ASTM E1066/E1066M-19

Standard Practice for Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 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 practice 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 × 10− 12 mol/s [1 × 10−7 Std cm 3/s]2 or larger.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in Std cm3/s or mol/s are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.5 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, health, and environmental 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 10.3.1).  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 17.180.20 - Colours and measurement of light
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.08 - Leak Testing Method

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1066/E1066M-12 - Standard Practice for Ammonia Colorimetric LeakTesting
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1316-24 - Standard Terminology for <?Pub Dtl?>Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1316-19b - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1316-19 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1316-18 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1316-17a - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1316-17 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1316-16a - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1316-16 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1316-15a - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1316-15 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1316-14 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1316-14e1 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1316-13d - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1316-13c - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM E1066/E1066M-19: Standard Practice for Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing establishes uniform procedures for detecting and quantifying gas leaks in systems and containers using ammonia-based colorimetric test methods. This practice is widely used in both manufacturing quality control and field inspections for vessels, tanks, piping systems, and other components that will contain ammonia or other hazardous gases or liquids. The standard enables detection of extremely small leaks through visible color changes, ensuring safe operation and regulatory compliance for critical containment systems.

Key Topics

• Applicability: The standard applies to single- and double-walled tanks, pressure and vacuum vessels, flexible containers like aircraft fuel tanks, glass-to-metal seals, hybrid electronic packages, and complex piping systems. It is suitable for containers designed for internal pressures of 34.5 kPa [5 psig] or greater.
• Test Methods:
  • Two main developer procedures are described:
    • Smoke-producing developers: Indicate leaks with visible smoke when ammonia escapes.
    • Color-change developers: Contain chemicals that change color on contact with ammonia at leak points.
  • Procedures include introducing ammonia or ammonia-nitrogen mixtures to pressurize the container and then detecting leaks via external developer application.
• Sensitivity: The standard outlines detection capability for leakage rates of 4.5 × 10⁻¹² mol/s [1 × 10⁻⁷ Std cm³/s] or larger.
• Pre-Test and Safety Requirements: Requires thorough cleaning of test surfaces, use of ammonia monitors, and safety apparatus (such as gas masks and badges) due to ammonia's hazardous nature. Personnel should be trained and qualified as per NDT recommendations.
• Pressure and Gas Handling: Procedure specifies pressurizing, monitoring, and safe handling of ammonia and ammonia-nitrogen mixtures, with explicit methods for preparing gas mixtures and controlling test environments.
• Reporting: Testing records should document environmental conditions, gas mixtures, pressures, leak locations, leakage rates, and personnel signatures for traceability.

Applications

• Quality Control in Manufacturing: Ensures the integrity of new tanks, vessels, or piping by detecting small leaks before commissioning.
• Field Inspections: Used for routine maintenance on in-service ammonia refrigeration systems, fertilizer storage tanks, and related ammonia-containing installations.
• Safety Assurance: Verifies containment of toxic or explosive gases in critical infrastructure, reducing risk of hazardous releases.
• System Certification: Supports evidence-based evaluation of welded, fitted, or laminated assemblies for regulatory and industry compliance.
• Nondestructive Leak Testing: Employs colorimetric and smoke developer methods as non-invasive techniques suitable for thin- to moderately thick-walled vessels, including lined and hybrid assemblies.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1002: Practice for Leak Testing Using Ultrasonics - alternative leak detection method.
• ASTM E1316: Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations - reference for key definitions.
• ASNT SNT-TC-1A: Recommended Practice for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel.
• ANSI/ASNT CP-189: Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel.

Keywords: Ammonia leak testing, colorimetric leak detection, gas leak detection, ammonia color-change test, nondestructive testing (NDT), pressure vessel inspection, tank leak testing, ASTM standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1066/E1066M − 19
Standard Practice for
Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE1066/E1066M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This practice covers the testing of large single- and
double-walled tanks, pressure and vacuum vessels, laminated,
2. Referenced Documents
lined-ordouble-walledparts,complexpipingsystems,flexible
2.1 ASTM Standards:
containers (such as aircraft fuel tanks), glass-to-metal seals in
E1002Practice for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
hybrid packages, and systems that inherently contain or will
E1316Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
contain ammonia (such as large tonnage refrigeration systems
and fertilizer storage systems). 2.2 Other Documents:
SNT-TC-1ARecommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
1.2 This method can be used on piping, valves, and con-
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
tainers with welded, fitted, or laminated sections that can be
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
sealed at their ends or between their outer and inner walls and
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
that are designed for internal pressures of 34.5 kPa [5 psig] or
greater.
