ASNT NDT Handbook Volume 1_ Leak Testing

Halide Torch for Visual psychologically effective leak location test
Detection of Halogen techniques have many true advantages.
Vapor Leaks
The precision of leak location of most
The halide torch consists of a burner of these visual leak indicator tests far
connected to a tank of gas or alcohol. exceeds that of many gas tracer or
Some of the air required for combustion is detector probe tests, where there is no
drawn into the flame (chimney fashion) instantly visible evidence of the leak
through a tube near the bottom of the locations. Often the response of these
burner. A flexible inlet extension of this detection instruments can be so slow that
tube is used as a probe to locate leaks. If the probe has been moved well away from
the leak is large enough to be detected by the leak locations before the instrument
this technique, a bright green flame color signals that a leak has been detected. The
(characteristic of copper) appears when operator must then go back and search
the open end of this detector probe tube slowly to find the individual leak (or
passes near the point of halogen tracer gas multiple leaks) that produces the delayed
leakage. The halide torch permits locating test signal. Similarly, after an intense
leakage down to about 200 to 300 mL tracer gas signal has entered such
(8 to 10 oz) of refrigerant-12 or electronic detection instruments, a time
refrigerant-22 gas per year. This delay is often required to clean the test
corresponds to a leakage rate of about 1 × instrument and restore its sensitivity to
10–4 Pa·m3·s–1 (1 × 10–3 std cm3·s–1) based traces of leaking gas.
on an air flow of 1 L·s–1 (2 ft3·min–1) and a
halide torch sensitivity to refrigerant gas By contrast, however, the visual leak
estimated as 100 µL·L–1. Refrigerant-12 gas indicator tests do not in themselves
(CCl2F2) is considered to be the best tracer ensure that a test object is free from all
gas with respect to leak sensitivity, vapor leaks (because some leaks might exist in
pressure, inertness and safety. areas unexamined or overlooked during
testing). They also are not appropriate for
General Advantages and measurement of leakage rates, even
Limitations of Visible though rough comparisons of leakage
Indicators of Leak rates can be made from the visual leak
Locations signal. The visual indicator techniques
also typically lack the very high
Leak testing techniques providing visual sensitivity to small leaks provided by
indications of leak location have several electronic instrumentation responsive to
common advantages and limitations. In leak tracer gases. Liquid leak penetration
most instances, tests that produce visual media in general cannot pass through the
images are psychologically satisfying smallest leaks that are readily shown by
because the observer sees direct visual tracer gas flows. Thus, leak sensitivity of
evidence of the existence of each leak. In visual leak indication tests is typically
many cases, this evidence can build up in significantly less than the best sensitivity
magnitude or intensity as leak test time or attainable by basic techniques of leakage
observation time increases. This measurement or by leak probing and
continuity (or repeatability) of test tracing with electronic leak detector
indications is also reassuring. The leak instruments.
indications do not disappear as long as
the leakage continues. (Some types of A final testing advantage of visible leak
electronic instrumentation used for leak indicator techniques is their possible
detection, described below, show only application to systems in service or to
transient indications as tracer gas is systems pressurized with liquids or gases
encountered and then lose sensitivity if during proof tests. Addition of tracer dyes
exposure to this tracer gas continues.) In to water or oils in storage tanks or
general, most observers having leak hydraulic systems can reveal transient
indications pointed out to them in typical leak locations that might not be
cases can soon learn to see similar detectable under normal leak testing
indications and evaluate them as leaks. conditions. These simple tests are often
Operators can be trained to use visual leak used to find and permit repair of large
indicator test techniques rapidly, develop leaks before undertaking more costly tests
confidence in these test indications and with highly sensitive leak detection
demonstrate the test signals to systems.
management and other personnel readily
and convincingly. Where motivation
toward process improvement or to repair
existing leaks is needed, these

588 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

PART 2. Primary Containment Leakage Rate
Testing in the United States Nuclear Power
Industry

The primary containment completely Integrated Leakage Rate
encloses the reactor vessel. It is designed Testing
to retain its integrity as a radioactive
material barrier during and following This is a pressure decay test of the entire
accidents that release radioactive material containment structure. The integrated
into the primary containment volume. leakage rate test has six distinct phases:
Primary containment is considered to be pressurization, stabilization, leakage rate
intact when it can be demonstrated that
the total containment leakage rate is less FIGURE 3. Multibarrier containment vessel for boiling water
than the maximum allowable leakage rate reactor nuclear power plant.
(La) when the containment is maintained
at the calculated peak accident pressure
(Pac). Values of La and Pac are specified in
each plant’s technical specifications or
final safety analysis report (FSAR).

Maximum allowable leakage rate La is
calculated such that 10 CFR Part 100, dose
limits are not violated under post accident
design basis accident conditions.2 The
calculations assume conservative weather
conditions and direct leakage of nuclides
from primary to secondary containment.
The WASH-1400 report3 specifies the
amount and type of nuclear sources terms
that would be contained in such leakage.
Most or all plants in the United States use
allowable leakage rates based on
WASH-1400 source terms.

The values of La and Pa are plant
specific. For United States plants, La values
range between 1.5 and 6.3 L·s–1 (200 and
800 std ft3·h–1). Pa values range between
60 and 450 kPa (9 and 65 lbf·in.–2 gage).
This results in plants being allowed an
equivalent sharp edged orifice hole
diameter of between 1.59 and 4.76 mm
(6.25 × 10–2 and 1.875 × 10–1 in.) for the
entire containment structure.

Leakage rate for test purposes is defined
as that leakage that occurs in a unit of
time, stated as a percentage of weight of
the containment air volume at the leakage
rate test pressure that escapes to the
outside atmosphere in 24 h.

Three types of leakage rate tests are
performed in the nuclear power industry,
Type A, B and C testing. The Type A test is
a test of the entire containment structure
(Fig. 3) and all of its potential air leakage
pathways; this is also referred to as the
integrated leakage rate test (ILRT). Type B
tests are intended to detect local leaks in
nonvalve type penetrations such as
hatches, flanges and metallic bellows.
Type C tests are intended to measure
leakage rates through valves. Type B and
C testing is also known as local leakage rate
testing (LLRT).

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 589

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

measurement, the verification test and T is the containment temperature. At
depressurization. least 10 and typically 25 temperature
sensors are distributed throughout the
First, the containment structure is containment. Each sensor is assigned a
pressurized with clean dry air up to the volume fraction and its temperature
peak accident pressure Pac. Following a reading is weighted using this fraction.
temperature stabilization period of at least T is the calculated total containment
four hours, the leakage rate measurement volume weighted temperature.
portion of the test may begin.
V is the free air volume of
The total containment dry air mass is containment. In most cases, this value is
typically measured at 10 min intervals for assumed to be a constant throughout the
at least 8 h. The slope of the least squares test. In some plants where significant
fit line of these masses with respect to water level changes occur, the free air
time is proportional to the leakage rate. volume is updated periodically. In all
The 95 percent upper confidence limit cases, the size of the structure is assumed
(UCL) of this slope calculated using a to be constant. This is a valid assumption
single sided Student t distribution is used for most modern thick walled plants. The
for comparison against the acceptance original design thin walled steel globes
criteria. experienced volume changes due to
diurnal effects significant enough to
Because the total containment pressure impact the leakage rate measured.
changes very little over the test duration,
a constant value of leakage rate is R is the perfect gas constant of air.
expected to be measured. The leakage rate Because containment pressures are always
of change must be less than a specified far less than the critical pressure of air,
value. A check is also performed on the this is an excellent assumption.
amount of scatter of the dry air masses.
Details of integrated leakage rate
For the Type A test to be considered testing methodology may be found in
acceptable, its 95 percent upper ANSI/ANS-56.8-1994, Containment System
confidence limit, its linearity and the data Leakage Testing Requirements.4
scatter must all be within their acceptance
limits. Local Leakage Rate Tests (LLRTs)

The verification test is performed Penetrations, process lines and other
immediately following the successful pathways that have the potential to allow
completion of the Type A test. A metered gaseous leakage from inside to outside the
leakage rate of about La is induced from primary containment under normal or
the containment. Then the containment postaccident conditions are considered to
leakage rate is again measured for at least be Appendix J pathways.5 These pathways
4 h. The new leakage rate is expected to must be subject to periodic local leakage
equal the Type A test leakage rate plus the rate testing.
induced metered leakage rate. If
agreement within 0.25 La cannot be The leakage rate through each
shown, then the verification test is component when subjected to a pressure
considered a failure and the Type A test differential of at least Pac is measured and
must be repeated. compared against an acceptance criterion
for that individual component. That
The total containment dry air mass M leakage rate is also added to the total
is calculated using Eq. 1: leakage rates from the other entire
Appendix J5 pathways to ensure that the
(1) M = 144V P − Pv total is less than that plant’s specified
RT limit. These tests are also used to satisfy
ASME Section XI6 requirements for
where P is the average total containment inservice testing.
air pressure. One or more absolute
pressure transmitters may be used. The Local leakage rate tests are typically
average value from those transmitters is P. performed using either the flow makeup
or pressure decay methods. Other
Pv is the containment vapor pressure. techniques such as reference volume,
At least three (typically ten) relative tracer gas detection or soap solution are
humidity or dew point sensors are also sometimes used.
distributed throughout containment.
Values from these sensors and their In all local leakage rate tests, the tested
companion temperature sensors, (relative barrier is pressurized with clean dry air or
humidity only) are used along with nitrogen. For the entire duration of the
psychrometric tables to calculate the test, the test pressure differential may not
partial pressure of water vapor in the air. drop below Pac. If the test pressure aids
Each sensor is assigned a volume fraction the barrier in sealing, then the pressure
and its reading is weighted using this differential across the barrier may never
fraction. Pv is the calculated total exceed 1.1 Pac. A barrier may be tested in a
containment volume weighted vapor direction in reverse of the direction of
pressure. expected post accident pressure only if

590 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

such a test can be shown to yield As-Found Testing
conservative results.
For a performance based program to be
When a pressure decay test is effective, the components in the program
performed, the test volume’s temperature must be tested following some significant
and pressure must be recorded at the length of service prior to any repairs or
beginning and at the end of the test. The adjustments. This is referred to as as-found
minimum duration allowed for a pressure testing. All components are required to be
decay test is 15 min after stable as-found tested under Option B. Repairing
conditions have been achieved. There is or adjusting a component before its
no minimum duration for flow makeup periodic test generally results in the
tests; however, test data are required to be component being returned to its baseline
obtained only after stable conditions have interval, as does replacement or
been achieved. significant modification.

Performance Based Testing Reduced Pressure Testing
Programs
When most nuclear plants were tested
Containment leakage rate testing in the before operation, the Type A test was
nuclear power industry is performed in performed twice — once at full pressure
accordance with the federal regulation Pac and once at half pressure. These two
10 CFR 50, Appendix J.5 This rule has two results along with the full pressure test
options, Option A calls for Type A, B and acceptance criteria were then used in a
C tests to be performed at fixed intervals, correlation specified in 10 CFR 50
Option B allows for the test intervals to be Appendix J to formulate a half pressure
determined for each component based on test acceptance criterion.5 The plant then
its performance history. had the option in future operational tests
to perform the Type A test either at full
Under Option A, no fewer than three pressure or at half pressure with a more
Type A tests must be performed within stringent acceptance criterion.
every ten year interval for inservice
inspection. Poor performance does not Review of test data from the last 20
require the test interval to be shortened. years has shown that no accurate,
Although two consecutive test failures will conservative or reliable correlation may be
require no more than about an 18 month derived. It is possible to specify a
intervals between future Type A tests until conservative correlation between full and
two consecutive passing tests have been half pressure leakage rates through fixed
achieved. Type B and C tests are required size orifices. Unfortunately, due to a large
to be performed every 24 months number of resilient seals, the size of the
regardless of component performance. leakage pathways is a function of applied
Containment airlocks and ventilation pressure. This makes a reliable correlation
system valves have more stringent testing not possible.
requirements due to their industry wide
poor performance history and due to their The recent Option B to Appendix J
greater safety significance. recognizes this fact and no longer allows
reduced pressure type A testing.
Under Option B, the baseline test
interval for Type A testing is 48 months.
Upon the completion of two consecutive
successful tests, the interval may be
extended up to ten years. Type B and C
tests have a baseline test interval of 30
months. Passing two consecutive tests
allows for extension of the test interval up
to 60 months. If a Type B barrier passes
three consecutive tests its interval may be
extended up to 120 months. Airlocks,
ventilation valves and a specified small
population of other valves are excluded
from the performance based program and
must be tested at more frequent fixed
intervals.

The basis for performance based testing
programs is contained in the NEI Industry
Guideline Document 94-01 Revision D.7

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 591

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

PART 3. Leak Testing of Geosynthetic
Membranes8

Purpose of Destructive and is typically used for small lengths of seam
Nondestructive Seam because it is time consuming.
Testing
Vacuum testing and air lance testing can
Seam testing is routinely performed as an be performed by construction laborers
integral part of the construction quality with minimal training. The vacuum test
control and quality assurance programs requires some specialized equipment. The
for installation of geosynthetic air pressure test requires a more skilled
membranes or pond liners. Seam testing individual but can be performed using
routinely consists of destructive testing of equipment purchased at a hardware store.
seam samples in the laboratory and Vacuum testing and air pressure testing are
nondestructive seam testing in the field. used for stiff geosynthetic membrane such
The following discussion describes the as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and
purpose of destructive and nondestructive very low density polyethylene (VLDPE)
testing of seams, introduces the various geosynthetic membranes. The air lance
nondestructive test techniques, discusses test is used for flexible geosynthetic
the procedures for the most common membranes such as polyvinyl chloride
techniques in detail and recommends (PVC) and chlorosulfonated polyethylene
means for testing bumps and other areas (CSPE) geosynthetic membranes.
difficult to seam.
Ultrasonic testing is not commonly used,
As part of quality control and quality primarily because specialized equipment
assurance monitoring of geosynthetic and an experienced operator are required.
membrane liners, destructive and
nondestructive testing is conducted to A conductive wire is incorporated into
establish the strength and continuity or the geosynthetic membrane seam during
seams, respectively. Destructive testing installation. The spark test requires a
involves cutting out a section of seam and technician familiar with installing the
sending it to an offsite laboratory for conductive wire. An improperly installed
strength testing. Destructive testing is not wire may be more detrimental to the seam
discussed herein. Information on this type integrity than not testing the seam.
of test can be found in the literature.9-12 Because specialized equipment is required,
the spark test is usually used in areas that
Nondestructive testing is performed to cannot be tested through other
evaluate continuity of the seam. nondestructive test methods.
Discontinuities in a seam can serve as
potential sources of leakage. A The ponding test is an effective
discontinuity 0.1 cm2 (0.016 in.2) in area procedure for testing the primary
can result in 1250 L (330 gal) per day of geosynthetic membrane of a double liner
leakage through a geosynthetic membrane systems in sumps and at pipe penetration.
overlying a free draining subbase. The test is conducted by filling the sump
Therefore, it is important that possible with water. In the case of pipe
seams be 100 percent nondestructively penetrations, it may be necessary to build
tested. Geometric constraints will not a small dike around the penetration using
allow all seams to be tested but the length sand bags or other temporary barriers.
of seam that cannot be tested needs to be Liquid in the leak detection system is an
kept to a minimum. Special construction indication of leaks in the primary liner. If
quality assurance procedures need to be a leak is detected, the sump is drained and
followed for seams not tested. the geosynthetic membrane is visually
monitored for discontinuities. If possible,
Nondestructive Testing the seams are tested by using one of the
Methods methods in Table 1.

Nondestructive test methods are The electrical leak location method15,16 is
summarized in Table 1.8,13,14 Of these used to find holes in the parent material
methods, the vacuum box, air pressure as well as discontinuities in the seams of
and air lance tests are routinely used geomembrane liners. The test is used to
because of their simplicity. The probe test find holes in an inservice liner that is
known to be leaking or is incorporated as
part of a construction quality assurance
monitoring program. After the liner
system is completely installed, the
potential for further damage is minimal.
The test is conducted with the liner under

592 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

hydrostatic load or under the load of the applying a vacuum to a portion of the
protective cover soil. The electrical leak seam using a box with a transport
location method is the only method that window. A soapy solution is applied to
can reliably and accurately locate leaks in the liner within the box. Any leaks in the
landfill liners covered with protective soil. liner will cause the soapy solution to
bubble portion of the liner. The
A voltage is applied between one equipment required to perform the
electrode in the material above the liner vacuum test consists of the following
and either another grounded electrode or
an electrode in the leak detection zone 1. a vacuum box assembly consisting of
between double liners. If leaks are present a rigid housing, a transparent viewing
in the geomembrane liner, then electric window on top of the housing, a soft
current will flow through the leaks. The synthetic rubber gasket attached to the
electrical potential field will be altered, bottom of the housing, a Egort hole or
and leaks are identified as characteristic valve assembly through which the
zones of measured high electric potential. vacuum is applied, and a vacuum
These variations in the electrical potential gage;
are measured by using specialized
equipment to scan the submerged or soil 2. a vacuum tank and pump assembly
covered liner. Different types of equipped with a pressure controller
equipment are used for surveys with soil and pipe connections;
on the liner, for surveys by personnel
wading in water on the liner and for 3. a pressure/vacuum hose with fittings
surveys using a towed sensor for deep or and connections;
hazardous water.
4. a soapy solution; and
Vacuum Test 5. an applicator for the soapy solution.

The vacuum test is the most common Some boxes are available with small
nondestructive test method for stiff electric vacuum pumps mounted directly
geosynthetic membranes joined with a on the box. It is important that the pump
single seam. The vacuum test consists of have sufficient power to establish the
required negative pressure, typically on
the order of 34 kPa (5 lbf·in.–2).

TABLE 1. Methods for leak testing of geosynthetic membranes.8,13,14

Test Method Speed Recording Operator Operation
Method Dependency
Air is blown through nozzle at a seam. Disbonds
Air lance fast manual high are indicated where membrane vibrates.

Air pressure (dual seam) fast manual low In double seamed membrane, intermediate
channel is pressurized and pressure is
Electric sparking (to ground) fast manual low measured. Sections up to 100 m (330 ft) can
manual low be tested.
Electric wire fast
Leakage of high voltage current (15 to 30 kV) to
Electrical leak location fast manual or automatic low to moderate ground causes spark, indicating pinholes or
other discontinuity in thermoplastic liner.
Probe (mechanical point) slow manual very high
moderate Conductive wire is embedded in seam and
Ultrasonic moderate automatic connected to probe. Amplitude of about 20 kV
is used to indicate discontinuities in
Vacuum box slow manual moderate membrane.

Current flows through leak from electrode in
containment area to electrode on other side
of liner. Separate instrument is used to scan for
leakage location.

Seam is poked with stiff instrument such as
screwdriver. Results are qualitative and not
very reproducible.

Ultrasonic techniques (impedance, pulse echo
and through-transmission) are applicable to
fused, not adhesive, seams and are reliable
when conducted by experienced operators
over small areas.

Segments of seam are isolated in vacuum box
for bubble testing.

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 593

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

In general, the steps to be followed in vacuum in the box is developed because
vacuum testing of a seam are as follows. the geosynthetic membrane will pull up
into the box. It should be noted that the
1. If vacuum testing a fusion seam, the vacuum box is most effective with
flap must be cut off with a hand held recently installed geosynthetic
cutter with a hooked blade to expose membranes. When retesting pond liners
the seam for testing. This technique is the vacuum box may not be effective
not recommended. because the hydrostatic pressure created
by liquid in the pond has pressed the
2. Energize the vacuum pump and geosynthetic membrane liner against the
reduce the tank pressure to about soil. As a result, the vacuum in the box
34 kPa (5 lbf·in.–2) below atmospheric may not be strong enough to pull the
pressure. liner up, thereby allowing air to pass
through any leaks. In this case, the
3. With a soapy solution, wet a strip of electric leak location method is probably
geosynthetic membrane that extends the most efficient approach to check for
150 mm (6 in.) beyond the area to be leaks.
covered by the vacuum box.
Air Pressure Test
4. Place the box over the wetted area.
5. Close the bleed valve and open the The air pressure test is used with seaming
processes that produce a double seam
vacuum valve. with an enclosed channel. The testing
6. Push down on the box to create a leak consists of pressurizing the channel with
air. Leakage is detected if the air pressure
tight seal. cannot be maintained.
7. For a period of not less than 15 s,
The equipment required for the air
examine the geosynthetic membrane pressure test consists of the following:
through the viewing window for the
presence of soap bubbles. 1. an air pump that is equipped with a
8. If no bubble appears after 15 s, close pressure gage that can generate and
the vacuum valve and open the bleed sustain a pressure between 175 and
valve. Before moving the box over the 210 kPa (25 and 30 lbf·in.–2) and that
next adjoining area, place a mark is mounted on a cushion to protect
(with a marker that will not damage the geosynthetic membrane;
the geosynthetic membrane) on the
geosynthetic membrane at the leading 2. putty or similar material used for
edge of the viewing window, then sealing the ends of the channel;
move the box over the next adjoining
area so that the last mark on the 3. two pairs of vice grips;
geosynthetic membrane is at the rear 4. a hose with fittings and connections;
of the viewing window, and repeat the
process. Often the outline of the box and
is left in the soapy solution applied to 5. a sharp hollow needle or other air
the geosynthetic membrane. In this
case, it is not necessary to mark the pressure feed device.
geosynthetic membrane.
9. If soap bubbles appear, the area is The air pressure test typically entails
marked, repaired and retested in the following procedures.
accordance with the requirements of
the project documents. 1. Cut a small opening at both ends of
the seam to be tested.
It is important that a good seal be
established between the vacuum box and 2. Seal both ends of the air channel with
the geosynthetic membrane. Otherwise, putty.
air can pass beneath the gasket and create
bubbles within the vacuum box. If this 3. Insert the needle or other approved
situation occurs, it is difficult to detect pressure feed device through the putty
leaks in the geosynthetic membrane seam. into the channel created by the double
When testing geosynthetic membrane it is rack fusion seam process.
often necessary to replace the gasket
periodically. 4. Clamp both ends of the air channel
with the vice grips.
Therefore, it is useful if two vacuum
boxes are available. One box can be used 5. Place a protective cushion between the
on the day the gasket on the second box air pump and the geosynthetic
is being replaced. membrane.

