LEAK TESTING

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT)

710/3A Ground Floor, Swami Vivekananda Road, Angol, Belgaum-590 006, Karnataka State, India
2 minutes walkable distance from 34 No Marathi Government School Bus Stop

Phone No: +091-831-2484060, Mobile No: +091-9632916690

Email: [email protected] , Website: www.gindt.org
 Leak Testing (LT)

Leak Testing (LT)

Leak Testing is used to detect through leaks using one of the four major LT techniques: Bubble,
Pressure Change, Halogen Diode and Mass Spectrometer Testing.

Bubble Leak Testing relies on the visual detection of a gas (usually air) leaking from a pressurized
system; Pressure Change Leak Testing can be performed on closed systems only‐‐detection of a leak
is done by either pressurizing the system or pulling a vacuum then monitoring the pressure.

Pressure Change Testing

Pressure Change Testing can be performed on closed systems only. Detection of a leak is doneby
either pressurizing the system or pulling a vacuum then monitoring the pressure. Loss of pressure
or vacuum over a set period of time indicates that there is a leak in the system.
Changes in temperature within the system can cause changes in pressure, so readings may haveto be
adjusted accordingly.

Halogen Diode Leak Testing is done by pressurizing a system with a mixture of air and a
halogen‐based tracer gas‐‐ after a set period of time, a halogen diode detection unit, or
"sniffer", is used to locate leaks.

Mass Spectrometer Leak Testing can be done by pressurizing the test part with helium or a
helium/air mixture within a test chamber then surveying the surfaces using a sniffer, which
sends an air sample back to the spectrometer.

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 1 of 10
Course Content: Leak Testing (LT)

Principles theory

 Physical principles in leak testing

 Principles of gas flow
 Proper selection of LT as method of choice

Equipment/Material

 Leak testing standards

 Detector/instrument performance factors
 Vacuum pumps
 Bubble testing practices and techniques
 Absolute pressure testing equipment
 Absolute pressure hold testing of containers
 Absolute pressure leakage rate testing of containers
 Analysis of data for determination of accurate results
 Halogen testing equipment
 Helium mass spectrometer testing equipment

Technique/Calibration

 Bubble test
 Pressure change/measurement test
 Halogen diode detector leak test
 Mass spectrometer leak testing
 Helium mass spectrometer vacuum testing by dynamic method
 Helium mass spectrometer vacuum testing by static method

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 2 of 10
Interpretation/Evaluation

 Basic techniques and/or units

 Test materials and equipment effects
 Effects of temperature and other atmospheric conditions
 Calibration for testing
 Probing/scanning or measurement/monitoring
 Leak interpretation evaluation
 Acceptance and rejection criteria

Procedures

Leak Testing procedures

Leak testing Specifications

Safety and Health

 Safety considerations
 Safety precautions
 Pressure precautions
 Safety devices
 Hazardous and tracer gas safety
 Types of monitoring equipment
 Safety

Leak Testing, as the name implies, is used to detect through leaks using one of the four major
LT techniques:
Bubble, Pressure Change, Halogen Diode and Mass Spectrometer Testing.
• Mass Spectrometer Testing
• Halogen Diode Detector Testing Method
• Bubble Leak Testing Method
• Pressure Change Measurement Testing Method
Vacuum Box Testing is normally and widely using for "New Tanks constructed" as per API‐650
Above Ground Storage Tanks or which Tanks are placed "in‐service" as per API‐653.

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 3 of 10
Bubble Leak Testing
Bubble Leak Testing, as the name implies, relies on the visual detection of a gas (usually air)
leaking from a pressurized system. Small parts can be pressurized and immersed in a tank of
liquid and larger vessels can be pressurized and inspected by spraying a soap solution that
creates fine bubbles to the area being tested. For flat surfaces, the soap solution can be applied
to the surface and a vacuum box can be used to create a negative pressure from the inspection
side. If there are through leaks, bubbles will form, showing the location of the leak.