3. Terminology
1.3 Basic procedures are described based on the type of
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
inspection used. These procedures should be limited to finding
standard, see Terminology E1316, Section E.
−12 −7 3 2
leakage indications of 4.5×10 mol/s [1×10 Std cm /s]
or larger.
4. Summary of Practice
1.4 Units—The values stated in Std cm /s or mol/s are to be
4.1 This practice consists of testing a container already
regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
filled with ammonia or of introducing an anhydrous ammonia
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
or an ammonia-nitrogen mixture into a container or system so
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
that the final ammonia percentage achieved is between 1 and
used independently of the other, and values from the two
100% by volume at a gauge pressure between 34.5 and
systems shall not be combined.
689.5kPa [5 and 100psig]. The ammonia flows through leaks
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the existing in welds and connections and reacts with a developer
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the that is applied outside of the container producing a visible
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- indication.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.2 Two basic developer procedures are described:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2.1 Smoke-producing developers.
(For more specific safety precautionary information see 7.4,
4.2.2 Color-change developers.
8.2, 9.4.1, and 10.3.1).
4.3 Methods of introducing ammonia into unfilled systems
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
are described, together with methods of estimating the concen-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tration and pressure needed to achieve specific detectable leak
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
rates.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.4 Procedures for testing large tanks and systems are
described.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on Leak
Testing Method. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2019.PublishedJuly2019.Originallyapproved contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1066/E1066M–12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1066_E1066M-19. the ASTM website.
2 4
The gas temperature is referenced to 0°C. To convert to another gas reference AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
temperature, T , multiply the leak rate by (T +273) ⁄273. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
ref ref
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1066/E1066M − 19
4.5 Ultrasonic pretesting for gross leaks is described. 1% of full scale. The gauge must read at least 1.5× but not
morethan4×themaximumtestpressuretobeused.Thegauge
5. Personnel Qualification
must be in current calibration.
5.1 It is recommended that personnel performing leak test-
8.3.2 Pressure-Relief Valve, if high pressures are to be used.
ing attend a dedicated training course on the subject and pass
8.3.3 Pressure-Reducing, -Control, and -Mixing Valves, for
a written examination.The training course should be appropri-
the ammonia and nitrogen circuits if not already mixed.
ate for NDT level II qualification according to Recommended
8.3.4 High-Conductance Injection Line and Exhaust Line.
Practice No. SNT-TC-1A of theAmerican Society for Nonde-
8.4 Apparatus for Applying Colorimetric Developer:
structive Testing or ANSI/ASNT Standard CP-189.
8.4.1 Spray Gun, if an aerosol is not used.
6. Significance and Use
8.4.2 Temperature-Controlled Heat Gun, if a water-based
developer is used.
6.1 This method is useful for locating and measuring the
size of gas leaks either as a quality-control test or as a
8.5 Apparatus for Post Cleaning and Inspection:
field-inspectionprocedure.Itcanbeusedtotestcriticalpartsor
8.5.1 Brush or Vacuum Sweeper, for developer powder.
containers that will hold toxic or explosive gases or liquids or
8.5.2 Tape, for marking and sealing leaks.
as a quick test for other containers.
9. General Procedures for Test Objects not Already
7. Interferences
Containing Ammonia
7.1 The interior and exterior welds and joints where leaks
9.1 Openings:
are often found must be free of oil, grease, flux, slag, paint, or
9.1.1 Seal all openings using plugs or covers that can
other contaminants that might temporarily block or mask
leakage. New containers should not be painted prior to test. withstand the test pressure and can be completely removed
after the test.
Smoking during the test may cause false indications.
9.1.2 Locate the test gas inlet on the bottom of the test
7.2 Pure ammonia gas is likely to attack brass or copper
object with the trapped air vent at the highest point.
metals in a humid environment. It will not if there is no water
9.1.3 Components rated at pressures below the test pressure
vapor present.
must be isolated.