The 15 s testing interval stated above is 6. Energize the air pump to a pressure
an approximate time. The vacuum box between 25 and 210 kPa (4 and
may need to be held longer or can be 30 lbf·in.–2), close the valve and
released a few seconds sooner. The sustain the pressure for not less than
important point is to make sure a good 5 min.
seal has been obtained, the vacuum is
developed in the box and the entire 7. If the loss of pressure exceeds 23 kPa
surface in the box is carefully viewed for (3 lbf·in.–2) for 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) or
bubbles It is readily apparent when the thicker geosynthetic membranes or
31 kPa (4 lbf·in.–2) for geosynthetic
membranes thinner than 1.5 mm
(0.06 in.) or if the pressure does not

594 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

stabilize, the length of seam is 0.75 mm (0.030 in.) or thinner. For
considered unacceptable. A shorter thicker geosynthetic membranes, it is
length of seam can be tested to isolate sometimes more difficult to detect
the unacceptable area. unbonded areas.
8. To verify that there is airflow through
the entire channel, remove the seal at Electrical Leak Location Test15
the end of the channel away from the
air source and observe the loss of The high voltage electrical leak location
pressure on the gage. survey method is used to locate leaks in
9. If on checking for complete airflow it geosynthetic membrane lined facilities.
is found that there is a blockage in the Electrical leak location surveys locate leaks
tunnel, the seam must be repaired. that were not previously detected using
10. Remove the needle or pressure feed other test techniques or were caused
device and patch the holes at both during the placement of the protective
ends of the seam. soil cover. On average, 22.5 leaks per
10 000 m2 (nine leaks per acre) are located
Air pressure testing is preferred to when this method is used to test
vacuum testing because long lengths of geosynthetic membrane lined facilities.16
seam can be tested quickly. Air pressure The method and equipment can locate
testing is especially efficient for testing leaks after protective soil cover is placed
smooth geosynthetic membrane. It has over the liner and is a very cost effective
been observed in the field that, for way to check liner installation quality or
textured geosynthetic membrane, quickly solve a leakage problem
blockage of the air channel occurs because
the asperities of the textured surface often The electrical leak location method
become attached together during the detects electrical paths through the
seaming process. As a result, it is some geosynthetic membrane liner caused by
times more efficient to vacuum test water leaking through the leaks (see
textured geosynthetic membrane seams. Fig. 4). A voltage is connected to one
electrode placed in the water or soil
Air Lance Test covering the liner and to an electrode
placed in the leak detection zone for
In the air lance test, a hollow wand with a double lined systems or in earth ground
nozzle is used to blow air at the for single lined systems. Electrical current
geosynthetic membrane seam. Unseamed flowing through the leaks in the liner
portions are detected because the produces localized anomalous areas of
geosynthetic membrane will vibrate. high current density near the leaks. These
areas are located by making electrical
The equipment used for the air lance potential measurement scans throughout
test consists of the following: (1) an air the survey area.
lance wand equipped with a 2.4 mm
(0.09 in.) hose fitting and with quick With the proper implementation of
connect fitting connections, (2) an air equipment and survey procedures the
hose with quick connect fittings, (3) a electrical leak location method can detect
regulator and (4) an air compressor. and locate very small leaks. The leak
signal amplitude is proportional to the
The steps of an air lance test are as amount of electrical current flowing
follows. through the leak. To maximize this
current, a high voltage power supply with
1. Pass air at 210 kPa (30 lbf·in.–2 gage) safety circuits can be used. The high
minimum to 275 kPa (40 lbf·in.–2 gage) voltage power supply produces a
maximum pressure through the wand.
FIGURE 4. Electrical leak location method for leak testing of
2. Hold the wand at a 45 degree angle to geosynthetic membranes (pond liners).
the field seam and about 50 mm
(2 in.) above the geosynthetic Remote current return electrode
membrane.
Current source electrode
3. Move the wand over the seam so that
the air is directed toward the seam I
edge and toward surface of the upper
and lower geosynthetic membrane Moving measurement
surfaces to detect unbonded areas. V electrodes

4. Vibration of the geosynthetic Liquid Earth
membrane indicates unbonded areas
within the seam or other undesirable Current flow Leak path Geosynthetic
seam conditions that need to be Power supply membrane
patched in accordance with the
project specifications.

5. The patches should also be tested
using the air lance test.

The air lance method is efficient for
testing geosynthetic membranes that are

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 595

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

proportionally higher leak signal to located to within 25 mm (1 in.) or less
provide optimum leak detection. and immediately marked.

Electrical leak location surveys are If the water in the geosynthetic
conducted with water or soil covering the membrane lined impoundment cannot be
geosynthetic membrane (Fig. 5). For lowered or the water in the pond is too
manual surveys where water covers the dangerous for personnel to wade then a
liner (Fig. 5a) the water depth must be remote survey method is used to survey
between 150 and 750 mm (6 and 30 in.) the liner. The remote survey method uses
in depth when surveying the bottom floor a probe that is towed back and forth
area. The manual survey system consists across the impoundment. The probe cable
of a portable electrical probe and is connected to the leak location
associated instrumentation. The operator instrumentation. The probe is designed to
wades in the water and systematically scan along the bottom of the pond as
scans the submersed liner to locate any survey personnel pull the electrode across
leaks. the pond. Survey scans are typically made
on 0.6 m (2 ft) spacings, so the probe will
Survey lanes on the bottom are pass within 0.3 m (12 in.) of any potential
scanned with overlapping coverage. The leak.
survey operator moves the probe laterally
across a 2.5 m (8 ft) span, advances about For best results, for any type of
0.3 m (1 ft) and then moves the probe electrical leak location survey, electrical
laterally in the opposite direction. In this conduction paths through or around the
manner, the total area of water covered liner should be eliminated or insulated.
liner is surveyed with the probe passing Penetrations such as leachate collection
within about 150 mm (6 in.) or less from lines should be constructed of
every submerged point on the liner. The nonelectrical conducting materials.
liner field seams that can be located are
double checked. When detected, leaks are An electrical leak location survey of soil
covered geosynthetic membrane (Fig. 5b)
FIGURE 5. Electrical leak location method for geosynthetic is a very effective means for finding leaks
membranes: (a) survey through liquid; (b) survey of floor of that occur while placing a protective soil
landfill liner with side slope in background. cover over the geosynthetic membrane
(a) liner or that occur after the liner
installation.
(b)
Because a geosynthetic membrane liner
of a landfill has protective soil covering
the liner, point-by-point electrical
potential measurements are made instead
of the continuous potential measurements
used for surveys in water. The
measurements are made on the soil
surface using special electrodes. The
electrical potential data are recorded in a
portable data acquisition logger and then
downloaded to a portable computer for
processing and data analysis.

To survey a liner, an electrical
conduction path through leaks in the
liner to the soil subgrade or leak detection
layer must be established. Therefore, the
soil must have sufficient moisture to allow
for electrical contact with leak. This can
be achieved by wetting the soil after
placement on the high density
polyethylene (HDPE) liner and letting the
water percolate to the liner surface. The
electrical measurements are then
conducted on the moist soil. In addition,
a synthetic drainage layer located between
two high density polyethylene liners must
be flooded with water. This is not required
if the drain layer is made of a natural
material such as sand, gravel or clay.

In addition, for single liners, the
protective soil cover placed on the
primary liner should not contact earth
ground. This can be prevented by leaving
an area of liner material temporarily
exposed at the top of the side slope or
along the edge of the liner.

596 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

The survey is conducted by making the seams around a pipe penetration. The
potential measurements along survey liner is usually fastened to a pipe by a
lines spaced at regular intervals across the mechanical connections such as a hand
bottom floor area of the landfill. The clamp. To ensure the clamp forms an
potential measurements are typically effective seal between the pipe and the
made with a dipole electrode separation boot, it is recommended that water be
of 0.75 m (2.5 ft) on survey lines spaced ponded above the top of the pipe. This
0.75 m (2.5 ft) apart. Therefore, data are method is effective only for the top or
collected on a 0.75 m (2.5 ft) grid pattern. primary liner of a double liner system.
When a suspect area is indicated in the
processed data, manual measurements are The purpose of nondestructive testing
taken to further localize the leak. of geosynthetic membrane seams is to
ensure continuity of the weld. A number
Sumps and Pipe of nondestructive test methods are
Penetrations available. The most common methods are
the vacuum, air pressure and air lance
Most lining system have a sump or a low tests. Other available nondestructive test
point from which liquid is removed. The methods are the ultrasonic, electrical leak
preferred method of liquid removal is to location spark and probe tests. Sumps and
pump directly from the collection point other low lying areas of a lining system
as shown in Fig. 6a.8 In some cases, it is may have liquid continuously standing
necessary to penetrate the lining system on the lining system. Therefore, it is
with a pipe, as shown in Fig. 6b.8 In both important that nondestructive testing of
cases, liquid will always be standing on these areas be performed. In these areas,
the lining system Therefore, it is simple ponding tests may be performed to
important that the seams in these areas determine if more sophisticated
are continuous. Sumps often have steep nondestructive tests are required.
sides that make nondestructive testing
difficult. Seaming around pipe
penetrations and connecting the liner to
the pipe is also difficult. Therefore, it is
recommended that all seaming operations
in such areas be continuously monitored.

Also, some form of nondestructive
testing needs to be performed. An
appropriate place to use the spark test is

FIGURE 6. Placement of sump pipe for liquid removal:
(a) side slope riser pipe; (b) pipe penetrating geosynthetic
membrane liner. The connection of geosynthetic membrane
to pipe is a common source of leakage. Seams too close to
pipe may be difficult to test with vacuum box.

(a)

Side slope
riser pipe

Earth
Geomembrane
liner

(b)

Mechanical Seam

connection

Earth

Seam Geomembrane liner

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 597

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Part 4. Residual Gas Analysis17

Leak testing of some type is required for Residual Gas Analyzer
any device or system that must contain or Operation
exclude a gas or liquid. These products
range from tiny integrated circuit Various manufacturers offer a popular
packages to systems as large as nuclear radio frequency quadrupole residual gas
power plants and 16 000 m3 (100 000 analysis systems with sophisticated
barrel) petroleum tanks. Many techniques electronics for programming and
are available for leak testing.18,19 displaying total system pressure and
Electronics technology has made the partial pressure of various gas species, data
electronic gas analyzers suitable for the reduction and control and alarm modes,
factory environment, with simplified data as well as interface ports for external
presentation, stable control circuits and computer or multipoint recorder
the possibility of operation by relatively connection.
unskilled personnel.
Analytical laboratory mass
The helium mass spectrometer leak spectrometers are available that can
detector has become a commonly used discriminate between particles with
piece of shop and field equipment for differences in relative atomic (Ar) mass as
product quality control leak testing and small as 0.01 Ar. The portable residual gas
for maintenance of all types of piping analyzer can resolve down to 1 Ar,
systems and many other applications. The suitable for most factory applications. The
residual gas analyzer (RGA) has become a residual gas analyzer measures the partial
commonly used device for continuous pressure of gases by a three stage process
monitoring of thin film vacuum of ionization, mass separation and
deposition and other manufacturing detection. The gas ions are sorted by their
processes because it provides dynamic, mass-to-charge ratio and, therefore, each
real time information on the relative species will produce a peak proportional
amount of the various gases in the to its partial pressure in the vacuum
system. A residual gas analyzer can be system and its mass-to-charge ratio.
used to warn when too much of an Hence, for quantitative leakage
unwanted gas appears, if a material is not measurements, the residual gas analyzer
sufficiently outgassed, if there are other and the complete leak test system must be
indications of both poor and good process calibrated for the particular gas of interest.
conditions or if general vacuum system
performance needs to be monitored. The quadrupole residual gas analysis
includes a filament, electron multiplier
Purposes of Residual Gas Analysis and other components that may decrease
in performance if allowed to accumulate
The application of residual gas analysis for contamination. When the multiplier gain
leak testing components or systems is decreases by a factor of 200, the residual
similar to that of a helium mass gas analysis head must be cleaned or
spectrometer, but the residual gas analyzer elements must be replaced. Various
scans over a user selectable range of filament materials designed for specific
ionized gas particles instead of one gas types of service are available to reduce this
and therefore offers various advantages. problem. This is similar to the
maintenance required for a helium mass
1. Problems in the test system can be spectrometer.
identified when the product is leak
tested in a vacuum chamber. Chamber Residual Gas Analysis Leak
leakage, chamber outgassing, product Testing
leakage and virtual leakage can be
identified. The instrument must have a mass range
suited for the leaking gases to be detected.
2. Many tracer gases can be used — for Table 2 lists some of the cracking pattern
example, the one most economical, peak values of typical gases and vapors
the one normally inside the sealed suitable for leak detection and vacuum
part or the one that provides the best system performance analysis.
residual gas analyzer response.

3. Multiple parts can be tested in one
vacuum chamber by using a different
tracer gas in each part.

598 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

The residual gas analyzer may be used the head in a convenient location for leak
to detect leaks in a product filled with a
suitable gas by simply placing the product sniffing and repair. The entire test system
in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the weighs 2.9 Mg (6.4 × 103 lb) and measures
chamber and analyzing the residual gas 2.29 × 1.78 × 1.68 m (90 × 70 × 66 in.)
for the product tracer gas. When using high. The 1.37 × 1.37 × 1.52 m
two or more tracer gases simultaneously, (54 × 54 × 60 in.) vacuum chamber is
the operator must be sure that each has
its own distinct peak of sufficient TABLE 2. Residual gas analysis cracking
magnitude. Various products with pattern peak values for gases and vapors.
different tracer gases may be tested at one
time with the residual gas analysis system Gas or Vapor Relative Molecular Mass
because each tracer gas mass number will
identify the leaking product. The Helium 4
sensitivity of a helium leak test system Water vapor 18
can be increased by evacuating the Oxygen 32
vacuum chamber with a special cryogenic Argon 40
pump that does not pump the helium Ethanol 31
tracer gas. Leaks may be located with a Methanol 31
residual gas analyzer by using the detector Isopropyl alcohol 45
probe method, as shown in the system Acetone 43
piping schematic (Fig. 7). Petroleum pump oil 55 or 77
Fomlin Y-25™ 69
A vacuum chamber was designed and 705 DP oil™ 78
constructed to test a large missile Polyether DP oil™ 51
guidance head. A mounting platform on Toluene 91
drawer slides is provided so that the Sulfur hexafluoride 127
127 kg (280 lb) head can be easily
positioned, secured and then pushed into
the chamber. After the vacuum test, the
platform in the extended position places

FIGURE 7. Residual gas analysis system for leak testing and backfill.

Pirani vacuum gage

Residual gas analyzer Pressure change control

Vacuum chamber

Capillary Leak tested device N2

Meter SF6
valve Vent out

Backing Table
pump
Calibrated
reference leak

Tracer probe
To roughing pump

Legend

= compound pressure gage

= pressure relief valve, 100 kPa (15 lbf·in.–2)
= pressure relief valve, 10 kPa (1.5 lbf·in.–2)

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 599

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

electropolished 304 stainless steel and the residual gas analyzer may also provide the
O-ring sealed door is nickel plated most economical method of leak
aluminum, providing a relatively low detection because it uses a less expensive
outgassing structure. tracer gas. The vacuum system trouble
shooting capability and process control
The control panel contains the residual functions make the residual gas analyzer a
gas analyzer control unit, the guidance valuable tool for many vacuum processes.
head backfill pressure control and gages,
chamber vacuum gage, control valves and
the residual gas analyzer turbo pump
power supply. Figure 7 shows how the
residual gas analyzer radio frequency head
and analyzer assembly, chamber gas
sample admittance valves, turbo pump
and piping of the system are
interconnected.

Principle of Operation

The pressure differential permitted
between the inside and outside of the
guidance head is limited to 10.4 kPa
(1.5 lbf·in.–2) because of its structural
design. This explains the differential
pressure control system provided to
ensure that this differential will not be
exceeded during evacuation and backfill
of the chamber and the guidance head.

The chamber and guidance head are
evacuated to remove the air and the
guidance head is backfilled with sulfur
hexafluoride leak tracer gas to 10.4 kPa
(1.5 lbf·in.–2). The residual gas analyzer
valve is then opened to the chamber and
the residual gas analyzer control unit
cathode ray tube display presents the
relative partial pressure of the residual
gases in the chamber. If sulfur
hexafluoride (relative molecular mass
Mr (SF6) = 127) is indicated, the actual leak
rate is calculated from the system
calibration data.

The means of calibrating a system is
similar to that outlined in the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code, Sec. 5, Art. 10.20 A
calibration leak standard is connected to
the vacuum chamber opposite the leak
test sample port, and the residual gas
analyzer response to the tracer gas from
the leak is recorded. A full range leak rate
versus detector response curve is plotted
by testing with leak standards of various
leak rates. The response of this residual
gas analyzer system to a 1 × 10–5 Pa·m3·s–1
(1 × 10–4 std cm3·s–1) helium leak standard
in the vacuum chamber was a 20 percent
increase in the partial pressure in 20 min.
This response is very good for such a large
vacuum chamber. Also, the cleanup time
was 20 min.

Because it responds to any tracer gas,
residual gas analysis is more versatile than
helium mass spectrometry for many leak
testing applications on small to medium
systems. It can be used also for analyzing
systems that cannot be inspected with the
helium mass spectrometer. If large
quantities of helium are required, the

600 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

References

1. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Containment Facilities. Technical
second edition: Vol. 1, Leak Testing. Guidance Document
Columbus, OH: American Society for EPA/600/R-93/182. Cincinnati, OH:
Nondestructive Testing (1982). United States Environmental
Protection Agency (1993).
2. Code of Federal Regulations 10, Part 100. 14. Giroud, J.P. and Fluet, J.E., Jr. “Quality
Washington, DC: United States Assurance of Geosynthetic Lining
Government Printing Office. Systems.” Geotextiles and
Geomembranes. Vol. 3 , No. 1. Barking,
3. WASH-1400, The Reactor Safety Study. Essex, United Kingdom: Elsevier
Washington, DC: Nuclear Regulatory Applied Science Publishers Limited
Commission (1975). (1986): p 249-288.
15. Laine, D.L. “Analysis of Pinhole Seam
4. ANSI/ANS-56.8-1994, Containment Leaks Located in Geomembrane Liners
System Leakage Testing Requirements. La Using the Electrical Leak Location
Grange Park, IL: American Nuclear Method: Case Histories.” Geosynthetics
Society (1996). ´91 Conference Proceedings [Atlanta,
GA]. Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
5. Code of Federal Regulations 10, Part 50, Association International (1991):
Appendix J. Washington, DC: United p 239-254.
States Government Printing Office 16. Laine, D.L. and G.T. Darilek. “Locating
(1995). Leaks in Geomembrane Liners of
Landfills Covered with a Protective
6. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Soil.” Geosynthetics ´93 Conference
Section 9, Rules for Inservice Inspection Proceedings [Vancouver, Canada].
of Nuclear Power Plant Components. Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
New York, NY: American Society of Association International (1993).
Mechanical Engineers. 17. Giles, S. “Leak Testing with a Residual
Gas Analyzer.” Materials Evaluation.
7. NEI Industry Guideline Document 94-01, Vol. 47, No. 11. Columbus, OH:
Revision D. Washington, DC: Nuclear American Society for Nondestructive
Energy Institute (1994). Testing (November 1989):
p 1244-1246.
8. Beech, J.F. “Nondestructive Testing of 18. O’Hanlon, J.F. A User’s Guide to Vacuum
Geomembrane Seams.” MQC/MQA and Technology, second edition. New York,
CQC/CQA of Geosynthetics. NY: Wiley (1989).
Philadelphia, PA: Geosynthetic 19. Giles, S. “Automated Leak Testing.”
Research Institute (1992). Materials Evaluation. Vol. 42, No. 2.
Columbus, OH: American Society for
9. Carlson, D.S., R.M. Charron, J.P. Nondestructive Testing
Winfree, J.P. Giroud and M.E. (February 1984): p 146-149.
McLearn. “Laboratory Evaluation of 20. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
HDPE Geomembrane Seams.” Section 5, Nondestructive Evaluation.
Geosynthetics ’93 Conference Proceedings. Article 10, “Leak Testing”. New York,
[Vancouver, Canada]. Roseville, MN: NY: American Society of Mechanical
Industrial Fabrics Association Engineers (1995).
International (1993).

10. Charron, R.M. “Seam Examination.”
Civil Engineering. Vol. 60, No. 2.
Reston, VA: American Society of Civil
Engineers (February 1990): p 61-63.

11. Crenwelge, R.N. “Destructive Testing
of Geomembrane Seams.” QC/QC and
CQC/CQA of Geosynthetics.
Philadelphia, PA: Geosynthetic
Research Institute (l992).

12. Rollins, A.L., M. Lefebvre, J. Lafleur
and M. Marcotte. “Evaluation of Field
Seams Quality by the Impact Test
Procedure.” Geosynthetics ’91
Conference Proceedings [Atlanta, GA].
Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
Association International (1991):
p 223-237.

13. Daniel, D.E. and R.M. Koerner. Quality
Assurance and Quality Control for Waste

Leak Testing Techniques for Special Applications 601

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

16

CHAPTER

Leak Testing Glossary

Charles N. Jackson, Jr., Richland, Washington
Charles N. Sherlock, Willis, Texas

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Introduction accumulation test technique: Detecting
the total amount of leakage by
Most of the definitions in this glossary are enclosing the component under test
adapted from the text in this volume and within a hood, bag, box, shroud or
from the Nondestructive Testing Handbook, container. For pressure testing, any gas
second edition.1-10 The definitions in this leaking from the component
glossary have been modified to satisfy accumulates in the space (volume)
peer review and editorial style. For this between the component and the
reason, references given in this glossary enclosure. For vacuum testing, any gas
should be considered not attributions but leaking into the component
rather acknowledgments and suggestions accumulates in the leak detector
for further reading. sampling the evacuated component.
Accumulation of tracer gas in a
The definitions in the Nondestructive measured time period provides a
Testing Handbook should not be referenced measure of the leakage rate.1,10
for inspections performed according to
standards or specifications or in accuracy: Degree of conformity of a
fulfillment of contracts. Standards writing measurement to a standard or true
bodies take great pains to ensure that value.1,10
their documents are definitive in wording
and technical accuracy. People working to acoustic emission: In leak testing, elastic
written contracts or procedures should waves resulting from the flow of fluids
consult standards when appropriate. through leaks in the frequency range
30 to 100 kHz.5,10
This glossary is provided for
instructional purposes. No other use is acoustic emission leak testing: Leak test
intended. method that uses acoustic emission.10

Definitions adsorption pump: Pump that creates a
vacuum by collecting gas on the
absolute pressure: Pressure above interior surfaces of the pump.
absolute zero value, or pressure above Pressures of 2 Pa (20 µbar) are readily
that of space empty of all molecules. attained. The pump has a finite
Equal to sum of local atmospheric capacity but may be regenerated for
pressure and gage pressure.1,10 additional use.11

absolute temperature: Temperature above air flow: In leak testing, flow of air from
absolute zero value. Absolute zero the probe inlet to the sensitive element
temperature is expressed as 0 K or of the halogen leak detector that
–273.15 °C (–460 °F). carries the tracer gas from the leak to
the sensing diode.1,10
acceptable quality level (AQL):
Maximum percent defective (or the alkali ion diode: Kind of sensor for
maximum number of units with halogen gases. In this device, positive
rejectable anomalies per hundred ions (cations) of an alkali metal are
units) that, for the purposes of produced on the heated surfaces
sampling tests, can be considered (usually platinum) of the diode. One
satisfactory as a process average.8,10 electrode is at a negative potential and
attracts cations that are released when
acceptance criteria: Standard against a halogen gas passes between the
which test results are to be compared sensor electrodes. Provides an output
for purposes of establishing the current to operate the indicator on the
functional acceptability of a part or halogen leak detector.1,10
system being examined.10
ambient temperature: Temperature of
acceptance level: Test level above or surrounding atmosphere. Also called
below which test objects are acceptable atmospheric temperature or dry bulb
in contrast to rejection level.4,10,12 temperature.10

acceptance standard: Specimen similar to anomaly: Instance of variation from
test object and containing natural or normal material or product quality.4
artificial discontinuities that are well
defined and similar in size or extent to artificial discontinuity standard: See
the maximum acceptable in the acceptance standard.
product. See standard.4,6,7,10
artificial flaw standard: See acceptance
standard.

artificial source: In acoustic emission, a
point where elastic waves are created to
simulate an acoustic emission event.
The term also defines devices used to
create the waves.5,10

ASNT: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing.

