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Book HB -stions and y x nswers Levels I, II, and III Bubble Leak Testing Supplement to Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A led by the Bubble Leak Testing Supplement Committee of the Personnel Qualification Division, Education and Qualification Couneil of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing ‘This publication contains suggested questions and answers in the Bubble Leak ‘Testing Method for use in conjunction with Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-IA for Personnel and Qualification Certification in Nondestructive Testing, available from ASNT. Published by ‘The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. A711 Arlingate Lane PO Box 28518 ‘Columbus, OH 43228.0518 Copyright © 1994 by The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transite in any form without the expressed prior writen permission ofthe publisher. ASNT is not responsible forthe authenticity or accuracy of information herein, Published opinions and statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ASNT. Products or services that ae aivertised or mentioned do not camry the endorsement or recommendation of ASNT. IRRSP, Level Il Study Guide, Materials Evaluation, NDT Handbook, Nondesiructive Testing Handbook, The NDT Technician and are trademarks of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. ACCP, ASNT, Research in Nondestructive Evaluation and RNDE ate registered trademarks of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, In. ASNT exists to create a safer world by promoting the profession and technologies of nondestructive testing. ISBN 1-57117-113-4 Printed in the United States of America First printing 1994 Reprinted 09/00 Revised 12/03, Table of Contents References Reference Usage List Level I Questions Answers Level II Questions Answers Level DL Questions Answers Sample Specification Sample Specification Questions Sample Specification Answers 17 17 25 29 31 Recommended Training References Bubble Leak Testing Method ‘The following references were used in formulating the questions contained in this book. A* McMaster, R.C., ed. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, second edition: Volume 1, Leak Testing, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., Columbus, OH: 1982. B.* Jackson, Charles N., Jr, and Charles N. Sherlock, technical editors, Patrick O. Moore, editor, Nondestructive Testing Handbook, third edition, Volume 1, Leak Testing, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., Columbus, OH: 1998. C* ASM Metals Handbook, ninth edition, Nondestructive Evaluation and Quality Control, ‘Volume 17, ASM Intemnational, Metals Park, OH: 1989. Ds Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 03.03, Nondestructive ‘esting. “Standard Test ‘Method for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques.” Standard E 515, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA * Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Ine. Each question found in this book is followed by letter(s) and page number(s) indicating the specific recommended reference where the answer may be found. For example: 17. Which of the following factors can most affect the sensitivity attainable by a pressure bubble leak test. ‘4, Operator alertness and technique. Db. Size and shape of test specimen. cc. Time and day testing is done. d. Number of test technicians. A393 In this example, the letter “A” refers to Reference A in the list above and “393” is the page in ‘that edition of Reference A where the answer to the question is located. Reference Usage List Reference A: Total = 118 Level I (42) Level II (41) Level III (35) Reference B: Total = 10 Level I (5) Level II (3) Level Il (2) Reference C: Total = 3 Level I (1) Level II (1) Level If (1) Reference D: Total = 0 Level 1 (0) Level II (0) Level IIT (0) L Level I Questions Bubble Leak Testing Method ‘Which type of evacuation equipment is one of the two most widely used for vacuum box bubble leak testing? . Diffusion pump. ‘b. Mercury vapor pump. c. Helium vapor pump. 4. Air ejector. Aas B308 Before performing a vacuum box bubble leak test, which of the following should be checked for required calibration? a. Leak detector solution. ». Evacuation device or equipment. c. Lighting equipment. 4. Pressure (or vacuum) gage. Aas B.308 Describe how a nonlesking visible surface fold or crevice, slag inclusion or porosity could appear as a false (virtual) leak indication during a vacuum box bubble leak test. ‘a. No bubbles would be . Short burst of bubbles lasting just a few seconds. cc. One targe bubble every 10 s. 4. None of the above. A301 ‘What is the usual minimum test observation time for a bubble leak test? 2. As fast as possible, b. Atleast 0.17 b. ©. No more than 3 s, 4. As required by the test specification or procedure. ‘Which of the following is the basic type of true defect that would be indicated during a bubble leak test by a continuous flow of bubbles? ‘a. Ahhole or crack through the test boundary. b. Slag inclusion in center of weld, . Extended area of surface defects or cracks. 4. Lack of fusion at root of weld. A400, 423 B.260 cs7 ‘Which of the following is the wrong method of applying the Teak testing babble solution to the test surface? a. Apply by flowing on the surface. », Brush evenly on the test area. ©. Apply to test the surface with a fine orifice spray. 4. None of the above. A389, 417, 420, 427-428 How soon should the vacuum box be applied to the test surface after application of the bubble solution? 4, Allow time for test pressure to reach ‘equilibrium. b.OSh. ¢. Within 60 s or as required by the procedure. . None of the above. Ads ‘What is the best procedure to follow if too much. ‘time has passed and the bubble solution has dried before applying the vacuum box to the test specimen? a. Consider that area tested and move on to the next test area. b. Clean the test area, reapply the solution and then test. ¢. Increase test pressure, 4d. Add a fluorescent dye to the solution, reapply and test. Aa7 Bubble Leak Testing Method, Level I 9, What is the first thing to be done to the test arca, before performing any bubble leak test? a Clean and visually test the test area. . Cool the test specimen to-1 °C (30 °F). ©. All of the above. 4. None of the above. A304, 425, 10. What procedure should be followed in order to ‘vacuum box bubble leak a comer weld? 2. Ihis only necessary to visually test a comer weld », Double the test pressure. ©. Use some other nondestructive testing method for comer welds 4, Use a special vacuum box tat fis the jeomety ofthe test area, eee AA23-424 11. What is the surest means to prevent the failure implosion) of a vacuum box caused by the pressure differential crated by the evacuation of the box? a, Build the box to withstand a full atmosphere (101 kPa or 14.7 psi) of pressure differential . Monitor the pressure differential with a vacuum gage installed inside the box. c. Watch the bubble solution become fluorescent, indicating that a pressure difference of 102 kPa (29.9 in. Hg) has been reached. 4. Its not possible to evacuate the box enough to reach a pressure differential high enough t0 ‘cause failure. Aa23 12. What may happen if the maximum allowed. (design) pressure for the specimen is exceeded ‘when pressurizing for a bubble leak test? ‘a, The test specimen may rupture or explode. b. The solution may explode. ‘¢, A false leak indication may show. 44. No unusual indication will occur. AATS-AT6 13, Which of the following best describes how an, indication of a very large or gross leak would appear in a vacuum box? 4. Large Teaks will mt show with this test. ’. A large bubble or bubbles may form briefly or the solution may be blown away immediately. ©. A.continuous series of bubbles would always appear. 4. None of the above. Aa cs Is. 16. 17. 18, Which of the following best describes how an indication of a very small leak would appear when bubble leak testing? ‘a, A continuous appearance of several fo many ‘small bubbles at regular intervals or one large ‘bubble that grows slowly. 'b, Small leaks of this nature will not be indicated by this test. . A’single small bubble would form, d. None of the above. A396 ‘What surface condition can interfere with the detection of real leakage bubbles or produce a spurious or false indication of leakage? ‘a. Coating the surface with leak detector solution after thorough cleaning. Testing with surface temperature of test specimen at 70 °C (184 °F). c. Air trapped in surface defects or grease or dirt. 4. Highly polished test surface. 4390-391, 394 ‘What parameter can directly affect the sensitivity of any vacuum box bubble leak test? Sensitivity isthe smallest size leakage that may be detected by this leak test technique. ‘a, Ambient air dew point temperature is more than ~4 °C (25 °F). b. Slight residual magnetism in test specimen. . Amount of pressure differential created with the box. 4. Test specimen size. saat ‘4.392-393, 427, 429 Which of the following factors can most affect the sensitivity attainable by a pressure bubble Teak test? ‘8, Operator alertness and technique. 