Pressure Change Testing

Pressure Change Testing can be performed on closed systems only. Detection of a leak is done
by either pressurizing the system or pulling a vacuum then monitoring the pressure. Loss of
pressure or vacuum over a set period of time indicates that there is a leak in the system.
Changes in temperature within the system can cause changes in pressure, so readings may have
to be adjusted accordingly.

Halogen Diode Testing or Halogen Diode Leak Detection (HDLD)

Halogen Diode Testing is done by pressurizing a system with a mixture of air and a Halogen‐
based tracer gas. After a set period of time, a halogen diode detection unit, or "sniffer", is used
to locate leaks.

Mass Spectrometer Testing or Mass Spectrometer Leak Detection (MSLD)

Mass Spectrometer Testing can be done by pressurizing the test part with helium or a Helium /
Air mixture within a test chamber then surveying the surfaces using a sniffer, which sends an air
sample back to the spectrometer. Another technique creates a vacuum within the test chamber
so that the gas within the pressurized system is drawn into the chamber through any leaks. The
mass spectrometer is then used to sample the vacuum chamber and any helium present will be
ionized, making very small amounts of helium readily detectable.
Vacuum Box Testing is normally and widely using for Tanks constructed as per API‐650 Above
Ground Storage Tanks

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 4 of 10
Following Standards, Specification and Code referred during training are as below.

API Standard 607

Fire Safe Test - Fire Test for Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Nonmetallic Seats, Eighth
Edition, Date: 01-October-2022

API Standard 6FA

Fire Safe Test of Valves, Fifth Edition, Edition Date: 01-May-2020
Includes Errata 1 (2020) and Errata 2 (2020)
Standard by American Petroleum Institute, 05/01/2020

ISO 15848-1:2015
Industrial valves - Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions –
Part-1: Classification system and qualification procedures for type testing of valves

ISO 15848-2:2015
Industrial valves - Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions –
Part-2: Production acceptance test of valves

ISO 27895:2009
Vacuum technology - Valves - Leak test

BS EN ISO 28921-1:2017
Industrial valves. Isolating valves for low-temperature applications-Design, manufacturing and
production testing

BS 6364:1984
Specification for valves for Cryogenic service (Cryogenic Testing)

ISO 20421-1:2019
Cryogenic vessels - Large transportable vacuum-insulated vessels - Part 1: Design, fabrication,
inspection and testing

ASME, BPVC Section V NDE-Non destructive Examination, Edition:2021

Article 10, Leak Testing (Including Mandatory Appendix I Bubble Test –Direct Pressure Technique)

API Standard 622

Type Testing of Process Valve Packing for Fugitive Emissions, Third Edition, Includes Addendum 1
(2022) Standard by API-American Petroleum Institute, 10/01/2018

API Standard 641

Type Testing of Quarter-turn Valves for Fugitive Emissions, First Edition
Standard by API-American Petroleum Institute, 10/01/2016

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 5 of 10
Leak Testing of “High Temperature” Ball Valves

Leak Testing of “Oxygen Service” Gaseous and Liquid forms of fluids-Ball Valves

ISO 10497:2010 (2015) Testing of valves — Fire type-testing requirements

This European Standard specifies requirements for tests, test procedures and acceptance criteria
for production testing of industrial valves made of metallic materials. The specified tests may also
be used as type tests or acceptance tests.