7.3 Ammonia gas attacks wood fibers when the wood
9.2 Gauges—One or more test gauges must be connected to
contains a high moisture content. Dry wood tolerates ammonia
the system. If more than one gauge is used, one may be a
concentrations below 30%.
recording gauge. All gauges must have been calibrated within
7.4 Warning—Ammonia in high concentrations can be
a specified time period. One indicating gauge must be easily
hazardous. When working with ammonia it is recommended
visible to the operator controlling the pressure throughout the
that an ammonia-sensitive badge be worn for safety.
pressurizing cycle.
7.4.1 The lower explosive limit (LEL) for ammonia and air
9.3 Pre-Test Inspection:
is 15%. The upper explosive limit (UEL) is 28%.
7.4.2 The ceiling for limited exposure to ammonia (1 h) is 9.3.1 Before pressurizing is begun, inspect the outside (and
inside if possible) of the test object to verify that it is dry, free
about 500 ppm.
of oils, greases, smoke deposits, or slag and that all welds and
7.5 If the container to be tested has parts made of stainless
connectors are exposed.
steel, nickel, or chromium alloys, the color-change developer
9.3.2 An ultrasonic pretest (Section 12) can be used to
residue should have a sulfur and halogen content of under
locate gross leaks.
500ppm of each.
9.4 Vacuum Drying:
8. Apparatus
9.4.1 If the test object contains wood or copper parts that
8.1 Apparatus for Precleaning:
willbeexposedtoammonia,andifthevesselisdesignedtobe
8.1.1 Gloves.
safe under vaccum, it may be necessary to vacuum-dry the
8.1.2 Vacuum Pump or Heat Gun, if necessary to dry
inside of the object.
container.
9.4.2 Moisture begins to evaporate at a pressure of about
8.1.3 Spray Gun, if aerosol cleaner not used.
3kPa [25torr]. Bring the test object down to a pressure of
8.1.4 Ammonia-Sensitive Monitor, to test area contamina-
250Pa [20torr].At this point water will boil off, indicated by
tion.
a sudden halt in the vacuum gauge needle. When the needle
startstogodownindicatingalowerpressureitcanbeassumed
8.2 Safety Apparatus:
that all but trace mounts of water have been eliminated.
8.2.1 Mask, covering mouth and nose.
8.2.2 Ammonia Monitors.
9.5 Pressurizing—Gradually increase the pressure in the
8.2.3 Gas Mask, if personnel work inside the tank or with
system to 50% of test pressure during which time frequent
high concentrations of ammonia during a test.
checksshouldbemadeforleakage.Thereafter,slowlyincrease
8.3 Apparatus for Injecting Ammonia Gas: the pressure to the final test pressure. The test pressure usually
8.3.1 Pressure Gauge—Thegaugemustbeabletowithstand is between 75 and 150% of design pressure and should not
normal test pressures. The gauge must be accurate to within violateanyapplicablecodes.Iflargeleaksareexpectedandan
E1066/E1066M − 19
ultrasonic pretest has not been conducted, stop the pressuriza- 11.1.1 By varying the ammonia concentration, the test
tion at 6.9 kPa [1 psig] and repair any leaks found before pressure, and the development time, any leakage rate from
−5 −12 −7 3 2
continuing. 4.5×10 to 4.5×10 mol/s [1 to 1×10 Std cm /s] can
be detected. The equation in 11.1.2 is usually applied by
9.6 Leak Test:
specifying the smallest leakage rate required (MDLR), as well
9.6.1 At the completion of test pressure holding time,
as the maximum test pressure allowable. Depending on which
examine the system for leakage. Examination of leakage shall
isthemoreimportantremainingvariable,testtimeorammonia
be made of all welds, joints, and connections.
concentration, the less critical variable is solved for.
9.6.2 The inspector shall mark all accessible leaks found on
11.1.2 Leakage Rate Calculation—The following equation
the equipment using a nondeleterious distinctive tape. The
allows precise calculation of the test time in seconds (t),
magnitude of leak shall be described in terms of the diameter
percentage of ammonia tracer (c), and absolute pressure in
of the color-change indication or the apparent density of the
pounds per square inch (psia) within the test vessel (p) for any
smoke produced.
minimum detectable leakage rate (MDLR).