1. Size and shape of test specimen. , Time of day testing is done. . Number of test technicians, A393 Which type of leaking discontinuity is most likely to go undetected during a pressure bubble Teak test? a. A discontinuity (such as a crack) that shows up well on a radiograph, b. A very small leak or & very large leak. . A defect in a mechanically rolled joint. 4. A defect in a welded joint. 5.396, 427, 429 19. When a pipe is blanked for pressurizing using an. ‘expandable stopper or plumber’s type plug. inside the line, what should be done to prevent blowout of the plug? a. Reduce pressure to a safe level, 1b. Install a stop bar to prevent blowout of the plug. cc. Test at night when the plant or site is ‘unoccupied. 4. None of the above. A433, Fig. 25 20. When performing a bubble leak test, the reason ai. 22. for periodically checking a leak detector solution against 2 known path leak would be to: a. determine the viscosity of the solution. 'b. measure the size of the Teak. cc verify that the leak still existed, 4. verify that the solution functioned as required. ‘A397, 427 Which of the following is the reason 2 large or gross leak may go undetected during a bubble Teak test? ‘a. Vacuum box bubble testing will not enable the ‘detection of large leaks. . Use of the wrong test equipment. . The bubble solution may be blown away before detectable bubbles can be seen. 4. Dumination by ultraviolet light shows no defect. A396, 427 Which of the following is correct with respect to ‘vacuum box bubble leak testing? a. Test sensitivity decreases with decrease in pressure differential. 1b. The size and the frequency of the bubbles Ihave no relationship to the leak size and character. cc. Bubble test solution is generally required to have a high specific gravity, 4. All of the above, A393 24, Bubble Leak Testing Method, Level I For safe use without the need of a relief device, a ‘vacuum box for bubble leak testing should be designed to permit sustained operation at a ‘vacuum (pressure differential) of about: a. 30 in, Hg. b. 15 psi. ©. 102 KPa, 4. all of the above, AA19, 423, ‘A vacuum box for bubble testing should be ‘equipped with: a. a transparent viewing window. >. rapid evacuation equipment. a pressure gage (if mounted inside) or a vacuum gage (if mounted outside), or a ‘combination pressure/vacuum gage. 4. all of the above. 423-424 ‘Which of the following test materials may safely bbe used for immersion bubble leak testing provided they are not detrimental to the component being tested?” a, Water with wetting agent. b. Carbon tetrachloride. c. Acetone. . Refrigerant 12. ©. Allof the above. 403-404 If static bubbles appear in the area of interest during a vacuum box bubble leak test: a. the test area should be cleaned and reexamined to determine if this is a spurious cr false indication, ». this should be reported as a leak. ¢. the test area should be cleaned and reexamined at a lower pressure differential 4, the area of interest should be considered free of leaks. Aas Bubble Leak Testing Method, Level I 27. Ifa few small bubbles rapidly form in the area of interest during a vacuum box bubble test and. then terminate almost immediately (in a few seconds): a. this is indicative of a real small sporadic leak. '. this means the bubble solution is no good and. as a result the test must be repeated. . this is indicative of either afalse or virtual Ieak. 4. none of the above. 4390-391 28, Which of the following is the reason that very small leaks go undetected during a bubble leak test? 4. The barometric pressure is too low. . The vacuum box is too small cc. The operator is observing the test area for too short a period of time. 4. The rubber gasket on the vacuum box is worn. A290 29. Am area that has been bubble leak tested is ‘considered to be free of leaks within the ‘Sensitivity of the test method when: a. the vacuum gage on the vacuum box reads 93 kPa 27.6 in, Ig). ’. there are no bubble indications of leakage observed. there are no spurious or false leak indications. 4. the vacuum gage reading drops to 99 kPa (29.3 in. Hg) in 10. AAO, 428 30. For bubble leak testing in an enclosed heated area, which of the following would be considered relevant? 1 The ambient temperature drops to 20 °C. (94°), b. The formation of one or more small bubbles which do not repeat. . The vacuum or pressure dial gage reading. 4. Rainy and windy weather. Aa20 31. 32, 33. 