or system at a specific pressure or vacuum. Pressure where such standards exist.
hold, absolute pressure, maintenance of pressure, pressure
loss, pressure decay, pressure rise, and vacuum retention
are examples of techniques that may be used whenever VI-1062 Temperature Measuring Instruments
pressure change testing is specified as a means of Calibration for dry bulb and dew point temperature
determining leakage rates. The tests specify a maximum measuring instruments shall be against standards that
158
VI-1062 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES VI-1082
TABLE VI-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A PRESSURE CHANGE TESTING PROCEDURE
Pressure or vacuum gage manufacturer and model X

Temperature measuring instrument manufacturer and model, when applicable X
Vacuum pumping system, when applicable X
NOTE:
have known relationships to national standards, where VI-1075 Large Pressurized Systems
such standards exist.
For temperature stabilization of large pressurized sys-
tems where the internal gas temperature is measured after
VI-1070 TEST completion of pressurization, it shall be determined that
the temperature of the internal gas has stabilized before
VI-1071 Pressure Application starting the test.
Components that are to be tested above atmospheric
pressure shall be pressurized per T-1044. VI-1076 Start of Test
At the start of the test, initial temperature and pressure
VI-1072 Vacuum Application (or vacuum) readings shall be taken and thereafter at
Components that are to be tested under vacuum shall regular intervals, not to exceed 60 min, until the end of
be evacuated to at least 2 psi (4 in. Hg) (15 kPa) below the specified test duration.
atmospheric pressure or as required by the referencing
Code Section. VI-1077 Essential Variables
(a) When it is required to compensate for barometric
VI-1073 Test Duration pressure variations, measurement of the test pressure shall
The test pressure (or vacuum) shall be held for the be made with either an absolute pressure gage or a regular
duration specified by the referencing Code Section or, if pressure gage and a barometer.
not specified, it shall be sufficient to establish the leakage (b) When it is required by the referencing Code Sec-
rate of the component system within the accuracy or tion, or when the water vapor pressure variation can
confidence limits required by the referencing Code Sec- significantly affect the test results, the internal dew point
tion. For very small components or systems, a test dura- temperature or relative humidity shall be measured.
tion in terms of minutes may be sufficient. For large
components or systems, where temperature and water
VI-1080 EVALUATION
vapor corrections are necessary, a test duration in terms
of many hours may be required. VI-1081 Acceptable Test
When the pressure change or leakage rate is equal to
VI-1074 Small Pressurized Systems or less than that specified by the referencing Code Section,
the test is acceptable.
For temperature stabilization of very small pressurized
systems, such as gasket interspaces, where only system
VI-1082 Rejectable Test
(metal) temperature can be measured, at least 15 min
shall elapse after completion of pressurization and before When the pressure change or leakage rate exceeds that
starting the test. specified by the referencing Code Section, the results of
159
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VI-1082 2004 SECTION V VII-1020
--``,``,``,,,```,,,,,````,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
the test are unsatisfactory. Leak(s) may be located by halogen diode detector — see halogen leak detector
other methods described in the Mandatory Appendices. in (d)
After the cause of the excessive pressure change or leak- helium mass spectrometer — see mass spectrometer
age rate has been determined and repaired in accordance and mass spectrometer leak detector in (d)
with the referencing Code Section, the original test shall hood technique — see hood test in (d)
be repeated. immersion bath — a low surface tension liquid into
