ASTM E515-11(2022)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques
Standard Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 The immersion technique is frequently used to locate leaks in sealed containers. Leaks in a container can be seen independently. Leak size can be approximated by the size of the bubble. It is not suitable for measurement of total system leakage.
6.2 The liquid film technique is widely applied to components and systems that can not easily be immersed and is used to rapidly locate leaks. An approximation of leak size can be made based on the type of bubbles formed, but the technique is not suitable for measuring leakage rate. It can be used with a vacuum box to test vessels which cannot be pressurized or where only one side is accessible.
6.3 Accuracy—This practice is not intended to measure leakage rates, but to locate leaks on a go, no-go basis. Their accuracy for locating leaks of 4.5 × 10 −10 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger is ±5 %. Accuracy for locating smaller leaks depends upon the skill of the operator.
6.4 Repeatability—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by the same operator should not vary by more than ±5 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s).2
6.5 Reproducibility—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by other trained operators should not vary by more than 10 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for detecting or locating leaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitative measure is not practical. The normal limit of sensitivity for this test method is 4.5 × 10−10 mol/s (1 × 10−5 Std cm3/s).2
1.2 Two techniques are described:
1.2.1 Immersion technique, and
1.2.2 Liquid application technique.
Note 1: Additional information is available in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-Leak Testing, and Guide E479.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address 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.
1.5 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
- 31-May-2022
- Technical Committee
- E07 - Nondestructive Testing
- Drafting Committee
- E07.08 - Leak Testing Method
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2013
Overview
ASTM E515-11(2022), Standard Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques, is a widely recognized non-destructive testing (NDT) method designed to identify and locate leaks in pressure-retaining components and systems. Developed by ASTM International, this standard describes effective procedures for detecting leaks by observing bubble emission in a suitable liquid medium, such as during immersion or liquid application tests.
This leak detection practice is particularly valued in industrial, laboratory, and field environments due to its simplicity and ability to rapidly pinpoint the location of leaks in many types of components. While the standard focuses on qualitative “go/no-go” results, it allows operators to estimate leak size based on observed bubbles. The method described is not intended for accurate measurement of leakage rates but for leak localization and approximate sizing.
Key Topics
Techniques Described:
- Immersion Technique: Test specimens are submerged in a liquid, and bubbles indicate the location of leaks. Often used for small sealed containers that can be immersed.
- Liquid Application (Film) Technique: A liquid film is applied to surfaces or joints; bubbles forming in the film signal a leak. Suitable for larger structures and systems that cannot be immersed.
Sensitivity and Accuracy:
- Normal detection limit is approximately 4.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/s (1 × 10⁻⁵ Std cm³/s).
- Appropriate for finding leaks equal to or greater than this sensitivity.
- Repeatability and reproducibility are within ±5–10% for leaks at or above the method’s threshold, depending on operator skill.
Limitations:
- This practice is not suitable for quantitative leakage rate measurements.
- Total system leakage assessments require other methods.
- Proper surface preparation and fluid selection are necessary to minimize false indications.
Materials and Safety:
- Ensure compatibility of test fluids with tested materials (metals, plastics, etc.).
- Evaluate safety, health, and environmental considerations before application, including regulatory compliance.
Applications
Pressure Vessel and Tank Testing:
Used to check welds, seams, and joints in vessels, tanks, and piping systems in industries such as petrochemical, energy, and manufacturing.Component Testing:
Effective for inspecting small parts, valves, fittings, and assemblies prior to service or after repair, especially when pressure integrity is critical.Vacuum Equipment and Storage:
Applying the vacuum box variation, the bubble emission technique can identify leaks in storage tanks’ floors and roofs, and in other structures where only one side is accessible.Quality Control and Maintenance:
Widely used in routine inspections during manufacturing and ongoing maintenance, helping ensure reliability and safety of pressurized systems.Aerospace and Defense:
Used for leak detection in sensitive systems where loss of containment could present safety or operational hazards.
Related Standards
- ASTM E543: Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing - outlines requirements for organizations conducting NDT, complementing the competence expectations of ASTM E515.