BS EN 12266-1:2012
Industrial valves. Testing of metallic valves Pressure tests, test procedures and acceptance criteria.
Mandatory requirements

BS EN 12266-2:2012
Industrial valves. Testing of metallic valves Tests, test procedures and acceptance criteria.
Supplementary requirements

API standard 598

Valve Inspection and Testing, Eleventh Edition
Standard by API-American Petroleum Institute, 02/01/2023

API Specification 6A
Specification for Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Twenty-First Edition, Includes Errata 1 (2019),
Errata 2 (2020), Errata 3 (2020), Errata 4 (2021), Addendum 1 (2020), Addendum 2 (2021), and
Addendum 3 (2022)
Standard by American Petroleum Institute, Date of Publication: 31-October-2018

API Specification 6D
Specification for Valves, Twenty-Fifth Edition, Includes Errata 1 (2021) and Errata 2 (2022)
Standard by American Petroleum Institute, Date of Publication: 01-November-2021

IS 9902:2004
BIS-Bureau of Indian Standard
Recommended Practice for Leak Testing

API Standard 624

Type Testing of Rising Stem Valves Equipped with Graphite Packing for Fugitive Emissions, Second
Edition Includes Errata 1 (2023)

Standards applicable for Safety Practices while Leak Testing-Hydro Static test Shell, Hydro Seat and
Pneumatic Testing for Seat of Valves. Valves Seat Testing using Nitrogen as a Gas Media.

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 6 of 10
 Preparation of NDT Procedure in Leak Testing as per various requirements and getting approvals.
For ASME Code Stamp requirements of Boilers and Pressure Vessels and API Monograms.

 Validation of Leak Testing Procedure and on job demonstration

Article 10 Leak Testing

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

Mandatory Appendix XI Helium Mass Spectrometer — Helium-Filled-Container Leakage Rate Test

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 7 of 10
"NDT Level‐II/2 in Leak Testing" Training is conducted as per our “Company Written Practice”
and SNT‐TC‐1A Edition: 2020 (recommended by ASNT)
Also Individual Industry Specific requirements will be complied based on “Company Written Practice”
http://www.gindt.org/leaktesting.php

and ASME, BPVC Section-V NDE-Nondestructive Examination, Edition:2023

FACULTY
Eminent faculty from reputed institutions and organizations.

WHO CAN ATTEND

This course is suitable for the novice NDT/ NDE professionals, practicing Engineers, Energy audit
professionals, maintenance, condition monitoring professional, researchers and QA personnel
who intend to carry out the Leak Testing into the field of Refrigeration System, Liquid Oxygen
Plant, Petrochemical Plant and Oil and Gas Refinery and the requirement mentioned in API‐570.
It is also ideal for the personnel already involved in Leak Testing as it would enhance their
understanding and sharpen their skills with respect to image processing and interpretation. The
course is also suitable for Supervisory personnel, In‐service Inspection personnel of Piping,
Quality Assurance and practicing NDE surveyors and Inspection Engineer.

OUTCOME OF THE COURSE:

Preparation of Leak Testing Procedure, understanding of Specific requirement of Leak Testing

application and Interpretation of ASME Section V Article 10, Leak Testing (Including Mandatory
Appendix I Bubble Test –Direct Pressure Technique):

The inspector should be familiar with and understand the general rules for applying and using
the leak testing method including, but not limited to the following:

a) The scope of Article 10,

b) General requirements such as but not limited to:

 Procedures
 Equipment
 Calibration
 Test
 Evaluation of results
 Safety Practices while Leak Testing

c) Documentation and record keeping

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 8 of 10
COURSE AND EXAM FEE’S

INR Rs. 20, 000/‐ + G.S.T. @ 18% = INR 23, 600/-

Course fee includes course material and refreshments including and delegates kit and exam
fee.

PAYMENT

Amount in Word Rupees: Twenty Thousand only + GST @ 18% = INR 23, 600/-

The mode of payment will be by local cheque or DD in favour of

“Gavade Institute of Non‐Destructive Testing & Training” Payable at Belgaum, Karnataka State.

The course fee can also be directly wire transferred to bank. The person making direct payment
to bank please provides the payment details along with the registration form. The bank details
for E‐transfer are

Account Name: Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT)

A/C No.: 33892850593 (11 Eleven Digit)

Branch Code: 4160

IFSC Code: SBIN0004160

SWIFT Code: SBININBB263

STATE BANK OF INDIA

SME Branch Belgaum
"UDYAMBAG Industrial Area"
Khanapur Road, BELGAUM – 590 008
Karnataka State, INDIA

SAC Code: 999293 Commercial training and coaching services

GST No. 29AANFG1207A2ZT

COURSE DATE
The course will be from based on the Industry requirements

EXAMINATION DATE:

The examination will be conducted after completion of course.