604 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

ASNT Recommended Practice No. bubble leak testing: Pressure test where
SNT-TC-1A: A set of guidelines for leakage is indicated by formation of
employers to establish and conduct a bubbles by escaping gas. Methods
nondestructive testing personnel include immersion, vacuum box and
qualification and certification program. bubble solution tests.1
SNT-TC-1A was first issued in 1968 by
the Society for Nondestructive Testing capillary action: Tendency of liquids to
(SNT, now ASNT) and has been revised penetrate or migrate into small
every few years since.10 openings, such as cracks, pits or
fissures. The positive force that causes
atmosphere or atmospheric conditions: movement of certain liquids along
See standard atmospheric conditions. narrow or tight passages.2,10

atmospheric pressure: Ambient pressure calibrated leak: Instrument or specimen
caused by the weight of the earth’s providing leakage at known rate for
atmosphere. Because the weight of the purposes of reference or comparison.
earth’s overlying atmosphere decreases See standard.
with increase in altitude, atmospheric
pressure decreases with elevation. Also carrier fluid: (1) Fluid that acts as a
called barometric pressure. At sea level, carrier for the active materials.
standard barometric pressure is taken as (2) Fluid in which fluorescent and
101.325 kPa (14.696 lbf·in.–2). It is also visible dyes are dissolved or suspended,
equal to the pressure exerted by a in liquid penetrants or leak tracers.2
mercury column 760 mm (29.92 in.) (3) Liquid vehicle in which fluorescent
high — that is, equal to 760 mm Hg or nonfluorescent magnetic particles
(29.92 in. Hg) or 760 torr.1,10 are suspended for ease of
application.6,10,13
automated system: Acting mechanism
that performs required tasks at a certification: Process of providing written
determined time and in a fixed testimony that an individual is
sequence in response to certain qualified. See also certified.8,10
conditions.8,10
certified: Having written testimony of
background contamination: Tracer gases qualification. See also certification.8,10
in a test system that initiate a response
from the leak detector and that may or choked flow: Phenomenon where, while
may not be attributable to a leak.1,10 pressure downstream is gradually
lowered, velocity through an orifice
background signal: Steady or fluctuating increases until it reaches the speed of
output signal of a test instrument sound in the fluid (also known as sonic
caused by the presence of acoustic, flow).1
chemical, electrical or radiation
conditions to which the sensing cleanup time or cleanup: Time (time
element responds.1,10 constant) required after a tracer gas has
ceased to enter a leak test system, for
backstreaming: Movement of pumping the system to reduce its signal output
fluids from the pump back to the to 37 percent of the signal indicated
vacuum chamber.11 before the tracer gas had ceased to
enter the leak testing system.1,10
baffle: System component, typically a
plate, that condenses pump fluids code: Standard enacted or enforced as a
before they reach the vacuum law.8,10
chamber and returns fluid to the
pump.11 cold cathode ionization gage: Ion gage
in which the ions are produced by a
barometer: Pressure gage used to measure cold cathode discharge, usually in the
the atmospheric pressure at a specific presence of a magnetic field that
location.1,10 lengthens the path of electrons
between the cathode and anode.1,10 It
barometric pressure: Ambient pressure has a range of 1 Pa to 0.1 mPa
caused by the weight of the Earth’s (10 mtorr to 1 µtorr).11
atmosphere.1,10 See atmospheric
pressure. cold light: Obsolete word for
fluorescence.8,10
bell jar: Kind of evacuated test chamber.
See vacuum pressure testing. cold trap: Device that condenses vapors
and prevents oil or water molecules
black light: Disfavored term for ultraviolet from entering a vacuum chamber.1
radiation.
color contrast dye: Dye that can be used
black light filter: Filter that transmits in a penetrant to impart sufficient
ultraviolet radiation between 320 and color intensity to give good color
400 nm wavelengths while absorbing contrast indications against the
or suppressing the transmission of the background on a test surface when
visible radiation and hard ultraviolet viewed under visible light.2,10
radiation with wavelengths less than
320 nm.6,10,13 color contrast penetrant: Penetrant
incorporating a dye, usually
Bourdon tube: See quartz Bourdon tube nonfluorescent, sufficiently intensive
gage. to give good visibility to discontinuity
indications under visible light.2,10

Leak Testing Glossary 605

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

complete testing: Testing of an entire dry bulb temperature: Alternate term for
production lot in a prescribed manner. ambient or atmospheric
Sometimes complete testing entails the temperature.1,10
inspection of only the critical regions
of a part. One hundred percent testing dynamic testing: Testing in which the
requires the inspection of the entire system under test is pumped
part by prescribed methods. Compare continuously.
sampling, partial.8,10
elastomer: Natural or synthetic rubber
conductance: Flow characteristics of a gasket material used to make a
tube, manifold or leak path expressed vacuum tight seal in a vacuum
in m3·s–1.11 system.1

cryogenic pump: Pump that condenses equivalent standard leakage rate: See
chamber gas on a cold surface of 4 to standard leakage rate.
80 K (–269 to –194 °C). Cooling is
provided by liquid gas such as liquid examination, general: Test or
helium or by refrigeration.11 examination of a person’s knowledge,
typically (in the case of nondestructive
defect: Discontinuity whose size, shape, testing personnel qualification) a
orientation or location make it written test on the basic principles of a
detrimental to the useful service of its nondestructive testing method and
host object or which exceeds the general knowledge of basic equipment
accept/reject criteria of an applicable used in the method. (According to
specification.6,14 Some discontinuities ASNT’s guidelines, the general
may not affect serviceability and are examination should not address
therefore not defects.2 All defects are knowledge of specific equipment,
discontinuities.2 Compare discontinuity codes, standards and procedures
and indication.10 pertaining to a particular application.)
Compare examination, practical and
detector probe: Adjustable or fixed device examination, specific.10
through which air and/or tracer gas is
drawn into the leak test instrument examination, practical: In certification
and over the sensing element or of nondestructive testing personnel, a
detector. Also called a sampling probe or hands-on examination using test
a sniffer probe.1,10 equipment and sample test objects.
Compare examination, general and
detector probe test: Pressure leak test in examination, specific.10
which the leakage of a component,
pressurized with a tracer rich mixture, examination, specific: In certification of
is detected by scanning the test object nondestructive testing personnel, a
boundary surface with a detector probe written examination that addresses the
connected to an electronic leak specifications and products pertinent
detector. Leakage tracer gas is pulled to the application. Compare
from the leak through the probe inlet examination, general and examination,
to the sensing element to cause a practical.10
visible or audible signal on the
indicator of the leak test flammability: Tendency to combust,
instrument.1,10 considered to be characteristic of
liquids having flash point below 60 °C
diffusion: Process by which molecules (140 °F) and a vapor pressure not
intermingle as a result of concentration exceeding 275 kPa (40 lbf·in.–2) at
gradients or thermal motion.2 37.8 °C (100 °F).1
Spreading of a gas through other gases
or solids within a volume. flash point: Lowest temperature at which
vapors above a volatile, combustible
diffusion pump: High vacuum pump substance ignite in air when exposed
with no moving mechanical parts that to an ignition source.6,10,14
uses a vapor jet to sweep gas from the
vacuum chamber and achieve flaw: Imperfection or unintentional
pressures as low as 1 nPa (10 ptorr).11 discontinuity. See also defect and
discontinuity.2
discontinuity: Interruption in the
physical structure of a part.10 A flow measurement: Determining the
discontinuity may or may not be extent of leakage by measuring the
considered a defect. rate of flow of gas into or out of a
system or component under test.1
displacement pump: Mechanical pump
that physically sweeps gas out of a fluorescence: Emission of visible light
volume and creates a vacuum. Rotary from a material in response to
piston and rotary vane pumps are two ultraviolet or X-radiation. Formerly
examples. A displacement pump can called cold light.8,10
achieve pressures in the 0.1 to 1.0 Pa
(10 to 1 mtorr) range.11 foam leak test: Bubble leak test technique
in which the tracer gas blows a hole
drift (electronic): Change in output through a blanket of foam covering
reading of an instrument, usually due the test object, thus indicating the
to temperature change. location of the leak.1

606 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

fore pump: Mechanical pump in a hermetic seal: Fusion seal that is
helium mass spectrometer that leaktight.1
performs initial evacuation of a system
to a pressure of 0.1 Pa and then holes: Any void remaining in an object as
accepts the exhaust from the high a result of improper manufacturing
vacuum pump such as a diffusion processing. Often called gas holes,
pump. The forepump lowers pressure cavities or air locks.2,10
to less than 10 kPa into which the
diffusion pump can exhaust its gas.1 hood test: Quantitative leak test in which
a test object under vacuum test is
gage pressure: Pressure above or below enclosed by a hood filled with tracer
atmospheric pressure at the gas so as to subject all parts of the test
measurement location.1,10 object to examination for leakage at
one time. A form of dynamic leak
gas ballast: Gas (air) admitted into the testing in which the entire enclosure or
pumping chamber of a mechanical a large portion of its external surface is
pump and inhibiting condensation of exposed to the tracer gas while the
vapors in the chamber.1 interior is connected to a leak detector,
with the objective of detecting leakage
getter: Reactive material that traps gas or measuring its total rate.1,10
and removes it from a vacuum
chamber. Several metals such as hot thermionic ionization gage:
titanium, zirconium and tantalum can Absolute pressure gage that monitors
form getters for gases.11 ion current proportional to gas density
at pressures less than 0.1 Pa (1 mtorr).
halide: Compound of two or more Electrons produced by a heated
elements, one of which is a filament (usually of tungsten or
halogen.1,10 iridium and often thorium coated)
ionize the gas and produce a positive
halogen: Any of the nonmetallic ion current that flows to a wire
elements — fluorine, chlorine, collector. This current is proportional
bromine and iodine — or any gaseous to gas density over the absolute
chemical component containing one pressure range below 100 mPa
or more of these elements.10 (1 mtorr) for a given gas composition.1

halogen detector probe test: Pressure ideal gas: Gas that obeys the laws of
leak test in which the leakage of a thermodynamics for ideal gases. Also
component, pressurized with a halogen called perfect gas.1,10
rich mixture, is detected by scanning
over the test object boundary surface immersion leak testing: Test object is
with a probe connected to a halogen pressurized and then submerged in
leak detector. Halogen gas is pulled detection fluid. The formation of
from the leak through the probe inlet bubbles from the object indicates a
to the sensing element to cause a leak; the absence of bubbles indicates
visible or audible signal on the leaktightness.1
indicator of the leak test
instrument.1,10 implosion: Collapse of pressure boundary
or wall of a containment vessel or
halogen leak detector: Leak detector that structure when evacuated and subject
responds to tracer gases containing to atmospheric or higher external
halogen. Normally not very sensitive pressures.1
to the elemental halogen gases but
very good when used with a gas that indication: Nondestructive testing
contains halogen. Also called halogen discontinuity response that requires
sensitive leak detector or halide leak interpretation to determine its
detector.1,10 relevance. Compare defect, discontinuity
and false indication.8,10
halogen standard leak: Standard leak in
which the contained gas is a halogen indication, discontinuity: Visible
tracer gas compound.1,10 evidence of a material discontinuity.
Subsequent interpretation is required
heated immersion test: Bubble test where to determine the significance of an
the heating causes buildup of internal indication.2,10
pressure in a test object and the
formation of bubbles at leak sites.1 indication, false: Indication produced by
something other than a discontinuity.
helium: Monomolecular, noble gas with Can arise from improper test
atomic weight of four, commonly used procedures.6,10
as tracer gas in leak testing. Because of
helium’s small molecular size and indication, nonrelevant: Indication due
rarity (5 µL·L–1 in air) it is an excellent to misapplied or improper testing. May
tracer gas.1 also be an indication caused by an
actual discontinuity that does not
helium leak detector: Leak detector that affect the usability of the object (a
responds to helium tracer gas.1,10 change of section, for instance).2,10

helium mass spectrometer leak
detector: Mass spectrometer
constructed to be peaked or tuned for
response to helium gas.10

Leak Testing Glossary 607

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

indication, relevant: Indication from a IR: Infrared and thermal testing.
discontinuity (as opposed to a isobaric: Having constant barometric
nonrelevant indication) requiring
evaluation by a qualified inspector, pressure.1
typically with reference to an Knudsen number: Ratio of mean free
acceptance standard, by virtue of the
discontinuity’s size or location.8,10,16 path to characteristic dimension of the
system.11
inert gas: Gas that does not readily laminar flow: Class of viscous flow where
combine with other substances. velocity distribution of fluid in a cross
Examples are helium, neon and section of a tube is parabolic.1
argon.1,10 laser: Acronym (light amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation). The
infrared: Below red, referring to radiation laser produces a highly
of frequency lower than the color red. monochromatic and coherent (spatial
See infrared radiation.9,10 and temporal) beam of radiation. A
steady oscillation of nearly a single
infrared and thermal testing: electromagnetic mode is maintained in
Nondestructive testing that uses heat a volume of an active material
or infrared radiation as interrogating bounded by highly reflecting surfaces,
energy. called a resonator. The frequency of
oscillation varies according to the
infrared camera: Radiometer that collects material used and the means of
infrared radiation to create an initially exciting or pumping the
image.9,10 material.8,10,17
leak: Opening that allows the passage of a
infrared radiation: Radiant energy below fluid.1,10,18
the color red, of wavelengths longer leak detector: Device for detecting,
than 770 nm, between the visible and locating or measuring leakage.1,10
microwave regions of the leak testing (LT): Nondestructive testing
electromagnetic spectrum.8,9,10,17 method for detecting, locating or
measuring leaks or leakage in
infrared thermography: See pressurized or evacuated systems or
thermography. components.1,10
leakage: Measurable quantity of fluid
inlet: Opening, flange, connection or escaping from a leak.1,10
coupling on a leak detector or leak leakage design basis accident: Calculated
testing system through which tracer peak containment internal pressure
gas may enter from a leak in a test related to the design basis accident.1,10
object.1,10 leakage rate: Quantity of leakage fluid per
unit time that flows through a leak at a
integrated leakage rate test (ILRT): given temperature as a result of a
Leakage test performed for an entire specified pressure difference across the
system or component by pressurizing leak.1,10 See throughput.
the system to the calculated peak leaker penetrant: Penetrant especially
containment internal pressure related designed for leak detection.2
to the design and determining the leech box: Double compartmented box in
overall integrated leakage rate.1,10 which the outer compartment is
evacuated and then the inner
interpretation: Determination of the compartment is pressurized to produce
significance of test indications from a pressure differential across the test
the standpoint of their relevance or boundary under the inner
nonrelevance. The determination of compartment.1
the cause of an indication or the level, acceptance: In contrast to rejection
evaluation of the significance of level, test level above or below which,
discontinuities from the standpoint of depending on the test parameter, test
whether they are detrimental or objects are acceptable.2,10
inconsequential.2,10 level, rejection: Value established for a
test signal above or below which,
ion current: Current that flows at all depending on the test parameter, test
times from the positive emitter (heater) objects are rejectable or otherwise
to the negative cathode collector of the distinguished from the remaining
heated anode (alkali ion) halogen objects.2,10 See level, acceptance.
vapor detector. This current increases lid stiffness: In leak testing of
in the presence of halogenated hermetically sealed packages, the
gases.1,10 material characteristic that defines the
amount of lid deflection from a
ion pump: Pump that combines electric specific pressure differential.
and magnetic fields to ionize gas and LT: Leak testing.
trap the gas inside the pump, thus
removing it from the vacuum
chamber.11

ionization gage: High vacuum gage that
depends on the measuring of electrical
current resulting from ionization of
gas. Examples include thermionic
ionization gages (Bayard-Alpert), cold
cathode gages (Penning or Philip) and
alphatron gages.1

608 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

magnetic sector: Permanent magnet that nondestructive characterization (NDC):
separates the ion species in the Branch of nondestructive testing
spectrometer tube of the helium mass concerned with the description and
spectrometer.1 prediction of material properties and
behaviors of components and
manifold: Collection of vacuum systems.10
hardware such a valves, piping and
chambers connected together to form nondestructive evaluation (NDE):
a test system.1 Another term for nondestructive testing.
In research and academic
manometer: Instrument for measuring communities, the word evaluation is
pressure (or pressure differentials) of often preferred because it emphasizes
gases and vapors. interpretation by knowledgeable
personnel.10
manual zero: Control on a test
instrument that allows the user to zero nondestructive examination (NDE):
the instrument panel meter.1,10 Another term for nondestructive testing.
In the utilities and nuclear industry,
masking: Covering of a portion of a test examination is sometimes preferred
object so as to prevent tracer gas from because testing can imply performance
entering leaks that may exist in the trials of pressure containment or power
covered section.1,10 generation systems.10

mass flow rate: Weight, moles or number nondestructive inspection (NDI):
of molecules passing through a system Another term for nondestructive testing.
as function of time.1 In some industries (utilities, aviation),
the word inspection often implies
mass spectrometer leak detector: Mass maintenance for a component that has
spectrometer with design factors been in service.10
optimized to produce an instrument
that has high sensitivity to a single nondestructive testing (NDT):
tracer gas.1,10 Determination of the physical
condition of an object without
mass-to-charge ratio: Ratio of mass affecting that object’s ability to fulfill
(kilogram) to electrical charge its intended function. Nondestructive
(coulomb) of a molecule,1 or the testing techniques typically use a
atomic mass of the molecule divided probing energy form to determine
by the atomic charge of the material properties or to indicate the
molecule.11 presence of material discontinuities
(surface, internal or concealed). See
mean free path: Average distance a gas also nondestructive evaluation,
molecule travels between successive nondestructive examination and
collisions with other molecules in the nondestructive inspection.10
gas or vapor state.1,10
optical leak testing: Leak testing method
mechanical pump: Mechanical device using optical means such as
with pumping fluid and seals that holographic laser interferometry.
physically removes a portion of the Optical leak testing is used for
gas from a system with each microelectronic and pharmaceutical
revolution of the armature. A packaging.
mechanical pump can pump a
chamber down to about 0.1 Pa outgassing: Forms of gas coming from
(1 mtorr).1 material in a vacuum system. Includes
gases adsorbed on the surface,
micro: Prefix that divides a basic unit of dissolved in material and trapped in
measure by one million.2,10 pockets and those due to
evaporation.1,10
mole: Molecular weight of a substance, in
gram (gram mole).1 overall integrated leakage rate: Total
leakage through all leakage paths
molecular flow: Phenomenon occurring including containment welds, valves,
when mean free path length of gas fittings and components that penetrate
molecules is greater than the largest a primary reactor containment system,
cross sectional dimension of a leak or expressed in weight percent of
the tube through which flow is contained air mass per day.1,10
occurring.1,10
partial pressure: Pressure a gas would
molecular weight: For a gas, the mass of exert if alone in a container.1
22.4 L (0.8 ft3) at standard
conditions.1 parts per million (ppm): Concentration
of a specific gas in another gas or gas
motion feedthrough: Function provided mixture. For example, a tracer gas
by rotary or linear drives that concentration might be 10 ppm in air
penetrate the vacuum boundary to or nitrogen. The more specific term
operate valves, pumps or perform µL·L–1 is preferred, to indicate
other functions inside the vacuum proportion by volume.1,10
system.11

NDC: Nondestructive characterization.
NDE: (1) Nondestructive evaluation.

(2) Nondestructive examination.8,10
NDI: Nondestructive inspection.
NDT: Nondestructive testing.

