ASTM E1066-95(2006)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing
Standard Test Method for Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This method is useful for locating and measuring the size of gas leaks either as a quality-control test or as a field-inspection procedure. It can be used to test critical parts or containers that will hold toxic or explosive gases or liquids or as a quick test for other containers.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the testing of large single- and double-walled tanks, pressure and vacuum vessels, laminated, lined- or double-walled parts, complex piping systems, flexible containers (such as aircraft fuel tanks), glass-to-metal seals in hybrid packages, and systems that inherently contain or will contain ammonia (such as large tonnage refrigeration systems and fertilizer storage systems).
1.2 This method can be used on piping, valves and containers with welded, fitted, or laminated sections that can be sealed at their ends or between their outer and inner walls and that are designed for internal pressures of 34.5 kPa (5 psig) or greater.
1.3 Basic procedures are described based on the type of inspection used. These procedures should be limited to finding leakage indications of 4.5 x 10-12 mol/s (1 x 10-7 Std cm 3/s) or larger.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For more specific safety precautionary information see 7.4, 8.2, 9.4.1, and ) 103.1.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E1066–95 (Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Method for
Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1066; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
1.1 This test method covers the testing of large single- and
ANSI/ASNTCP-189 ASNTStandard for Qualification and
double-walled tanks, pressure and vacuum vessels, laminated,
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
lined-ordouble-walledparts,complexpipingsystems,flexible
containers (such as aircraft fuel tanks), glass-to-metal seals in
3. Terminology
hybrid packages, and systems that inherently contain or will
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this stan-
contain ammonia (such as large tonnage refrigeration systems
dard, see Terminology E1316, Section E.
and fertilizer storage systems).
1.2 This method can be used on piping, valves and contain-
4. Summary of Test Method
erswithwelded,fitted,orlaminatedsectionsthatcanbesealed
4.1 This test method consists of testing a container already
attheirendsorbetweentheirouterandinnerwallsandthatare
filled with ammonia or of introducing an anhydrous ammonia
designed for internal pressures of 34.5 kPa (5 psig) or greater.
or an ammonia-nitrogen mixture into a container or system so
1.3 Basic procedures are described based on the type of
that the final ammonia percentage achieved is between 1 and
inspection used.These procedures should be limited to finding
−12 −7
100% by volume at a gage pressure between 34.5 and 689.5
leakage indications of 4.5 310 mol/s (1 310 Std cm
2 kPa (5 and 100 psig). The ammonia flows through leaks
3/s) or larger.
existing in welds and connections and reacts with a developer
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
that is applied outside of the container producing a visible
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
indication.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Two basic developer procedures are described:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.2.1 Smoke-producing developers.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For more specific
4.2.2 Color-change developers.
safety precautionary information see 7.4, 8.2, 9.4.1, and
4.3 Methods of introducing ammonia into unfilled systems
10.3.1).
aredescribed,togetherwithmethodsofestimatingtheconcen-
tration and pressure needed to achieve specific detectable leak
2. Referenced Documents
3 rates.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.4 Procedures for testing large tanks and systems are
E1002 Test Method for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
described.
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
4.5 Ultrasonic pretesting for gross leaks is described.
2.2 Other Documents:
5. Personnel Qualification
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on
5.1 It is recommended that personnel performing leak test-
Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on
ing attend a dedicated training course on the subject and pass
Leak Testing Method.
a written examination.The training course should be appropri-
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2006. Published January 2007. Originally
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as E1066-95(2000). ate for NDT level II qualification according to Recommended
DOI: 10.1520/E1066-95R06.
Practice No. SNT-TC-1A of theAmerican Society for Nonde-
The gas temperature is referenced to 0°C. To convert to another gas reference
structive Testing or ANSI/ASNT Standard CP-189.
temperature, T , multiply the leak rate by (T +273)/273.
ref ref
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
the ASTM website. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1066–95 (2006)
6. Significance and Use 8.5 Apparatus for Post Cleaning and Inspection:
8.5.1 Brush or Vacuum Sweeper, for developer powder.
6.1 This method is useful for locating and measuring the
8.5.2 Tape, for marking and sealing leaks.
size of gas leaks either as a quality-control test or as a
field-inspectionprocedure.Itcanbeusedtotestcriticalpartsor
9. General Procedures for Test Objects not Already
containers that will hold toxic or explosive gases or liquids or
Containing Ammonia
as a quick test for other containers.
9.1 Openings:
9.1.1 Seal all openings using plugs or covers that can
7. Interferences
withstand the test pressure and can be completely removed
7.1 The interior and exterior welds and joints where leaks
after the test.
are often found must be free of oil, grease, flux, slag, paint, or
9.1.2 Locate the test gas inlet on the bottom of the test
other contaminants that might temporarily block or mask
object with the trapped air vent at the highest point.
leakage. New containers should not be painted prior to test.
9.1.3 Components rated at pressures below the test pressure
Smoking during the test may cause false indications.
must be isolated.
7.2 Pure ammonia gas is likely to attack brass or copper
9.2 Gages—One or more test gages must be connected to
metals in a humid environment. It will not if there is no water
the system. If more than one gage is used, one may be a
vapor present.
recording gage. All gages must have been calibrated within a
7.3 Ammonia gas attacks wood fibers when the wood
specified time period. One indicating gage must be easily
containsahighmoisturecontent.Drywoodtoleratesammonia
visible to the operator controlling the pressure throughout the
concentrations below 30%.
pressurizing cycle.
