Vacuum Box Test Procedure

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Vacuum Box Test Procedure

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Vacuum Box Test Procedure

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Vacuum Box Test Procedure

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Scope

In this procedure we want to explain leak testing of butt weld, fillet weld and lap weld by
vacuum box method.
We can use this procedure for all metals.

Reference

- API 620 Appendix R.8.2.1, Tenth Edition, Feb. 2002

- ASME Code Sec. V, Article 10, App. II

Equipment:

- a compressor: approximate flow 6 m3 per minute under 7 bar

- An air pipe between compressor and vacuum box.
- A vacuum box, which enables to obtain a depression of 500 mbar, which can be
controlled by means of a vacuum manometer located on the box. The manometer shall
have a range of 0 psi (0 mbar) to 15 psi (1020 mbar).
- A liquid detergent which mixed with water makes soapy water.
- Bubble solution which 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 face
tension.
- Soups or detergents for cleaning shall not be used.
- If ambient temperature is below freezing, add ethylene glycol to the solution
(antifreeze).
- General lighting or individual lighting if necessary. The minimum light level shall be
100 foot-candles (1000 lux)
- A brush (diameter not less than 50 mm)
- A metallic brush and/or a grinding machine.

Procedure

- Remove weld slag. Mud dirt and other debris from the weld joint, which may prevent
bubble formation. This is achieved, if necessary, by strong brushing.
- If freezing weather conditions exist at the time of the test, heat the weld joint to be
vacuum box tested until the metal is slightly warm to the hand in order to avoid any
ice, that could possible be plugging existing leaks. Limit the areas heated to those
which can be tested before the metal cools to freezing temperatures. The temperature
of the part to be examined shall not be below 40 f (5 ˚c) nor above 125 f (52 ˚c )
during the examination.
 - Provide adequate lighting for this examination.
- Apply leak detector soap solution to the weld in a continuous film relatively free of
bubbles on about 20 inch (500 mm) and on about 4 inch (100 mm) width. This must
be achieved at least 1 minute before applying the vacuum box test.

- Put the vacuum box on the area to be examined:

Vacuum Box Test Procedure

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 Open the valve of the air ejector.

 Press on the vacuum box in order to seat it on the plate.
 Check pressure on the vacuum box manometer: between 204 mbar (3 psi) and
340 mbar (5 psi)
Note: the API 620 requirement is a partial vacuum of at least 3 psi.
 Observe the detector solution for leakage for at least 10 seconds. If there is any
leakage, bubbles will appear through the Plexiglas of the vacuum box.

- Repeat again the operation after having displaced the vacuum box on the welds to be
examined. Overlap successive settings of the vacuum box should be at least 50 to 100
mm ( 2 inch to 4 inch), to assure complete coverage of the weld inspected (thickness
of the sponge rubber gasket of the vacuum box is about 30 to 35 mm)
- When testing large areas, such as roof or bottom joints, mark inspected areas to
prevent missing an area of weld.

Acceptance Standard

- All leaks located by vacuum box testing are unacceptable.

Repairs

- If any repair found during leak testing, the defective area shall be repaired as per
repair procedure of weld and the repaired area shall be retested by the same steps
stated above.

Report

- For all leak testing by means of vacuum box, one report is established by the
examiner. This report is reviewed and signed by the constructor quality control
supervisor.

Personnel

- Experienced personnel shall perform the testing outlined in this procedure.