Leak Testing Glossary 609

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

penetrant: Liquid capable of entering process testing: Initial product testing to
discontinuities open to the test surface establish correct manufacturing
and adapted to the penetrant test procedures and then by periodic tests
process by being made highly visible in to ensure that the process continues to
small traces. Fluorescent penetrants operate correctly.2,10
fluoresce brightly under ultraviolet
light and visible penetrants are proportioning probe: Probe that can vary
intensely colored to be readily visible the tracer gas concentration in the
on developer backgrounds when sample at the sensor, typically by
illuminated with visible light.2,10 mixing pure air with sample gas from
the probe inlet port. Ratios of mixture
penetrant leak testing: Technique of between 100 percent pure air (obtained
penetrant testing in which the from an outdoors source or by filtering
penetrant is applied to one surface of a ambient air through charcoal) and 100
test material while the opposite surface percent leak sample gas are attainable
is tested for indications that would without great changes in total flow
identify a leak or void passing through from the probe. The proportioning
the material thickness.2,10 probe used in halogen leak testing lets
the user operate in an atmosphere with
permeation: Passage of fluid into, up to 1000 µL·L–1 tracer gas
through and out of a solid barrier background contamination. It
having no holes large enough to proportions the amount of atmosphere
permit more than a small fraction of allowed to enter the probe with its
molecules to pass through any one own (recirculating) fresh air supply.1,10
hole.1
pumping speed: Volumetric speed at
Pirani gage: Bridge circuit that measures which gas is transported, expressed in
the effect of gas conductivity changes cubic meter per second.11
corresponding to pressure variations.
Measures pressure from atmospheric pure air supply: In leak testing, air that
down to 0.1 Pa (1 mtorr).1 has been cleaned of halogen
contamination by means of an
pressure differential: Difference in activated charcoal filter. This term is
pressure between two sides of a sometimes also used to describe any
pressure boundary.1 nonreactive gas, such as nitrogen, that
contains no halogen contamination
pressure proof testing: Test of system at and to which the leak detector is not
pressure considerably above the sensitive.1,10
allowable working pressure to
demonstrate structural capability.1 qualification: Process of demonstrating
that an individual has the required
pressure testing: Technique of leak amount and the required type of
testing objects pressurized with a tracer training, experience, knowledge and
gas with the subsequent detection and capabilities. See also qualified.8,10
location of any existing leaks with a
sampling probe (a qualitative test). qualified: Having demonstrated the
Tests performed by increasing the required amount and the required type
pressure inside a test boundary to a of training, experience, knowledge and
level greater than the surrounding abilities. See also qualification.8,10
atmosphere and detecting leakage by
systematic examination of the outside quality: Ability of a process or product to
of the test surface. Leaks are located at meet specifications or to meet the
time of detection; however, it is expectations of its users in terms of
impossible to accurately determine a efficiency, appearance, longevity and
total leakage rate for the object being ergonomics.8,10
pressure tested.1,10
quality assurance: Administrative actions
probe: In leak testing, the physical means that specify, enforce and verify a
for sensing a gaseous leak, typically a quality program.8,10
tube having a fine opening at one end,
used for directing or collecting a quality control: Physical and
stream of tracer gas. Detector probes administrative actions required to
are used for pressure testing and tracer ensure compliance with the quality
probes are used for vacuum testing.1,10 assurance program. May include
nondestructive testing in the
probe gas: Tracer gas that issues from a manufacturing cycle.8,10
fine orifice in a tracer probe so as to
impinge on a restricted (small) test quartz Bourdon tube gage: High
area.1,10 precision pressure measuring
instrument containing a quartz helical
process control: Application of quality Bourdon tube.1,10
control principles to the management
of a repeated process.8,10 radioactivity leak test: Leak test using
radioactive tracer gas such as
krypton-85, detected by its
radioactivity.1

recommended practice: Set of guidelines
or recommendations.8,10

610 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A: See sensitivity of leak test: Smallest leakage
ASNT Recommended Practice No. rate that an instrument, technique or
SNT-TC-1A. system can detect under specified
conditions (implies minimum
reference standard leak: Calibrated leak detectable leakage rate).1,10
for reference purposes. See also
standard. SI: International System of Units (Le
Systeme Internationale d’ Unites), a
relevant indication: See indication, system of measurement based on seven
relevant. units: meter (m), kilogram (kg),
second (s), kelvin (K), ampere (A),
repeatability: Ability to reproduce a candela (cd) and mole (mol).4,10,20
detectable indication in separate
processings and tests from a constant signal: Response containing relevant
source.1,2,10 information.4,10,11

response time: Time required for a leak sniffer probe: See detector probe.
detector signal to reach a specified sniffer test: See detector probe test.
value after the application of a step SNT-TC-1A: See ASNT Recommended
input.1,11,19 The signal reaches
63 percent of final value in one time Practice No. SNT-TC-1A.
constant. soak time: In leak testing, the period of

response factor: Response of a halogen time between when the system or
leak detector to 3 × 10–7 Pa·m3·s–1 component reaches test pressure and
(3 × 10–6 std cm3·s–1) of tracer either when the leak detector solution
refrigerant-12 or less, divided by the is applied to the surface or when the
response to the same quantity of leak detector is used to scan that
another tracer gas. Thus, the actual surface.21
leakage rate of a detected leak will solution film: Thin continuous film of
equal the indication of the detector bubble solution used in bubble
multiplied by the response factor of testing.11
the specific halogen tracer gas used. sorption pump: Pump consisting of a
The response factor of a mixture of sieve and liquid nitrogen with ability
tracer and nontracer gases will be the to pump to 0.1 Pa (1 mtorr).11
response factor of the tracer divided by specification: Set of instructions or
the fraction of tracer gas in the test gas standards invoked by a specific
(by volume).1,10 customer to govern the results or
performance of a specific set of tasks or
Reynolds number: Number expressing products.8,10
the relative quantity of gas flowing in spectrometer: In the helium mass
a pipe.11 spectrometer, the basic device that
sorts the charged gaseous particles by
roots blower: Blower that uses two lobed species in accordance with molecular
rotors mounted on parallel shafts in weight.1
conjunction with mechanical pumps standard: (1) Physical object with known
to obtain greater pumping speeds and material characteristics used as a basis
lower pressures.11 for comparison or calibration; reference
standard. (2) Concept established by
rotameter: Meter that uses a float and a authority, custom or agreement to
tapered glass bore to measure flow.11 serve as a model or rule in the
measurement of quantity or the
sampling probe: See detector probe. establishment of a practice or
sampling, partial: Testing of less than procedure.7,22 (3) Document to control
and govern practices in an industry or
one hundred percent of a production application, applied on a national or
lot.8,10 international basis and usually
sampling, random partial: Partial produced by consensus. See also
sampling that is fully random.8,10 acceptance standard and working
sampling, specified partial: Partial standard.4,8,10,11
sampling in which a particular standard atmospheric conditions:
frequency or sequence of sample Atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa
selection is prescribed. An example of (14.6959 lbf·in.–2). Temperature of 0 °C
specified partial sampling is the testing (273 K, 32 °F or 492 °R). The density of
of every fifth unit.8,10 dry air at these conditions is 0.120 41
sensitivity: Measure of a sensor’s ability kg·m–3 (0.075 17 lb·ft–3) at sea level.1,10
to detect small signals. Limited by the standard barometric pressure at sea
signal-to-noise ratio.7,10 level: See atmospheric pressure.
sensitivity of leak detector: Response of
a leak detector to tracer gas leakage
(typically panel meter pointer
deflection in scale divisions; leak
sensitivity is measured in units of
Pa·m3·s–1 or std cm3·s–1).1,10

Leak Testing Glossary 611

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

standard leak: Device that permits a thermocouple gage: Device that
tracer gas to be introduced into a leak incorporates a thermocouple to
detector or a leak testing system at a measure gas conductivity changes
known rate to facilitate tuneup and corresponding to pressure variations
calibration of the leak detector or test from 0.1 Pa (1 mtorr) to atmospheric
system.1,10 pressure (100 kPa or 760 torr).1

standard leakage rate: In optical leak thermography: Imaging or viewing of
testing of hermetically sealed packages, object or process through sensing of
the quantity of dry air at 25 °C (77 °F) infrared radiation emitted by it.
flowing (in atmospheric cm3·s–1) Temperature patterns on the material
through a leak or multiple leak paths surface produce corresponding
when the high pressure side is at radiation patterns. Thus, heat flow by
100 kPa (1 atm or 760 torr absolute) both conduction and radiation may be
and the low pressure side is at pressure observed and used to locate material
not greater than 100 Pa (1 torr discontinuities.9,10
absolute).23 An equivalent standard
leakage rate of a given sealed package, throughput: Quantity of gas, or total
with a measured leakage rate, is the number of molecules at a specific
leakage rate, of the same package with temperature, passing a section of a
the same leak geometry, that would vacuum system per unit of time. See
exist under the standard leakage rate leakage rate.1,10
conditions.
torr: Unit of pressure nearly equal to
static testing: See accumulation test 133.322 Pa (1.000 mm Hg).1,10
technique.
tracer: In leak testing, a gas that is sensed
structural integrity test (SIT): Test that as it escapes from confinement.1,10
demonstrates the capability of a vessel
to withstand specified internal pressure tracer gas: Gas that can be detected by a
loads.1,10 specific leak detector and thus disclose
the presence of a leak in a system. Also
surface tension: Characteristic of liquids called search gas.1,10
where the outer surface contracts to
the smallest possible area.1 tracer probe test: Leak test in which a
tracer gas is applied by means of a
temperature: Measure of the intensity of probe to an accessible test surface on
particle motion in degrees celsius (°C) an evacuated test object so that the
or degrees fahrenheit (°F) or, in the area covered by the tracer gas is
absolute scale, kelvin (K) or degrees localized. A leak detector in the line to
rankine (°R), where increment of 1 K = the vacuum pump enables individual
1 °C = 1.8 °R = 1.8 °F. Compare heat.9,10 leaks to be located when they admit
tracer gas.1,10
Tesla coil: High voltage spark coil (several
thousand volt).1 tracer standard leak: Standard leak in
which the contained gas is a tracer gas
test piece: Part subjected to testing.10 compound.1,10
test quality level: See level, rejection.
test ring: Ring specimen typically made of transition flow: Phenomenon that occurs
when the mean free path of gas is
tool steel, containing artificial about equal to the cross sectional
subsurface discontinuities used to dimension of a leak or the tube
evaluate and compare the performance through which flow is occurring.1,10
and sensitivity of magnetic
particles.6,10,12 trap: Cold trap.
test surface: Exposed surface of test turbomolecular pump: Molecular turbine
object.2,7,10
thermal: Physical phenomenon of heat that drives gas out of a vacuum
involving the movement of molecules. chamber, achieving a high vacuum
Compare infrared radiation.9,10 pressure in the 10 nPa (0.1 ntorr)
thermal conductivity: Heat transfer range.11
capability, as of a gas.1 ultimate pressure: Lowest pressure that
thermal conductivity vacuum gage: can be achieved in a vacuum chamber
Instrument that operates on principle after cleaning and baking.11
that as gas molecules are removed from ultrasonic: Pertaining to acoustic
a system, the amount of heat transfer vibration frequencies greater than
by conduction is reduced. This about 20 kHz.7,10,21
relationship is used to indicate absolute ultrasound leak test: Leak test that
pressure.1,10 detects ultrasound in the 40 kHz range
thermal disorption: Release of gases or from gas flowing through the leak
vapors from the interior wall of a path.1
vacuum system by heat.11
thermal equilibrium: Condition of an
object wherein temperatures
throughout the object remain
constant.9,10

612 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

ultraviolet radiation: Electromagnetic virtual leak: Emission of gas in a vacuum
radiation or light energy in the near system that results from condensible or
ultraviolet range with wavelengths trapped gases. They gradually
from 320 to 400 nm, just below the evaporate from surfaces or escape from
wavelengths of visible light. Also a pockets, raising the absolute pressure
term for the ultraviolet light source in the same manner as a real leak.1,10
used in fluorescent nondestructive
testing. Sources often have a viscosity: Coherent characteristic of fluids
predominant wavelength of that causes resistance to flow.1
365 nm.2,6,8,10,13
viscous flow: Flow of gas or gas mixtures
upper confidence limit: Calculated value through a leak or duct under
constructed from sample data with the conditions such that the mean free
intention of placing a statistical upper path is smaller than the cross section
boundary on a true leakage rate.1,10 of the leak or opening. Viscous flow
may be either laminar or turbulent and
vacuum: Space containing gas at a is most likely to occur during leak tests
pressure below atmospheric at atmospheric or higher pressures.
pressure.1,10 With vacuum conditions, the flow of
tracer gases to the leak detector
vacuum box: Device used to create a element is usually by diffusion,
differential pressure over an isolated resulting in slow response to leaks
area of a weld or of a pressure being probed by a tracer jet.1,10
boundary that cannot be directly
pressurized.1,10 working standard: Workpiece or energy
source calibrated and used in place of
vacuum box leak testing: Technique of expensive reference standards. In the
bubble testing where a vacuum box is calibrating of photometers, the
used to create a pressure differential standard would be a light source.8,10
across a boundary. A viewing window
allows observation of bubble
formation.1

vacuum grease: Substance commonly
used to attain a seal and to lubricate
devices such as stopcocks and moving
boundary penetrations.1

vacuum pressure testing: Leak testing
procedure in which the test object
containing tracer gas is placed in an
evacuated enclosure and the tracer gas
is detected after entering the
enclosure.1,10 Also called bell jar testing.

vacuum testing: Method of testing for
leaks in which the object under test is
evacuated and the tracer gas is applied
to the outside surface of the test
object.10

vapor: Gaseous form of, for instance,
water or oil.1

vapor pressure: Pressure exerted by the
vapor of a liquid when in equilibrium
with the surface of the liquid at a
specified temperature. These limiting
pressures can restrict the levels of
pressurization of enclosures with these
tracer gases during pressure leak testing
and can also limit the vacuum
obtainable in presence of these liquids
(for example, water or solvents).1,2,10

variable standard leak: Device that
permits a tracer gas to be introduced to
the leak detector at a rate adjustable by
the operator.1,10

vent: Valve in a vacuum system for
letting air into a vacuum chamber.1

verification test: Tests intended to
confirm the capability of leak test
technique and equipment to
determine leakage rate.1,10

Leak Testing Glossary 613

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

References

1. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, 12. E 268-81, Definitions Approved for Use
second edition: Vol. 1, Leak Testing. by Agencies of the Department of
Columbus, OH: American Society for Defense as Part of Federal Test Method
Nondestructive Testing (1982). Standard No. 151b and for Listing in the
DoD Index of Specifications and
2. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Standards. Philadelphia, PA: American
second edition: Vol. 2, Liquid Society for Testing and Materials
Penetrant Tests. Columbus, OH: (1981).
American Society for Nondestructive
Testing (1982). 13. E 269-89, Standard Definitions of Terms
Relating to Magnetic Particle
3. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Examination. Philadelphia, PA:
second edition: Vol. 3, Radiography American Society for Testing and
and Radiation Testing. Columbus, OH: Materials (1989).
American Society for Nondestructive
Testing (1985). 14. API RP5A5, Recommended Practice for
Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing
4. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, and Plain End Drill Pipe, third edition.
second edition: Vol. 4, Electromagnetic Washington, DC: American Petroleum
Testing. Columbus, OH: American Institute (1987).
Society for Nondestructive Testing
(1986). 15. EPRI Learning Modules. Charlotte, NC:
Electric Power Research Institute
5. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, (various years).
second edition: Vol. 5, Acoustic
Emission Testing. Columbus, OH: 16. 1992 Annual Book of ASTM Standards.
American Society for Nondestructive Section 3, Metals Test Methods and
Testing (1987). Analytical Procedures: Vol. 03.03,
Nondestructive Testing. Philadelphia,
6. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, PA: American Society for Testing and
second edition: Vol. 6, Magnetic Materials (1992).
Particle Testing. Columbus, OH:
American Society for Nondestructive 17. IES Lighting Handbook: Reference
Testing (1989). Volume. New York, NY: Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America
7. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, (1984).
second edition: Vol. 7, Ultrasonic
Testing. Columbus, OH: American 18. ANSI/ANS-58.6. Criteria for Remote
Society for Nondestructive Testing Shutdown for Light Water Reactors. La
(1991). Grange Park, IL: American Nuclear
Society (1981).
8. Nondestructive Testing Handbook,
second edition: Vol. 8, Visual and 19. Truxal, J.G. Control Engineer’s
Optical Testing. Columbus, OH: Handbook. New York, NY: McGraw-
American Society for Nondestructive Hill Book Company (1958).
Testing (1993).
20. IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical
9. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, and Electronic Terms. New York, NY:
second edition: Vol. 9, Special Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Nondestructive Testing Methods. Engineers (distributed by
Columbus, OH: American Society for Wiley-Interscience, a division of John
Nondestructive Testing (1995). Wiley and Sons) (1984).

10. “Nondestructive Testing Glossary.” 21. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Section 5, Nondestructive Examination.
second edition: Vol. 10, Nondestructive Article 10, “Leak Testing”. New York,
Testing Overview. Section 13. NY: American Society of Mechanical
Columbus, OH: American Society for Engineers (1995).
Nondestructive Testing (1996):
p 515-565. 22. Nondestructive Testing Methods.
TO33B-1-1 (NAVAIR 01-1A-16)
11. O’Hanlon, J.F. A User’s Guide to TM43-0103. Washington, DC:
Vacuum Technology, second edition. Department of Defense, United States
New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons Air Force (June 1984): p 1.25.
(1989).
23. MIL-STD-883D, Method 1014.
Washington, DC: Department of
Defense.

614 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

17

CHAPTER

Leak Testing Bibliography

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Introduction Guthrie, A. Vacuum Technology. New York,
NY: John Wiley and Sons (1963).
This bibliography lists published works Reprint. Malabar, FL: Krieger
cited in the references at the end of Publishing (1990).
chapters, as well as other works not cited
elsewhere in this volume. A listing in this Hayes, R.A., F.M. Smith, W.A. Smith and
bibliography is not to be construed as any L.J. Kitchen. Development of High
sort of endorsement or recommendation Temperature Resistant Rubber
of the technique, service or equipment Compounds. Wright Air Development
described. Center Technical Report 56-331.
Ft. Belvoir, VA: Defense Technical
The bibliography is divided into Information Center (February 1958).
sections, and a published work is
generally cited only once. The reader IES Lighting Handbook: Reference Volume.
therefore is urged to look in more than New York, NY: Illuminating
one section of the bibliography. A Engineering Society of North America
publication on an acoustic technique, for (1984).
example, may be found under Acoustic
Leak Testing or Standards and Practices or Kendall, M.G. and A. Stuart. The Advanced
Aboveground Storage Tanks but not under Theory of Statistics, third edition.
more than one of those headings. Vol. 2. New York, NY: Hafner
Publishing Company.
The bibliography headings are the
following. O’Hanlon, J.F. A User’s Guide to Vacuum
Technology, second edition. New York,
General Works NY: John Wiley and Sons (1989).
Engineering
Measurement Units Roth, A. Vacuum Sealing Techniques. New
Nondestructive Testing York, NY: Pergamon Press (1966).

Leak Testing, General and Miscellaneous Steinherz, H.A. Handbook of High Vacuum
Leak Testing Methods Engineering. New York, NY: Reinhold
Publishing Corporation (1963).
Acoustic Leak Testing
Bubble Testing Tietjen, G.L., R.H. Moore and R.J.
Helium Leak Testing Beckman. “Testing for a Single Outlier
Optical Leak Testing in Simple Linear Regression.”
Thermographic Leak Testing Technometrics. Vol. 15, No. 4.
Leak Testing Safety Alexandria, VA: American Statistical
Standards and Practices Association (November 1973):
Leak Testing of Storage Systems p 717-721.
Aboveground Storage Tanks
Geosynthetic Membranes Truxal, J.G. Control Engineer’s Handbook.
Underground Storage Tanks New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book
Company (1958).
General Works
Measurement Units
Engineering
IEEE/ASTM SI 10-1997, Standard for Use of
American Vacuum Society Glossary of Terms the International System of Units (SI):
Used in Vacuum Technology. New York, The Modernized Metric System.
NY: Pergamon Press (1958). Philadelphia, PA: American Society for
Testing and Materials (1996).
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
Cleveland, OH: Chemical Rubber Jakuba, S. Metric (SI) in Everyday Science
Company (1964). and Engineering. Warrendale, PA:
Society of Automotive Engineers
E 268-81, Definitions Approved for Use by (1993).
Agencies of the Department of Defense as
Part of Federal Test Method Standard No. Taylor, B.N. Guide for the Use of the
151b and for Listing in the DoD Index of International System of Units (SI). NIST
Specifications and Standards. Special Publication 811, 1995 edition.
Philadelphia, PA: American Society for Washington, DC: United States
Testing and Materials (1981). Government Printing Office (1995).

IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Nondestructive Testing
Electronic Terms. New York, NY:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics ANSI/ASNT CP-189, Standard for
Engineers (distributed by Qualification and Certification of
Wiley-Interscience, a division of John Nondestructive Testing Personnel.
Wiley and Sons) (1984). Columbus, OH: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (1995).

EPRI Learning Modules. Charlotte, NC:
Electric Power Research Institute
(various years).

616 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Nondestructive Testing Handbook, second Fleshood, D.L. “Containment Leak Rate
edition: Vol. 2, Liquid Penetrant Tests. Testing: Why the Mass-Plot Analysis
Columbus, OH: American Society for Method Is Preferred.” Power
Nondestructive Testing (1982). Engineering. Barrington, IL: Technical
Publishing Company (February 1976):
Nondestructive Testing Handbook, second p 56-59.
edition: Vol. 3, Radiography and
Radiation Testing. Columbus, OH: Giles, S. “Leak Testing with a Residual Gas
American Society for Nondestructive Analyzer.” Materials Evaluation. Vol.
Testing (1985). 47, No. 11. Columbus, OH: American
Society for Nondestructive Testing
Nondestructive Testing Handbook, second (November 1989): p 1244-1246.
edition: Vol. 10, Nondestructive Testing
Overview. Columbus, OH: American Kupperman, D., W.J. Shack and T. Claytor.
Society for Nondestructive Testing Leak Rate Measurements and Detection
(1996). Systems. Argonne, Illinois: Argonne
National Laboratory (October 1983).
Nondestructive Inspection Methods.
TO33B-1-1 (NAVAIR 01-1A-16), Kuzmicheva, T.N., A.M. Mazurenok, V.P.
TM55-1500-335-23. Washington, DC: Eliseev, A.Y. Naidenov, L.I. Budarin
Department of Defense, United States and E.P. Zhuchenko. “Chemical
Air Force (June 1984). Method of Checking the Airtightness
of Ventilation Systems and
Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A. Containment Structures of Buildings
Columbus, OH: American Society for (with the Use of Congo Red).” Soviet
Nondestructive Testing (1996). Journal of Nondestructive Testing.
Vol. 24, No. 3. New York, NY:
Wenk, S.A. and R.C. McMaster. Choosing Plenum/Consultants Bureau (March
NDT: Applications, Costs and Benefits of 1988): p 191-194.
Nondestructive Testing in Your Quality
Assurance Program. Columbus, OH: Lau, L.W. “Data Analysis during
American Society for Nondestructive Containment Leak Rate Test.” Power
Testing (1987). Engineering. Barrington, IL: Technical
Publishing Company (February 1978):
Leak Testing, General and p 46-49.
Miscellaneous
Leybold Inficon Incorporated. Product and
Batey, J.E. “Worried about Leaks? Don’t Vacuum Technology Reference Book
Paint before Hydrotesting.” Materials [1995/96]. East Syracuse, NY: Leybold
Evaluation. Vol. 51, No. 9. Columbus, Vacuum Products Incorporated and
OH: American Society for Leybold Inficon Incorporated (1995).
Nondestructive Testing (September
1993): p 980-982. Manesh, A.A., M.C. Langston, M.H.
Swaney and R. Saunders. “A New
Child, J.W. Leak Detection. United Concept in Leak Detection.” Sensors.
Kingdom Patent No. 2 221 997 Vol. 8, No. 9. Peterborough, NH:
(February 1990). Helmers Publishing (September 1991):
p 65-69.
Davis, L. “Pinpointing Vehicle Leaks
Faster with Ultraviolet Light.” Marr, J.W. Leakage Testing Handbook.
Materials Evaluation. Vol. 47, No. 11. Report No. CR-952. College Park, MD:
Columbus, OH: American Society for National Aeronautics and Space
Nondestructive Testing (November Administration, Scientific and
1989): p 1248-1250. Technical Information Facility (1968).