- ASTM E479: (Withdrawn) Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specification - provides foundational information on leak test specifications.
- ASTM E1316: Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations - aids in consistent definitions across NDT standards.
- SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, NAS-410: Standards for qualification and certification of NDT personnel, referenced for required operator competence.
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10: Additional guidelines on leak testing of pressure components.
- MIL-L-25567D: Specifies properties for leak detection compounds, notably for oxygen systems.
Regular reference to these and associated NDT standards ensures reliable, consistent, and safe application of the bubble emission leak detection techniques in line with international best practices.
Keywords: bubble leak testing, immersion technique, leak location, NDT, pressure vessel inspection, vacuum box leak testing, film solution leak test, non-destructive testing standards, ASTM E515
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E515-11(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 The immersion technique is frequently used to locate leaks in sealed containers. Leaks in a container can be seen independently. Leak size can be approximated by the size of the bubble. It is not suitable for measurement of total system leakage. 6.2 The liquid film technique is widely applied to components and systems that can not easily be immersed and is used to rapidly locate leaks. An approximation of leak size can be made based on the type of bubbles formed, but the technique is not suitable for measuring leakage rate. It can be used with a vacuum box to test vessels which cannot be pressurized or where only one side is accessible. 6.3 Accuracy—This practice is not intended to measure leakage rates, but to locate leaks on a go, no-go basis. Their accuracy for locating leaks of 4.5 × 10 −10 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger is ±5 %. Accuracy for locating smaller leaks depends upon the skill of the operator. 6.4 Repeatability—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by the same operator should not vary by more than ±5 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s).2 6.5 Reproducibility—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by other trained operators should not vary by more than 10 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers procedures for detecting or locating leaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitative measure is not practical. The normal limit of sensitivity for this test method is 4.5 × 10−10 mol/s (1 × 10−5 Std cm3/s).2 1.2 Two techniques are described: 1.2.1 Immersion technique, and 1.2.2 Liquid application technique. Note 1: Additional information is available in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-Leak Testing, and Guide E479. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address 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. 1.5 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 The immersion technique is frequently used to locate leaks in sealed containers. Leaks in a container can be seen independently. Leak size can be approximated by the size of the bubble. It is not suitable for measurement of total system leakage. 6.2 The liquid film technique is widely applied to components and systems that can not easily be immersed and is used to rapidly locate leaks. An approximation of leak size can be made based on the type of bubbles formed, but the technique is not suitable for measuring leakage rate. It can be used with a vacuum box to test vessels which cannot be pressurized or where only one side is accessible. 6.3 Accuracy—This practice is not intended to measure leakage rates, but to locate leaks on a go, no-go basis. Their accuracy for locating leaks of 4.5 × 10 −10 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger is ±5 %. Accuracy for locating smaller leaks depends upon the skill of the operator. 6.4 Repeatability—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by the same operator should not vary by more than ±5 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s).2 6.5 Reproducibility—On a go, no-go basis, duplicate tests by other trained operators should not vary by more than 10 % for leaks of 4.5 × 10 −9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 and larger. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers procedures for detecting or locating leaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitative measure is not practical. The normal limit of sensitivity for this test method is 4.5 × 10−10 mol/s (1 × 10−5 Std cm3/s).2 1.2 Two techniques are described: 1.2.1 Immersion technique, and 1.2.2 Liquid application technique. Note 1: Additional information is available in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-Leak Testing, and Guide E479. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address 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. 1.5 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.
ASTM E515-11(2022) 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.
ASTM E515-11(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1316-24, ASTM E1316-19b, ASTM E1316-19, ASTM E1316-18, ASTM E1316-17a, ASTM E1316-17, ASTM E1316-16a, ASTM E1316-16, ASTM E1316-15a, ASTM E1316-15, ASTM E1316-14e1, ASTM E1316-14, ASTM E1316-13d, ASTM E1316-13c, ASTM E1316-13b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E515-11(2022) 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)
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: E515 − 11 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E515; 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 E543Specification forAgencies Performing Nondestructive
Testing
1.1 Thispracticecoversproceduresfordetectingorlocating
E1316Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
leaks, or both, by bubble emission techniques. A quantitative
2.2 Other Documents:
measureisnotpractical.Thenormallimitofsensitivityforthis
−10 −5 3 2
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
test method is 4.5×10 mol/s (1×10 Std cm /s).
