EN 1593:1999/A1:2003
(Amendment)Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques
Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Bubble emission techniques
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.
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Dichtheitsprüfung - Blasenprüfverfahren
Diese Europäische Norm beschreibt Verfahren zum Nachweis und zur Ortung von Lecks durch Blasenprüfverfahren. Die Empfindlichkeit hängt von den angewendeten Verfahren und den verwendeten Materialien ab. Zwei Verfahren werden beschrieben: a) Eintauchverfahren: Quantitative Messungen können durchgeführt werden, indem man dieses Verfahren mit speziellen Vorrichtungen anwendet (siehe den informativen Anhang A); b) Auftragen von Prüfflüssigkeit. Diese Norm kann auf Einrichtungen angewendet werden, die evakuiert oder unter Druck gesetzt werden können.
Essais non destructifs - Contrôle d'étanchéité - Contrôle à la bulle
La présente norme européenne couvre des techniques de détection et de repérage de fuites par émission de bulles. La sensibilité dépend des techniques et des matériels utilisés. Deux techniques sont décrites: a) la technique par immersion: Grâce à des dispositifs spéciaux, cette procédure permet des mesures quantitatives (voir annexe A informative); b) la technique par application de liquides. La présente norme s'applique aux appareils sous vide ou sous pression.
Neporušitveno preskušanje - Preskušanje tesnosti - Tehnika preskušanja z mehurčki
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 09-Dec-2003
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Jun-2004
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 138 - Non-destructive testing
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 138 - Non-destructive testing
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 10-Dec-2003
- Completion Date
- 10-Dec-2003
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 is a amendment published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). 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.
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 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.
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 21304-2:2021, EN ISO 10350-1:2025, EN ISO 19069-2:2024, EN ISO 16396-2:2022, EN ISO 17855-2:2024, EN 14585:2024, EN 1593:1999. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 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.
EN 1593:1999/A1:2003 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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