Vacuum Box Test Procedure: Purpose
Vacuum Box Test Procedure: Purpose
Vacuum Box Test Procedure: Purpose
Date: 8/26/09
Revision: 2
PURPOSE
This procedure will be used to perform Vacuum Box Testing when required by contract or
specification.
REFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS
API 650 Latest edition
API 620 Latest edition
AWWA D-100 Latest edition
ANSI-B96.1 Latest edition
STI-SP031 Latest edition
PROCEDURE
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This procedure specifies the technique, acceptance criteria and documentation
requirements which apply to Vacuum Box Leak Testing.
1.2 The object of this technique is to locate leaks in welds due to through thickness
discontinuities. This is accomplished by applying a solution to a weld and creating a
differential pressure across the weld causing the formation of bubbles as leakage
gas passes through the solution. This testing is to be performed prior to any main
vessel or tank testing following the completion of all welding.
1.3 Items to be examined in accordance with this procedure will be indicated on the
drawings.
2.0 PERSONNEL
2.1 Personnel performing this test shall be experienced in performing this method of
examination and shall be familiar with this procedure.
2.2 The operator shall have vision (with correction if necessary) to be able to read a
Jaeger 2 standard chart at a distance of not less than 12 inches. Operators shall be
checked annually to ensure that they meet this requirement.
2.3 The operator shall be proven competent in the technique of vacuum box testing,
including performing the examination and interpreting and evaluating the results;
however, where the examination method consists of more than one operation
performing only a portion of the test needed to be qualified for that portion of the
operator performs.
3.0 TEST MATERIAL- BUBBLE SOLUTION
3.1 The bubble forming solution shall produce a film that does not break away from the
area to be tested, and the bubbles formed shall not break rapidly due to air drying or
low surface tension. The number of bubbles contained in the solution should be
minimized to reduce the problem of discriminating between existing bubbles and
those caused by leakage.
Date: 8/26/09
Revision: 2
Date: 8/26/09
Revision: 2
Date: 8/26/09
Revision: 2
DRAWING No.:
ASSEMBLY:
PIECE MARK:
TYPE OF MATERIAL:
MATERIAL THICKNESS:
VACUUM GAGE:
GAGE RANGE:
VACUUM PRESSURE:
TIME VACUUM:
LIGHT GAGE:
TEMPERATURE:
ACCEPT
REJECT
REMARKS
COMMENTS:
INSPECTION OPERATOR
DATE:
DATE:
OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE
DATE:
CODE INSPECTOR
DATE: