BS en 1593-1999 NDT - Leak Testing - Bubble Emission

BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
1593:1999
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Non-destructive
testing —
Leak testing — Bubble
emission techniques
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The European Standard EN 1593:1999, with the incorporation of

amendment A1:2003 has the status of a British Standard
ICS 19.100
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Copyright British Standards Institution
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BS EN 1593:1999
National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of EN 1593:1999,

including amendment A1:2003.
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The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee

WEE/46, Non-destructive testing, which has the responsibility to:
— aid enquirers to understand the text;
— present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 11 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the document was last issued.
direction of the Engineering
Sector Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Standards Committee
and comes into effect on
15 December 1999 Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
14967 1 March 2004 Modification to Foreword page and

deletion of Annex ZA
© BSI 1 March 2004
ISBN 0 580 35166 1

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1593
September 1999
NORME EUROPÉENNE
+ A1
EUROPÄISCHE NORM December 2003
ICS 19.100
English version
Non-destructive testing – Leak testing – Bubble emission

techniques
(includes amendment A1:2003)
Essais non destructifs – Contrôle d’étanchéité – Contrôle à Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung – Dichtheitsprüfung –

la bulle Blasenprüfverfahren
(inclut l’amendement A!:2003) (enthält Änderung A!:2003)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 1999, and amendment A1 was approved by CEN on 20 November 2003.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 1999 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1593:1999 + A1:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Page 2
EN 1593:1999
Contents
Page
Foreword 3
1 Scope 4
2 Normative references 4
3 Definitions 4
4 Personnel qualification 4
5 Principle 4
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6 General requirements 5
7 Interferences 6
8 Immersion technique 6
9 Liquid application technique 7
10 Test report 8
Annex A (informative) Example of quantitative evaluation of leakage rate 10

Page 3
EN 1593:1999
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 138 "Non-
destructive testing", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication
of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2000, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by March 2000.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom.
Foreword to amendment A1
This document EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 has been prepared by Technical Committee

CEN/TC 138 "Non-destructive testing", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This Amendment to the European Standard EN 1593:1999 shall be given the status of a
national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by
June 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by June 2004.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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Page 4
EN 1593:1999
1 Scope
This European Standard describes procedures for the detection and location of leaks by the
bubble emission techniques. The sensitivity depends on techniques and materials used.
Two techniques are described:
a) immersion technique: quantitative measurements can be made using this

procedure with particular devices (see informative annex A).
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b) liquid application technique.
This standard can be used for equipment which can be evacuated or pressurised.
2 Normative references
This standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications
are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of
these publications apply to this standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 473 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel - General principles
EN 1330-8 Non-destructive testing - Terminology - Part 8 - Terms used in leak

tightness testing
EN 1779:1999 Non-destructive testing - Leak testing – Criteria for method and

technique selection
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the definitions given in EN 1330-8 apply.
4 Personnel qualification
It is assumed that leak testing is performed by qualified and capable personnel. In order to
prove this qualification, it is recommended to certify the personnel in accordance with EN 473
or equivalent.
5 Principle
The techniques involve the establishment of a pressure difference across the object wall and
the observation of bubble formation in a liquid medium located on the low pressure side. The
minimum detectable leakage rate by these techniques depends on the pressure difference,
the gas and the liquid used for testing.

