ASTM E1003-13(2022)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Hydrostatic Leak Testing
Standard Practice for Hydrostatic Leak Testing
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 This practice is useful for quality control testing and field inspection of piping systems, pipelines, valves, and containers that are expected to retain liquids. It is not sensitive enough for leak testing when toxic or explosive gas is expected to be retained under pressure.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the testing of components for leaks by pressurizing them inside with a liquid.
1.2 This practice can be used on piping, valves, and containers with welded or fitted sections which can be sealed at their ends and which are designed for internal pressure.
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 × 10−9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 or larger.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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
- 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 E1003-13(2022) - Standard Practice for Hydrostatic Leak Testing outlines procedures for detecting leaks in components by internal pressurization with a liquid. Established by ASTM International, this standard is a central reference for quality assurance in the construction, maintenance, and inspection of elements such as piping systems, pipelines, valves, and liquid-retaining containers. It provides a practical, widely recognized methodology used globally to verify the integrity of equipment designed to withstand internal pressure from liquids.
Hydrostatic leak testing as defined in this standard is particularly suited to confirm the leak-tightness of new installations, repairs, and modifications in industrial and field environments. The standard, however, does not address detection of extremely small leaks or applications involving the retention of hazardous or explosive gases, which require more sensitive test methods.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: ASTM E1003-13(2022) applies to welded or fitted piping, valves, and containers intended to be sealed and pressurized, focusing on components designed for internal pressure retention.
- Test Methods: Provides basic hydrostatic testing procedures, including:
- Pressure drop method
- Visual inspection for leakage
- Pretest methods to locate gross leaks (e.g., ultrasonic checks)
- Test Parameters: Minimum sensitivity is specified for leak indications, with defined leakage rates considered detectable.
- Calibration & Equipment: Requirements for pressure gauges, relief valves, and safe pressurizing and depressurizing techniques.
- Safety Guidance: Users are responsible for establishing safety, health, and environmental controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Units & Terminology: SI units are standard; definitions refer to ASTM E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations.
Applications
ASTM E1003-13(2022) is widely used for:
- Field Inspection: Essential in construction and maintenance of pipelines and liquid-retaining vessels to assure system integrity before commissioning.
- Quality Control: Supports regulatory and internal standards for leak-tightness in manufacturing and installation.
- Verification of Repairs: Used to verify the effectiveness of repairs or modifications to pressurized systems, ensuring leak-free performance.
- Industrial Sectors: Commonly employed in oil and gas, waterworks, chemical processing, HVAC, and power generation industries.
- New System Commissioning: Ensures new installations are free of leaks before being placed into service.
The practice is not suitable for leak testing when retention of toxic or explosive gases under pressure is required due to sensitivity limitations.
Related Standards
To implement hydrostatic leak testing according to ASTM E1003-13(2022), familiarity with related standards enhances both compliance and result accuracy:
- ASTM E543 – Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
- ASTM E1316 – Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
- ASNT SNT-TC-1A – Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
- ANSI/ASNT CP-189 – Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
- AIA NAS-410 – Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Test Personnel
These references support correct implementation, personnel qualification, and comprehensive documentation, forming a foundation for robust leak testing programs.
Utilizing ASTM E1003-13(2022) supports leak testing best practices and regulatory compliance, offering a reliable and internationally accepted method for hydrostatic leak testing of liquid-retaining systems. This standard is critical for quality control, maintenance safety, and performance verification across multiple industries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1003-13(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Hydrostatic Leak Testing". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 This practice is useful for quality control testing and field inspection of piping systems, pipelines, valves, and containers that are expected to retain liquids. It is not sensitive enough for leak testing when toxic or explosive gas is expected to be retained under pressure. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the testing of components for leaks by pressurizing them inside with a liquid. 1.2 This practice can be used on piping, valves, and containers with welded or fitted sections which can be sealed at their ends and which are designed for internal pressure. 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 × 10−9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 or larger. 1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 This practice is useful for quality control testing and field inspection of piping systems, pipelines, valves, and containers that are expected to retain liquids. It is not sensitive enough for leak testing when toxic or explosive gas is expected to be retained under pressure. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the testing of components for leaks by pressurizing them inside with a liquid. 1.2 This practice can be used on piping, valves, and containers with welded or fitted sections which can be sealed at their ends and which are designed for internal pressure. 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 × 10−9 mol/s (1 × 10−4 Std cm3/s)2 or larger. 1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.
ASTM E1003-13(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 E1003-13(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 E1003-13(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: E1003 − 13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Hydrostatic Leak Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1003; 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 2.2 ASNT Documents:
SNT-TC-1ARecommended Practice for Personal Qualifica-
1.1 This practice covers the testing of components for leaks
tion and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
by pressurizing them inside with a liquid.