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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: E1066/E1066M − 12 E1066/E1066M − 19
Standard Practice for
Ammonia Colorimetric Leak Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1066/E1066M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
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 test method practice 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
−12 −7 3 2
indications of 4.5 × 10 mol/s [1 × 10 Std cm /s] or larger.
1.4 Units—The values stated in Std cm /s or mol/s are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system
mayare not benecessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combiningother, and values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
standard.shall not be combined.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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
10.3.1).
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1002 Practice for Leaks Using Ultrasonics
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 Other Documents:
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this standard, see Terminology E1316, Section E.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This test method practice consists of testing a container already filled with ammonia or of introducing an anhydrous
ammonia or an ammonia-nitrogen mixture into a container or system so that the final ammonia percentage achieved is between
This test method practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on Leak
Testing Method.
Current edition approved June 15, 2012May 1, 2019. Published July 2012July 2019. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20062012 as
E1066 - 95E1066/E1066M – 12.(2006). DOI: 10.1520/E1066-12.10.1520/E1066_E1066M-19.
The gas temperature is referenced to 0°C.0 °C. To convert to another gas reference 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 [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 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/E1066M − 19
1 and 100 % by volume at a gagegauge pressure between 34.5 and 689.5 kPa 689.5 kPa [5 and 100 psig]. 100 psig]. The ammonia
flows through leaks existing in welds and connections and reacts with a developer that is applied outside of the container producing
a visible indication.
4.2 Two basic developer procedures are described:
4.2.1 Smoke-producing developers.
4.2.2 Color-change developers.
4.3 Methods of introducing ammonia into unfilled systems are described, together with methods of estimating the concentration
and pressure needed to achieve specific detectable leak rates.
4.4 Procedures for testing large tanks and systems are described.
4.5 Ultrasonic pretesting for gross leaks is described.
5. Personnel Qualification
5.1 It is recommended that personnel performing leak testing attend a dedicated training course on the subject and pass a written
examination. The training course should be appropriate for NDT level II qualification according to Recommended Practice No.
SNT-TC-1A of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing or ANSI/ASNT Standard CP-189.
6. Significance and Use
6.1 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.
7. Interferences
7.1 The interior and exterior welds and joints where leaks are often found must be free of oil, grease, flux, slag, paint, or other
contaminants that might temporarily block or mask leakage. New containers should not be painted prior to test. Smoking during
the test may cause false indications.
7.2 Pure ammonia gas is likely to attack brass or copper metals in a humid environment. It will not if there is no water vapor
present.
7.3 Ammonia gas attacks wood fibers when the wood contains a high moisture content. Dry wood tolerates ammonia
concentrations below 30 %.
7.4 AmmoniaWarning—Ammonia in high concentrations can be hazardous. When working with ammonia it is recommended
that an ammonia-sensitive badge be worn for safety. in high concentrations can be hazardous. When working with ammonia it is
recommended that an ammonia-sensitive badge be worn for safety.
7.4.1 The lower explosive limit (LEL) for ammonia and air is 15 %. The upper explosive limit (UEL) is 28 %.
7.4.2 The ceiling for limited exposure to ammonia (1 h) is about 500 ppm.
7.5 If the container to be tested has parts made of stainless steel, nickel, or chromium alloys, the color-change developer residue
should have a sulfur and halogen content of under 500 ppm 500 ppm of each.
8. Apparatus
8.1 Apparatus for Precleaning:
8.1.1 Gloves.
8.1.2 Vacuum Pump or Heat Gun, if necessary to dry container.
8.1.3 Spray Gun, if aerosol cleaner not used.
8.1.4 Ammonia-Sensitive Monitor, to test area contamination.
8.2 Safety Apparatus:
8.2.1 Mask, covering mouth and nose.
8.2.2 Ammonia Monitors.
8.2.3 Gas Mask, if personnel work inside the tank or with high concentrations of ammonia during a test.
8.3 Apparatus for Injecting Ammonia Gas:
8.3.1 Pressure Gage—Gauge—The gagegauge must be able to withstand normal test pressures. The gagegauge must be accurate
to within 1 % of full scale. The gagegauge must read at least 1.5× but not more than 4× the maximum test pressure to be used.