which a gas containing enclosure is submerged to detect
NOTE: For more information regarding this method of testing refer
to the following:
leakage which forms at the site or sites of a leak or leaks
(a) 10 CFR 50, Appendix J, Primary Containment Leakage Testing immersion solution — see immersion bath
for Water Cooled Power Reactors. inert gas — a gas that resists combining with other
(b) ANSI /ANS 56.8-1981, American National Standard Containment substances. Examples are helium, neon, and argon.
System Leakage Testing Requirements, published by the American
Nuclear Society.
instrument calibration — introduction of a known size
standard leak into an isolated leak detector for the purpose
of determining the smallest size leakage rate of a particu-
lar gas at a specific pressure and temperature that the
APPENDIX VII — GLOSSARY OF leak detector is capable of indicating for a particular
TERMS FOR LEAK TESTING division on the leak indicator scale
leakage — the fluid, either liquid or gas, flowing
VII-1010 SCOPE through a leak and expressed in units of mass flow; i.e.,
pressure and volume per time
This Mandatory Appendix is used for the purpose of
leak standard — see standard leak in (d)
establishing standard terms and definitions of terms which
appear in Article 10, Leak Testing. quartz Bourdon tube gage — this high accuracy gage is
a servonulling differential pressure measuring electronic
instrument. The pressure transducing element is a one
piece fused quartz Bourdon element.
VII-1020 GENERAL
regular pressure — see gage pressure in (d)
(a) ASTM E 1316, Standard Terminology for Nonde- sensitivity — the size of the smallest leakage rate that
structive Examinations, has been adopted by the Commit- can be unambiguously detected by the leak testing instru-
tee as SE-1316. ment, method, or technique being used
(b) SE-1316 Section 8 provides the definitions of terms soak time — the elapsed time between when the desired
listed in (e). differential pressure is attained on a system and the time
(c) For general terms such as Discontinuity, Evalua- when the test technique is performed to detect leakage
tion, Flaw, Indication, Inspection, etc., refer to Article or measure leakage rate
1, Mandatory Appendix I. standard dead weight tester — a device for hydrau-
(d) 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 sig- weight against the reading on a pressure gage for the
nal; gage pressure; gas; halogen; halogen leak detector; purpose of calibrating the gage
hood test; leak; leakage rate; leak testing; mass spectrom- system calibration — introduction of a known size
eter; mass spectrometer leak detector; sampling probe; standard leak into a test system with a leak detector for
standard leak; tracer gas; vacuum. the purpose of determining the smallest size leakage
(e) The following Code terms, which are in addition rate of a particular gas at a specific pressure and tempera-
to SE-1316, and are Code specific, are used in conjunction ture that the leak detector as part of the test system is
with this Article. capable of indicating for a particular division on the leak
background reading — see background signal in (d) indicator scale
calibration leak standard — see standard leak in (d) thermal conductivity detector — a leak detector that
detector probe — see sampling probe in (d) responds to differences in the thermal conductivity of a
dew point temperature — that temperature at which sampled gas and the gas used to zero it (i.e., background
the gas in a system would be capable of holding no atmosphere)
more water vapor and condensation in the form of dew vacuum box — a device used to obtain a pressure
would occur differential across a weld that cannot be directly pressur-
dry bulb temperature — the ambient temperature of ized. It contains a large viewing window, special easy
the gas in a system seating and sealing gasket, gage, and a valved connection
160
VII-1020 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES VIII-1032
TABLE VIII-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR PROBE TESTING PROCEDURE

