ASTM G188-05(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Leak Detector Solutions Intended for Use on Brasses and Other Copper Alloys
Standard Specification for Leak Detector Solutions Intended for Use on Brasses and Other Copper Alloys
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 Leak detector solutions may cause stress-corrosion cracking of different alloys. If a leak detector solution is found to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it should not be used on brasses or other copper alloys. If a leak detector solution is found not to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it may cause stress-corrosion cracking of copper or other alloys under unspecified conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for leak detector solutions suitable for use in checking the leakage of valves, pipes, fittings, joints, and so forth of a pressurized gas system fabricated from brasses and other copper alloys.
1.2 This specification deals with the stress-corrosion cracking aspect of leak detector solutions. The effectiveness, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of leak detector solutions are not within the scope of this specification.
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, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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-Jul-2021
- Technical Committee
- G01 - Corrosion of Metals
- Drafting Committee
- G01.06 - Environmentally Assisted Cracking
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2005
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Sep-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-2002
Overview
ASTM G188-05(2021) - Standard Specification for Leak Detector Solutions Intended for Use on Brasses and Other Copper Alloys defines minimum requirements for leak detector fluids (LDFs), also known as leak detection fluids or bubble solutions, that are used to locate leaks in pressurized gas systems constructed from brasses and other copper alloys. This international standard, developed by ASTM International, focuses specifically on the risk of stress-corrosion cracking associated with the use of these solutions on susceptible alloys.
Ensuring the compatibility of leak detector solutions is critical for the safety and longevity of pressurized gas systems. This standard provides guidance to purchasing agents, manufacturers, and maintenance professionals for selecting and certifying solutions that minimize the risk of corrosion.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
- Covers leak detector solutions used on pressurized gas systems made from brasses and copper alloys.
- Addresses only the risk of stress-corrosion cracking; does not evaluate effectiveness, chemical, physical, or mechanical properties of the solutions.
- Users must establish and follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices when applying these products.
Stress-Corrosion Cracking Requirements
- Solutions must not cause stress-corrosion cracking of copper alloy specimens when evaluated using ASTM G186 Test Method.
- If a leak detector solution fails the required test, it should not be used on copper alloys and must be clearly labeled as such.
Certification and Marking
- All products conforming to ASTM G188-05(2021) must have clear certification and labeling stating compliance with the standard.
- Manufacturers are required to implement a quality assurance plan, which includes regular testing and batch sampling according to ASTM E300.
Batch Testing Protocol
- Initial production batches must be tested; upon passing five consecutive batches, testing may be relaxed for up to six months.
- If a batch fails, increased testing and appropriate labeling are mandatory until compliance is re-established.
Applications
Practical Uses in Industry
- Safety Inspections: Leak detector fluids standardized by ASTM G188-05(2021) are primarily used for the maintenance and safety inspection of gas pipelines, valves, fittings, and joints made from brass and copper alloys in compressed gas service.
- Manufacturing and Procurement: Provides manufacturers and purchasing agents with objective criteria for specifying and sourcing LDFs that are safe for copper-based components.
- Industrial and Commercial Use: Ensures the longevity and integrity of pressurized systems in industries such as HVAC, plumbing, industrial gas distribution, and laboratory gas delivery.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to international safety and reliability standards for equipment using copper alloys.
Related Standards
- ASTM G186 – Test Method for Determining Whether Gas-Leak Detector Fluid Solutions Can Cause Stress Corrosion Cracking of Brass Alloys. This is the primary referenced test method for compliance with ASTM G188.
- ASTM E300 – Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals. Outlines the procedures for batch sampling of leak detector solutions.
- Terminology G15 – Contains relevant definitions related to corrosion and corrosion testing (withdrawn 2010, but still referenced for terminology).
By carefully following ASTM G188-05(2021), manufacturers and users can confidently select leak detector solutions that minimize the risk of stress-corrosion cracking, thus improving the safety, durability, and performance of brasses and copper alloy systems in diverse industrial applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM G188-05(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Leak Detector Solutions Intended for Use on Brasses and Other Copper Alloys". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 Leak detector solutions may cause stress-corrosion cracking of different alloys. If a leak detector solution is found to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it should not be used on brasses or other copper alloys. If a leak detector solution is found not to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it may cause stress-corrosion cracking of copper or other alloys under unspecified conditions. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for leak detector solutions suitable for use in checking the leakage of valves, pipes, fittings, joints, and so forth of a pressurized gas system fabricated from brasses and other copper alloys. 1.2 This specification deals with the stress-corrosion cracking aspect of leak detector solutions. The effectiveness, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of leak detector solutions are not within the scope of this specification. 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, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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 Leak detector solutions may cause stress-corrosion cracking of different alloys. If a leak detector solution is found to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it should not be used on brasses or other copper alloys. If a leak detector solution is found not to cause stress-corrosion cracking in accordance with Test Method G186, it may cause stress-corrosion cracking of copper or other alloys under unspecified conditions. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for leak detector solutions suitable for use in checking the leakage of valves, pipes, fittings, joints, and so forth of a pressurized gas system fabricated from brasses and other copper alloys. 1.2 This specification deals with the stress-corrosion cracking aspect of leak detector solutions. The effectiveness, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of leak detector solutions are not within the scope of this specification. 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, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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 G188-05(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM G188-05(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM G186-05(2011), ASTM G15-07, ASTM G15-06, ASTM G186-05, ASTM G15-05, ASTM G15-04, ASTM G15-03a, ASTM G15-03, ASTM G15-02. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM G188-05(2021) 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: G188 −05 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Leak Detector Solutions Intended for Use on Brasses and
Other Copper Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G188; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This specification is intended for purchasing agents to use in purchase orders for leak detection
fluids (LDF). The primary purpose of the specification is to assign the responsibility for passing
Specification G186 to the manufacturers of these products. Previously the only corrosion related
specification for LDFs was an obsolete Military Specification that required that the LDF not exceed
acorrosionrateof100mpyinatotalimmersiontest.Theproblemofstresscorrosioncrackingofbrass
has shown up as a major cause of failures in compressed gas service of brass components resulting
from ammonia used to adjust the pH of LDFs. This specification will give the industrial gas industry
a means to prevent these failures in the future.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for leak
detector solutions suitable for use in checking the leakage of E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
G15 Terminology Relating to Corrosion and Corrosion Test-
valves, pipes, fittings, joints, and so forth of a pressurized gas
system fabricated from brasses and other copper alloys. ing (Withdrawn 2010)
G186 Test Method for Determining Whether Gas-Leak-
1.2 This specification deals with the stress-corrosion crack-
Detector Fluid Solutions Can Cause Stress Corrosion
ing aspect of leak detector solutions. The effectiveness,
Cracking of Brass Alloys
chemical, physical and mechanical properties of leak detector
solutions are not within the scope of this specification.
3. Terminology
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 Gas Leak Detector Solutions—Also known as leak
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
detection fluids, leak detector solutions, bubble solutions, and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
soap solutions, designated in this standard as LDFs, are fluids
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
used to detect leaks in pressurized gas systems by the forma-
use.
tion of bubbles at the leak site.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 Other Definitions—For other definitions used in this
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specification, refer to Terminology G15.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4. Performance Requirements
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 The leak detector solution shall not show stress-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
corrosion cracking of copper alloy specimens as shown in Test
Method G186.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Corrosion of Metals and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.06 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Environmentally Assisted Cracking. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2021. Published August 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in
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