3s. ‘To be sure that all test areas are leak tested when ‘vacuum box bubble testing, overlap successive settings of the vacuum box by atleast: a, the depth of the rubber gasket, . 50% of the box length. ©. 51mm @ in.) or more. 4. no overlap is required. ip Sea AA29 B308 ‘When performing a bubble test to detect very small leaks, the leak detector solution should be applied to the test surface: ‘a. in a light costing relatively free of bubbles. ’. without surface precleaning. . ina thick foam, 4d. at least 300 s before observation of the solution, AALS, 419-420 Acceptable methods of applying leak detector solution are: a. brushing. b. spraying. . squirt bottle 4. all of the above. A420 After a vacuum box is positioned, the operator should observe the leak detector solution as the ‘box is first evacuated in order to: not overlook small leaks that tend to blow through the detector solution instead of forming visible bubbles. ». check on the vacuum reading. ¢. not overlook large or gross cracks that tend to blow the detector solution away. 4. none of the above. Aa29 ‘A.tag or sticker attached to the glass face or metal ‘case of a pressure or vacuum dial gage used in ‘bubble leak testing would normally show the: a, manufacturer's serial number and date of, ‘manufacture. ». company property inventory mumber and date identity of calibrator. 4, job number, foreman’s initials and date. ‘201-211 36. 37. 38. 39, Under normal procedures, how often should a vacuum or pressure dial gage be calibrated when in storage? a. Every 6 months. b. Every 3 months e. Ttwould not have to be calibrated when in storage. 4. None of the above. Ags ‘What might happen if an uncalibrated, inaccurate dial gage was used for a vacuum box bubble leak test? 4. The required test pressure may not be achieved. 'b. The vacuum box gasket might stick to the test surface. «. The transparent window would implode. . The vacuum box gasket would leak excessively. A823, 425 Soak time for a bubble leak test of a pressurized system is the term for the time that must elapse between: a. application and observation of the leak detector solution. '. completion of pressurization and application Of the leak detector solution. c. mixing and applying the leak detector solution. 4. initial observation and final interpretation of leakage indications. Aa27 ‘A.35 kPa (5 psig) pressure differential is required ffor a vacuum box bubble leak test. The vacuum box is equipped with an external vacuum gage graduated in inches of mercury. What approximate reading would have to be reached ‘on the gage to meet the test requirements? a. 30. b. 136. ©. 10. 4.25. A192 B28 AL 42, Bubble Leak Testing Method, Level I ‘The letters “psia” mean: 4, pressure referred to National Bureau of Standards* absolute pressure. b. pascals per square inch absolute. . pressure standard in absolute units. 4. pounds per square inch absolut, A.194, 799 ‘The letters “psig” mean: a, pressure standard in gage units. >. pounds per square inch gage. ©. pounds standard in grams. 4. pressure per square inch, A193, 799 ‘A vacuum box solution film test procedure requires thatthe test be performed ata pressure differential of atleast 55 kPa (8 psig). Which of the following vacuum gages indicates a pressure differential that meets this procedure requirement? A192, 343 + Now known as NIST (National Instinte of Standards Technology) Level I Answers Bubble Leak Testing Method elelelele}olslels SlSlR/S 1B la/s{s [Enea Tae ET wi[sialaloleofele RRA] S/H ]a las ajelejeloleloloa Syayszpeyeis je] Ha z zs siujslei{ei[elelelelels =falal= [> lelefolalela Level II Questions Bubble Leak Testing Method ‘What isthe sensitivity limit of a production bubble leak test? a. 10° std ems} b. 10-6 std em3.s-1 ©. 10-7 sid em?.s-1 4. None of the above. A393, 419 ‘Which of the following best describes a condition ‘when bubble leak testing may be done without the aid of a device such as a vacuum box? a. Where defects are small. b. A pressure vessel that can be isolated under pressure, ¢. Welds that have been radiographed, 4d. None of the above. A393, 395 ‘When performing a vacuum box bubble leak test, if the weld surface is so rough or the geometry of the weld is such that good rapid sealing of the box is not possible: a. grind out the weld and reweld, D. raise the test specimen temperature, . grind the rough weld surface andjor adjust the shape of the vacuum box or the seal to better fit the geometry of the weld. 4. all of the above. Aas Bubble leak testing can be performed without a vacuum box where the test specimen can be: a. pressurized. b. reduced in temperature to ~40 °C (~40 °F). ‘c. magnetized to a field strength of 10 G. 4. coated with fluorescent paint. A.393, 395, 413 5 ‘When bubble leak testing, an accurate quantitative judgment of leakage rate can be determined: a is heavy foam. b, is applied with a spray. . if the operator is very alert and is good at ‘mathematics. 