Tracer gas X
Scanning rate (maximum demonstrated during system calibration) X
Signaling device X
NOTE:
for an air ejector, vacuum pump, or intake manifold in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
water vapor — gaseous form of water in a system (a) leak standard
(b) tracer gas concentration
(c) test pressure
APPENDIX VIII — THERMAL (d) soak time
CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR (e) scanning distance
PROBE TEST (f) pressure gage
(g) sensitivity verification checks
VIII-1000 INTRODUCTION (h) acceptance criteria
These instruments make possible the detection of a VIII-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
tracer gas flow from the lower pressure side of a very ments of T-1021.3 and Table VIII-1021 shall apply.
small opening in an envelope or barrier separating two
regions at different pressures.
VIII-1030 EQUIPMENT
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VIII-1010 SCOPE VIII-1031 Tracer Gas

The thermal conductivity detector probe test method In principle, any gas having a thermal conductivity
is a semiquantitative method used to detect and locate different from air can be used as a tracer gas. The sensitiv-
leaks, and shall not be considered quantitative. ity achievable depends on the relative differences of the
thermal conductivity of the gases [i.e., background air
(air used to zero the instrument) and the sampled air (air
VIII-1011 Thermal Conductivity Leak Detectors
containing the tracer gas) in the area of a leak]. Table
The thermal conductivity detector probe instrument VIII-1031 lists some of the typical tracer gases used. The
uses the principle that the thermal conductivity of a gas tracer gas to be used shall be selected based on the
or gas mixture changes with any change in the concentra- required test sensitivity.
tion(s) of the gas or gas mixture (i.e., the introduction of
a tracer gas in the area of a leak).
VIII-1032 Instrument
An electronic leak detector as described in VIII-1011
VIII-1020 GENERAL shall be used. Leakage shall be indicated by one or more
VIII-1021 Written Procedure Requirements of the following signaling devices:
VIII-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of (a) Meter. A meter on the test instrument, or a probe,
T-1021.1, Table VIII-1021, and the following as specified or both.
161
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VIII-1032 2004 SECTION V VIII-1074
TABLE VIII-1031 VIII-1064 Detection Time

TRACER GASES
The time required to detect leakage from the leak stan-
Chemical dard is the detection time and it should be observed during
Designation Chemical Designation Symbol
system calibration. It is usually desirable to keep this
... Helium He time as short as possible to reduce the time required to
... Argon Ar pinpoint detected leakage.
... Carbon Dioxide CO2
Refrigerant-11 Trichloromonofluoromethane CCl3F
Refrigerant-12 Dichlorodifluoromethane CCl2F2 VIII-1065 Frequency and Sensitivity
Refrigerant-21 Dichloromonofluoromethane CHCl2F
Refrigerant-22 Chlorodifluoromethane CHClF2 Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
Refrigerant-114 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane C2Cl2F4 Section, the sensitivity of the detector shall be determined
Refrigerant-134a Tetrafluoroethane C2H2F4 before and after testing and at intervals of not more than
Methylene Chloride Dichloromethane CH2Cl2
Sulfur Hexafluoride Sulfur Hexafluoride SF6
4 hr during testing. During any calibration check, if the
meter deflection, audible alarm, or indicator light indicate
that the detector cannot detect leakage per VIII-1063, the
instrument shall be recalibrated and areas tested after the
(b) Audio Devices. A speaker or sets of headphones
last satisfactory calibration check shall be retested.
that emit(s) audible indications.
(c) Indicator Light. A visible indicator light.
VIII-1070 TEST
VIII-1033 Capillary Calibration Leak Standard VIII-1071 Location of Test
A capillary type leak standard per T-1063.2 using (a) The test area shall be free of contaminants that
100% tracer gas as selected per VIII-1031. could interfere with the test or give erroneous results.
(b) The component to be tested shall, if possible, be
protected from drafts or located in an area where drafts
VIII-1060 CALIBRATION will not reduce the required sensitivity of the test.
VIII-1061 Standard Leak Size
The maximum leakage rate Q for the leak standard VIII-1072 Concentration of Tracer Gas
described in VIII-1033 containing 100% tracer concentra-
tion for use in VIII-1063 shall be calculated as follows: The concentration of the tracer gas shall be at least
10% by volume at the test pressure, unless otherwise
% TG specified by the referencing Code Section.
Q p Qs
100
where Qs [in std cm3/s (Pa m3 /s)] is the required test VIII-1073 Soak Times
sensitivity and %TG is the concentration of the tracer gas
(in %) that is to be used for the test. See VIII-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
VIII-1062 Warm-up due to the immediate dispersion of the tracer 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 leak standard. (b) components are partially evacuated prior to initial
pressurization with tracer gas.
VIII-1063 Scanning Rate
VIII-1074 Scanning Distance
The detector shall be calibrated by passing the probe
tip across the orifice of the leak standard in VIII-1061. After the required soak time per VIII-1073, the detector
The probe tip shall be kept within 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) of the probe tip shall be passed over the test surface. The probe
orifice of the leak standard. The scanning rate shall not tip shall be kept within 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) of the test surface
exceed that which can detect leakage rate Q from the during scanning. If a shorter distance is used during cali-
leak standard. The meter deflection shall be noted or the bration, then that distance shall not be exceeded during
audible alarm or indicator light set for this scanning rate. the examination scanning.
162
VIII-1075 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES IX-1032
VIII-1075 Scanning Rate be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by

the referencing Code Section. After repairs have been
The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined in
VIII-1063.
VIII-1076 Scanning Direction

