SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004
(Amendment)Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard describes procedures for the detection and location of leaks by the bubble emission techniques. The sensitivity depends on techniques and materials used. Two techniques are described: a) immersion technique: quantitative measurements can be made using this procedure with particular devices (see informative annex A); b) liquid application technique. This standard can be used for equipment which can be evacuated or pressurised.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2004
- Technical Committee
- PKG - Testing of metallic materials
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Due Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Completion Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Directive
- 97/23/EC - Pressure equipment
Overview
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 - Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies procedures for detecting and locating leaks using bubble emission methods. The standard covers two principal approaches: the immersion technique (allowing quantitative measurements with specific devices - see informative Annex A) and the liquid application technique. It applies to equipment that can be evacuated or pressurised, and notes that achievable sensitivity depends on the chosen technique and materials under test.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Defines when bubble emission testing is appropriate (pressure-capable or evacuable components).
- Techniques described:
- Immersion technique - component submerged in a liquid bath; bubble patterns used to detect and quantify leaks (informative Annex A addresses measurement devices).
- Liquid application technique - application of a suitable liquid to suspect areas and visual observation of bubble formation.
- Test preparation: Surface cleaning, selecting test liquid, pressure or vacuum procedures, and component conditioning.
- Test execution: Controlled pressurisation/evacuation, systematic inspection and observation, use of aids (lighting, magnification).
- Sensitivity considerations: Material permeability and technique selection influence detectability; the standard emphasizes that sensitivity varies with method and materials.
- Documentation and reporting: Recording test conditions, observed leak locations, and any quantitative results (where applicable).
- Safety and environmental aspects: Safe handling of test media and pressure systems; disposal of liquids and contaminated materials.
- Personnel competency: Use by trained NDT technicians familiar with bubble emission practice and interpretation.
Practical applications and users
EN 1593 is practical for industries and functions requiring reliable leak detection without destructively altering components:
- Typical applications: pressure vessels, piping and fittings, welded joints, valves, flanges, heat exchangers, and fabricated assemblies.
- Industry sectors: manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical processing, HVAC, automotive, aerospace support activities, and maintenance/repair operations.
- Primary users: NDT technicians, quality assurance/quality control engineers, production inspectors, maintenance teams, and regulatory inspectors who need standardized bubble-emission procedures.
Related standards
- EN 1593 is part of the broader non-destructive testing (NDT) family of standards. Users will often refer to other EN or ISO standards governing leak testing methods, general NDT principles, and safety/qualification requirements for personnel and equipment.
Keywords: EN 1593, bubble emission techniques, leak testing, non-destructive testing, immersion technique, liquid application technique, pressure testing, leak detection.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Dec-2008
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004 is a amendment published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques". This standard covers: This European Standard describes procedures for the detection and location of leaks by the bubble emission techniques. The sensitivity depends on techniques and materials used. Two techniques are described: a) immersion technique: quantitative measurements can be made using this procedure with particular devices (see informative annex A); b) liquid application technique. This standard can be used for equipment which can be evacuated or pressurised.
This European Standard describes procedures for the detection and location of leaks by the bubble emission techniques. The sensitivity depends on techniques and materials used. Two techniques are described: a) immersion technique: quantitative measurements can be made using this procedure with particular devices (see informative annex A); b) liquid application technique. This standard can be used for equipment which can be evacuated or pressurised.
SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 19.100 - Non-destructive testing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 17855-2:2025, SIST EN ISO 21304-2:2021, SIST EN 14585:2024, SIST EN ISO 10350-1:2025, SIST EN ISO 19069-2:2025, SIST EN ISO 16396-2:2022, SIST EN 1593:2001. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 97/23/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/071. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN 1593:2001/A1:2004 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2004
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Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Dichtheitsprüfung - Blasenprüfverfahren
Essais non destructifs - Contrôle d'étanchéité - Contrôle a la bulle
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 1593:1999/A1:2003
ICS:
19.100 Neporušitveno preskušanje Non-destructive testing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Ra
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