4. none of the above. Ad ‘What qualities are desired in a solution for feak detection of small leaks? ‘4. Ablity to form thick foam of suds. b. Ablity to be applied relatively bubble free over the test area and continuously form new bubbles, at a leak location. . Highly volatile so there is no residue sfter the test. 4. Allof the above. AaI3 B.283 Under ideal shop or field conditions at a differential pressure of 103 kPa (15 psi), a pressure bubble leak fest enables the detection of leakage as small as: a. 10-7 sid ems Bb. 10° std emis" ©. 10-4 std emis! 4. none of the above. 4.393, 419 A.vacuum box should be in such a condition as 10 enable the operator to consistently attain a . different in thatthe first test will produce test rosults twice as sensitive as the second test. c. different in that the vacuum box technique can be completed twice as fast as internally pressurizing the specimen. 4. none of the above. A396, 403 Which of the following examinations or tests should always be performed before conducting a ‘vacuum box bubble leak test? «a. Halogen leak test. . Liquid penetrant test. c. Hydrostatic test. 4. None of the above, A304 Leakage is detected during a bubble leak test of a pressurized vessel formeriy used for natural gas storage. With all leaks marked at the conclusion of ‘the test, the essential steps that must be performed to safely effect the repair of the vessel are to: a. fully purge the vessel with inert gas followed by air. 1. check for any residual explosive gases and adequate oxygen in the vessel cc, repair and retest. 4. all of the above. Aan 10 13. 4. 15. 16. 17, Which of the following is an advantage of all the techniques of the bubble leak test method? a. The results are quantitative in nature. b. Limited skill and training is required for personnel. c. Very high sensitivity is attainable, 6. Its not satisfactory for detecting gross leakage. A390 ‘One of the advantages of using methyl alcohol as the fluid for immersion bubble leak testing is that it 1 cleans while acting as a test fluid, b, lasts a long time because of its tow evaporation rate. . has a low flammability temperature. has a high viscosity. Ad04 ‘When performing a preliminary bubble leak test at a low pressure to detect very large leaks, the eak detecior solution would be better applied to the test surface: a, only as a thin film or soapsuds. ». only with a squirt can. . as a mixture of thick suds or foam. 4. none of the above. A14, 419 ‘Which of the following directly determines the size of the bubble formation when testing using the bubble test method? 4, The method of application of bubble solution. , The ambient temperature and barometric pressure. . The amount of leakage from a defect or leak. 4. The size of the test specimen. 4.392.393, A major advantage of vacuum box bubble leak testing is that: 4, itenables the as 10-6 std cov bit does not require positive pressurization of the vessel or area tested. ‘c. an accurate quantitative measure of the leakage rate can be readily obtained. 4. a pressure differential of several atmospheres is easily achieved. AaB 18. Inbelow freezing (0 °C or 32 °F) conditions ona 22, large in place outdoor pipe and vessel system to bbe bubble leak tested, what action should a nondestructive testing technician take to ensure a valid leak test? 4, Increase pressure differential to 107 KPa G.16 in. Hg). b, Hold suitable vacuum/pressure for at least 0.17 h to make sure no leaks are missed. Heat the air used for pressurizing or postpone the test until ambient temperature is warm ‘enough and sufficient time is passed to melt any ice that may have formed in leaks. All of the above. Aa 19. Ideal weather conditions for a bubble leak test of a large, in place vessel (outside) would be: a. moderately warm, ». cloudy. . calm (litle or ne wind), 4. al of the above. A392, 420 20, Leak testing practice per ASME Boiler and 24, Pressure Vessel Code, Section V for bubble leak tesis of pressurized systems requites that prior 0 applying the bubble forming solution, the pressure should be held for « minimum soak time of 05h, bth. . until specimen temperature reaches ten degrees above ambient. 