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
1.2 Two techniques are described:
ANSI/ASNT CP-189ASNT Standard for Qualification and
1.2.1 Immersion technique, and 5
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
1.2.2 Liquid application technique.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V,Article
10-Leak Testing
NOTE 1—Additional information is available in ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10-Leak Testing, and Guide
NAS-410Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
E479.
Test Personnel
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
2.3 Military Standard:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this MIL-L-25567D Leak Detection Compound Oxygen Sys-
standard.
tems
1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety
3. Terminology
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
method, see Terminology E1316, Section E.
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Practice
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 The basic principle of this method consists of creating a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the pressure differential across a leak and observing for bubbles in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- a liquid medium located on the low pressure side. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical sensitivity of the method is dependent on the pressure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. differential, the gas used to create the differential, and the
liquid used for testing.As long as the pressure differential can
2. Referenced Documents
be maintained across the area to be tested, this method can be
used.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E479Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specification
4 5. Basis of Application
(Withdrawn 2014)
5.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
ment between the parties using or referencing this test method:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
5.2 Personnel Qualifications
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on Leak
Testing Method.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2022.PublishedJuly2022.Originallyapproved
in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E515–11(2018). DOI: AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
10.1520/E0515-11R22. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
2 6
The gas temperature is referenced to 0°C. To convert to another gas reference Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
temperature, T , multiply the leak rate by (T +273) ⁄273. International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
ref ref
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.asme.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
www.astm.org. dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E515 − 11 (2022)
5.2.1 If specified in the contractual agreement. Personnel 7.4 Ifthecomponenttobetestedhaspartsmadeofstainless
performing examinations to this test method shall be qualified steel, nickel, or chromium alloys, the test fluid must have a
in accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized sulfur and halogen content of less than 10 ppm of each.
NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as
7.5 Immediate application of high pressure may cause large
ANSI/ASNTCP-189,SNT-TC-1A,NAS-410,orsimilardocu-
leaks to be missed in the liquid application technique.
ment and certified by the employer or certifying agency, as
7.6 If the component to be tested has parts made of
applicable. The practice or standard used and its applicable
polyethylene or structural plastic, the test fluid must not
revision shall be identified in the contractual agreement.
promote environmental stress cracking (E.S.C).
5.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified
7.7 If the test fluid is to be used on oxygen systems it must
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
meet the requirements of MIL-L-25567D.
and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicable
edition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the contractual
8. Immersion Technique
agreement.
8.1 Application—This technique is applicable to test speci-
5.4 Re-examination of Repaired/Reworked Items—Re-
mens whose physical size allows immersion in a container of
examinationofrepaired/reworkeditemsisnotaddressedinthis
fluid when the test specimen can be sealed prior to the test.
test method, they shall be specified in the contractual agree-
ment.
8.2 Techniques for Creating Pressure Differential:
8.2.1 Pressurization of Test Specimen—Seal components
6. Significance and Use
and apply an elevated pressure, or if accessible, increase the
internal pressure for test purposes.
6.1 The immersion technique is frequently used to locate
8.2.2 Elevated-Temperature Test Fluid—Heat the test fluid
leaks in sealed containers. Leaks in a container can be seen
toatemperaturenotexceedingthemaximumratedtemperature
independently. Leak size can be approximated by the size of
of the test specimen. This will cause expansion of the gas
the bubble. It is not suitable for measurement of total system
inside the test specimen, creating a pressure differential. This
leakage.
technique is usually limited to use on very small parts.
6.2 The liquid film technique is widely applied to compo-
8.2.3 Vacuum Technique—Immerse the test specimen in the
nents and systems that can not easily be immersed and is used
test fluid and th
...
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