For tracer gases that are lighter than air, the examina- APPENDIX IX
tion scan should commence in the lowermost portion HELIUM MASS SPECTROMETER
of the system being tested while progressively scanning TEST — HOOD TECHNIQUE
upward. For tracer gases that are heavier than air, the
examination scan should commence in the uppermost IX-1010 SCOPE
portion of the system being tested while progressively This technique describes the use of the helium mass
scanning downward. spectrometer to respectively detect and measure minute
traces of helium gas in evacuated components.
VIII-1077 Leakage Detection The high sensitivity of this leak detector, when hood
testing, makes possible the detection and measurement
Leakage shall be indicated and detected according to of total helium gas flow from the higher pressure side of
VIII-1032. all hooded, very small openings through the evacuated
envelope or barrier that separates the two regions at differ-
VIII-1078 Application ent pressures. This is a quantitative measurement tech-
nique.
The following are two examples of applications that
may be used (note that other types of applications may
be used). IX-1020 GENERAL
VIII-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage IX-1021 Written Procedure Requirements
--``,``,``,,,```,,,,,````,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
through the tube walls when testing a tubular heat IX-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
exchanger, the detector probe tip should be inserted into T-1021.1, Table IX-1021, and the following as specified
each tube and held for the time period established by in this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
demonstration. (a) instrument leak standard
(b) system leak standard
VIII-1078.2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint Examina-
tion. Tube-to-tubesheet joints may be tested by the encap- (c) vacuum gaging
sulator method. The encapsulator may be a funnel type (d) acceptance criteria
with the small end attached to the probe tip end and the IX-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
large end placed over the tube-to-tubesheet joint. If the ments of T-1021.3 and Table IX-1021 shall apply.
encapsulator is used, the detection time is determined
by placing the encapsulator over the orifice on the leak
standard and noting the time required for an indicated IX-1030 EQUIPMENT
instrument response. IX-1031 Instrument
A helium mass spectrometer leak detector capable of
VIII-1080 EVALUATION sensing and measuring minute traces of helium shall be
used. Leakage shall be indicated by a meter on or attached
VIII-1081 Leakage
to the test instrument.
Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage
IX-1032 Auxiliary Equipment
is detected that exceeds the maximum leakage rate Q,
determined per VIII-1061. (a) Transformer. A constant voltage transformer shall
VIII-1082 Repair/Retest
(b) Auxiliary Pump System. When the size of the test
When unacceptable leakage is detected, the location system necessitates the use of an auxiliary vacuum pump
of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component shall then system, the ultimate absolute pressure and pump speed
163
IX-1032 2004 SECTION V IX-1062.2
TABLE IX-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF A HELIUM MASS SPECTROMETER HOOD TESTING PROCEDURE

Metal temperature1 (change to outside the range specified in this article
Technique of establishing minimum concentration of tracer gas in the hood X
Hood materials X
Vacuum pumping system X
NOTE:
capability of that system shall be sufficient to attain IX-1060 CALIBRATION