Druzhkov, O.N., A.S. Luzin, V.M. Marrano, G. “Fluorescent Tracer Additives
Myasnikov, V.B. Polikarpov, As a Nondestructive Inspection
S.G. Sazhin and A.I. Yurchenko. Technique for Leak Testing.” Materials
“Preparation of Diaphragm-Type Evaluation. Vol. 51, No. 4. Columbus,
Calibrated Leaks.” Soviet Journal of OH: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing. Vol. 21, No. 3. Nondestructive Testing (April 1993):
New York, NY: Plenum/Consultants p 436, 438.
Bureau (March 1985): p 182-184.
Marrano, G. “Leak Detection Using
Eapen, A.C., B.L. Ajmera and S.M. Agashe. UV-Fluorescent Tracers in Power
Pipeline Leak Location Using Radiotracer Plants.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 51,
Technique. Bombay, India: Bhabha No. 6. Columbus, OH: American
Atomic Research Centre (1983). Society for Nondestructive Testing
(June 1993): p 646.
Fedorova, M.K. and L.M. Yablonik.
“Classification of Leak Detection Martinez, E. and S.E. Walmsley. “Argon in
Systems.” Soviet Journal of Leak Detection and Leak Location.”
Nondestructive Testing. Vol. 27, No. 10. Materials Evaluation. Vol. 47, No. 11.
New York, NY: Plenum/Consultants Columbus, OH: American Society for
Bureau (June 1992): p 758-761. Nondestructive Testing (November
1989): p 1276-1277.

Leak Testing Bibliography 617

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

McCullough, R. “Leak Testing.” ASTM Testrite, Incorporated. Method and
Standardization News. Vol. 10, No. 11. Apparatus for Detecting Leaks. United
Philadelphia, PA: American Society for States Patent No. 4 625 545 (December
Testing and Materials (November 1986).
1982): p 32-33.
Tscheliesnig, P. and H. Theiretzbacher.
Neff, G.R. Hermetically Sealed Devices for “New Results from the Detection of
Leak Detection. United States Patent Micro-Leakages in the Petrochemical
5 452 661 (September 1995). Industry.” Proceedings of the 12th World
Conference on Non-Destructive Testing
Nerken, A. “History of Leak Testing.” [Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 1989].
Materials Evaluation. Vol. 47, No. 11. J. Boogaard and G.M. van Dijk, eds.
Columbus, OH: American Society for Vol. 2. Amsterdam, Netherlands:
Nondestructive Testing (November Elsevier Science Publishers (1989):
1989): p 1268-1272. p 905-911.

Nondestructive Testing Handbook, second WASH-1400, The Reactor Safety Study.
edition: Vol. 1, Leak Testing. Washington, DC: Nuclear Regulatory
Columbus, OH: American Society for Commission (1975).
Nondestructive Testing (1982).
Waterstrat, C. “The Need to Train Leak
Rama Rao, V.V.K. A Manual on Leak Testing Personnel.” Materials
Detection Techniques. Bombay, India: Evaluation. Vol. 47, No. 11. Columbus,
Indian Vacuum Society (December OH: American Society for
1978): p 93. Nondestructive Testing (November
1989): p 1263-1265.
Sazhin, S.G., M.A. Fadeev and S.A.
Dobrotin. “Analysis and Use in Leak Leak Testing Methods
Detection Technology of Methods of
Detection of Halogen-Containing For additional methods, see also Leak
Substances (Review).” Soviet Journal of Testing, General and Miscellaneous.
Nondestructive Testing. Vol. 23, No. 12.
New York, NY: Plenum/ Consultants Acoustic Leak Testing
Bureau (December 1987): p 857-861.
B 258-81, Standard Specification for
Schlattmann, J. and J. Niewels. “A Standard Nominal Diameters and
Systematic Development in Designing Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of
a Special Inspection Robot for Use in Solid Round Wires Used As Electrical
Private Sewer Lines.” No Trenches in Conductors, revised 1991. West
Town: Proceedings of International Conshohocken, PA: American Society
Conference [Paris, France]. J.P. Henry for Testing and Materials (1992).
and M. Mermet, eds. Rotterdam,
Netherlands: A.A. Balkema (1992): Cole, P.T. “Acoustic Methods of Evaluating
p 323-325. Tank Integrity and Floor Condition.”
IIR International Conference on Tank
Seliverstov, M.I. “Use of Sulfur Maintenance [London, United
Hexafluoride as the Tracer Gas in Leak Kingdom]. East Sussex, United
Detection.” Soviet Journal of Kingdom: Business Seminars
Nondestructive Testing. Vol. 27, No. 8. International Limited (November
New York, NY: Plenum/Consultants 1992).
Bureau (April 1992): p 599-604.
Cole, P.T. and M. Hunter. “Acoustic
Shakkottai, P. Apparatus for the Remote Emission Technique for Detection and
Detection of Sounds Caused by Leaks. Quantification of Gas Through Valve
United States Patent No. 4 979 820 Leakage to Reduce Gas Losses from
(December 1990). Process Plant.” Institute of Petroleum
Fourth Oil Loss Conference. London,
Shell Oil Company (Kruka, V.R. and R.W. United Kingdom: Institute of
Patterson). Subsea Pipeline Leak Petroleum (1991).
Detection. United States Patent
No. 4 996 879 (March 1991). E 1002-94, Standard Test Method for Leaks
Using Ultrasonics. West Conshohocken,
Sherlock, C.N. Section 2, “Leak Testing.” PA: American Society for Testing and
Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Materials (1996).
second edition: Vol. 10, Nondestructive
Testing Overview. Columbus, OH: Fowler, T.J., L.S. Houlle and F.E. Strauser.
American Society for Nondestructive “Development and Design of a
Testing (1996): p 25-73. Sulfuric Acid Plant Leak Monitor
System.” Paper 239. Proceedings of the
Slattery, J.C. and R.B. Bird. “Calculation of 47th NACE Annual Conference:
the Diffusion Coefficient of Dilute Corrosion/92. Houston, TX: NACE
Gases and of the Self-Diffusion International (1992): p 239/1–239/20.
Coefficient of Dense Gases.” AIChE
Journal. Vol. 4, No. 2. New York, NY:
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers (1958): p 137-142.

618 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

General Motors Corporation. Ultrasonic E 515-95, Standard Test Method for Leaks
Method and Apparatus for Detecting Using Bubble Emission Techniques.
Leaks. United States Patent Annual Book of ASTM Standards:
No. 4 719 801 (January 1988). Vol. 03.03, Nondestructive Testing. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society
Husain, C.A. and P.T. Cole. for Testing and Materials (1996): p
“Quantification of Through Valve Gas 206-208.
Losses Using Acoustic Emission —
Field Experience in Refineries and MIL-STD-202F, Test Methods for Electronic
Offshore Platforms.” Paper presented and Electrical Component Parts.
to European Working Group for DODSTD Issue 97-02. Springfield, VA:
Acoustic Emission [Robert Gordon National Technical Information
University, Aberdeen, United Service (April 1980).
Kingdom] (May 1996).
MIL-L-25567D(1), Leak Detection
Kupperman, D.S., R. Carlson, R. Lanham Compound, Oxygen Systems.
and W. Brewer. “Characterization of Washington, DC: United States Air
Acoustic Signals from Leaking Force (June 1983).
Intergranular Stress-Corrosion Cracks.”
Materials Evaluation. Vol. 47, No. 11. Pastorello, J. “Study of Leak Detection
Columbus, OH: American Society for Fluids.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 49,
Nondestructive Testing (November No. 8. Columbus, OH: American
1989): p 1297-1300. Society for Nondestructive Testing
(August 1991): p 1035-1037.
Kupperman, D.S. and T.N. Claytor.
“Acoustic Leak Detection and Titov, I.P., G.T. Lebedev, V.A. Tyurin,
Ultrasonic Crack Detection.” Yu.M. Volkov, N.I. Sevryukova and
Proceedings of the Eleventh Water Reactor E.A. Ranneva. “A Pneumatic Method
Safety Research Information Meeting of Leak Testing with the Use of Leak
[Gaithersburg, MD]. Vol. 4. Detectors Based on Aqueous Solutions
Washington, DC: United States of Surfactants.” Soviet Journal of
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nondestructive Testing. Vol. 23, No. 9.
(January 1984): p 20-40. New York, NY: Plenum/Consultants
Bureau (May 1988): p 607-613.
McGee, T. “Choosing the Right Tool for
Water Leak Detection.” Underground Helium Leak Testing
Construction. Vol. 52, No. 1. Houston,
TX: Oildom Publishing (January 1997): Abbott, P.J. and S.A. Tison. “Commercial
p 28-29. Helium Permeation Leak Standards:
Their Properties and Reliability.”
Pollock, A.A. and S. Hsu. “Leak Detection Journal of the Vacuum Society of
Using Acoustic Emission.” Journal of America A — Vacuum, Surfaces, and
Acoustic Emission. Vol. 1, No. 4. Los Finishes. New York, NY: American
Angeles, CA: Acoustic Emission Group Institute of Physics, American Vacuum
(October 1982): p 237-243. Society (May-June 1996): p 1242-1246.

Regulatory Guide 1.45, Reactor Coolant Giles, S. “Automated Leak Testing.”
Pressure Boundary Leakage Detection Materials Evaluation. Vol. 42, No. 2.
Systems. Washington, DC: Atomic Columbus, OH: American Society for
Energy Commission (May 1973). Nondestructive Testing
(February 1984): p 146-149.
Stulen, F.B. A Transient Far-Field Model of
the Acoustic Emission Process in Buried Gould, D. Intercomparison of the Calibration
Pipelines. Summary Report PR-3-623. of Helium Leaks for Use in Leak
Columbus, OH: Battelle Memorial Detection. Commission of the
Institute (January 1990). European Communities Report
(September 1982).
Tscheliesnig, P., H. Molla Djafari, G. Krenn
and H. Edinger. “An Acoustic Leak Hennigar, G.W. “Helium Leak Testing of
Detecting Pig.” 6th European Conference Pressurized Telephone Cables.”
on Non Destructive Testing [Nice, Materials Evaluation. Vol. 48, No. 2.
France]. Vol. 1. Paris, France: Columbus, OH: American Society for
Confederation Française pour les Essais Nondestructive Testing (February
Non Destructifs (COFREND) on behalf 1990): p 124-127.
of the European Committee for
Nondestructive Testing (1994): Martin Marietta Corporation. Small
p 563-568. Component Helium Leak Detector – for
Detecting Leaks in Small Components,
Bubble Testing such as Hermetic Seals of Electronic
Components. European Patent
ABMA-PD-M-44. Redstone Arsenal, AL: No. 194 836 (October 1986).
United States Army Ballistic Missile
Agency (July 1958). McKee, C. “The Helium Approach to Leak
Detection” EPRI Journal. Vol. 8, No. 7.
Palo Alto, CA: Electric Power Research
Institute (September 1983): p 29-30.

Leak Testing Bibliography 619

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Worthington, W.C. “Leak Testing – Part 2: Botsko, R.J. and T.S. Jones. Section 13,
Helium Leak Detection.” International “Thermography and Other Special
Advances in Nondestructive Testing. W.J. Methods.” Nondestructive Testing
McGonnagle, ed. Vol. 16. New York, Handbook, second edition: Vol. 10,
NY: Gordon and Breach Science Nondestructive Testing Overview.
Publishers (1991): p 233-243. Columbus, OH: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (1996):
Optical Leak Testing p 478-502.

See also Thermographic Leak Testing. Ljungberg, S.Å. “Infrared Techniques in
Buildings and Structures: Operation
Peiponen, K.E., V.V.K. Karppinen and R. and Maintenance.” Infrared
Varonen. “The Visualization of Methodology and Technology. X.P.V.
Leakage Flow through Building Cracks Maldague, ed. Langhorne, PA: Gordon
by Means of Holographic and Breach Science Publishers (1994):
Interferometry.” Optics and Laser p 211-252.
Technology. Vol. 18, No. 2. Guildford,
Surrey, United Kingdom: Heinemann Luce, T., D. Arndt, E. Geyer and
Limited, Subsidiary of Reed H. Wiggenhauser. “Tightness Test with
International (April 1986): p 101-102. IR-thermography (In German: English
Abstract).” Materialprüfung. Vol. 34,
Phillips, L.C., J.W. Wagner and J.B. No. 11-12. Berlin, Germany:
Deaton. “Using Optical Correlation to Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung
Measure Leak Rates in Sealed und prüfung (November-December
Packages.” 11th World Conference on 1992): p 354-356.
Nondestructive Testing, Las Vegas,
Nevada. Vol. 2. Dallas, TX: Taylor McRae, T.G. “Remote Sensing Technique
Publishing Company (1985): for Leak Testing of Components and
p 1146-1153. Systems.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 48,
No. 11. Columbus, OH: American
Tyson, J. “Optical Leak Testing: A New Society for Nondestructive Testing
Method for Hermetic Seal Inspection.” (November 1989): p 1308-1312.
1991 ASNT Spring Conference:
Nondestructive Characterization for McRae, T.G. “Photo-Acoustic Leak
Advanced Technologies [Oakland, CA]. Location and Alarm: A New Leak
Columbus, OH: American Society for Testing Concept.” ASNT 1993 Fall
Nondestructive Testing (March 1991): Conference and Quality Testing Show.
p 182-186. NDT: A Partner in Engineering
Innovation [Long Beach, CA].
Tyson, J. “Real-Time Optical Leak Testing Columbus, OH: American Society for
of Microelectronic Hermetic Seals.” Nondestructive Testing (1993):
Materials Evaluation. Vol. 49, No. 8. p 97-99.
Columbus, OH: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (August 1991): McRae, T.G. “Photo Acoustic Leak
p 970-972. Location and Alarm on the Assembly
Line.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 52,
Thermographic Leak Testing No. 10. Columbus, OH: American
Society for Nondestructive Testing
Bales, M.J. and C.C. Bishop. “Pulsed (October 1994): p 1186-1190.
Infrared Imaging: A New NDT
Methodology for Aboveground Storage Spruin, W.G. “Combination of
Tanks.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 53, Thermography and Pressure Tests to
No. 7. Columbus, OH: American Combat Air Leakage Problems in
Society for Nondestructive Testing Building Enclosures.” Thermosense IX:
(July 1994): p 814-815. An International Conference on Thermal
Infrared Sensing for Diagnostics and
Botsko, R.J., T.S. Jones et al. Section 9, Control [Orlando, FL, May 1987]. SPIE
“Thermal and Infrared Nondestructive Proceedings Vol. 780. Bellingham, WA:
Testing.” Nondestructive Testing International Society for Optical
Handbook, second edition: Vol. 9, Engineering (Society of Photo-Optical
Special Nondestructive Testing Methods. Instrumentation Engineers) (1987):
Columbus, OH: American Society for p 24-29.
Nondestructive Testing (1995):
p 307-362. Weil, G.J. and R.J. Graf. “Infrared
Thermograpy Based Pipeline Leak
Detection Systems.” Thermosense 13
[Orlando, Florida]. G.S. Baird, ed.
Proceedings Vol. 1467. Bellingham,
WA: International Society for Optical
Engineering (Society of Photo-Optical
Instrumentation Engineers) (1991):
p 18-33.

620 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Leak Testing Safety NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static
Electricity. Quincy, MA: National Fire
ACGIH 0370-92, Guide to Occupational Protection Association (1993).
Exposure Values. Cincinnati, OH:
American Conference of NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical
Governmental Industrial Hygienists Substances. HEW Publication NIOSH
(1992). 78-104A. Washington, DC:
Department of Health, Education and
America Conference of Governmental Welfare (1978).
Industrial Hygienists. TLVs: Threshold
Limit Values for Chemical Substances Roehrs, R.J. and D.E. Center. “The Safety
and Physical Agents in the Work Aspects of Leak Testing.” ASNT Fall
Environment with Intended Changes for Conference [Detroit, MI, October
1983-84. Cincinnati, OH: American 1968]. Abstract in Materials Evaluation,
Conference of Governmental Vol. 26, No. 9. Columbus, OH:
Industrial Hygienists. American Society for Nondestructive
Testing (September 1968): p 34A.
API Standard 527-78, Commercial Seat
Tightness of Safety Relief Valves with Threshold Limit Values and Biological
Metal-to-Metal Seats. Washington, DC: Exposure Indices, 1995-1996.
American Petroleum Institute (1978). Cincinnati, OH: American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Criteria for a Recommended Standard for (1995).
Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet
Radiation. USGPO No. 1733-000-12. Standards and Practices
Washington, DC: United States
Government Printing Office. Additional standards and practices are
listed under other headings.
EN 50020-77, Electrical Apparatus for
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres AMS 2601F-94, Pressure Testing, Gaseous
Intrinsic Safety. Brussels, Belgium: Media 10 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society
European Committee for of Automotive Engineers (1994).
Electrotechnical Standardization
[CENELEC] (1977). AMS 2604F-94, Pressure Testing, Gaseous
Media 40 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society
FMERC 3610-88, Intrinsically Safe of Automotive Engineers (1994).
Apparatus for Use in Class I, II & III,
Division 1 Hazardous Locations. AMS 2606E-91, Pressure Testing, 70 psi.
Norwood, MA: Factory Mutual Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive
Engineering and Research Engineers (1995).
Corporation (1988).
AMS 2616D-93, Pressure Testing, Hydraulic
Hahn, W. and P. Jensen. Water Quality 200 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
Characteristics of Hazardous Materials. Automotive Engineers (1995).
College Station, TX: Texas A&M
University (1974). AMS 2620D-93, Pressure Testing, Hydraulic
1000 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
Hemeon, W.E. Plant and Process Automotive Engineers (1993).
Ventilation. New York, NY: Industrial
Press (1963). AMS 2625D-93, Pressure Testing, Hydraulic
2500 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
Hine, C.H. and N.W. Jacobson. “Safe Automotive Engineers (1995).
Handling Procedures for Compounds
Developed by the Petro-Chemical ANSI/AMS 2602D-91, Pressure Testing
Industry.” AIHA Journal. Vol. 15. 25 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Automotive Engineers (1995).
Hygiene Association (June 1954):
p 141-144. ANSI/AMS 2605D-91, Pressure Testing,
55 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
Holler, L.R. Ultraviolet Radiation. New York, Automotive Engineers (1995).
NY: John Wiley & Sons (1952).
ANSI/AMS 2607D-91, Pressure Testing,
Key, M.M. Occupational Diseases — A Guide 100 psi. Warrendale, PA: Society of
to Their Recognition. DHEW publication Automotive Engineers (1995).
(NIOSH) 77-181. Washington, DC:
United States Department of Health, ANSI/ANS-56.8-94, Containment System
Education, and Welfare [DHEW], Leakage Testing Requirements. La Grange
National Institute for Occupational Park, IL: American Nuclear Society
Safety and Health [NIOSH]; (1996).
Superintendent of Documents, United
States Government Printing Office ANSI/ANS-58.6. Criteria for Remote
(1977). Shutdown for Light Water Reactors. La
Grange Park, IL: American Nuclear
National Electrical Code. Quincy, MA: Society (1981).
National Fire Protection Association
(1996). API RP5A5, Recommended Practice for Field
Inspection of New Casing, Tubing and
Plain End Drill Pipe, third edition.
Washington, DC: American Petroleum
Institute (1987).

Leak Testing Bibliography 621

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: E 1066-95, Standard Test Method for
Section 9, Rules for Inservice Inspection Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing.
of Nuclear Power Plant Components. West Conshohocken, PA: American
New York, NY: American Society of Society for Testing and Materials
Mechanical Engineers. (1995).

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: E 1211-87, Standard Practice for Leak
Section 5, Nondestructive Examination. Detection and Location Using
Article 10, “Leak Testing.” New York, Surface-Mounted Acoustic Emission
NY: American Society of Mechanical Sensors. West Conshohocken, PA:
Engineers (1992). American Society for Testing and
Materials (1992).
AVS S-2, Recommended Practices on Vacuum
Measurements and Techniques. Vol. 1. E 1419-96, Standard Test Method for
New York, NY: American Vacuum Examination of Seamless, Gas-Filled,
Society. Pressure Vessels Using Acoustic Emission.
West Conshohocken, PA: American
Code of Federal Regulations 10, Part 100. Society for Testing and Materials
Washington, DC: United States (1996).
Government Printing Office.
E 1603-94, Standard Test Methods for
Code of Federal Regulations 10, Part 50, Leakage Measurement Using the Mass
Appendix J. Washington, DC: United Spectrometer Leak Detector or Residual
States Government Printing Office Gas Analyzer in the Hood Mode. West
(1995). Conshohocken, PA: American Society
for Testing and Materials (1996).
D 396, Specification for Fuel Oils. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society Ehrlich, C.D. and J.A. Basford.
for Testing and Materials (1980). “Recommended Practices for the
Calibration and Use of Leaks.” Journal
D 323, Test Method for Vapor Pressure of of Vacuum Science and Technology A —
Petroleum Products (Reid Method). West Vacuum, Surfaces, and Finishes. Vol. 10,
Conshohocken, PA: American Society No. 1. New York, NY: American
for Testing and Materials (1982). Institute of Physics, American Vacuum
Society (January-February 1992):
E 427-95, Standard Practice for Testing for p 1-17.
Leaks Using the Halogen Leak Detector
(Alkali-Ion Diode). West MIL-STD-883D, Method 1014.
Conshohocken, PA: American Society Washington, DC: Department of
for Testing and Materials (1996). Defense.

E 432-91, Standard Guide for Selection of a MIL-STD-1899, Pressure Testing, 10 psi
Leak Testing Method. West through 200 psi. Washington, DC:
Conshohocken, PA: American Society Department of Defense.
of Testing and Materials (1996).
NEI Industry Guideline Document 94-01,
E 479-91, Standard Guide for Preparation of Revision D. Washington, DC: Nuclear
a Leak Testing Specification. West Energy Institute (1994).
Conshohocken, PA: American Society
for Testing and Materials (1996). NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and
Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems
E 493-94, Standard Test Methods for Leaks for Welding, Cutting, and Allied
Using the Mass Spectrometer Leak Processes. Quincy, MA: National Fire
Detector in the Inside-Out Testing Mode. Protection Association (1997).
West Conshohocken, PA: American
Society for Testing and Materials 1992 Annual Book of ASTM Standards.
(1996). Section 3, Metals Test Methods and
Analytical Procedures: Vol. 03.03,
E 498-95, Standard Test Methods for Leaks Nondestructive Testing. Philadelphia,
Using the Mass Spectrometer Leak PA: American Society for Testing and
Detector or Residual Gas Analyzer in the Materials (1992).
Tracer Probe Mode. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society SE 432-95, Standard Recommended Guide for
for Testing and Materials (1996). the Selection of a Leak Testing Method
[ASTM E 432-71 (1984)]. New York,
E 499-95, Standard Test Methods for Leaks NY: American Society of Mechanical
Using the Mass Spectrometer Leak Engineers (1995).
Detector in the Detector Probe Mode.
West Conshohocken, PA: American
Society for Testing and Materials
(1996).

E 908-91, Standard Practice for Calibrating
Gaseous Reference Leaks. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society
for Testing and Materials (1991).

E 1003-95, Standard Test Method for
Hydrostatic Leak Testing. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society
for Testing and Materials (1995).