Page 5
EN 1593:1999
6 General requirements
The position of the leak shall be visible directly or indirectly in order to check if it is a real leak
in the area to be tested.
6.1 Gases
The test gas is normally air. Inert gases may however be used. When inert gases are used,
the safety aspects of oxygen deficient atmospheres shall be considered.
6.2 Pressure limits
Verification shall be obtained that the object has been designed to withstand the test pressure
difference. The test conditions shall be such that the object is not permanently deformed nor
should the test be a hazard for the operators.
6.3 Stabilization time (for immersion technique)
Prior to examination, the test pressure in the sealed object shall be maintained for a time
appropriate for the establishment of bubble emission. For small leaks, this may take several
minutes.
6.4 Surface temperature
Normally the temperature of that part of the surface of the object that is to be examined shall
o
not be below 278 K (5 C) nor above 323 K (50 °C), throughout the examination. Local
heating or cooling is permitted provided the temperatures remain within this range. Where it is
impractical to comply with the foregoing temperature limitations, other temperatures may be
used provided that the procedure has been shown to be suitable.
6.5 Direct visual examination
Direct visual examination is usually made when the surface can be viewed directly at a
distance not exceeding 0,6 m at an angle not less than 1/6 rad (30 degrees). Mirrors may be
used to improve the angle of vision, and aids such as magnifying lenses may also be used to
assist examinations. The component or area under immediate examination should be
illuminated, if necessary with a flashlight or other auxiliary lighting, to attain an appropriate light
level. Recommended illumination is 350 lux to 500 lux.
6.6 Indirect visual examination
In some cases indirect visual examination may have to be substituted for direct examination.
This may involve the use of visual aids such as mirrors, endoscopes, telescopes or other
suitable instruments. These should have a resolution capability at least equivalent to that
obtainable by a direct visual observation.
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Page 6
EN 1593:1999
7 Interferences
The test object should be thoroughly cleaned.
Surface contamination, e.g. grease, rust, weld slag, etc., on the test object surface can mask
or cause bubble formation and give a false indication.
Contaminated detection liquid or one that foams spontaneously on application may cause
spurious surface bubbles on the test object and should be avoided.
8 Immersion technique
8.1 General
This technique (see EN 1779:1999, table A.2, technique C.1) is applicable to the examination
of objects that can be completely immersed in a container of detection liquid, including sealed
or temporary sealed ones during the test, and the pressure in any part of the test object shall
be greater than in the liquid and should be known.
8.2 Variations
8.2.1 Direct pressurization of the object
The object is pressurized and placed in the selected detection liquid. The surface, after the
stabilization (soak) time, is observed for a minimum period which depends on the test
specification (e.g. allowable leakage rate, pressure, liquid type) and the type of test object. A
stream of bubbles originating from any isolated point shall be interpreted as a leakage.
8.2.2 Use of detection liquid at elevated temperature
If the object is sealed close to an atmospheric pressure, its internal pressure can be increased
by placing it in the detection liquid held at an elevated temperature. The test time depends on
the internal volume of the object and shall be sufficient to allow a suitable pressure increase
within the object (according to the equation of state of ideal gases). The efficiency of this test
can be increased by introducing, before sealing, a liquid with a boiling point lower than the test
temperature.
A stream of bubbles originating from any isolated point shall be interpreted as a leakage.
8.2.3 Use of vacuum
The sealed object is completely immersed in the detection liquid in a vacuum chamber, with a
viewing port (see figure 1). Pressure in the vacuum chamber is reduced to a level which
depends on the detection liquid, to prevent excessive loss of liquid by evaporation.
A series of bubbles originating from any isolated point shall be interpreted as a leakage.
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Page 7
EN 1593:1999
8.3 Detection liquids used in immersion technique
Various liquids may be used for the detection, provided that they are transparent enough and
do not adversely affect the objects being tested. Commonly-used are water with suitable
wetting agents, ethylene glycol or low-viscosity mineral oil.
An analysis of the detection fluid should be carried out to determine the presence of
undesirable components, such chlorine, fluorine, sulfur, etc.
Mineral oil is the most suitable liquid for the vacuum technique, but degreasing of the test
object may be necessary.
When the vacuum technique is used the liquid should be previously degassed.
9 Liquid application technique
9.1 General
This technique involves the application of a liquid film to the surface of the test object.
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It is applicable to any object in which a pressure differential can be created across the
boundary to be examined. This technique may be used for open components and for those
objects for which immersion would be impractical.
9.2 Variations
9.2.1 Direct pressurization of the object
This procedure (see EN 1779:1999, table A.2, technique C.2) refers to objects that can be
pressurized. A suitable liquid surfactant is applied on the low pressure side (by brush, spray or
other methods).
Afterwards, wait for a sufficiently long inspection time to realise even slow production of foam
from small leaks. From large leaks the test fluid may be blown away and no foaming may
occur.
A growing foam originating from any isolated point shall be interpreted as a leakage.
9.2.2 Use of vacuum for unpressurized (open) objects
This technique (See EN 1779:1999, table A.2, technique C.3) is suitable for open objects e.g.
unfinished parts, objects not accessible on the rear side or large objects for which the
pressurization is impractical. The method involves the attachment of a suitable vacuum box
with a top viewing port to those parts of the test object under investigation, the latter having
been previously covered with surfactant liquid (see figure 2).
Care shall be taken in the design and construction of the vacuum box to prevent implosion.