4. none of the above, A395, 427 25, 21. Asa standard technique for vacuum box bubble leak testing, good leak testing practices requi that the temperature of the test surface remain in the range of: a. 4 0 38 °C (40 to 100 °F), ». the test temperature should be reduced to below the dew point. . at whatever temperature the test surface will bbe when placed in service. 4. none of the above. A425, 430 1 Bubble Leak Testing Method, Level IT ‘When performing a vacuum box bubble leak test to detect very small size leaks, the leak detector solution should be applied: 1. after the test surface has been cleaned, b. in a continuous film. . free of contained bubbles. 4d. all of the above, AAS, 428-429 ‘When performing a bubble leak test of a gas pressurized system, the purpose ofthe souk time between completion of pressurization and application of the leak detection solution is to allow time for: &. dispersion of bubbles entrained in the detector solution. b. dispersion of the pressurized gas through very small and long and tortuous path leaks. . the temperature of the pressurized gas to reach nondestructive testing temperature 4. cooling of the pressurized gas which reduces , pinhole 0.4 mm (0.02 in.) diameter. ©. 10std ems" 4. all ofthe above could be detected. ‘A389, 393, 419 36. When a pressure bubble leak testis to be performed on a large welded steel pressure vessel ‘with many feet of weld to be tested, it would be better to complete the job as fast as possible by: not taking time to rotate test personnel. D. cutting the overlap of assigned test areas by conly one shell ring, ‘c. not considering the human fatigue factor. . organizing a large test crew into small squads ‘reams With assigned test areas. 4.393, 429 37. The purpose of notching the end of the pipe nipple of the pressurizing test assembly for bubble leak testing a reinforcing pad plate isto: 8, prevent over pressurizing the area of the test vessel behind the reinforcing plate. b. ensure the safety of the workers and test crew. ¢. allow a flow of air to ensure pressurization of the pad plate in the event the nipple seals against the shell. 4. prevent seizure of the pipe nipple in the reinforcing pad plate. AABL-432 Level IIT Answers Bubble Leak Testing Method ija fy 3i|b ala 32| a ata fs 33[ a 4\d 34) Sle fA 35\d ela 36|d 7a be aie se |e gfe f 10|b Sample Specification Bubble Leak Testing Method 1.0 Scope: 2.0 Applicable Documents: LL This sample consists only of those excerpts 2.1 ‘The various documents mentioned herein are applicable to the bubble leak testing as follows: requirements ofthe sample specification for a nuclear containment liner structure. Short Name Date of ‘Complete Identification of the ‘As Used Herein Issue Document and of the Sponsor Organization ASME 1977 through Summer 1978 American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ‘Addenda Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code 1. Section 1 “Material Specifications, Part AFerrows, Prt Welding Rods, Electrodes and Filler Metals 2. Section IL ‘Nuclear Power Plant Components Division 1 a ies ‘Nuclear Power Plant Components Division IL Concrete Reactor Vessels and Containments 4. Section V Nondestructive Examination 5. Section IX Welding Qualifications NRC ‘Nuclear Regulatory Commission %. Regulatory Guide 119 Aare Nondestructive Examination of Primary ‘ee Containment Liner Welds 7. ANSINAS 26 1978 “American National Standards Institue, Qualification of Inspection, Examination and Testing Personnel for Construction Phase of Nuclear Power Plants 8 SNT-TCIA 1975 “American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing 9. 1OCFR21 1 June 1977 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Part 21, Reporting of Defects and Nonconformance 10. Design specification S July 1979 XYZ Comporation Bubble Leak Testing, Sample Specification 3.0 Design Criteria: 34 32 4.0 Description of Work: 41 ‘Concrete lined containment 216 KPa (40 psig) internal. ‘Test channels (leak chase) 301 kPa (45 psig) internal. Liner welds in specified areas are covered by test channels (or leak chase) 10 augment nondestructive and leak tightness {est program as follows: 4.1.1 Test channels required: 1.95 mm GA in.) thick finer plate welds with backing strips. 2. Embedment to liner. 3, Penetration to liner insert. 4, Penetration collar to line. 5. All welds covered by concrete or otherwise subsequently made inaccessible. wtih exception that 4.1.2 Test channels not required: 1, 9.5mm G/B in) thick double butt welds (entire

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