622 Leak Testing

pyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Leak Testing of Storage Cole, P.T. “Acoustic Methods of Evaluating
Systems Tank Integrity and Floor Condition.”
First International Conference on the
Aboveground Storage Tanks Environmental Management and
Maintenance of Hydrocarbon Storage
API Publication 307-92, Engineering Tanks [London, United Kingdom]. East
Assessment of Acoustic Methods of Leak Sussex, United Kingdom: Business
Detection in Aboveground Storage Tanks. Seminars International Limited
Washington, DC: American Petroleum (November 1992).
Institute (1992).
de Raad, J.A. “Techniques for Storage Tank
API Publication 322-94, Engineering Inspection.” Materials Evaluation.
Evaluation of Acoustic Methods of Leak Vol. 53, No. 7. Columbus, OH:
Detection in Aboveground Storage Tanks. American Society for Nondestructive
Washington, DC: American Petroleum Testing (July 1994): p 806-807.
Institute (1994).
Eckert, E.G., M.R. Fierro and J.W. Maresca.
API Publication 327-94, Aboveground “The Acoustic Noise Environment
Storage Tanks: A Tutorial. Washington, Associated with Leak Detection in
DC: American Petroleum Institute Aboveground Storage Tanks.” Materials
(1994). Evaluation. Vol. 52, No. 8. Columbus,
OH: American Society for
API Publication 334-96, Guide to Leak Nondestructive Testing (August 1994):
Detection for Aboveground Storage Tanks, p 954-958.
first edition. Washington, DC:
American Petroleum Institute (1996). Martin, A.K. “Regulations: What’s in Store
for Aboveground Tank Management.”
API Recommended Practice 574-90, Materials Evaluation. Vol. 53, No. 7.
Inspection of Piping, Tubing, Valves, and Columbus, OH: American Society for
Fittings, first edition [replaces Guide for Nondestructive Testing (July 1994):
Inspection of Refinery Equipment, Section p 822-825.
XI]. Washington, DC: American
Petroleum Institute (1995). Miller, R.K. “Acoustic Emission Testing of
Storage Tanks.” TAPPI Journal. Vol. 73,
API Recommended Practice 575-95, No. 12. Atlanta, GA: Technical
Inspection of Atmospheric and Association of the Pulp and Paper
Low-Pressure Storage Tanks, first edition. Industry (December 1990): p 105-109.
Washington, DC: American Petroleum
Institute (1995). Miller, R.K. “Tank-Bottom Leak Detection
in Above-Ground Storage Tanks by
API Recommended Practice 651-91, Using Acoustic Emission.” Materials
Cathodic Protection of Aboveground Evaluation. Vol. 48, No. 6. Columbus,
Petroleum Storage Tanks, first edition. OH: American Society for
Washington, DC: American Petroleum Nondestructive Testing (June 1990):
Institute (1991). p 822-824, 826-828.

API Recommended Practice 652-91, Lining Nickolaus, C.M. “Acoustic Emission
of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Monitoring of Aboveground Storage
Bottoms, first edition. Washington, DC: Tanks.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 46,
American Petroleum Institute (1991). No. 4. Columbus, OH: American
Society for Nondestructive Testing
API Standard 620-96, Design and (March 1988): p 508-512.
Construction of Large, Welded,
Low-Pressure Storage Tanks, ninth Nordstrom, R. “Direct Tank Bottom Leak
edition. Washington, DC: American Monitoring with Acoustic Emission.”
Petroleum Institute (1996). Materials Evaluation. Vol. 48, No. 2.
Columbus, OH: American Society for
API Standard 650-93, Welded Steel Tanks Nondestructive Testing (February
for Oil Storage, ninth edition. 1990): p 251-254.
Washington, DC: American Petroleum
Institute (1995). Rusing, J.E. “The NDT Perspective on
Aboveground Storage Tanks.” Materials
API Standard 653-95, Tank Inspection, Evaluation. Vol. 53, No. 7. Columbus,
Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction. OH: American Society for
Washington, DC: American Petroleum Nondestructive Testing (July 1994):
Institute (1995). p 800, 802-804.

ASME B96.1-93, Welded Aluminum-Alloy Sherlock, C.N. “A Catch-22: Leak Testing
Storage Tanks. New York, NY: American of Aboveground Storage Tanks with
Society of Mechanical Engineers Double Bottoms.” Materials Evaluation.
(1993). Vol. 53, No. 7. Columbus, OH:
American Society for Nondestructive
Testing (July 1994): p 827-832.

Leak Testing Bibliography 623

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Sherlock, C.N. “A Materials Evaluation Laine, D.L. “Analysis of Pinhole Seam
Special Issue: Aboveground Storage Leaks Located in Geomembrane Liners
Tanks.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 53, Using the Electrical Leak Location
No. 7. Columbus, OH: American Method: Case Histories.” Geosynthetics
Society for Nondestructive Testing ‘91 Conference Proceedings [Atlanta,
(July 1994): p 799. GA]. Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
Association International (1991):
Wellmann, E.F. “Leak Detection Using p 239-254.
Radioactive Tracers in the Chemical
and Petrochemical Industry.” Materials Laine, D.L. and G.T. Darilek. “Locating
Evaluation. Vol. 48, No. 10. Columbus, Leaks in Geomembrane Liners of
OH: American Society for Landfills Covered with a Protective
Nondestructive Testing (October Soil.” Geosynthetics ‘93 Conference
1990): p 1251-1256. Proceedings [Vancouver, Canada].
Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
Geosynthetic Membranes Association International (1993).

Beech, J.F. “Nondestructive Testing of Rollins, A.L., M. Lefebvre, J. Lafleur and
Geomembrane Seams.” MQC/MQA and M. Marcotte. “Evaluation of Field
CQC/CQA of Geosynthetics. Seams Quality by the Impact Test
Philadelphia, PA: Geosynthetic Procedure.” Geosynthetics ’91
Research Institute (1992). Conference Proceedings [Atlanta, GA].
Roseville, MN: Industrial Fabrics
Carlson, D.S., R.M. Charron, J.P. Winfree, Association International (1991):
J.P. Giroud and M.E. McLearn. p 223-237.
“Laboratory Evaluation of HDPE
Geomembrane Seams.” Geosynthetics Underground Storage Tanks
’93 Conference Proceedings. [Vancouver,
Canada]. Roseville, MN: Industrial Beall, C., L. McConnell, A. Nugent and
Fabrics Association International J. Parsons. Detecting Leaks: Successful
(1993). Methods Step-by-Step.
EPA/530/UST-89/012. Cincinnati, OH:
Charron, R.M. “Seam Examination.” Civil Environmental Protection Agency
Engineering. Vol. 60, No. 2. Reston, VA: (November 1989).
American Society of Civil Engineers
(February 1990): p 61-63. Camp Dresser and McKee, Incorporated.
Research for Abatement of Leaks from
Crenwelge, R.N. “Destructive Testing of Underground Storage Tanks Containing
Geomembrane Seams.” QC/QC and Hazardous Substances: Draft Final
CQC/CQA of Geosynthetics. Report. EPA 510-R-92-801. Cincinnati,
Philadelphia, PA: Geosynthetic OH: Environmental Protection Agency
Research Institute (l992). (February 1988).

Daniel, D.E. and R.M. Koerner. Quality Cole, G.M. Underground Storage Tank
Assurance and Quality Control for Waste Installation and Management. Chelsea,
Containment Facilities. Technical MI: Lewis Publishers (1992).
Guidance Document
EPA/600/R-93/182. Cincinnati, OH: Doing Inventory Control Right for
United States Environmental Underground Storage Tanks.
Protection Agency (1993). EPA 510-B-93-004. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
Davis, J.L., R. Singh, B.G. Stegman and (November 1993).
M.J. Waller. Innovative Concepts for
Detecting and Locating Leaks in Waste Dollars and Sense: Financial Responsibility
Impoundment Liner Systems: Acoustic Requirements for Underground Storage
Emission Monitoring and Time Domain Tanks. EPA 510-K-95-004. Cincinnati,
Reflectometry. Baltimore, MD: OH: Environmental Protection Agency
EarthTech Research Corporation (April (July 1995).
1984).
E 1430-91, Standard Guide for Using Release
Giroud, J.P. and Fluet, J.E., Jr. “Quality Detection Devices with Underground
Assurance of Geosynthetic Lining Storage Tanks. West Conshohocken,
Systems.” Geotextiles and PA: American Society for Testing and
Geomembranes. Vol. 3 , No. 1. Barking, Materials.
Essex, United Kingdom: Elsevier
Applied Science Publishers Limited
(1986): p 249-288.

624 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Eklund, A.G., J.R. Worlund and P.B. Guide to EPA Materials on Underground
Durgin. “EPA Development of Storage Tanks. EPA-510-B-94-007.
Evaluation Tests for Detection of Cincinnati, OH: Environmental
External Leaks in Underground Storage Protection Agency (February 1993).
Tanks.” Materials Evaluation. Vol. 47,
No. 11. Columbus, OH: American Introduction to Statistical Inventory
Society for Nondestructive Testing Reconciliation for Underground Storage
(November 1989): p 1288-1296. Tanks. EPA 510-B-95-009. Cincinnati,
Adapted from Development of OH: Environmental Protection Agency
Procedures to Assess the Performance of (September 1995).
External Leak Detection Devices:
Executive Summary — Draft. Lomax, G.S. “Volumetric Leak Testing and
EPA 510-S-92-901. Cincinnati, OH: Underground Storage Systems.”
Environmental Protection Agency Materials Evaluation. Vol. 45, No. 10.
(May 1988). Columbus, OH: American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (October
“EPA Clarifies Testing Requirements for 1987): p 1124-1125.
UST Automatic Line Leak Detectors.”
Environmental Fact Sheet. Cincinnati, Manual Tank Gauging for Small Underground
OH: Environmental Protection Agency Storage Tanks. EPA 510-B-93-005.
(March 1992). Cincinnati, OH: Environmental
Protection Agency (November 1993).
Flora, J.D. Review of Effectiveness of Static
Tank Testing. EPA 510-K-92-810. Maresca, J.W., Jr. and R.W. Hillger.
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental Chemicals Stored in USTs: Characteristics
Protection Agency (April 1988). and Leak Detection. EPA/600/2-91/037.
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental
Flora, J.D., Jr. and K.M. Bauer. Standard Protection Agency (August 1991).
Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak
Detection Methods: Volumetric Tank MUSTs for USTs: A Summary of Federal
Tightness Testing Methods. Regulations for Underground Storage Tank
EPA/530/UST-90/004. Cincinnati, OH: Systems. EPA 510-K-95-002. Cincinnati,
Environmental Protection Agency OH: Environmental Protection Agency
(March 1990). (July 1995).

Flora, J.D., Jr., K.M. Bauer and H.K. Niaki, S. and J.A. Broscious. Underground
Wilcox. Standard Test Procedures for Tank Leak Detection Methods:
Evaluating Leak Detection Methods: A State-of-the-Art Review. New York,
Nonvolumetric Tank Tightness Testing NY: Hemisphere Publishing
Methods. EPA/530/UST-90/005. Corporation (1988).
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental
Protection Agency (March 1990). PEI Associates, Incorporated. Handbook of
Underground Storage Tank Safety and
Flora, J.D., Jr. and K.M. Bauer. Standard Correction Technology [including
Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak Environmental Protection Agency
Detection Methods: Automatic Tank Technology Transfer Report
Gauging Systems. EPA/530/UST-90/006. Underground Storage Tank Corrective
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental Action Technologies]. Washington, DC:
Protection Agency (March 1990). Hemisphere Publishing Corporation
(1988).
Flora, J.D., Jr. and K.M. Bauer. Standard
Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak Reynolds, A.D. “Leak Testing of Leaking
Detection Methods: Statistical Inventory Underground Storage Tanks.” Materials
Reconciliation Methods. Evaluation. Vol. 46, No. 7. Columbus,
EPA/530/UST-90/007. Cincinnati, OH: OH: American Society for
Environmental Protection Agency Nondestructive Testing (June 1988):
(June 1990). p 819-823.

Free-Product Release Detection for Schwendeman, T.G. and H.K. Wilcox.
Underground Storage Tank Systems: Underground Storage Systems: Leak
Vol. 1, Capabilities and Limitations of Detection and Monitoring. Chelsea, MI:
Wells for Detecting and Monitoring Lewis Publishers (1987).
Product Releases. EPA 510-K-92-813.
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak
Protection Agency (February 1988). Detection Methods: Liquid-Phase
Out-of-Tank Product Detectors.
Free-Product Release Detection for EPA/530/UST-90/009. Cincinnati, OH:
Underground Storage Tank Systems: Environmental Protection Agency
Vol. 2, The Effectiveness of Petroleum (March 1990).
Tank Release Detection with Wells in
Florida. EPA 510-K-92-814. Cincinnati, Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak
OH: Environmental Protection Agency Detection Methods: Pipeline Leak
(February 1988). Detection Systems.
EPA/530/UST-90/010. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(September 1990).

Leak Testing Bibliography 625

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak
Detection Methods: Vapor-Phase
Out-of-Tank Product Detectors.
EPA/530/UST-90/008. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(March 1990).

Straight Talk on Tanks: Leak Detection
Methods for Petroleum Underground
Storage Tanks and Piping.
EPA 510-K-95-003. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(July 1995).

Tank Issues: Design and Placement of
Floating Liquid Monitoring Wells.
EPA/600/9-90/045. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(March 1993).

Tank Issues: Site Characterization for
External Leak Monitoring.
EPA/600/9-90/046. Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(February 1993).

Tempo, K. Evaluation of U-Tube
Underground Tank Monitoring Systems
for Soil Vapor Testing. Report
No. KT-88-007(R). Cincinnati, OH:
Environmental Protection Agency
(March 1988).

UST Program Facts: Implementing Federal
Requirements for Underground Storage
Tanks. EPA-510-B-96-007. Cincinnati,
OH: Environmental Protection Agency
(December 1996). Supersedes
EPA 510-B-95-011.

Volumetric Tank Testing. EPA/625/9-89/009.
Cincinnati, OH: Environmental
Protection Agency (April 1989).

626 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Index

Page numbers in italic type indicate illustrations; references followed aluminum oxide dew point detectors, 167-168
ammonia
by table indicate material in tables.
as bubble testing tracer gas, 292-294
Readers are encouraged to consult this volume’s glossary: chemical indicator leak detection with, 585-586
with dye tracers, 584
glossary entries are not entered in this index. leak detection, 15
properties, 37 table, 38 table, 125 table, 516 table
A safety precautions with tracer, 125
ammonia sensitive paint testing, aboveground storage tanks, 536
aboveground chemical pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 514 aneroid capsule pressure gages, 160, 161
aboveground storage tanks anhydrous copper sulfate, as chemical indicator, 587
anhydrous liquid ammonia, safety precautions, 125
acoustic leak testing, 497-499 anomalous leaks, 67-68
petrochemical, 522, 532-539 API aboveground storage tank design standards, 533, 540
absolute pressure, 27, 35 API pressure vessel guidelines, 141
vacuum systems, 192 API standards and practices, 144 table, 145, 532, 533, 536, 540, 541
absolute pressure dial gages, 160-162 area contamination monitors, 124
absolute temperature, 165 argon
absorbed leaks, 68 mass spectrometric detection, 322
accumulation methods. See halogen accumulation leak testing; helium safety precautions, 125-126
accumulation leak testing aromatic hydrocarbons, safety precautions, 110
accumulation (pressure vessels), 145 artificial lighting, 119
acetone, safety precautions, 109 artificial physical leaks. See calibrated reference leaks
acetylene, as chemical indicator, 586 artificial ultrasonic tone generators, 461, 470, 484-485
acoustically active leaks, 459 as-found testing, 591
acoustically passive leaks, 459-460 ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), 144 table
acoustic emission, 459-460, 496 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 133, 139, 140, 144 table, 427
acoustic leak testing, 458-503 B96.1, Welded Aluminum-Alloy Storage Tanks, 532
electronic analysis systems, 463 asphyxiation hazards, with tracer gases, 123, 126, 127, 128
large leak detection in vacuum systems, 256 ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), 144 table
principles, 458-466 D 323, 114
vessels, tanks and pipelines, 496-502, 534 D 396, 113
See also sonic leak testing; ultrasound leak testing E 427, 432-434, 437-440
acoustic sensors, 461 E 1002, 472
adjunct sealants, for hermetically sealed packages, 556 helium tracer probe methods, 332-333
adsorption, in vacuum systems, 217 atmosphere (unit), 27, 28 table
air atmosphere composition, 41, 47 table
as bubble testing tracer gas, 290, 291, 292-294 atmospheric pressure, 34. See also barometric pressure
composition, 41, 47 table altitude variation, 216-217
as pressurizing gas, 154 austenitic stainless steel, vacuum system application, 236-237
airborne toxics, 104-112 autoclave bonding vacuum bags, ultrasound leak testing, 481-482
airborne ultrasound leak testing, 458-459, 461, 466 autoignition temperature, 113-114
interpretation, 472-473 automatic protection valve, for helium mass spectrometers, 323
scanning module, 468 automatic tank gaging systems, 523-524
air conditioning systems. See refrigeration and air conditioning systems automobile leak testing
aircraft escape slides, ultrasonic assessment, 481 air conditioning fluorescent dye leak testing, 581
aircraft fuel systems, ultrasound leak testing, 480 ultrasound applications, 485
aircraft hydraulic systems, ultrasound leak testing, 482 Avogadro’s number, 194
aircraft oxygen systems Avogadro’s principle, 36
bubble leak testing liquid for, 301
ultrasound leak testing, 480-481
air curtain shroud halogen leak testing, 434, 439
air lance testing, of geosynthetic membranes, 595
air pressure testing, of geosynthetic membranes, 592, 594-595
alcohol baths, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 289-290
aluminum, vacuum system application, 235, 237

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

B capillary tubes, for flow rate leak testing, 206-207
capture vacuum pumps, 231-234
backing vacuum pumps, 225 carbon dioxide
back pressure, 145
back pressure bubble leak testing, of hermetic devices, 560-561 chemical indicator leak testing with, 586
backscatter/absorption gas imaging, 515-517 safety precautions, 126, 129
baffles, in vacuum systems, 230-231 carbon dioxide lasers, in infrared photoacoustic leak testing, 518
barometric pressure carbon tetrachloride
as halogen tracer gas, 406 table
effect on calibrated reference leaks, 79-80 safety precautions, 109-110
effect on pressure change leak testing, 179-180 cars. See automobile leak testing
and pressure gage operation, 163 cavitation detection, 464
barricades, 134 charcoal gettering, of krypton-85 for hermetic device leak testing, 565
bar (unit), 27, 28 table Charles’ law, 35, 40
Bayard-Alpert vacuum gage, 251, 252-253 check valve leaks, 67
bearings, ultrasound analysis, 490 chemical-electrochemical testing, 4
becquerel, 27 chemical feed supply line, acoustic leak testing, 502
bell jar helium leak testing, 320, 357-359 chemical fume leak location, 585-587
bellows sealed valves, 231 chemical pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 514
benzene, safety precautions, 110 chlorine systems
bladders, 522 bubble leak test solution for, 301-302
blind flanges, precautions when installing, 142 wet, ultrasound leak testing, 488
blowdown, 145 chlorofluorocarbons, 110
blower pumps, 226-227 choked leak flow, 46-47, 59, 63-64
boiler tubes, ultrasound leak testing, 479 coatings, bubble testing and, 280, 281
boiling point, 114 cold cathode discharge, 233
bolts, for pressure vessels, 142 cold cathode vacuum gages, 249-250
bonding, to prevent electric sparks, 116 helium mass spectrometry application, 388, 398-399
book inventory, 528 cold differential test pressure, 145
booster pumps, 226-227 cold traps, 230, 231
Bourdon tube pressure gages, 160, 161 contamination from, 241
for vacuum systems, 243, 244 helium mass spectrometry application, 321, 323, 386, 397-398
Boyle’s law, 35, 39-40 colored bubble testing liquids, 279
brakes (trucks), ultrasound leak testing, 486 color former dyes, 581
brasses, vacuum system application, 236 combustible liquids, 113
breather valves, 149 compressed gas cylinders. See gas cylinders
bromocresol purple dye, 584 compressibility, 154-155
bronzes, vacuum system application, 236 compressors, ultrasound leak testing, 477-478
Brownian motion, 39 compressor valves, ultrasound leak testing, 482-483
bubble leak testing, 276 conductance, 8
advantages and limitations, 277-278 calculating apparent, 66
classification by test liquid, 276 electrical conductance analogy, 50-51
hermetically sealed devices at elevated temperature, 560-561 electrical leak location in geosynthetic membrane, 595-597
industrial procedures and applications, 312-317 and helium mass spectrometry leak testing, 329
sensitivity, 11-12, 278-280 leaks in parallel, 52, 221
test object preparation, 280-281 leaks in series, 51-52, 220-221
test object pressurization, 281-282 tubes and orifices, 52, 53, 54
ultrasound leak detection, 464 vacuum systems, 220-221
visual inspection, 282-283 conductivity, thermal, of gases, 42 table, 265 table
See also foam bubble testing; liquid film bubble testing; liquid immersion conservation vents, 149
consumer products, halogen leak testing, 447
bubble testing; vacuum box bubble testing contact acoustic sensors, 461
built up back pressure, 145 contact angle, in bubble testing, 278
buried drain pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 510-511 contact ultrasonic sensors, 462-463
buried hot water pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 512 containment barriers, for underground storage tanks, 522-523
buried natural gas pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 511 continuous automatic tank gaging systems, 524
buried oil cooled electric cable, infrared thermographic leak testing, 512-513 copper, vacuum system application, 237
buried petroleum pipeline, infrared thermographic emission leak testing, 513 counterflow helium mass spectrometry, 373-374, 392-393, 396-397
buried pipelines creeping regulators, 132
Criteria for a Recommended Standard for Occupational Exposure to
infrared thermographic leak testing, 510-513 Ultraviolet Radiation, 121
ultrasound leak testing, 478 cryogenic plate coil, halogen leak testing, 447-448
buried steam pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 512 cryopumps, 230, 231-233
buried water pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 510 cryosorption, 232
Burrows equation, 62-63 cubic meter, 27
curie, 27
C cyclic repressurization pressure change leak testing, 190-191

calibrated reference leaks, 13 D
calibration techniques, 94-99
categories, 73-75 Dalton’s law of partial pressures, 35-36, 40-41
classification, 72-73 deadweight piston gage, 155-156
design, 76-78 decay chart, krypton-85, 573 table
for halogen leak detectors, 421-422, 435, 445 deep space systems, hermetic seals for, 552-553
inaccuracy sources, 78-80 density, selected gases, 42 table
for liquid film bubble testing, 305 derived SI units, 26 table, 27-28
NIST calibration, 72, 78-79 detector probe technique, 14-16
precautions with, 76
stability and envelope pressure, 75 for leak location, 19-20
temperature coefficients, 74 vacuum systems, 264
See also halogen calibrated reference leaks; helium calibrated See also tracer probe technique
reference leaks detergent solutions, for liquid film bubble testing, 298-299
dew point temperature
capacitance manometer, 246-247 pressurization effects, 168-169
capacitive dew point sensors, 167-168 sensors for, 167-168
capillary calibrated leaks, 73, 75 diaphragm vacuum gages, 243, 244
diatomic gases, 43
design, 77-78
helium, 87
capillary flow, 68