required test sensitivity and response time.
IX-1061 Instrument Calibration
(c) Manifold. A system of pipes and valves with proper
connections for the instrument gages, auxiliary pump, IX-1061.1 Warm Up. The instrument shall be turned
calibration leak standard, and test component. on and allowed to warm up for the minimum time speci-
(d) Hood. Any suitable envelope or container, such as fied by the instrument manufacturer prior to calibrating
a plastic bag, with a through aperture for the manifold. with the leak standard.
(e) Vacuum Gage(s). The range of vacuum gage(s)
IX-1061.2 Calibration. Calibrate the helium mass
capable of measuring the absolute pressure at which the
spectrometer per the instrument manufacturer’s operation
evacuated system is being tested. The gage(s) for large
and maintenance manual using a permeation type leak
systems shall be located on the system as far as possible
standard as stated in T-1063.1 to establish that the instru-
from the inlet to the pump system.
ment is at optimum or adequate sensitivity. The instru-
ment shall have sensitivity of at least 1 ⴛ 10−9 std cm3/
IX-1033 Calibration Leak Standard s (1 ⴛ 10−10 Pa m3/s) for helium.
A permeation type leak standard per T-1063.1 with a
maximum helium leakage rate of 1 ⴛ 10−6 std cm3/s (1
ⴛ 10−7 Pa m3/s) shall be used, unless specified otherwise IX-1062 System Calibration
by the referencing Code Section. IX-1062.1 Standard Leak Size. A calibrated leak CL
standard as per T-1063.1 with 100% helium shall be
attached, where feasible, to the component as far as possi-
IX-1050 TECHNIQUE
ble from the instrument connection to the component.
IX-1051 Permeation
IX-1062.2 Response Time. With the component
When systems with long response times (i.e., low
evacuated to an absolute pressure sufficient for connec-
helium mass spectrometer throughput) are to be tested,
tion of the helium mass spectrometer to the system, the
helium permeation through nonmetallic seals can lead to
system shall be calibrated by opening the leak standard
false results. In cases like this, it is recommended, if
to the system. The leak standard shall remain open until
possible, to locally hood test such seals or exclude them
from the hood if the seals are not required to be tested. the instrument signal becomes stable.
The time shall be recorded when the leak standard is
first opened to the component and again when the increase
IX-1052 Repetitive or Similar Tests in output signal becomes stable. The elapsed time
For repetitive tests or where the test time is known between the two readings is the response time. The stable
from previous similar tests, the preliminary calibration, instrument reading shall be noted and recorded as M1 in
per IX-1062.4, may be omitted. divisions.
164
IX-1062.3 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES IX-1072.2
IX-1062.3 Background Reading. 1 Background M2 output signal has not become stable, until the output
in divisions is established after determining response signal stabilizes.
time. The leak standard shall be closed to the system and
IX-1071.5 System Measured Leakage Rate. After
the instrument reading shall be recorded when it becomes
completing final calibration per IX-1062.5, the system
stable.
leakage rate shall be determined as follows:
IX-1062.4 Preliminary Calibration. The preliminary (a) For tests where no change in output signal occurs
system sensitivity shall be calculated as follows: (i.e., M2 p M3), the system leakage rate shall be reported
CL as being “below the detectable range of the system” and
