EN 14291:2004

Foam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations

This document specifies requirements and test methods of foam producing solutions for leak detection (hereafter called leak detection solution) used for leak detection of combustible gases of the 1st family (town gas), 2nd family (natural gas), and 3rd family (liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)) (see EN 437) within the temperature range of -15 °C or 0 °C to 50 °C. It is applicable for leak detection solutions, which are delivered as ready to use solutions, e.g. in spray cans.
Note   The leak detection solution covered by this document may also be used for other compressed gases. In this case the producer has to be consulted.

Schaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche an Gasinstallationen

Diese Europäische Norm legt Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für schaumbildende Lösungen zur Lecksuche (nachfolgend Lecksuchlösungen genannt) zum Nachweis von Leckagen brennbarer Gase der 1. Familie (Stadtgas), der 2. Familie (Erdgas) und der 3. Familie (Flüssiggas) (siehe EN 437) innerhalb des Temperaturbereiches von - 15 °C oder 0 °C bis 50 °C fest. Sie gilt für Lechsuchlösungen, die als gebrauchsfertige Lösungen z.B. in Sprühdosen ausgeliefert werden.
ANMERKUNG Die Lecksuchlösungen nach dieser Europäischen Norm können auch für andere verdichtete -Gase verwendet werden. In diesem Fall ist der Hersteller um Rat zu fragen.

Solutions moussantes pour détection de fuites sur les installations de gaz

La présente norme européenne précise les exigences et les méthodes d'essai relatives aux solutions moussantes pour détection de fuites (que l'on appellera solutions pour détection de fuites) en vue de la détection de fuites des gaz combustibles de la 1ère famille (gaz manufacturés), de la 2ème famille (gaz naturel), et de la 3ème famille (gaz de pétrole liquéfiés (GPL)) (voir l'EN 437) sur une échelle de températures comprises entre -15 °C, ou 0 °C et 50 °C. La présente norme est applicable aux solutions pour détection de fuites qui sont prêtes à l'usage, comme par exemple les aérosols.
NOTE   La solution pour détection de fuites conforme à la présente norme peut aussi être employée pour d'autres gaz comprimés. Dans ce cas il faut consulter le fabricant.

Penilne raztopineza preskušanje tesnosti plinskih napeljav

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-2004
• Withdrawal Date: 30-May-2005
• ICS: 23.040.99 - Other pipeline components
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 208 - Elastomeric seals for joints in pipework and pipelines
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 108 - Sealing materials and lubricants for gas appliances and gas equipment
• Current Stage: 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-Sep-2018
• Completion Date: 02-Sep-2018
• Ref Project: SIST EN 14291:2005 - Foam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations

Overview

EN 14291:2004 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements and test methods for foam producing solutions used in gas leak detection. These solutions are designed for detecting leaks of combustible gases, including town gas (1st family), natural gas (2nd family), and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG, 3rd family), within a temperature range from -15 °C or 0 °C up to 50 °C. The standard primarily targets ready-to-use leak detection solutions such as those delivered in spray cans.

The foam producing solutions play a critical role in identifying small gas leaks by generating visible foam bubbles when applied to potential leak sites. This standard ensures that these solutions meet essential safety, performance, and compatibility criteria to guarantee reliable and safe gas leak detection on installations.

Key Topics

• Surface Tension
  Leak detection solutions must have a surface tension of ≤ 30 mN/m. This low surface tension enables the solutions to detect even minor gas leaks effectively by facilitating foaming action.

• Foam Stability
  Foam stability is crucial for sustained leak detection. The foam produced should not decompose more than 50% within 10 minutes after application, ensuring visibility over time for inspection purposes.

• Corrosiveness
  Solutions must demonstrate minimal corrosive effects on steel and brass materials commonly used in gas installations. Corrosion mass loss on steel pipe samples must be less than 20 mg. Additionally, halogen and sulfate contents are restricted to prevent material degradation and ensure container integrity.

• pH Value
  The pH of the leak detection solution should be neutral to slightly alkaline, within the range of 6 to 8, to reduce corrosive potential and material compatibility issues.

• Compatibility with Sealing Materials and Lubricants
  Solutions should not degrade or dissolve non-hardening sealing compounds or lubricants, including white paraffin jelly, used on threaded joints and other gas installation components.

• Flammability and Freezing Point
  The flash point must exceed 55 °C for safety, and propellants in spray cans must be non-flammable. The freezing point for low-temperature solutions should be ≤ -15 °C, ensuring usability in cold environments.

• Toxicological Harmlessness
  Formulations are required to be non-toxic and safe for users and the environment.

• Test Methods
  The standard describes rigorous test procedures for surface tension (ISO 304), foam stability (ISO 696), corrosiveness, pH, compatibility tests, inflammability (flashpoint measurement), and freezing point (ASTM D 1177), ensuring quality and safety compliance.

Applications

• Gas Installation Maintenance
  EN 14291-compliant foam solutions are widely used by technicians and engineers for effective leak detection in residential, commercial, and industrial gas installations.

• Routine Safety Inspections
  These solutions facilitate early detection of gas leaks, minimizing fire and explosion hazards during regular safety audits and system commissioning.

• Compressed Gas Leak Detection
  The standard also allows use in detecting leaks of other compressed gases upon consultation with the solution producer.

• Spray Can Convenience
  Ready-to-use solutions in aerosol spray cans provide ease of application for field technicians and ensure consistent performance without the need for dilution or preparation.

Related Standards

• EN 437: Gas Families and Test Gases
  Provides classification and requirements for combustible gases, foundational to understanding gas types covered by EN 14291.

• EN 377: Lubricants for Gas Appliances
  Specifies requirements for lubricants used with gases, referenced for compatibility with leak detection solutions.

• EN 751-2: Non-hardening Jointing Compounds
  Defines sealing materials compatibility, relevant for leak detection solution usage on threaded joints.

• EN 456: Flashpoint Determination
  Method referenced for determining leak detection solution flammability to ensure safety.

• ISO 304 & ISO 696: Surface Tension and Foaming Power
  Internationally recognized methods utilized for verifying foam solution properties.

• ASTM D 1177: Freezing Point Test
  Provides test methods to ensure solution usability in low temperature conditions.

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EN 14291:2004 is an essential standard for manufacturers and users of foam producing leak detection solutions, guaranteeing safety, reliability, and performance in gas leak detection applications. Compliance with this standard not only ensures effective leak identification but also protects materials, equipment, and operators from potential hazards associated with combustible gases.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Penilne raztopineza preskušanje tesnosti plinskih napeljavSchaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche an GasinstallationenSolutions moussantes pour détection de fuites sur les installations de gazFoam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations91.140.40Sistemi za oskrbo s plinomGas supply systemsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14291:2004SIST EN 14291:2005en,fr,de01-junij-2005SIST EN 14291:2005SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14291November 2004ICS 23.040.99 English versionFoam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installationsSolution pour le détection des fuites aux installations degazSchaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche anGasinstallationenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 September 2004.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2004 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14291:2004: ESIST EN 14291:2005

EN 377, Lubricants for applications in appliances and associated controls using combustible gases except those designed for use in industrial processes. EN 437, Test gases - Test pressures - Appliance categories. EN 456, Paints, varnishes and related products - Determination of flashpoint - Rapid equilibrium method (ISO 3679:1983, modified). EN 751 - 2, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd family gases and hot water - Part 2: Non-hardening jointing compounds. EN 1412, Copper and copper alloys - European numbering system. EN 10027 - 1, Designation systems for steel - Part 1:
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