ASTM E1211/E1211M-12

Standard Practice for Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted Acoustic Emission Sensors

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Leakage of gas or liquid from a pressurized system, whether through a crack, orifice, seal break, or other opening, may involve turbulent or cavitational flow, which generates acoustic energy in both the external atmosphere and the system pressure boundary. Acoustic energy transmitted through the pressure boundary can be detected at a distance by using a suitable acoustic emission sensor.
With proper selection of frequency passband, sensitivity to leak signals can be maximized by eliminating background noise. At low frequencies, generally below 100 kHz, it is possible for a leak to excite mechanical resonances within the structure that may enhance the acoustic signals used to detect leakage.
This practice is not intended to provide a quantitative measure of leak rates.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a passive method for detecting and locating the steady state source of gas and liquid leaking out of a pressurized system. The method employs surface-mounted acoustic emission sensors (for non-contact sensors see Test Method E1002), or sensors attached to the system via acoustic waveguides (for additional information, see Terminology E1316), and may be used for continuous in-service monitoring and hydrotest monitoring of piping and pressure vessel systems. High sensitivities may be achieved, although the values obtainable depend on sensor spacing, background noise level, system pressure, and type of leak.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standards.
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2012
• ICS: 17.140.01 - Acoustic measurements and noise abatement in general
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.04 - Acoustic Emission Method

