1、Designation: E515 11 (Reapproved 2018)Standard Practice forLeaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E515; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.
2、A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This practice covers procedures for detecting or locatingleaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitativemeasure is not
3、practical. The normal limit of sensitivity for thistest method is 4.5 1010mol/s (1 105Std cm3/s).21.2 Two techniques are described:1.2.1 Immersion technique, and1.2.2 Liquid application technique.NOTE 1Additional information is available in ASME Boiler andPressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-
4、Leak Testing, and GuideE479.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard. No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safetyconcerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibilityof the user of this stand
5、ard to establish appropriate safety,health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on P
6、rinciples for theDevelopment of International Standards, Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3E479 Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specification(Withdrawn 2014)4E543 Specificat
7、ion for Agencies Performing NondestructiveTestingE1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations2.2 Other Documents:SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing5ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification andCertification of Nondestru
8、ctive Testing Personnel5ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article10-Leak Testing6NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of NondestructiveTest Personnel72.3 Military Standard:MIL-L-25567D Leak Detection Compound Oxygen Sys-tems83. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms use
9、d in this testmethod, see Terminology E1316, Section E.4. Summary of Practice4.1 The basic principle of this method consists of creating apressure differential across a leak and observing for bubbles ina liquid medium located on the low pressure side. Thesensitivity of the method is dependent on the
10、 pressuredifferential, the gas used to create the differential, and theliquid used for testing. As long as the pressure differential canbe maintained across the area to be tested, this method can beused.5. Basis of Application5.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-ment between the
11、parties using or referencing this test method:5.2 Personnel Qualifications1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 onNondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 onLeak Testing Method.Current edition approved June 1, 2018. Published July 201
12、8. Originally approvedin 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E515 - 11. DOI: 10.1520/E0515-11R18.2The gas temperature is referenced to 0C. To convert to another gas referencetemperature, Tref, multiply the leak rate by (Tref+ 273) 273.3For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM websit
13、e, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.4The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced onwww.astm.org.5Available fromAmerican Societ
14、y for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http:/www.asnt.org.6Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASMEInternational Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http:/www.asme.org.7Available from Aerospace
15、Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700,Arlington, VA22209-3928, http:/www.aia-aerospace.org.8Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http:/dodssp.daps.dla.mil.Copyright ASTM In
16、ternational, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standard
17、s, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.15.2.1 If specified in the contractual agreement. Personnelperforming examinations to this test method shall be qualifiedin accordance with a nationally or internationally recognizedNDT p
18、ersonnel qualification practice or standard such asANSI/ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or similar docu-ment and certified by the employer or certifying agency, asapplicable. The practice or standard used and its applicablerevision shall be identified in the contractual agreement.5.3 Qualification
19、of Nondestructive AgenciesIf specifiedin the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualifiedand evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicableedition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the contractualagreement.5.4 Re-examination of Repaired/Reworked ItemsRe-examination of repaire
20、d/reworked items is not addressed in thistest method, they shall be specified in the contractual agree-ment.6. Significance and Use6.1 The immersion technique is frequently used to locateleaks in sealed containers. Leaks in a container can be seenindependently. Leak size can be approximated by the s
21、ize ofthe bubble. It is not suitable for measurement of total systemleakage.6.2 The liquid film technique is widely applied to compo-nents and systems that can not easily be immersed and is usedto rapidly locate leaks. An approximation of leak size can bemade based on the type of bubbles formed, but
22、 the technique isnot suitable for measuring leakage rate. It can be used with avacuum box to test vessels which cannot be pressurized orwhere only one side is accessible.6.3 AccuracyThis practice is not intended to measureleakage rates, but to locate leaks on a go, no-go basis. Theiraccuracy for loc
23、ating leaks of 4.5 1010mol/s (1 104Stdcm3/s)2and larger is 65 %.Accuracy for locating smaller leaksdepends upon the skill of the operator.6.4 RepeatabilityOn a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests bythe same operator should not vary by more than 65 % for leaksof 4.5 109mol/s (1 104Std cm3/s).26.5 Reprod
24、ucibilityOn a go, no-go basis, duplicate testsby other trained operators should not vary by more than 10 %for leaks of 4.5 109mol/s (1 104Std cm3/s)2and larger.7. Interferences7.1 Surface contamination of the test specimen, if smallimmersed parts, in the form of grease, rust, weld slag, etc., maybe