7.4 Ammonia in high concentrations can be hazardous.
9.3 Pre-Test Inspection:
When working with ammonia it is recommended that an
9.3.1 Before pressurizing is begun, inspect the outside (and
ammonia-sensitive badge be worn for safety.
inside if possible) of the test object to verify that it is dry, free
7.4.1 The lower explosive limit (LEL) for ammonia and air
of oils, greases, smoke deposits, or slag and that all welds and
is 15%. The upper explosive limit (UEL) is 28%.
connectors are exposed.
7.4.2 The ceiling for limited exposure to ammonia (1 h) is
9.3.2 An ultrasonic pretest (Section 12) can be used to
about 500 ppm.
locate gross leaks.
7.5 If the container to be tested has parts made of stainless
9.4 Vacuum Drying:
steel, nickel, or chromium alloys, the color-change developer
9.4.1 If the test object contains wood or copper parts that
residue should have a sulfur and halogen content of under 500
willbeexposedtoammonia,andifthevesselisdesignedtobe
ppm of each.
safe under vaccum, it may be necessary to vacuum-dry the
inside of the object.
8. Apparatus
9.4.2 Moisture begins to evaporate at a pressure of about 3
8.1 Apparatus for Precleaning: kPa (25 torr). Bring the test object down to a pressure of 250
8.1.1 Gloves. Pa (20 torr). At this point water will boil off, indicated by a
8.1.2 Vacuum Pump or Heat Gun, if necessary to dry sudden halt in the vacuum gage needle.When the needle starts
container. to go down indicating a lower pressure it can be assumed that
8.1.3 Spray Gun, if aerosol cleaner not used. all but trace mounts of water have been eliminated.
8.1.4 Ammonia-Sensitive Monitor, to test area contamina- 9.5 Pressurizing—Gradually increase the pressure in the
tion. system to 50% of test pressure during which time frequent
8.2 Safety Apparatus:
checksshouldbemadeforleakage.Thereafter,slowlyincrease
8.2.1 Mask, covering mouth and nose. the pressure to the final test pressure.The test pressure usually
8.2.2 Ammonia Monitors.
is between 75 and 150% of design pressure and should not
8.2.3 Gas Mask, if personnel work inside the tank or with violateanyapplicablecodes.Iflargeleaksareexpectedandan
high concentrations of ammonia during a test.
ultrasonic pretest has not been conducted, stop the pressuriza-
8.3 Apparatus for Injecting Ammonia Gas: tion at 6.9 kPa (1 psig) and repair any leaks found before
8.3.1 Pressure Gage—The gage must be able to withstand continuing.
normaltestpressures.Thegagemustbeaccuratetowithin1% 9.6 Leak Test:
of full scale. The gage must read at least 1.53 but not more 9.6.1 At the completion of test pressure holding time,
than 43 the maximum test pressure to be used.The gage must examine the system for leakage. Examination of leakage shall
be in current calibration. be made of all welds, joints, and connections.
8.3.2 Pressure-Relief Valve,ifhighpressuresaretobeused. 9.6.2 The inspector shall mark all accessible leaks found on
8.3.3 Pressure-Reducing, -Control, and -Mixing Valves, for the equipment using a nondeleterious distinctive tape. The
the ammonia and nitrogen circuits if not already mixed. magnitude of leak shall be described in terms of the diameter
8.3.4 High-Conductance Injection Line and Exhaust Line. of the color-change indication or the apparent density of the
8.4 Apparatus for Applying Colorimetric Developer: smoke produced.
8.4.1 Spray Gun, if an aerosol is not used. 9.7 Depressurizing—After inspection, slowly release the
8.4.2 Temperature-Controlled Heat Gun, if a water-based pressure by venting the ammonia-nitrogen mixture to atmo-
developer is used. sphereorintowater.Ammoniaisverysoluble;1Lofwatercan
E1066–95 (2006)
2.534
absorb between 800 and 2000 L of gaseous ammonia. A
MDLR 5 (1)
2 2/3
vacuum pump may be used to help exhaust the remaining ~15p 23241!~c !~t!
ammonia or the tank may be purged with nitrogen or com-
where:
pressed air.
t = time in seconds,
9.8 Removing the Color-Change Developer—Remove the
c = % ammonia,
test developer from the test object by brushing it from the
p = psia, and
surface and cleaning with a dust-remover. 3
MDLR = atm·cm /s.
11.1.3 The equation can be recast to solve for any of the
10. Smoke-Developer Method
variables. For example, a company wishing to test for leakage
−11 −6 3
10.1 Sensitivity—This test is the least sensitive and least
of 4.5 310 mol/s (1 310 Std cm /s) could proceed as
calibratable of the developer methods. Its sensitivity with pure
follows: Assuming that 345 kPa (50 psia) was the maximum
−8
ammonia at 6.9 kPa (1 psig) is approximately 4.5 310
pressuretheirsystemcouldtolerate,itwouldtake4minand30
−3 3
mol/s (1 310 Std cm /s).
s to develop a reaction spot of 1 mm using a 50% concentra-
10.2 Application: tion of ammonia.
10.2.1
...
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