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1211-07 - Standard Practice for Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted Acoustic Emission Sensors
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Replaced By: ASTM E1211/E1211M-17 - Standard Practice for Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted Acoustic Emission Sensors
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Referred By: ASTM E2533-21 - Standard Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Polymer Matrix Composites Used in Aerospace Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1211/E1211M − 12
Standard Practice for
Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted
1
Acoustic Emission Sensors
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE1211/E1211M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* E976 GuideforDeterminingtheReproducibilityofAcoustic
Emission Sensor Response
1.1 This practice describes a passive method for detecting
E1002 Practice for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
and locating the steady state source of gas and liquid leaking
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
out of a pressurized system. The method employs surface-
E2374 Guide for Acoustic Emission System Performance
mounted acoustic emission sensors (for non-contact sensors
Verification
see Test Method E1002), or sensors attached to the system via
3
2.2 ASNT Documents:
acoustic waveguides (for additional information, seeTerminol-
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive
ogy E1316), and may be used for continuous in-service
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
monitoring and hydrotest monitoring of piping and pressure
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
vessel systems. High sensitivities may be achieved, although
cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
the values obtainable depend on sensor spacing, background
2.3 AIA Document:
noise level, system pressure, and type of leak.
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
4
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
Testing Personnel
pound units are to be regarded as standard.The values stated in
3. Summary of Practice
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.1 This practice requires the use of contact sensors, ampli-
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
fier electronics, and equipment to measure their output signal
with the standards.
levels. The sensors may be mounted before or during the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the examination period and are normally left in place once
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the mounted rather than being moved from point to point.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Detection of a steady-state leak is based on detection of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the continuous, broadband signal generated by the leak flow.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Signal detection is accomplished through measurement of
some input signal level, such as its root-mean-square (RMS)
2. Referenced Documents
amplitude or average signal level.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.3 The simplest leak test procedure involves only detection
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
of leaks, treating each sensor channel individually. A more
Testing
complex examination requires processing the signal levels
E650 Guide for Mounting Piezoelectric Acoustic Emission
from two or more sensors together to allow computation of the
Sensors
approximate leak location, based on the principle that the leak
E750 Practice for Characterizing Acoustic Emission Instru-
signal amplitude decreases as a function of distance from the
mentation
source.
4. Significance and Use
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.04 on 4.1 Leakage of gas or liquid from a pressurized system,
Acoustic Emission Method.
whether through a crack, orifice, seal break, or other opening,
Current edition approved June 15, 2012. Published August 2012. Originally
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E1211 - 07. DOI:
3
10.1520/E1211_E1211M-12. AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available fromAerospace IndustriesAssociation ofAmerica, Inc. (AIA), 1000
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on WilsonBlvd.,Suite1700,Arlington,VA22209-3928,http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1211/E1211M − 12
may involve turbulent or cavitational flow, which gen
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1211–07 Designation:E1211/E1211M–12
Standard Practice for
Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted
1
Acoustic Emission Sensors
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE1211/E1211M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice describes a passive method for detecting and locating the steady state source of gas and liquid leaking out of
a pressurized system. The method employs surface-mounted acoustic emission sensors (for non-contact sensors see Test Method
E1002), or sensors attached to the system via acoustic waveguides (for additional information, see Terminology E1316), and may
be used for continuous in-service monitoring and hydrotest monitoring of piping and pressure vessel systems. High sensitivities
may be achieved, although the values obtainable depend on sensor spacing, background noise level, system pressure, and type of
leak.
1.2The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standards.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E650 Guide for Mounting Piezoelectric Acoustic Emission Sensors
E750 Practice for Characterizing Acoustic Emission Instrumentation
E976 Guide for Determining the Reproducibility of Acoustic Emission Sensor Response
E1002 Practice for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2374 Guide for Acoustic Emission System Performance Verification
3
2.2 ASNT Documents:
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
2.3 AIA Document:
4
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 This practice requires the use of contact sensors, amplifier electronics, and equipment to measure their output signal levels.
Thesensorsmaybemountedbeforeorduringtheexaminationperiodandarenormallyleftinplaceoncemountedratherthanbeing
moved from point to point.
3.2 Detection of a steady-state leak is based on detection of the continuous, broadband signal generated by the leak flow. Signal
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E07 on NondestructiveTesting and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.04 onAcoustic Emission
Method.
Current edition approved July 1, 2007. Published July 2007. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as E1211-02. DOI: 10.1520/E1211-07.
Current edition approved June 15, 2012. Published August 2012. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E1211 - 07. DOI:
10.1520/E1211_E1211M-12.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1211/E1211M–12
detection is accomplished through measurement of some input signal level, such as its root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude or
average signal level.
3.3 T
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1211/E1211M–12
Standard Practice for
Leak Detection and Location Using Surface-Mounted
1
Acoustic Emission Sensors
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE1211/E1211M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (ϵ) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice describes a passive method for detecting and locating the steady state source of gas and liquid leaking out of
a pressurized system. The method employs surface-mounted acoustic emission sensors (for non-contact sensors see Test Method
E1002), or sensors attached to the system via acoustic waveguides (for additional information, see Terminology E1316), and may
be used for continuous in-service monitoring and hydrotest monitoring of piping and pressure vessel systems. High sensitivities
may be achieved, although the values obtainable depend on sensor spacing, background noise level, system pressure, and type of
leak.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standards.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E650 Guide for Mounting Piezoelectric Acoustic Emission Sensors
E750 Practice for Characterizing Acoustic Emission Instrumentation
E976 Guide for Determining the Reproducibility of Acoustic Emission Sensor Response
E1002 Practice for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2374 Guide for Acoustic Emission System Performance Verification
3
2.2 ASNT Documents:
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
2.3 AIA Document:
4
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 This practice requires the use of contact sensors, amplifier electronics, and equipment to measure their output signal levels.
Thesensorsmaybemountedbeforeorduringtheexaminationperiodandarenormallyleftinplaceoncemountedratherthanbeing
moved from point to point.
3.2 Detection of a steady-state leak is based on detection of the continuous, broadband signal generated by the leak flow. Signal
detection is accomplished through measurement of some input signal level, such as its root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude or
average signal level.
3.3 Thesimplestleaktestprocedureinvolves onlydetectionofleaks,treatingeachsensorchannelindividually.Amorecomplex
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E07 on NondestructiveTesting and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.04 onAcoustic Emission
Method.
Current edition approved June 15, 2012. Published August 2012. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E1211 - 07. DOI:
10.1520/E1211_E1211M-12.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1211/E1211M–12
examination requires processing the signal levels from two or more sensors together to allow computation of the approximate leak
location, based on the principle that the leak signal amplitude decre
...