628 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

dichlorodifluoromethane, safety precautions, 128 F
diesel engine ultrasound leak testing, 485
differential detectors, 58 failure, cost of, and nondestructive testing, 3-4
differential pressure. See pressure differential false cavities, 556
diffusion Faraday induction coil, 22
fast response thermopile mass flow meter, 208-209
of tracer gases, 37-39 Federal Aviation Administration, 3
in vacuum systems, 217 fermentation systems, ultrasound leak testing, 476
diffusion pump oils, 237 film bubble testing. See liquid film bubble testing
changing, 241 final safety analysis report, 589
diffusion pumps, 228, 229-230 fixed leakage value orifice capillary leaks, 77
helium mass spectrometry application, 321, 322, 374, 394-395, 402 flame arrestors, in vents, 149
diffusion rate, 114 flammability range, 114
diffusivity flammable liquids, safety precautions, 113-115
common tracer gases, 42 table flammable vapors, 113, 114, 116, 464
gases in air, 38 table flare gas valves, acoustic leak testing, 496-497
digital electronic flow meter, 210, 211 flash point, 113
digital mercury manometer, 160 flash X-ray pressure systems, ultrasound leak testing, 493
digital pressure gages, 159-160 floating roof petroleum structure leak testing, 542-547
digital pressure transducers, 157-158 flow rate leak testing, 205-213
digital U-tube mercury manometer, 160
direct flow helium mass spectrometry, 372-373 aboveground storage tanks, 539, 540, 545-547
directional ultrasonic transducers, 462 advantages and limitations, 206
dirty work materials, 224 digital electronic flow meter application, 210, 211
double bottom storage tanks, 534-535 orifice flow detector application, 209-210, 211
double walled tanks, 522 thermopile mass flow meter application, 208-209
drain pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 510-511 true thermal mass flow meter application, 212-213
dry bulb temperature measurement, 167 vacuum pumping technique, 210-211
dry powder developers, safety precautions, 112 See also sealed volume flow rate leak testing
dual inline circuit packages, 555-557 fluid leak testing media, 13, 34. See also gases; liquids; vapors
dye tracer leak testing, 580-585 fluorescein, 582
for aboveground storage tanks, 535-536 fluorescent bubble testing liquids, 279, 302
gas phase dye tracers, 584-585 fluorescent tracer dyes, 581-583
hermetically sealed devices, 559 with hydrostatic test fluids, 587
with hydrostatic test fluids, 587 ultraviolet radiation precautions, 119-121
limitations, 583-584 fluorinated elastomers, for vacuum system gaskets, 236
pH sensitive, 584-585 fluorocarbon resin membrane leaks, 73
dynamic leak testing, 17, 18 fluorocarbons, 110, 406 table. See also Gases
foam bubble testing, 276, 303
E fuel gas cylinder precautions, 130-131
fuel injectors, ultrasound leak testing, 486
elastomers future usefulness, nondestructive testing and, 2
air permeability, 551 table
avoiding in helium mass spectrometry leak testing, 325 G
for vacuum system seals, 235-236
See also rubber gaskets and O-rings gage pressure, 27, 35
vacuum systems, 192
electrical cables
buried oil cooled, infrared thermographic leak testing, 512-513 gamma radiation, from krypton-85, 568
flow rate leak testing, 213 gas bombs, 587
high voltage, ultrasonic leak detection, 462, 491-492 gas conductance. See conductance
gas cylinders
electrical extension cords, 118
electrical hazards, 116-119 bubble testing liquid for, 301
electrical inspection, ultrasound leak testing for, 462, 491-493 infrared thermographic absorption leak testing, 517
electrical leak location method, for geosynthetic membranes, 592-593, precautions with, 130-132
gases (includes tracer gases)
595-597 Avogadro’s principle, 36
electrical substation components, ultrasound leak testing, 492-493 Boyle’s law, 35, 39-40
electric arc hazards, 118 Brownian motion, 39
electric shock, 117-118 for bubble testing, 281-282, 290-294
electric sparks, 116 Charles’ law, 35, 40
electron capture halogen leak detection, 418-419 choked (sonic) flow, 46-47, 59, 63-64
compressibility, 154
aboveground storage tanks, 537 concentration variation effect, 53, 54, 55
electronegative tracer gas, 406 table Dalton’s law of partial pressures, 35-36, 40-41
electronic components diffusion/adsorption in vacuum systems, 217
elemental, low pressure discharge colors, 259 table
hermetically sealed packages, 554-557 flow mode distinction criteria, 45, 48, 59, 64, 66, 88-89
liquid film bubble testing, 302 flow rate specification, 218
liquid immersion bubble testing, 284-285 Graham’s law, 37-39
electropneumatic pressure calibrator, 161 ideal gas law, 36-37
English units, 29-30, 173 infrared thermographic absorption wavelengths, 515-516 table
environmental contamination, 10-11 kinetic theory, 39-40
Environmental Protection Agency, 3, 522 laminar flow, 46, 59-60, 66-67
ethyl alcohol, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 288, 289-290 leakage rate conversion with different, 55-57
ethylene diamine, 585 molecular weight, 43
ethylene glycol, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 290 as leak testing media, 13
ethylene glycol ethers, safety precautions, 111 partial pressures, 47 table
evacuated systems. See vacuum systems permeation through solids, 45, 59, 64-66
evaporation rate, 114 physical properties of typical, 37 table, 42 table, 43, 47, 87 table
and bubble testing, 278-279 pressure exerted by, 34-35
exotic gas supply systems, ultrasound leak testing, 474-475 sensors and alarms for toxic, 104, 105 table
explosion hazards, 133, 136-138 specific heats, 63 table
explosion proof electrical fittings, 118-119, 464 thermal conductivities, 265 table
explosive range, 114 turbulent flow, 46, 59, 63
extension cord hazards, 118 viscosities, 37 table, 42 table, 43 table, 87 table
volume occupied by, 34

Index 629

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

gaskets. See also rubber gaskets and O-rings helium
for helium mass spectrometry leak testing, 325 as bubble testing tracer gas, 291-294
for pressure tests, 142-143 in cryopumps, 232
for vacuum systems, 235-237 permeation through rubber, 64-65
safety precautions, 126
gas leakage rate units, 28 tracer gas characteristics, 370
gas mains, pressure change leak testing, 191
gas mixtures helium accumulation leak testing
pressurized systems, 321, 360-366
constituent stratification, 43-44 sensitivity, 326, 343, 361
effective viscosity, 42-43 vacuum systems, 321, 343-344
gas permeation rate units, 28
gas phase dye tracers, 584-585 helium bell jar leak testing, 320, 357-359
gas quantity, vacuum systems, 219 helium bombing, of hermetically sealed components, 358-359, 574-577
gas quantity units, 27-28 helium calibrated reference leaks, 76-77, 86-93
gas viscosity, 60
selected gases, 37 table, 42 table, 87 table for helium mass spectrometry application, 324, 389
general lighting, 119 for helium tracer probe leak testing, 334
geometry change leaks, 67 NIST calibration, 72
geosynthetic membrane seam leak testing, 592-597 variable leak rate, 78
Geiger-Müller tubes, use in krypton-85 leak testing of hermetically sealed helium detector probe leak testing, 320, 345-356
devices, 569 direct probing to atmosphere, 351-352
glass bell jar implosion, 138 remote sampling application, 350-351
glass membrane standard leaks, 74 sensitivity, 346, 348-350, 354
glass orifice standard leaks, 75 helium filled hood leak testing, 320, 336-342
glass-to-ceramic seals, 554-555 large vessels, 336-337, 339
glass-to-metal seals, 554-555 sensitivity, 326, 341-342
glycerine, for liquid film bubble testing, 298 helium mass spectrometer, 371, 374-384
glycerine fluorocarbons, for liquid immersion bubble testing, 290 visible light spectrometer compared, 377-379
glycols helium mass spectrometry, 320-329
as dye solvents, 584 aboveground storage tanks, 537-538
safety precautions, 111 advantages and limitations, 375
gold, vacuum system application, 237 applications, 371-372
gradient sensors, 58 background signal suppression, 384
Graham’s law, 37-39 calibration, 324
grounding, to prevent electric sparks, 116 counterflow, 373-374, 392-393, 396-397
groundwater monitoring development of, 23-25
underground piping, 531 direct flow, 372-373
underground storage tanks, 525-526 helium-air leakage rate conversion, 323-324
hermetically sealed devices, 574-577
H instrumentation, 370-384
for large leak detection in vacuum systems, 257-258
halide torch leak testing, 409-410, 588 large system pumping arrangements, 324-325
halogen detector probes, 412 large system time constants, 328-329
portable leak tester, 386-388
for aboveground storage tanks, 536-537 precautions, 325
with halide torch detection, 409-410, 588 protective devices, 323
leak search procedure, 420-421, 425 response time, 391
pressure leak testing, 432-441 sensitivity, 326, 370-371, 376-377, 385-391
proportioning, 412, 429-430, 432, 438 techniques for, 320-321
halogen leak testing test sequence for, 326-328
accumulation leak testing, 434, 439-440, 444, 454 vacuum system, 321-322
background halogen contamination, 428, 431, 435, 445 vacuum system cleanliness, 400-402
calibration, 421-422, 425-428, 435 vacuum system operation and maintenance, 392-402
electron capture detection, 418-419 helium tracer probe technique, 320, 330-335
halide torch detection, 409-410, 588 high sensitivity enclosure, 334-335
halogen gases, 406 table sensitivity, 326
industrial applications, 442-449 hermetically sealed devices, 16
industrial detector, 416-418 bell jar helium leak testing, 357-359
leak searching procedure, 444-445 characteristics and performance requirements, 550-553
leak testing booth, 428-429 fine leak testing, 558
leaks, calibrated reference, 81-85 fine leak testing with helium, 574-577
leaks, variable value, orifice, 77-78 fine leak testing with krypton-85, 564-573
portable detector, 414-415 gross leak testing, 558-563
precautions, 423-425 helium mass spectrometer leak testing, 321
pressurization, 423, 430-431, 435, 448 holographic leak testing, 562-563
specifications, 436, 450-454 liquid immersion bubble testing, 284-285, 286, 294
tracer gas selection, 406-408, 436 hermetically sealed packages, 544-557
See also heated anode halogen leak detector high temperature leaks, 10
halogenated hydrocarbons, safety precautions, 109-110 high voltage discharge leak testing, large leak detection in vacuum systems,
hard ultraviolet radiation, 119-121 258-259, 260
hard vacuum, sealing requirements, 551 high voltage electrical cables, ultrasonic leak detection, 462, 491-492
hazardous substances, 150 high voltage transformers/capacitors, ultrasound leak testing, 492, 493
hazards, 102. See also safety holographic leak testing, hermetically sealed devices, 562-563
heading up pressure vessels, 141 hood leak testing. See helium filled hood leak testing
health hazard evaluation, 106-107 hook and claw pumps, 225
heated anode halogen leak detector, 410-414 hot cathode gage, 23
calibration, 421-422, 445 hot filament ionization gage, 250
for industrial leak detection, 416-418 hot stick, 491
precautions, 423-425, 430 hot water pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 512
sensitivity, 411-413, 418 hot wire bridge thermal conductivity leak detector, 265-266
heat exchangers human hearing, 459
in chemical plants, acoustic leak testing, 501-502 hydraulic systems, ultrasound leak testing, 489-490
in steam plants, ultrasound leak testing, 479 hydrogen
electric spark hazards, 116
safety precautions, 126-127

630 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

hydrogen chloride leak detectors. See also specific leak detectors
chemical indicator leak testing with, 585-586 contemporary, 24-25
safety precautions, 126-127 sensitivity, 11

hydrogen cooled electric power generator, ultrasound leak testing, 476-477 leaking underground storage tanks
hydrogen sulfide, chemical indicator leak testing with, 586 infrared thermographic testing, 514
hydrostatic proof testing, 139 petrochemical storage, 522-531

fluorescent dye indicators with, 587 leak location, 13
coordinating with leakage measurement, 20
I fluid media for, 34
locating every leak, 10, 18-20
ideal gas law, 36-37 method selection, 13-16, 14
immersion bubble testing. See liquid immersion bubble testing
implosion hazards, 133, 138-139 leaks, 7
inches of mercury/water, 27, 28 table absorbed, 68
individual leak location, 10, 18-20 acoustic emission characteristics, 459-460
industrial leak testing systems, 25. See also specific leak testing techniques and anomalous, 67-68
pressure or temperature dependent, 47
methods size of, and leakage, 66
inert gas tungsten arc welding, for high vacuum welded joints, 194 virtual. See virtual leaks
infrared radiation, 506 viscosity dependent, 460
See also pressurized systems; vacuum systems
gas absorption of, 516-517 table
infrared thermographic leak testing, 506, 519 leak testing, 7-10, 13
applications, 8-9
absorption techniques, 506, 515-517 categories, 13
acoustic excitation techniques, 506, 518-519 history, 22-25
emission techniques, 506, 507-514 fluid media for, 34
inherent detectors, 16 method selection, 14
instrumentation air systems, ultrasound leak testing, 476 personnel training. See training
insulation, ultrasound leak pinpointing, 475 safety considerations. See safety
integrated circuit hermetically sealed packages, 555-557 standard conditions, 11
integrated leakage rate testing, 589-590 units for, 26-30
intermittent leaks, bubble testing difficulties, 278
inventory control, of underground storage tanks, 528-529 leak testing methods, 12 table. See also specific methods
inventory reconciliation, of underground storage tanks, 526-528 leak testing techniques, 12 table
ionization gages, 243, 249-253
helium mass spectrometry application, 388 relative sensitivities, 14, 19 table, 57, 58 table
vacuum gage leak testing with, 262, 267-272 selection, 13, 14
ion pumps, 231, 233-234 special application techniques, 580-600
leak detection with, 270-272 See also specific techniques
isopropyl alcohol, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 289-290 leak test sensitivity
calibrated reference standards for, 72, 73
J cost and, 12, 13
and ease of operation, 12
jacketed tanks, 522 impractical specifications, 9-10
and operating conditions, 15
K practical, 10-11
relative sensitivities of techniques, 14, 19 table, 57, 58 table
ketones, safety precautions, 109 test variables limiting, 57
K factor, 572 leak tightness, 9
kinetic theory of gases, 39-40 leaky regulators, 132
Knudsen equation lethal concentration, 107
lethal doses, 107-108
molecular flow, 49, 61 lift, 145
transitional flow, 50, 62 lighting, and industrial safety, 119
Knudsen number, 64 liquid film bubble testing (solution film bubble testing), 276, 283-284,
krypton-85 counting station, 568, 570-571 298-305
krypton-85 tracer gas leak testing commercial solutions for, 299-302
exposure limits, 121-122 field procedures, 304-305
fine leak testing of hermetically sealed devices, 564-573 industrial applications, 313-316
gross leak testing of hermetically sealed devices, 562 sensitivity, 279-280, 304
half life decay, 573 table soap solutions for, 298-299
safety precautions, 111, 127-128 liquid hydrogen vessel, vacuum retention testing, 202-203
liquid immersion bubble testing, 276, 286-297
L advantages and limitations, 289-290
bubble formation in, 286-289
laboratory vacuum chamber, vacuum retention testing, 203-204 of hermetically sealed devices, 560-561
laminar flow leakage safety problems, 294-295
sensitivity, 280, 290-294
characteristics, 46, 59-60 small components in heated baths, 284-285, 294
equation for, 66-67 ultrasound leak detection with, 463
ultrasound detection, 464-465 visual inspection, 295
laser applications liquid leak amplifier, 463
infrared absorption leak testing, 515 liquid nitrogen, for bubble testing pressurization, 282
infrared photoacoustic leak testing, 506, 518-519 liquids
liquid immersion bubble testing of military cartridges, 297 for bubble testing, 277-278
lead, vacuum system application, 237 compressibility, 154-155
leakage measurement, 13 for dye penetrant leak testing, 581
coordinating with leak location, 20 flammable, 113-115
fluid media for, 34 for large leak detection in vacuum systems, 259
gas tracers, 16-17 as leak testing media, 13
method selection, 14, 16 pressure exerted by, 34-35
open test objects accessible on both sides, 17-18 volume occupied by, 34
principles of, 48 liter, 27
units, 29-30 local leakage rate testing, 589, 590-591
leak conductance. See conductance low pressure systems. See vacuum systems
leak detection. See leak testing

Index 631

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

M NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)
aquatic toxicity ratings, 150
magnetic-electrical testing, 4 criteria documents, 108, 150
magnetron ionization gages, 268 NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, 108
Manhattan Project, 22 special occupational hazard reviews, 108
manometers, 156-157
nitrogen
for flow rate leak testing, 207 as pressurizing gas, 154, 282
precision reading technique, 162 safety precautions, 128
vacuum application, 243-244, 246-247 vacuum pumping limitations, 223-224
manual tank gaging, 529
marine ultrasound leak testing applications, 483-484 nitrogen oxides, safety precautions, 128
mass discrimination effects, 380 nitrogen pressurized telephone cables. See telephone cables
mass flow nitrous oxide, safety precautions, 128
rate, 8 nondestructive testing, 2-6
conversion factors, 29 table nonreservoir calibrated leaks, 73
leak testing. See flow rate leak testing nuclear containment systems
mass spectrometry. See helium mass spectrometry
mass transfer, in gas flow, 59 flow rate testing, 211-212
material loss, 10, 11 primary containment system leak testing, 589-591
maximum allowable concentration, and ventilation design, 105-106 nuclear power plants, acoustic leak testing applications, 499-502
maximum allowable working pressure, 144, 145 nuts, for pressure vessels, 142
McLeod gages, 22
vacuum applications, 243-245 O
mean free path, 41-43, 42 table, 45, 50, 60 table, 60-61
in vacuum systems, 217 occupational diseases, 150-151
measurement units. See SI units occupational standards, 108
mechanical vacuum pumps, 224-227 oil baths, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 289
for helium mass spectrometry, 321, 393-394, 402 oil phase fluorescent leak tracers, 582-583
mechanical vibration testing, 4 open units, 16
medical stethoscopes, for acoustic leak testing, 459, 468-469 operating pressure, 144-145
membrane calibrated leaks, 73, 75 orifice calibrated leaks. See capillary calibrated leaks
design and construction, 76-77 orifice flow detector, 209-210, 211
helium, 86, 91-93 orifices
mercury manometer, 156, 157
methane, safety precautions, 128 acoustic emission of leaks through, 459
methyl alcohol gas conductance graphical determination, 52, 54
liquid immersion bubble testing with, 286, 289-290 ultrasound leak detection, 466
safety precautions, 110-111 O-rings
methyl bromide, safety precautions, 112 for helium mass spectrometry leak testing, 325, 401
methyl chloride rubber. See rubber gaskets and O-rings
as halogen tracer gas, 406 table outer space systems, hermetic seals for, 551, 552-553
safety precautions, 112 outgassing, 193, 199, 235, 255
metric units. See SI units overpressure, 145
micropore flow, 68 overpressure protection, 134-135
MIL-L-25567D(1), 301 oxide layers, in hermetic seals, 555
millimeters of mercury, 27, 28 table oxygen
mineral oil, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 289, 290, 293, 294 compressed gas cylinder precautions, 130-131
minimum detectable leakage, 8 pressure regulator precautions, 132
minimum lethal dose, 107 safety precautions, 128-129
molecular diameter, selected gases, 37 table oxygen deficient atmosphere hazards, 112, 126
molecular flow leakage ozone, 120
characteristics, 45-46, 48-50, 59
conditions for identification, 89, 90 P
equation for, 61-62
helium calibrated reference leaks for, 87, 88 palladium barrier ionization gage, 269-270
helium mass spectrometry, 323 parabolic microphones, 469-470, 495
pressure differential and, 55-57 partial pressures, of gases, 35-36, 40-41, 47 table
pressure increase limitations, 91 particulate airborne contaminants, 104, 112
and vacuum gage leak testing, 262-263 pascal, 27, 192-193
molecular weight, 43 pascal cubic meter, 27-28
selected gases, 37 table, 38 table, 42 table, 87 table pascal cubic meter per second, 28, 29, 172, 192
mole per second, 29 pascal cubic meter per second per square meter per meter, 28
monochlorodifluoromethane. See refrigerant-22 penetrating radiation testing, 4
multiple range pressure standard, 158 Penning vacuum gage, 249-250
perchloroethylene, as halogen tracer gas, 406 table
N permeation, 45, 59

naphtha, safety precautions, 111 formula for, 64-66
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference leak permeation calibrated leaks. See membrane calibrated leaks
personnel protection indicators, 123-124
calibration, 72, 78-79 personnel training. See training
National Materials Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee on Nondestructive petrochemical storage tanks, 540

Evaluation, 4 aboveground, 522, 532-539
National Safety Council, 3 leakage rate determination, 540-548
natural gas pipelines, 22 underground, 522-531
variable volume, leak testing, 542-547
chemical indicators for, 586 petroleum derivatives, safety precautions, 111
infrared thermographic leak testing, 511 petroleum pipelines
pressure change leak testing, 191 infrared thermographic leak testing, 513
NBBPVI (National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors), 144 table sealed volume flow meter leak testing, 540
near space systems, hermetic seals for, 552-553 petroleum refineries, ultrasound leak testing applications, 477
neon, mass spectrometric detection, 322 Philips discharge gage, 249-250
Nier-Keller-General Electric leak detector, 24 photoacoustic effect, 518
pH sensitive dye indicators, 584-585
pilot operated safety relief valves, 144