The gagegauge must be in current calibration.
8.3.2 Pressure-Relief Valve, if high pressures are to be used.
8.3.3 Pressure-Reducing, -Control, and -Mixing Valves, for the ammonia and nitrogen circuits if not already mixed.
8.3.4 High-Conductance Injection Line and Exhaust Line.
E1066/E1066M − 19
8.4 Apparatus for Applying Colorimetric Developer:
8.4.1 Spray Gun, if an aerosol is not used.
8.4.2 Temperature-Controlled Heat Gun, if a water-based developer is used.
8.5 Apparatus for Post Cleaning and Inspection:
8.5.1 Brush or Vacuum Sweeper, for developer powder.
8.5.2 Tape, for marking and sealing leaks.
9. General Procedures for Test Objects not Already Containing Ammonia
9.1 Openings:
9.1.1 Seal all openings using plugs or covers that can withstand the test pressure and can be completely removed after the test.
9.1.2 Locate the test gas inlet on the bottom of the test object with the trapped air vent at the highest point.
9.1.3 Components rated at pressures below the test pressure must be isolated.
9.2 Gages—Gauges—One or more test gagesgauges must be connected to the system. If more than one gagegauge is used, one
may be a recording gage.gauge. All gagesgauges must have been calibrated within a specified time period. One indicating
gagegauge must be easily visible to the operator controlling the pressure throughout the pressurizing cycle.
9.3 Pre-Test Inspection:
9.3.1 Before pressurizing is begun, inspect the outside (and inside if possible) of the test object to verify that it is dry, free of
oils, greases, smoke deposits, or slag and that all welds and connectors are exposed.
9.3.2 An ultrasonic pretest (Section 12) can be used to locate gross leaks.
9.4 Vacuum Drying:
9.4.1 If the test object contains wood or copper parts that will be exposed to ammonia, and if the vessel is designed to be safe
under vaccum, it may be necessary to vacuum-dry the inside of the object.
9.4.2 Moisture begins to evaporate at a pressure of about 3 kPa [25 torr]. 3 kPa [25 torr]. Bring the test object down to a pressure
of 250 Pa [20 torr]. 250 Pa [20 torr]. At this point water will boil off, indicated by a sudden halt in the vacuum gagegauge needle.
When the needle starts to go down indicating a lower pressure it can be assumed that all but trace mounts of water have been
eliminated.
9.5 Pressurizing—Gradually increase the pressure in the system to 50 % of test pressure during which time frequent checks
should be made for leakage. Thereafter, slowly increase the pressure to the final test pressure. The test pressure usually is between
75 and 150 % of design pressure and should not violate any applicable codes. If large leaks are expected and an ultrasonic pretest
has not been conducted, stop the pressurization at 6.9 kPa [1 psig] and repair any leaks found before continuing.
9.6 Leak Test:
9.6.1 At the completion of test pressure holding time, examine the system for leakage. Examination of leakage shall be made
of all welds, joints, and connections.
9.6.2 The inspector shall mark all accessible leaks found on the equipment using a nondeleterious distinctive tape. The
magnitude of leak shall be described in terms of the diameter of the color-change indication or the apparent density of the smoke
produced.
9.7 Depressurizing—After inspection, slowly release the pressure by venting the ammonia-nitrogen mixture to atmosphere or
into water. Ammonia is very soluble; 1 L of water can absorb between 800 and 2000 L of gaseous ammonia. A vacuum pump may
be used to help exhaust the remaining ammonia or the tank may be purged with nitrogen or compressed air.
9.8 Removing the Color-Change Developer—Remove the test developer from the test object by brushing it from the surface and
cleaning with a dust-remover.
10. Smoke-Developer Method
10.1 Sensitivity—This test is the least sensitive and least calibratable of the developer methods. Its sensitivity with pure
−8 −3 3 2
ammonia at 6.9 kPa [1 psig] is approximately 4.5 × 10 mol/s [1 × 10 Std cm /s].
10.2 Application:
10.2.1 This test is used primarily on syste
...