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
1.2 This practice can be used on piping, valves, and con-
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
tainers with welded or fitted sections which can be sealed at
2.3 AIA Standard:
their ends and which are designed for internal pressure.
NAS-410Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
1.3 Basic procedures are described based on the type of
Test Personnel
inspection used.These procedures should be limited to finding
−9 −4 3 2
leakageindicationsof4.5×10 mol/s(1×10 Stdcm /s) or
3. Terminology
larger.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
practice, see Terminology E1316, Section E.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4. Summary of Practice
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard.
4.1 Hydrostatic testing requires that a component be com-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety pletely filled with a liquid, such as water. Pressure is slowly
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
appliedtotheliquiduntiltherequiredpressureisreached.This
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, pressure is held for the required time at which point the
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
component is inspected visually to locate leaks or the pressure
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use. on the gauge is recorded to determine the components total
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
leakage.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2 The two basic procedures are described together with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
methods for improving their sensitivity.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2.1 Pressure Drop Indication—This procedure is used
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
primarily to measure total system leakage.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.2 Visual Inspection for Leakage—This procedure is
intended primarily to locate leaks.
2. Referenced Documents
4.3 Ultrasonic pretesting for gross leaks is described.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543Specification forAgencies Performing Nondestructive
5. Basis of Application
Testing
5.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
E1316Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
ment between the parties using or referencing this practice:
5.2 Personnel Qualification
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
5.2.1 If specified in the contractual agreement. Personnel
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on Leak
performing examinations to this practice shall be qualified in
Testing Method.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2022.PublishedJuly2022.Originallyapproved accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized
in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1003– 13(2018). DOI:
NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as
10.1520/E1003-13R22.
The gas temperature is referenced to 0°C. To convert to another gas reference
temperature, T , multiply the leak rate by (T +273) ⁄273.
ref ref
3 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAerospace IndustriesAssociation ofAmerica, Inc. (AIA), 1000
the ASTM website. WilsonBlvd.,Suite1700,Arlington,VA22209-3928,http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1003 − 13 (2022)
ANSI/ASNTCP-189,SNT-TC-1A,NAS-410,orsimilardocu- 8.2 Pressure Relief Valve.
ment and certified by the employer or certifying agency, as
8.3 Pressure Alarm.
applicable. The practice or standard used and its applicable
8.4 Emergency Pressure Shut-Off Valve.
revision shall be identified in the contractual agreement.
8.5 Trapped Air Vent.
5.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
8.6 Pressure Pump.
and evaluated as described in Specification E543. The appli-
8.7 Liquid Test Media.
cable edition of Specification E543 shall be specified in the
contractual agreement. 8.8 Pressure Hoses and Fittings.
5.4 Re-examination of Repaired/Reworked Items—Re- 8.9 Protection Chamber for High-Pressure Tests.
examinationofrepaired/reworkeditemsisnotaddressedinthis
practice, they shall be specified in the contractual agreement. 9. General Procedures
9.1 Openings:
6. Significance and Use
9.1.1 Seal all openings using plugs or covers that can
6.1 This practice is useful for quality control testing and
withstand the test pressure and can be completely removed
field inspection of piping systems, pipelines, valves, and
after the test.
containers that are expected to retain liquids. It is not sensitive
9.1.2 The test fluid inlet should be located on the bottom of
enoughforleaktestingwhentoxicorexplosivegasisexpected
the test object with the trapped air vent at the highest point.
to be retained under pressure.
9.1.3 Components rated at pressures below the test pressure
7. Interferences
must be isolated.
7.1 The interior and exterior welds and joints where leaks
9.2 Gauges—One or more test gauges must be connected to
are often found must be free of oil, grease, flux, slag, or other
the system. If more than one gauge is used, one may be a
contaminants that might temporarily block or mask leakage.
recording gauge. At least one gauge which is used for accep-
New systems should be tested prior to painting, where practi-
tance of the test shall be calibrated within 30 days prior to use.
cal.
One indicating gauge must be easily visible to the operator
controllingthepressurethroughoutthepressurizingandtesting
7.2 Hydrostatic testing should not be performed before a
cycle.
leak test using air or a tracer gas. The liquid test media may
clog small leaks causing later tests to be inaccurate.
9.3 Pre-Test Inspection:
9.3.1 Beforepressurizingisbegun,inspecttheoutsideofthe
7.3 Test liquid must be equal or above atmosphere tempera-
test object to verify that it is dry and all
...
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