632 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

pipelines pressure vessels
infrared thermographic absorption leak testing, 515-517 bubble testing, 281, 282, 312-316
infrared thermographic leak testing, 510-514 design, 134
sealed volume flow meter leak testing, 540 helium detector probe, 345-347, 354
ultrasound leak testing, 478 standards, 133, 139, 140, 144 table, 427

piping pressurized systems
acoustic leak testing, 501 detector probe leak detection, 15-16
leak testing of underground, 529-531 flow rate leak testing, 205
ultrasound leak testing, 475-478 halogen detector probes for, 432-441
halogen leak testing, 442-444
Pirani gage, 22, 247, 248-249 helium accumulation leak testing, 321, 360-366
helium mass spectrometry application, 388, 399 helium bell jar leak testing, 320, 357-359
helium detector probe leak testing, 320, 345-356
plastic devices, krypton-85 leak testing of hermetically sealed, 565-566 method selection, 18
plumber’s smoke rocket, 22, 587 preparation for safe leak testing, 140-149
pneumatic flow, 59 pressure change leak testing, 184-191
pneumatic force gages, 243 safety precautions, 102, 133-138, 140-149
pneumatic systems, ultrasound leak testing, 489 tracer leakage measurement, 16-17
Poiseuille’s equation, 59 ultrasound leak testing, 474-486, 494-495
polyethylene geosynthetic membrane leak testing, 592-597
ponding test, 592 pressurized telephone cables. See telephone cables
porosity leaks, bubble testing difficulties, 278 pressurizing gases, 154, 185, 282
porous plug calibrated leaks, 77 proportioning halogen detector probes, 412, 429-430, 432, 438
portable halogen vapor leak detector, 414-415 propylenediamine, 585
portable helium leak tester, 386-388 protective walls, 134
portable personnel protection monitor, 124-125 pumping speed, vacuum systems, 219, 222
portable ultrasound leak detectors, 471
precision barometer, 157-158 R
precleaning, safety considerations, 102, 104
pressure boundaries, overall leak rates though, 8 radioactive tracer gas technique. See krypton-85 tracer gas leak testing
pressure calibration systems, 158-159 radioactivity units, 27
pressure change leak testing reading glasses, for bubble leak testing, 282-283
Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, 20
aboveground storage tanks, 538-539, 542 reference leaks. See calibrated reference leaks
absolute temperature/pressure readings, 187 refrigerant-11, 406 table
accuracy verification, 183 refrigerant-12, 406 table
advantages and limitations, 185
calibrated leak supplemental technique, 183 detrimental effects, 437
constant temperature leakage rate calculation, 169-170, 185 safety precautions, 126
constant volume leakage rate calculation, 170, 185 refrigerant-13, 406 table
contained air determination, 172 refrigerant-13B1, 406 table
cyclic repressurization, 190-191 refrigerant-21, 406 table
data analysis techniques, 173-181, 189-190 refrigerant-22
data recording systems, 188 detrimental effects, 437
errors, 183, 184-185 physical properties, 406 table, 406-408
gage temperature/pressure readings, 187-188 programmed fill method with, 443-444
large volume system mass determination, 171 refrigerant-113, 406 table
leakage measurement, 171-172, 192-193 refrigerant-114, 406 table
low pressure gas main application, 191 refrigerant-134a, 15
metered mass change supplemental technique, 183 calibrated reference leaks, 81-84
minicomputer integrated system, 188, 189 physical properties, 406 table, 406-408
precautions, 185-186 for portable leak detector, 415
pressurized systems, 184-191 variable value orifice reference leaks, 78
pressurizing gases for, 154, 185 refrigerant gases
surface thermometer techniques, 166-167 safety precautions, 110, 126
temperature change corrections, 170-171 406 table
test sequence, 186 refrigeration and air conditioning systems
time duration effects, 173 film bubble testing liquid for, 302
vacuum systems, 192-204 fluorescent dye leak testing of automotive, 581
water vapor corrections, 168-169, 172 halogen leak testing, 447, 448
pressure decay leak testing helium accumulation leak testing, 343-344, 366
differential pressure system, 164-165 helium detector probe leak testing, 356
electronic memory system, 163-164 helium filled hood leak testing, 342
pressure dependent leaks, 47 infrared photoacoustic leak testing, 518, 519
pressure differential, 27, 154 portable halogen leak detector, 414-415
and bubble testing, 280 ultrasound leak testing, 476
hermetic seal leak testing, 550 regulators, safety precautions, 131, 132
and molecular flow leaks, 55 relief valves, 135, 143
varying, 88 remote sampling helium detector probe, 350-351
and viscous flow leaks, 53 remote ultrasound directional sensing, 462
pressure gages, 22-23, 154 table, 155-163 reservoir calibrated leaks, 72
calibration and safety applications, 135 residual gas analysis leak testing, 598-600
digital, 159-160 resistance thermometers, 167
gas cylinder precautions, 131, 132 resistive dew point sensors, 168
practical visual indicators, 161-163 Reynold’s number, 46, 59-60, 63
storage and handling, 135-136 rocket nozzle fuel lines, ultrasound leak testing, 480
vacuum systems, 243-253 roentgen, 27
pressure proof testing, 139 rotary claw mechanical vacuum pumps, 226
pressure relief devices, 135, 143-149 rotary mechanical vacuum pumps, 224-227
specifications and standards, 144 table rotary scroll mechanical vacuum pumps, 226
pressure transducers, 157-158 rounding of numbers, 28-29
pressure units, 27 rubber gaskets and O-rings
converting older units, 28 table air permeability, 551 table
pressure vents, 144, 148 avoiding in helium mass spectrometry leak testing, 325
helium permeation through, 64-65
permeation through, 45
for vacuum systems, 236

Index 633

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Ruhmkorff induction coil, 22 standard leaks. See calibrated reference leaks
rupture disks, 144 Standard Recommended Guide for the Selection of a Leak Testing Method, 141
rupture hazards, 136-137 static electricity hazards, 116
static leak testing, 17, 18
S statistical inventory reconciliation, of underground storage tanks, 526-527
steam boiler safety valves, 146
safety steam systems
airborne toxics, 104-112
compressed gas cylinders, 130-132 fluorescent dye leak testing, 582
electrical hazards, 116-119 infrared thermographic leak testing, 512
flammable liquids and vapors, 113-115 ultrasound leak testing, 478-479
general procedures, 102-103 steam turbine exhaust systems (marine), ultrasound leak testing, 484
halide torch leak detection, 410 steel bolts, for pressure vessels, 142
heated anode halogen leak detector, 430 steel pressure vessels, 141
helium mass spectrometry, 325 stethoscopes, 459
lighting and, 119 ultrasound probe, 468-469
liquid immersion bubble testing baths, 294-295 stick inventory, 528
nondestructive testing and, 3 Stoddard solvent, safety precautions, 111
pressurized systems, 102, 133-138, 140-149 storage
program, 103 compressed gas cylinders, 130-131
relief valves, 143-144, 147-148 pressure gages, 135-136
with scaffolds, 134 storage tanks. See petrochemical storage tanks; pressure vessels
toxic exposure, 150-151 stratification, of tracer gas mixtures, 43-44
tracer gases, 123-129 stress leaks, 10
ultraviolet radiation, 119-122 structural component fabrication, bubble leak testing application, 312
vacuum systems, 133, 138-139 studs, for pressure vessels, 142
valves, 143, 145-147 sulfur dioxide
warning limitations, 108-109 chemical indicator leak testing with, 586
safety precautions, 129
scaffold safety, 134 sulfur hexafluoride, 15
A Scandal in Bohemia, 22 as halogen tracer gas, 406 table
scroll pumps, 225, 226 sulfur pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 514
sealed components. See hermetically sealed devices sumps, in geosynthetic membranes, 597
sealed volume flow rate leak testing, 206-208, 211-212 superimposed back pressure, 145
surface contamination, and bubble testing, 277, 280
pipelines, 540 surface flow leaks, 68
sealing technique, for large leak detection in vacuum systems, 259-260 surface/near-surface testing methods, 4-5
seals, for vacuum systems, 235-237, 550-551. See also hermetically sealed leak testing difficulties, 7
surface tension
devices and bubble testing, 278, 279
secondary containment with interstitial monitoring liquid immersion bubble testing liquids, 288, 291
surface thermometers, for pressure change leak testing, 166-167
of underground piping, 531 system reliability, 8-9
of underground storage tanks, 522-523 specifying tightness for, 11
self-cleaning leaks, 67-68
sensitivity. See leak test sensitivity; subheadings under specific leak testing T
techniques
sensitizer dyes, 581 telephone cables
set pressure, 145 bubble leak testing, 316-317
ships, ultrasound leak testing applications, 483-485 ultrasound leak testing, 494-495
shock wave overpressures, 138
shroud halogen leak testing, 433-434, 438-439 temperature cycling, 10
sight glasses, for pressure tests, 143 temperature dependent leaks, 47
silica gel leak testing, 270 temperature measurement, in infrared thermographic leak testing, 507-508
silicon-based pressure sensors, 157-159 Tesla coil, 22
silicone oil, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 289, 290, 293, 294 tetrachoroethane, safety precautions, 112
silicone rubber, for vacuum systems, 236 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. See refrigerant-134a
silver, vacuum system application, 237 thermal conductivity
SI (International System of Units) measurement units, 26-30, 26 table
conversion factors, 27 table, 193 gages, 243, 247-249
for leak testing, 27-30, 172, 192-193 of selected gases, 42 table, 265 table
multipliers (prefixes), 26-27, 28 table vacuum gage leak testing with, 262, 264-266
pressure change, 172 thermal mass flow meter, 212-213
vacuum, 192-193 thermal radiation, 506
small apertures, molecular flow through, 61-62 thermal testing, 4
smoke bombs, 22, 587 thermionic ionization gages, 250-253
smoke candles, 587 leak testing with, 272
soap solutions, for liquid film bubble testing, 298-299 thermocouple pressure gage, 22
soft metallic vacuum gaskets, 237 thermocouple vacuum gages, 247-248
solder glass dual inline circuit packages, 555-557 helium mass spectrometry application, 388
solution film bubble testing. See liquid film bubble testing thermographic leak testing. See infrared thermographic leak testing
solvent fluorescent dye developers, 582, 583 thermopile mass flow meter, 208-209
solvents threshold limit value (TLV), 150
dilution rate recommendations, 106 table and ventilation design, 105-106
safety precautions, 102, 109-112 through-boundary testing methods, 6
ventilation requirement calculations, 104-107 throughput, vacuum systems, 219-220
sonic leak flow, 46-47, 59, 63-64 time exposure photography, with liquid immersion bubble testing, 296-297
sonic leak signals, 463-464 time weighted average concentration, 150
sonic leak testing, 459. tin, vacuum system application, 237
sensitivity, 465-466 titanium tetrachloride smoke stick, 587
specialized techniques, 464-465 TLVs: Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the
See also ultrasound leak testing Work Environment, 150
space probes, hermetic seals for, 552-553 toluene, safety precautions, 111
spark testing, geosynthetic membranes, 592 torr, 27, 28 table
spinning rotor gage, 245 toxic gas/vapor sensors and alarms, 104, 123-125
spring loaded relief valves, 135, 143-144 area contamination monitors, 124
sputter ion pumps, 231, 233-234 gases/vapors detectable, 105 table
stainless steel, vacuum system application, 235, 236-237 toxicity values, 107-108
standard conditions (of temperature and pressure), 28

634 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

toxicology evaluation, 107 vacuum gages, 243-253
toxic substances, 104-112, 123-129, 150-151 helium mass spectrometry application, 388
tracer gases. See gases; specific tracer gases leak testing techniques, 257, 261-263
tracer gas testing. See also halogen vapor leak testing; helium mass
vacuum greases and oils, 237
spectrometry vacuum material handling system (aircraft), ultrasound inspection, 482
ambient concentration control, 57-58 vacuum pump oils, 225, 237
dilution, 40-41 vacuum pumps, 223-234. See also diffusion pumps; mechanical vacuum
for leakage measurement, 16-17
for leak location, 13-14, 15, 18-20 pumps; turbomolecular pumps
purity effects, 80 vacuum retention tests, 199-204
safety precautions, 123-129 vacuum systems, 216-222
vacuum systems, 261-272
baking, 235
tracer probe technique, 13-15, 16 bubble testing, 302
for leak location, 19-20 contamination, 240-241
vacuum systems, 264 design for leak testing convenience, 254
See also detector probe technique flow rate leak testing, 205
halogen vapor leak detectors for, 421, 422
training, 20-21 helium leak testing, 320-321, 325-344
aboveground storage tank leak testing, 534 high vacuum systems, 193-194
bubble leak testing, 280 ionization gage leak testing techniques, 262, 267-272
pressure testing, 140 large leak detection, 254-260
safety, 102, 103 large volume system pumping speed, 195-198
ultrasound testing, 472-473, 495 leak causes and detection, 242
vacuum box bubble testing, 310 maintenance, 238-239, 241
materials for, 235-237
transitional flow leakage mean free path in, 217-218
characteristics, 46, 48, 49, 59 method selection, 18
conditions for identification, 89 method sensitivities, 256 table
equations for, 62-63 operating procedures, 234
helium calibrated reference leaks for, 88 pressure change leak testing, 192-204
and mean free path, 50 pressure measurement, 243-253
pressure increase limitations, 91 pumpdown pressure transients, 255
pumpdown technique, 198-199
trapped gas, 255 pumping, 219, 222-224
traps, in vacuum systems. See cold traps safety precautions, 133, 138-139
trichloroethylene sealing requirements, 550-551
starting transients, 240
as halogen tracer gas, 406 table thermal conductivity gage leak testing techniques, 262, 264-266
safety precautions, 111 tolerable leakage rates, 254
troubleshooting, vacuum systems, 239-241 tracer probe technique, 1617
trucks, ultrasound leak testing, 485-486 troubleshooting, 239-241
true thermal mass flow meters, 212-213 ultimate pressure limitations, 193
tubes, gas conductance graphical determination, 52, 53 ultrasound leak testing, 487-488
turbomolecular pumps, 227-229 vapor condensation effects, 199
helium mass spectrometry application, 321, 374, 395-398, 402 welded structures, 194-195
turbulent flow leaks, 46, 59, 63 See also hermetically sealed devices
vacuum units, 27, 192-193, 216
U converting older, 28 table
vacuum valves, 230-231
ultrasonic contact sensors, 461, 469 vacuum vents, 144
ultrasonic leak signals, 463-464 vacuum vessel design, 139
ultrasonic tone generators, 461, 470, 484-485 valves
ultrasound leak testing, 458-459, 462-465 acoustic leak testing, 496-497
bubble testing, 281
artificial sources for, 461, 470, 484-485 gas cylinder safety precautions, 132
electrical inspection applications, 462, 491-493 helium mass spectrometry, 399-400
geosynthetic membranes, 592 pressure relief, 135
instrumentation, 462, 463, 467-473 ultrasound leak testing, 464
large leak detection in vacuum systems, 256 vacuum systems, 230-231
machinery and vehicle applications, 485-486, 489-490 vapor monitoring
portable detectors, 471 underground piping, 531
pressurized systems, 474-486, 494-495 underground storage tanks, 522, 525
sensitivity, 465-466 vapor pressure, 114
telephone cables, 494-495 correcting for changes in pressure change testing, 168
vacuum systems, 487-488 vapor pumps, 228, 229-230. See also diffusion pumps
See also airborne ultrasound leak testing vapors. See also dew point temperature; gases
ultraviolet radiation, safety precautions, 119-121 flammable, 113, 114, 116
underground petrochemical storage tanks, 522-531 as leak testing media, 13
underground pipelines. See buried pipelines molecular weight, 43
Underwriter’s Laboratories, 3 physical properties of typical, 37 table, 87 table
units, measurement, for leak testing. See SI units sensors and alarms for toxic, 104, 105 table
U-tube manometers, 156-157 vapor volume, 114
for flow rate leak testing, 207 variable leak rate helium reference leaks, 78
variable value orifice physical reference halogen leaks, 77-78
V variable volume petroleum structure leak testing, 542-547
vehicles, ultrasound leak testing, 485-486
vacuum, 216 ventilation
vacuum box bubble testing, 283, 285, 306-311 requirement calculations for solvents, 104-107
tracer gases, 123
for aboveground storage tanks, 535 venting devices, 144, 148
excessive vacuum effects, 277-278 vinyl chloride, as halogen tracer gas, 406 table
field procedures, 310-311 virtual leaks, 255
of geosynthetic membranes, 592, 593-594 bubble testing and, 277
halogen pressurized systems, 440-441 helium tracer probe leak testing and, 333
industrial applications, 314-316
penetrant testing, for aboveground storage tanks, 535-536
sealed parts, 285
solution film testing with, 302, 303, 309
visual examination, 310

Index 635

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

viscosity
characteristics, 46, 48-49, 56
of gases, 37 table, 42 table, 43 table, 87 table
leaks dependent on, 460

viscous flow leakage
characteristics, 46, 48-49, 56
conditions for identification, 88-89, 90
equation for, 59-60
helium calibrated reference leaks for, 87-88
pressure differential effects, 53, 89, 91

visible indication leak location techniques, 580-588
visual inspection

in bubble leak testing, 282-283
in liquid immersion bubble testing, 295
in vacuum box bubble testing, 310
visual testing, 4
volatile solvents, 104-107
volatility, 114
volumetric testing methods, 5-6
leak testing difficulties, 7
volume units, 27

W

water baths, liquid immersion bubble testing with, 286,
289

water phase fluorescent leak tracers, 581-582
water pipeline, infrared thermographic leak testing, 510
Water Quality Characteristics of Hazardous Materials, 150
water vapor pressure, 168-169
weight gain leak testing, of hermetically sealed devices,

561-562
welds

aboveground storage tanks, 532-539
bubble testing, with vacuum box, 306-315
helium detector probe leak testing, 355
helium filled hood leak testing, 338-339
helium tracer probe leak testing, 334
vacuum systems, 194, 195
wetting action, in bubble testing, 278

X

xylene, safety precautions, 112

Z

zero leakage, defining, 9-10

636 Leak Testing

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.

Figure Sources

The following list indicates copyright owners of figures at time of their original Chapter 8
submittal to ASNT.
Figures 1-5, 7, 10-13, 15-17a, 24, 26-30 — Du Pont Instruments, Division of
Chapter 1 E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Incorporated, Wilmington, DE.

Figures 1-5 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY. Figure 6 — Varian Vacuum Products, Incorporated, Lexington, MA. Adapted
with permission.
Chapter 2
Figures 8-9, 15, 17b-19, 21-22 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company,
Figures 1-6 — Veeco Instruments, Incorporated, Plainsview, NY. Houston, TX.
Figures 7, 10-14 — Du Pont Instruments, Division of E.I. du Pont de Nemours
Figures 14, 23 — Veeco Instruments, Incorporated, Plainsview, NY.
and Company, Incorporated, Wilmington, DE. Figures 25, 31 — American Society for Testing and Materials,
Figures 8-9, 15-19 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY.
West Conshohocken, PA. Adapted with permission.
Chapter 3
Chapter 9
Figures 1-4a, 5 —Vacuum Technology, Incorporated, Oak Ridge, TN. Adapted
with permission. Figures 1, 3-6, 10-11, 15-16, 20-22 — Veeco Instruments, Incorporated,
Plainsview, NY.
Figures 4b, 8-9 — General Electric Company, West Lynn, MA.
Figures 6-7, 16-17, 20-21 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY. Figures 2, 7, 12 — Varian Vacuum Products, Incorporated, Lexington, MA.
Figures 10-13, 15 — Du Pont Instruments, Division of E.I. du Pont de Adapted with permission.

Nemours and Company, Incorporated, Wilmington, DE. Figures 8-9, 13-14 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Figures 18-19 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Houston, TX. Figures 17-19 — Leybold-Inficon, East Syracuse, NY. Adapted with permission.
Figure 22 — Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM.
Chapter 10
Chapter 4
Figures 1, 11-12, 15, 27-28 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company,
Figure 1 — American Gas and Chemical Company, Northvale, NJ. Houston, TX.
Figure 2 — Magnaflux Corporation, Chicago, IL.
Figures 2-4a, 18-19 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY
Chapter 5 Figures 4b, 8-10, 13-14, 29, 31-33 — General Electric Company,

Figures 1-2 — Morehouse Instrument Company, York, PA. West Lyn, MA.
Figures 3-5 — Mensor Corporation, San Marcos, TX. Figure 5 — Leybold-Inficon, East Syracuse, NY. Adapted with permission.
Figures 6-10 — Wallace & Tiernan, Incorporated, Belleville, IL. Figures 6-7 — Yokogawa Corporation of America, Newnan, GA.
Figures 11, 24-27 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Houston, TX. Figures 16-17 — Westinghouse-Canada, Hamilton, Canada.
Figures 12-15, 32 — Uson L.P., Houston, TX. Figures 20-26 — American Society for Testing and Materials,
Figure 16 — Pacific Transducer Corporation, Los Angeles, CA.
Figures 17-20 — Power Engineering, Barrington, IL. Adapted with permission. West Conshohocken, PA. Adapted with permission.
Figures 21, 33 — Volumetrics, Incorporated, Pasa Robles, CA. Figure 30 — Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation, Boston, MA.
Figure 22 — Westinghouse Canada, Incorporated, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Figure 23 — McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Long Beach, CA. Chapter 11
Figures 28-29 34 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Figures 30-31 — Teledyne Brown Engineering, Hastings Instruments, Figures 1-2, 8-15, 17-20 — UE Systems, Incorporated, Elmsford, NY.
Figure 3 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Hampton, VA. Figures 4-7 — Hewlett Packard Corporation, Delcon Division,
Figure 35 — Emerson Electric Company, Brooks Instrument Division,
Mountain View, CA.
Hatfield, PA. Figure 16, 21-27 — Physical Acoustics Corporation, Lawrenceville, NJ.

Chapter 6 Chapter 12

Figures 1-7, 9, 13, 15, 17-19, 21, 22, 25-33 — Veeco Instruments, Figures 1-12 — EnTech Engineering, Incorporated, St. Louis, MO.
Plainsview, NY. Figures 13-15 — Laser Imaging Systems, Incorporated, Punta Gorda, FL.

Figures 8, 10-12, 14, 23, 24 — Varian Vacuum Products, Lexington, MA. Chapter 13
Figures 18-19 — Leybold Inficon, Incorporated, East Syracuse, NY.
Figures 34-41 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY. Figures 1-7 — United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
Figures 8-12 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Houston, TX.
Chapter 7
Chapter 14
Figures 1-2 — American Society for Testing and Materials,
West Conshohocken, PA. Adapted with permission. Figure 1 — Parker Seal Company, Irvine, CA. Adapted with permission.
Figures 2-3 — Texas Instruments, Incorporated, Dallas, TX.
Figure 3 — Westinghouse-Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Adapted with Figure 4 — Laser Technology, Incorporated, Norristown, PA.
permission. Figures 5-9 — Isovac Engineering, Incorporated, Glendale, CA.

Figure 4 — J. William Marr, Poughkeepsie, NY. Chapter 15
Figures 6-13 — McDonnell Aircraft Company, St. Louis, MO.
Figures 15, 18, 20-30 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Houston, TX. Figure 1 — Spectronics Corporation, Westbury, NY.
Figure 2 — E. Vernon Hill, Incorporated, Benicia, CA.
Figure 3 — Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Houston, TX.
Figures 4-5 — Leak Location Services, Incorporated, San Antonio, TX.
Figure 6 — Geosynthetic Research Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
Figure 7 — Helium Leak Testing, Incorporated, Northridge, CA.

637

Copyright by ASNT (all rights reserved). Licensed to Blaine Campbell, 291463, 9/17/2016 3:29:48 PM EST. Single User License only. Copying, reselling and
networking prohibited.