scope:

This practice covers procedures for detecting or locating leaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitative measure is not practical. The normal limit of sensitivity for this test method is 4.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/s (1 × 10⁻⁵ Std cm³/s).²

Two techniques are described:

Immersion technique, and

Liquid application technique.

NOTE 1-Additional information is available in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-Leak Testing, and Guide E479.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

² The gas temperature is referenced to 0 °C. To convert to another gas reference temperature, T_ref, multiply the leak rate by (T_ref + 273)⁄273.