S1 p p std cm3 / s / div (Pa m3 / s / div) the item under test passes.
M1 − M 2
(b) For tests where the output signal (M3) remains on
The calibration shall be repeated when there is any change scale, the leakage rate shall be determined as follows:
in the leak detector setup (e.g., a change in the portion
of helium bypassed to the auxiliary pump, if used) or S2 (M3 − M2) ⴛ 100
Qp std cm3 / s (Pa m3 / s)
any change in the leak standard. The leak standard shall be %TG
isolated from the system upon completing the preliminary where %TG is the concentration of the tracer gas (in %)
system sensitivity calibration. in the hood. See IX-1071.3.
IX-1062.5 Final Calibration. Upon completing the (c) For tests where the output signal (M3) exceeds the
test of the system per IX-1071.4, and with the component detectable range of the system (i.e., output signal is off
still under the hood, the leak standard shall be again scale), the system leakage rate shall be reported as being
opened into the system being tested. The increase in “greater than the detectable range of the system” and the
instrument output shall be noted and recorded as M4 in item under test fails.
divisions and used in calculating the final system sensitiv-
ity as follows:
IX-1072 Alternative Technique
CL IX-1072.1 System Correction Factor. For helium
S2 p p std cm3 / s / div (Pa m3 / s / div)
M4 − M 3 mass spectrometer leak indicator meters in leakage rate
If the final system sensitivity S2 has decreased below the units, a System Correction Factor (SCF) may be utilized
preliminary system sensitivity S1 by more than 35%, the if it is desired to utilize the actual indicator meter leakage
instrument shall be cleaned and/or repaired, recalibrated, rate units in lieu of converting the readings to divisions
and the component retested. [e.g., the values of M1, M2, M3, and M4 are directly
read from the helium mass spectrometer in std cm3/s (Pa
m3/s)].
IX-1070 TEST
IX-1072.2 Alternative Formulas. The following for-
IX-1071 Standard Technique mulas shall be used in lieu of those described in IX-1062:
IX-1071.1 Hood. For a single wall component or part, (a) Preliminary Calibration (per IX-1062.4). The pre-
the hood (envelope) container may be made of a material liminary system correction factor (PSCF) shall be calcu-
such as plastic. lated as follows:
IX-1071.2 Filling of Hood with Tracer Gas. After PSCF p CL / (M1 − M2)
completing preliminary calibration per IX-1062.4, the
space between the component outer surface and the hood (b) Final Calibration (per IX-1062.5). The final sys-
shall be filled with helium. tem correction factor (FSCF) shall be calculated as
follows:
IX-1071.3 Estimating or Determining Hood Tracer
Gas Concentration. The tracer gas concentration in the FSCF p CL / (M4 − M3)
hood enclosure shall be determined or estimated.
If the FSCF has decreased below the PSCF by more than
IX-1071.4 Test Duration. After filling the hood with 35%, the instrument shall be cleaned and/or repaired,
helium, the instrument output M3 in divisions shall be recalibrated, and the component retested.
noted and recorded after waiting for a test time equal to (c) System Measured Leakage Rate (per IX-1071.5).
the response time determined in IX-1062.2 or, if the The system leakage rate shall be determined as follows:
1
System background noise. For definition of symbols, see Nonmanda- [FSCF (M3 − M2)] ⴛ 100
Qp std cm3 / s (Pa m3 / s)
tory Appendix A. %TG
165
IX-1080 2004 SECTION V X-1064
IX-1080 EVALUATION (d) pressure gage