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 9 of 10
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum Educational Qualification: Technical degree at least 4 years engineering or science,

Diploma in Mechanical Engineer (10+ 2 Years Science in PCMB + 3 Years Diploma in Mechanical
Engineering) or B.E. - Bachelors of Engineering

Experience: A minimum 24 months in the Leak Testing with above mentioned application in
the field Leak Rate measurement / condition monitoring. Process Industries and Petrochemical
Experience.

Vision requirements: As per SNT‐TC‐1A Edition: 2020

J1 and J2 to be qualified at 12 inch (300.5mm) distance and Color Blindness

The course will be conducted as per the guidelines provided in SNT‐TC‐1A. At the end of the
course, examination will be conducted and successful candidates will be awarded

“NDT Level‐II certificates in Leak Testing by GINDT.

*Candidates not meeting experience criteria can attend only the training. Examination for all
such candidates the will be conducted separately later after meeting the minimum experience
criteria.

REGISTRATION:

Participants who desire to attend the course are requested to first submit the Educational
qualification documents (Educational, Eye certificate and Experience details),
ADHAR Card Photocopy to Course Co-ordinator.

Note: The last date for registration is based on first come first

COURSE DIRECTOR
Sunil B. Gavade

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) www.gindt.org

Page 10 of 10
 COURSE REGISTRAION FORM
Training Course Name:

Course Date: From to

Candidate Name in Capital Letters: Photo

Designation (Present Employer):

Educational Qualification:

Address for Correspondence:

PIN:

Telephone No: Mobile No:

E-mail:

Employer Name:

Employer Address:

PIN:

Telephone No: Mobile No:

E-mail: Website:

Amount in Word Rupees:

*Fees shall be paid after approval from Course Director verifying candidate’s initial qualification
documents. For details refer section Eligibility Criteria and Registration of this brochure.

Enclosed DD/Cheque No. Drawn on. Bank Name

Dated. for Rs.

Cheque / DD to be drawn in favour of “Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training”

payable at Belgaum / Belagavi, Karnataka.
Please provide the E‐Transfer details on separate sheet, and attached to this filled form.

Signature:
Date:
Candidate Name: GINDT Approved for this Batch

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT)

Documents required, to be submitted along with application Form

For NDT Level-I/1 and NDT Level-II/2, Original for verification and Photocopy for our records.

1. National Identity such as ADHAR CARD or Passport

2. PAN Card
3. 10th Standard Certificate
4. ITI Trade Certificate Fitter, Welder, Machinist
5. 12th Standard Certificate in PCMB-Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology
or
6. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgy or Automobile
or
7. B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science – Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics
or
8. B.E. Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical or Metallurgy
9. M.Tech-Master of Technology or M.S. Master of Science
10. Passport Size Photographs with White of Light Gray Color background – 02 Nos.
11. Write your name on the back side of Photographs
12. Employment Certificate issued by the Employer that the person involved in NDT Testing and
having suitable experience to take the NDT Training and Examination.
13. An “Industry Specific/Sector Specific” requirements if organizations looking for
development
14. Applicable Payments for NDT Method as listed in the Training Schedule
------------------------------------------xx8xx----------------------------------------

Completed application form to be submitted along with the above documents to following
address:

Course Coordinator

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT)

710/3A Ground Floor, Swami Vivekananda Road

Angol, Belgaum - 590 006

Karnataka State, INDIA (भारत )

Phone No.:+091-0831-2484060

Mobile No.:+091-9632916690

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gindt.org

Gavade Institute of Nondestructive Testing & Training (GINDT) Page 1 of 1