ASME BPVC.

V-2015

ARTICLE 10

ARTICLE 10
LEAK TESTING
T-1000
15

T-1010

T-1021.2 Modification of Requirements. Article 15

10 contains test techniques; therefore, there are requirements that cannot be modified by the organization
through the demonstration process per T-150. Only those
requirements listed in Tables I-1021 through X-1021
may be so modified by demonstration.

INTRODUCTION
SCOPE

This Article describes methods and requirements for

the performance of leak testing.
(a) When a leak testing method or technique of Article
10 is specified by a referencing Code Section, the leak test
method or technique shall be used together with Article
1, General Requirements.
(b) Definition of terms used in this Article are in Article
1, Mandatory Appendix I, I-121.7, LT Leak Testing.
(c) The test methods or techniques of these methods
can be used for the location of leaks or the measurement
of leakage rates.
The specific test method(s) or technique(s) and Glossary of Terms of the methods in this Article are described
in Mandatory Appendices Mandatory I through X and
Nonmandatory Appendix A as follows:
Mandatory Appendix I Bubble Test Direct Pressure Technique
Mandatory Appendix II Bubble Test Vacuum Box
Technique
Mandatory Appendix III Halogen Diode Detector
Probe Test
Mandatory Appendix IV Helium Mass Spectrometer
Test Detector Probe Technique
Mandatory Appendix V Helium Mass Spectrometer
Test Tracer Probe Technique
Mandatory Appendix VI Pressure Change Test
Mandatory Appendix VIII Thermal Conductivity Detector Probe Test
Mandatory Appendix IX Helium Mass Spectrometer
Test Hood Technique
Mandatory Appendix X Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Test
Nonmandatory Appendix A Supplementary Leak
Testing Equation Symbols

T-1020

T-1021.3 Procedure Qualification. When procedure qualification is specified by the referencing Code
Section, a change of a requirement in the applicable
Appendix Tables I-1021 through X-1021 identified as an
essential variable shall require requalification of the written procedure by demonstration. A change of a requirement identified as a nonessential variable does not
require requalification of the written procedure. All
changes of essential and nonessential elements from
those specified within the written procedure shall require
revision of, or an addendum to, the written procedure.

T-1022

Referencing Code

For the leak testing method(s) or technique(s) specified by the referencing Code, the referencing Code Section
shall then be consulted for the following:
(a) personnel qualification/certification
(b) technique(s)/calibration standards
(c) extent of examination
(d) acceptable test sensitivity or leakage rate
(e) report requirements
(f) retention of records

T-1030

EQUIPMENT

T-1031 Gages.
(a) Gage Range. When dial indicating and recording
pressure gage(s) are used in leak testing, they should preferably have the dial(s) graduated over a range of approximately double the intended maximum pressure,
but in no case shall the range be less than 11/2 nor more
than four times that pressure. These range limits do not
apply to dial indicating and recording vacuum gages.
Range requirements for other types of gages given in an
applicable Mandatory Appendix shall be as required by
that Appendix.
(b) Gage Location. When components are to be pressure/vacuum leak tested, the dial indicating gage(s) shall
be connected to the component or to the component from
a remote location, with the gage(s) readily visible to the
operator controlling the pressure/vacuum throughout
the duration of pressurizing, evacuating, testing, and

GENERAL

T-1021 Written Procedure Requirements.

T-1021.1 Requirements. Leak testing shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, which
shall, as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in
the applicable Appendices, paras. I-1021 through
X-1021 and Tables I-1021 through X-1021. The written
procedure shall establish a single value, or range of values, for each requirement.
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