(e) acceptance criteria
Section, the component tested is acceptable when the X-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The require-
measured leakage rate Q is equal to or less than 1 ⴛ 10−6 ments of T-1021.3 and Table X-1021 shall apply.
std cm3/s (1 ⴛ 10−7 Pa m3/s) of helium.
X-1030 EQUIPMENT
X-1031 Instrument
IX-1081 Leakage
An electronic ultrasonic leak detector capable of
When the leakage rate exceeds the permissible value, detecting acoustic energy in the range of 20 to 100 kHz
all welds or other suspected areas shall be retested using shall be utilized. Leakage shall be indicated by one or
a tracer probe technique. All leaks shall be marked and more of the following signaling devices:
temporarily sealed to permit completion of the tracer (a) Meter — A meter on the test instrument, or a
probe retest. The temporary seals shall be of a type which probe, or both.
can be readily and completely removed after testing has (b) Audio Device — A set of headphones that emit(s)
been completed. audible indications.
IX-1082 Repair/Retest X-1032 Capillary Calibration Leak Standard

A capillary type leak standard per Article 10, T-1063.2.
The component shall then be vented and the leak(s)
repaired as required by the referencing Code Section.
After repairs have been made, the repaired area or areas X-1060 CALIBRATION
shall be retested in accordance with the requirements of X-1061 Standard Leak Size
this Appendix. The maximum leakage rate Q for the leak standard in
X-1032 shall be 1 ⴛ 10−1 std cm3/s (1 ⴛ 10−2 Pa m3/
s), unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code
Section.
APPENDIX X
ULTRASONIC LEAK DETECTOR X-1062 Warm-up
TEST
The detector shall be turned on and allowed to warm
X-1000 INTRODUCTION up for the minimum time specified by the instrument
manufacturer prior to calibration.
This technique describes the use of an ultrasonic leak
detector to detect the ultrasonic energy produced by the X-1063 Scanning Rate
flow of a gas from the lower pressure side of a very small
opening in an envelope or barrier separating two regions The leak standard shall be attached to a pressure regu-
at different pressures. lated gas supply and the pressure set to that to be used
for the test. The detector shall be calibrated by directing
(a) Due to the low sensitivity [maximum sensitivity
the detector/probe towards the leak standard at the maxi-
of 10−2 std cm3/s (10−3 Pa m3/s)] of this technique, it
mum scanning distance to be utilized during testing and
should not be utilized for the acceptance testing of vessels
noting the meter deflection and/or pitch of the audible
that will contain lethal or hazardous substances.
signal as the detector/probe is scanned across the leak
(b) This is a semiquantitative method used to detect
standard. The scanning rate shall not exceed that which
and locate leaks and shall not be considered quantitative.
can detect leakage rate Q from the leak standard.
X-1064 Frequency and Sensitivity

X-1020 GENERAL
X-1021 Written Procedure Requirements Section, the sensitivity of the detector shall be verified
X-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of before and after testing, and at intervals of not more than
T-1021.1, Table X-1021, and the following as specified 4 hr during testing. During any verification check, should
in this Article or referencing Code shall apply. the meter deflection or audible signal indicate that the
(a) leak standard detector/probe cannot detect leakage per X-1063, the
(b) test pressure instrument shall be recalibrated and areas tested after the
(c) soak time last satisfactory calibration check shall be retested.
166
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X-1070 ARTICLE 10 — MANDATORY APPENDICES X-1092
TABLE X-1021
REQUIREMENTS OF AN ULTRASONIC LEAK TESTING PROCEDURE

Metal temperature1 (change to outside the range specified in this article
Pressurizing gas X
Scanning distance (maximum demonstrated during system calibration) X
Scanning rate (maximum demonstrated during system calibration) X
Signaling device X
NOTE:
X-1070 TEST detected that exceeds the allowable rate of 1 ⴛ 10−1 std
X-1071 Location of Test cm3/s (1 ⴛ 10−2 Pa m3/s).
The component to be tested shall, if possible, be
removed or isolated from other equipment or structures X-1082 Repair/Retest
that could generate ambient or system noise that can When unacceptable leakage is detected, the location
drown out leaks. of the leak(s) shall be marked. The component shall then
be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by
X-1072 Soak Time the referencing Code Section. After repairs have been
Prior to testing, the test pressure shall be held a mini-
mum of 15 min.
X-1073 Scanning Distance X-1090 DOCUMENTATION

After the required soak time per X-1072, the detector X-1091 Examination Report
shall be passed over the test surface. The scanning dis-
The report of examination shall contain the following
tance shall not exceed that utilized to determine the maxi-
information:
mum scanning rate in X-1063.
(a) procedure ID and revision;
(b) manufacturer and model number of instrument;
X-1074 Scanning Rate (c) calibration leak standard size and serial number;
The maximum scanning rate shall be as determined in (d) pressurizing gas and test pressure;
X-1063. (e) soak time;
(f) maximum scanning distance and rate;
X-1075 Leakage Detection (g) map or record of rejectable leakage or areas
cleared;
Leakage shall be indicated and detected according to (h) identification of welds or areas scanned;
X-1031.
(i) examination personnel identity;
(j) date of examination.
X-1080 EVALUATION
X-1081 Leakage X-1092 Performance Demonstration Report
Unless otherwise specified by the referencing Code Performance demonstrations, when required by the ref-
Section, the area tested is acceptable when no leakage is erencing Code Section, shall be documented.
167
ARTICLE 10
NONMANDATORY APPENDIX
APPENDIX A — SUPPLEMENTARY FSCF p Final System Correction Factor

LEAK TESTING FORMULA SYMBOLS (4) Tracer gas concentration:
A-10 APPLICABILITY OF THE %TG p concentration of Tracer Gas, %
FORMULAS (5) Calibrated standard:
(a) The formulas in this Article provide for the calcu- CL p calibrated leak leakage rate, std cm3 /s (Pa
lated leak rate(s) for the technique used. m3 /s)
(b) The symbols defined below are used in the formu-
(6) Instrument reading sequence:
las of the appropriate Appendix.
(1) System sensitivity calculation: M1 p meter reading before test with calibrated leak
open to the component [divisions, or std
S1 p preliminary sensitivity (calculation of sensi- cm3 /s (Pa m3 /s)]
tivity), std cm3 /s /div (Pa m3 /s /div) M2 p meter reading before test with calibrated leak
S2 p final sensitivity (calculation of sensitivity), closed to component [divisions, or std cm3 /s
std cm3 /s /div (Pa m3 /s /div) (Pa m 3 / s)] (system background noise
(2) System measured leakage rate calculation: reading)
Q p measured leakage rate of the system (cor- M3 p meter reading (registering component leak-
rected for tracer gas concentration), std cm3 /s age) with calibrated leak closed [divisions,
(Pa m3 /s) or std cm3 /s (Pa m3 /s)]
M4 p meter reading (registering component leak-
(3) System Correction Factors: age) with calibrated leak open [divisions, or
PSCF p Preliminary System Correction Factor std cm3 /s (Pa m3 /s)]
168
--``,``,``,,,```,,,,,````,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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ARTICLE 10

T-1000 INTRODUCTION shall, as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in

T-1020 GENERAL T-1030 EQUIPMENT

(a) All dial indicating and recording type gages used

T-1063.2 ARTICLE 10 — LEAK TESTING T-1092

T-1090 DOCUMENTATION T-1092 Record Retention

APPENDIX I — BUBBLE TEST — I-1030 EQUIPMENT

Bubble forming solution (Brand name or type) X

(b) The immersion solution shall be compatible with I-1080 EVALUATION

Bubble forming solution (Brand name or type) X

II-1032 Vacuum Box II-1072 Application of Solution

II-1033 Vacuum Source II-1074 Pressure (Vacuum) Retention

Instrument manufacturer and model X

TABLE III-1031 where Qs is 1 ⴛ 10−4 std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s), unless

III-1075 Scanning Rate

Instrument manufacturer and model X

Calibration leak standards may be either a permeation

IV-1060 CALIBRATION IV-1070 TEST

where Qs is 1 ⴛ 10−4 std cm3 /s (1 ⴛ 10−5 Pa m3 /s), unless

IV-1062.4 Frequency and Sensitivity. Unless other-

IV-1078.1 Tube Examination. To detect leakage V-1020 GENERAL

IV-1080 EVALUATION V-1030 EQUIPMENT

Instrument manufacturer and model X

V-1072 2004 SECTION V VI-1062

V-1075 Flow Rate VI-1030 EQUIPMENT

APPENDIX VI — PRESSURE VI-1060 CALIBRATION

Pressure or vacuum gage manufacturer and model X

Instrument manufacturer and model X

VIII-1010 SCOPE VIII-1031 Tracer Gas

TABLE VIII-1031 VIII-1064 Detection Time

VIII-1075 Scanning Rate be depressurized, and the leak(s) repaired as required by

VIII-1076 Scanning Direction

Instrument manufacturer and model X

capability of that system shall be sufficient to attain IX-1060 CALIBRATION

IX-1080 EVALUATION (d) pressure gage

IX-1082 Repair/Retest X-1032 Capillary Calibration Leak Standard

X-1064 Frequency and Sensitivity

Instrument manufacturer and model X

X-1073 Scanning Distance X-1090 DOCUMENTATION

APPENDIX A — SUPPLEMENTARY FSCF p Final System Correction Factor

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