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Standard Guides:WeldingPipingASMEAPIAsset Matrix
Leak Testing
🐘 Tusker VaultSpecializedSpecialized & Robotic • LT

Leak Testing (LT)

Method Overview

Detection and localization of envelope containment breaches using bubble, pressure change, or helium tracer gas sniffers.

Core Method Specifications

Technique IDLT
AcronymLT
CategorySpecialized
ModalitySpecialized & Robotic
Standardized Report TemplateISO 17020 Ready
LT-Standard-TemplateTest in Sandbox

Target Applications & Governing Standards

1 Scopes Configured
Valves & Pressure Control
API 598 API 527
Target Assets / Components:
Safety Relief Valves (PSV)Control Valve Body Gaskets
Detectable Defects & Anomalies:
• Seat Leakage Rate• Stem Packing Gas Escape

Method Limitations & Operational Boundary Conditions

Critical physics limits, thermal envelopes, blind spots, and ASME Sec V / API procedural boundaries for LT.

Level III Procedure Control
Operating Temp Envelope
Standard Envelope5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F) for bubble leak test; -20°C to 80°C for helium mass spectrometers
High-Temp CapabilityHeated sniffers can sample hot gas streams up to 150°C (302°F) with particle condensing filters

Bubble test solutions freeze below 0°C or dry out prematurely above 50°C, producing zero bubble indications.

Thickness & Dead Zone
Min ThicknessAny wall thickness (thin membranes up to heavy forged flanges)
Max RangeUnlimited thickness (evaluates complete through-wall boundary containment)
Near-Surface Dead Zone

Blind to partial wall thinning or defects that do not penetrate 100% of pressure envelope

Surface Condition & Couplant
Roughness & PrepFree of heavy oil and grease that could plug micro-capillary leak channels
Coating TolerancePaint or sealant on the low-pressure side can bridge and seal off leaks, masking through-wall breaches
Couplant / Media

Formulated high-viscosity bubble solution (ASTM E515) or pure Helium tracer gas (99.99%)

Geometry & Orientation
Orientation Sensitivity

Detects through-wall fluid escape regardless of orientation; vacuum box testing requires flat or cylindrical overlap

Clearance:Access required to apply vacuum box or manipulate helium sniffer wand within 5 mm of boundary
Critical Blind Spots
  • •Blind to partial-thickness defects, deep sub-surface cracks, or thinning that has not fully penetrated the wall
  • •Clogged leak paths: Water, grease, or corrosion products trapped inside crack capillaries block tracer gas passage
False Indication Trap:

Helium background saturation in enclosed rooms creating elevated ambient reading on sniffer detectors

Recommended Cross-Validation
PTView Method

Localize fine crack opening path on accessible outer surfaces

UTView Method

Measure remaining wall thickness surrounding verified through-wall pinholes

Level III Code Compliance Directive:ASME Section V Article 10 mandates helium mass spectrometer calibration against a certified standard leak artifact before testing.

Technique-to-OEM Compatibility Matrix

Verified manufacturers, instrument models, and diagnostic portals supporting LT.

6 Verified OEMs
FLIR Systems (Teledyne FLIR)

FLIR Systems (Teledyne FLIR)

World benchmark manufacturer of radiometric thermal imaging cameras, optical gas imaging (OGI) leak cameras, acoustic acoustic imagers, and drone payloads under Teledyne Technologies.

Modalities:IRDVTVTLT
OEM Profile Teledyne FLIR Support
OEM Site
Inficon

Inficon

Global instrumentation manufacturer specializing in high-sensitivity helium mass spectrometer leak detectors, hydrogen forming gas detectors, and vacuum gauge analyzers.

Modalities:LT
OEM Profile Inficon Support Hub
OEM Site
Percepto

Percepto

Autonomous Drone-in-a-Box (Air Max & Air Mobile) and AIM software platform for continuous automated visual, thermal, and optical gas inspection of refineries, mines, and utilities.

Modalities:VTDVTIRLT
OEM Profile Percepto AIM Knowledge Hub
OEM Site

Pfeiffer Vacuum

OEM Manufacturer for LT inspection systems.

Verified Partner

Leybold

OEM Manufacturer for LT inspection systems.

Verified Partner

Agilent

OEM Manufacturer for LT inspection systems.

Verified Partner
ASME Sec V & ISO 9712 Qualified
Rent LT Instruments OEM Hardware CatalogPost LT Project Scope