Page 8
EN 1593:1999
The required pressure can be attained in the box by any convenient method, e.g. a vacuum
pump. Care should be taken in the sealing of the vacuum box, particularly on the weld
reinforcement (crown). The pressure should be progressively reduced until the specified test
pressure, e.g. 20 kPa or 50 kPa, has been reached. This value has to be maintained for the
specified time, at least 30 s. A minimum vacuum box overlap of 50 mm for adjacent test areas
is necessary.
9.3 Detection liquids used in liquid application technique
Suitable surfactant liquids shall be used. They shall be nonvolatile (they shall not dry at test
temperature during the inspection time), viscous and shall not foam under reduced pressure.
Commercial fluids not specific for leak testing shall not be used unless their suitability has
been previously demonstrated on that type of test, by comparison with the characters of a
specific bubble test fluid. In the presence of gas leakage however the bubbles which form
should persist for the duration of the test.
For vertical surface tests, the test fluid viscosity may be increased, if necessary, by suitable
methods.
The compatibility of the test fluids with the materials of the test objects has to be ensured.
10 Test report
If procedures require a test report, this shall include the following information:
a) technique used;
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b) internal and/or low side pressure;

c) liquid type;
d) test temperature;
e) soaking time;
f) duration of the test;
g) operator certification;
h) test results.

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy
Page 9
EN 1593:1999
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Not for Resale, 12/20/2004 20:45:11 MST
Licensee=Fluor Corp no FPPPV per administrator /use new u/2110503106, User=Lapw
1 vacuum gauge 1 test section of the object with detection liquid

2 to vacuum pump 2 viewing port
3 detection liquid 3 vacuum gauge
4 bubble formation 4 to vacuum pump
5 object 5 vacuum box
6 viewing port 6 object
7 soft rubber seal
Figure 1: Immersion technique with use of vacuum Figure 2: Use of liquid application technique for
unpressurized (open) objects
Page 10
EN 1593:1999
Annex A (informative)
Example of quantitative evaluation of leakage rate
The bubble test is generally specified for the location of leaks and in this context the leakage
rate is not required as any bubble formation means rejection. In some cases, e.g. a valve with
a metallic gasket, the maximum specified leakage may be accepted. In this case the leakage
can be evaluated by bubble counting or can be measured by accumulating the escaping gas in
a graduated tube.
A typical test arrangement for the determination of the leakage rate is shown in figure A.1.
The gas escaping from the object (i.e. a safety relief valve) is led through a small tube to
bubble in a transparent cup or collected and accumulated in a graduated tube. Before starting
the bubble count, the test pressure shall be applied for a period in a range depending on the
object size. Air at approximately ambient temperature should be used.
Using table A.1, the leakage rate can be estimated from the size and number of bubbles per
unit time.
Table A.1
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Page 11
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EN 1593:1999
1 seal
2 cover plate
3 pressure
NOTE: The cover plate should be fitted with a suitable device to relieve body pressure in case
of accidental popping of the valve seal.
Figure A.1 Test apparatus for valve seat leak testing

BS EN
1593:1999
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BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

The European Standard EN 1593:1999, with the incorporation of

This British Standard is the official English language version of EN 1593:1999,

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on

Amd. No. Date Comments

14967 1 March 2004 Modification to Foreword page and

ISBN 0 580 35166 1

Copyright British Standards Institution

Non-destructive testing – Leak testing – Bubble emission

Essais non destructifs – Contrôle d’étanchéité – Contrôle à Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung – Dichtheitsprüfung –

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

Copyright British Standards Institution

9 Liquid application technique 7

Annex A (informative) Example of quantitative evaluation of leakage rate 10

Copyright British Standards Institution

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

This document EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 has been prepared by Technical Committee

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

Copyright British Standards Institution

Two techniques are described:

a) immersion technique: quantitative measurements can be made using this

EN 473 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel - General principles

EN 1330-8 Non-destructive testing - Terminology - Part 8 - Terms used in leak

EN 1779:1999 Non-destructive testing - Leak testing – Criteria for method and

Copyright British Standards Institution

6.2 Pressure limits

6.3 Stabilization time (for immersion technique)

6.4 Surface temperature

6.5 Direct visual examination

6.6 Indirect visual examination

Copyright British Standards Institution

The test object should be thoroughly cleaned.

8.2.1 Direct pressurization of the object

8.2.2 Use of detection liquid at elevated temperature

8.2.3 Use of vacuum

Copyright British Standards Institution

8.3 Detection liquids used in immersion technique

9 Liquid application technique

9.2.1 Direct pressurization of the object

9.2.2 Use of vacuum for unpressurized (open) objects

Copyright British Standards Institution

9.3 Detection liquids used in liquid application technique

b) internal and/or low side pressure;

Copyright British Standards Institution

1 vacuum gauge 1 test section of the object with detection liquid

Example of quantitative evaluation of leakage rate

Copyright British Standards Institution

Figure A.1 Test apparatus for valve seat leak testing

Copyright British Standards Institution

BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,

Copyright British Standards Institution

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