25、a source of bubbles giving false indication of leakage. Testspecimens should be thoroughly cleaned to avoid rejection ofacceptable items.7.2 Contaminated detection fluid or one that foams onapplication can cause spurious surface bubbles on the testspecimen.7.3 An excessive vacuum on the low-pressure
26、 side whenusing the vacuum differential technique may cause the detec-tion fluid to boil.7.4 If the component to be tested has parts made of stainlesssteel, nickel, or chromium alloys, the test fluid must have asulfur and halogen content of less than 10 ppm of each.7.5 Immediate application of high
27、pressure may cause largeleaks to be missed in the liquid application technique.7.6 If the component to be tested has parts made ofpolyethylene or structural plastic, the test fluid must notpromote environmental stress cracking (E.S.C).7.7 If the test fluid is to be used on oxygen systems it mustmeet
28、 the requirements of MIL-L-25567D.8. Immersion Technique8.1 ApplicationThis technique is applicable to test speci-mens whose physical size allows immersion in a container offluid when the test specimen can be sealed prior to the test.8.2 Techniques for Creating Pressure Differential:8.2.1 Pressuriza
29、tion of Test SpecimenSeal componentsand apply an elevated pressure, or if accessible, increase theinternal pressure for test purposes.8.2.2 Elevated-Temperature Test FluidHeat the test fluidto a temperature not exceeding the maximum rated temperatureof the test specimen. This will cause expansion of
30、 the gasinside the test specimen, creating a pressure differential. Thistechnique is usually limited to use on very small parts.8.2.3 Vacuum TechniqueImmerse the test specimen in thetest fluid and then place the test fluid container in the vacuumchamber. Reduce the pressure in the chamber to a point
31、 thatdoes not allow the test fluid to boil, thus creating a pressuredifferential. This technique is normally used on very smallparts.8.3 Test Fluids Used in Immersion TechniqueThe follow-ing test fluids may be used, provided they are not detrimentalto the component being tested:8.3.1 WaterShould be
32、treated with a wetting agent up to13by volume to reduce surface tension and promote bubblegrowth.8.3.2 Methyl Alcohol (Technical Grade), UndilutedNotsuitable for the heated-bath technique or the vacuum technique.8.3.3 Ethylene Glycol (Technical Grade), Undiluted.8.3.4 Mineral OilDegreasing of the te
33、st specimens maybe necessary. This is the most suitable fluid for the vacuumtechnique.8.3.5 Fluorocarbons or GlycerinFluorocarbons are notrecommended for stainless steel nuclear applications.8.4 Procedures:8.4.1 Pressurized Test Specimen:8.4.1.1 Specimens Sealed at Elevated PressuresPlace thetest sp
34、ecimen or area being tested in the selected test fluid andobserve for a minimum period of 2 min. Interpret as leakage astream of bubbles originating from a single point or two ormore bubbles that grow and then release from a single point.8.4.1.2 Very Small Specimens Sealed at Ambient or ReducedPress
35、uresPlace the test specimen in a pressure chamber andexpose to an elevated pressure. The actual pressure is depen-dent on the specimens. Place the specimen in the selected testfluid within 2 min after removal from the pressure chamber andE515 11 (2018)2observe for a minimum period of 2 min. Interpre
36、t as leakage astream of bubbles originating from a single point.8.4.2 Elevated Temperature Test Fluid Place the testspecimen in the test fluid which is stabilized and maintained atan elevated temperature at a temperature dependent on thespecimen. Observe for a stream of bubbles originating from asin
37、gle point or two or more bubbles that grow and then releasefrom a single point. Interpret either as indicating leakage. Thetime of observation shall be dependent on the internal volumeof the specimen and the case materials of the enclosure. Dwelltime must be sufficient to allow a pressure increase t
38、o apressure dependent on the specimen.8.4.3 Vacuum TechniquePlace the test specimen in acontainer of the selected test fluid and place the container in avacuum chamber with viewing ports. Reduce the pressure inthe vacuum chamber and observe for a stream of bubblesoriginating from a single point or t
39、wo or more bubbles thatgrow and then release from a single point. The amount ofvacuum used will be dependent on the test fluid and should bethe maximum obtainable without the test fluid boiling. Thistechnique is also applicable to unsealed components or speci-men sections by use of the apparatus sho
40、wn in Fig. 1.9. Liquid Application Technique9.1 ApplicationThis technique is applicable to any testspecimen on which a pressure differential can be created acrossthe area to be examined. An example of this technique is theapplication of leak-test solutions to pressurized gas-line joints.It is most u
41、seful on piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks,spheres, pumps, or other large apparatus on which the immer-sion techniques are impractical.9.2 Location of Bubble Test FluidApply the test liquid tothe low-pressure side of the area to be examined and thenexamine the area for bubbles in the fluid. Ta
42、ke care in applyingthe fluid to prevent formation of bubbles. Flow the solution onthe test area. Joints must be completely coated. The pressuredifferential should be created before the fluid is applied, toprevent clogging of small leaks.9.3 Type of Bubble Test FluidA solution of commercialleak-testi
43、ng fluids may be used. The use of soap buds orhousehold detergents and water is not considered a satisfactoryleak-test fluid for a bubble test, because of lack of sensitivitydue to masking by foam. The fluid should be capable of beingapplied free of bubbles so that a bubble appears only at a leak.Th
44、e fluid selected should not bubble except in response toleakage.9.4 Vacuum TechniquePlace a vacuum box (see Fig. 2)over the bubble test fluid. In testing equipment, such as storagetank floors and roofs, place the vacuum box over a section ofthe weld seam and evacuate to 3 psi 20.68 kPa (or what thea
45、pplicable standard requires) and hold for a minimum time of15 s.10. Keywords10.1 bubble leak testing; film solution leak test; immersionleak test; leak testing; vacuum box leak testingFIG. 1 Vacuum Chamber TechniqueE515 11 (2018)3ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any pa
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