ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS

SE-432 [ASTM E 432-71 (1984)] SE-479 [ASTM E 479-73 (1984)] Standard Recommended Guide for the Selection of a Leak Testing Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

627

Recommended Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specication . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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STANDARD RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR THE SELECTION OF A LEAK TESTING METHOD

SE-432
[Identical with ASTM Specication E 432-71 (1984)] (This specication is available in SI Units only.)

1.

Scope

1.1 This standard is intended as a guide for the selection of a leak testing method. Figure 1 is supplied as a simplied guide. 1.2 The type of item to be tested or the test system and the method considered for either leak measurement or location are related in the order of increasing sensitivity.

2.

Selection of System

2.1 The correct choice of a leak testing method optimizes sensitivity, cost, and reliability of the test. One approach is to rank the various methods according to test system sensitivity. 2.2 The various testing methods must be individually examined to determine their suitability for the particular system being tested. Only then can the appropriate method be chosen. For example, radioactive gases are not generally employed as a tracer for leak location because of the hazards associated with their use. However, such gases are employed in leakage detection equipment when they can be safely added to, and removed from, a test chamber on a periodic basis. 2.3 It is important to distinguish between the sensitivity associated with the instrument employed to measure leakage and the sensitivity of the test system followed using the instrument. The sensitivity of the instrument inuences the sensitivity that can be attained in a specic test. The range of temperatures or pressures, and the types of uids involved, inuence both the choice of instrument and the test system.
627

2.4 The sensitivity of various test systems differ. For example, a test utilizing a mass spectrometer leak detector normally has an ultimate sensitivity of 1010 standard cm3/s when the procedure involves the measurement of a steady-state gas leakage rate. The sensitivity of the test may be increased under special conditions to 1014 standard cm3/s by allowing an integration of the leakage to occur in a known volume before a measurement of leakage is made. In the rst case, the sensitivity of the test equals the sensitivity of the instrument; whereas in the second case, the sensitivity of the test is 104 times greater than that of the instrument. If the test system utilizes a mass spectrometer operating in the detector-probe mode, the sensitivity of the test can be 102 to 104 smaller than that of the mass spectrometer itself.

3.

Leakage Measurement

3.1 In general, leakage measurement procedures involve covering the whole of the suspected region with tracer gas, while establishing a pressure differential across the system by either pressurizing with a tracer gas or by evacuating the opposite side. The presence and concentration of tracer gas on the lower pressure side of the system are determined and then measured. 3.2 A dynamic test method can be performed in the shortest time. While static techniques increase the test sensitivity, the time for testing is also increased. 3.3 Equipment or devices that are the object of leakage measurement fall into two categories: (1) open units, which are accessible on both sides, and (2) units that are sealed. The second category is usually applied

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to mass-produced items including gas and vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuit modules, relays, ordnance units, and hermetically sealed instruments. 3.3.1 Open or Single-Sealed UnitsEither evacuation or pressurization of one side of a unit that is accessible on both sides, may be employed to test for leakage across a unit. 3.3.1.1 Systems Leaking to VacuumIn the order of increasing sensitivity for testing an evacuated system, the methods include: ow measurement, absolute pressure measurement, the alkaline-ion diode halogen detector, and the helium mass spectrometer leak detector. The rst approach to the testing of units that may be evacuated is to determine if there is an inherent tracer in the system. This gas should be utilized if possible. When one side is evacuated, leakage of the tracer into the vacuum will reach the detector quickly if there is essentially no stratication. However, evacuation does not always allow the most sensitive and reliable measurement. If the evacuated region is extremely large, high pumping speeds will be required and the leakage gas will tend to follow streamlines to the pump port. The amount of tracer gas that reaches the detector may then be substantially reduced depending on the location of the detector in the evacuated region. When no inherent tracer is available, the next approach should be to determine if there is a gage in the system that might be used for leakage measurement. This gage might be an ionization gage or, in some fortunate circumstances, a mass spectrometer in the system as part of the analytical instrumentation. Consideration should be given not only to gages that are normally used for leak detection, but to any gas concentration detection equipment that may be used for leakage measurement if it happens to be available. Equipment not originally intended for pressure measurement may be used; for example, it is possible to detect the pressure rise in a leaking vacuum tube by operating the grid at a positive and an anode at a negative potential, and noting an increase in anode current with time. When there is no inherent tracer or gage within the system, a standard testing method must be chosen based on the sensitivity desired. 3.3.1.2 Systems Leaking to AtmosphereThe choice of a testing method for systems leaking to atmospheric pressure should be made in the same manner as suggested for evacuated systems. In the absence of an inherent tracer or a gage, one of the standard methods of making leakage measurements against atmospheric pressure must be chosen. These are,
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in the order of increasing sensitivity: ow measurement, pressure measurement, bubble testing (immersion), helium mass spectrometer, infrared analyzer, alkaline-ion diode halogen detector, and radioactive tracer. (Note that the helium mass spectrometer method may not be the most sensitive in this situation where the measurement is to be made at atmospheric pressure.) 3.3.2 Multiple-Sealed UnitsIn the testing of sealed units, applicable testing methods are, in the order of increasing sensitivity: bubble testing, ow measurement, pressure measurement, infrared analyzer, alkaline-ion diode halogen detector, helium mass spectrometer, and radioactive tracer. The last four methods are applicable to a back pressurizing testing procedure. Back pressuring, or bombing, is the usual procedure used for applying a tracer gas. If the leak in the unit is exceptionally large, any tracer gas in the unit will escape rapidly when it is subjected to reduced pressure. Consequently, high-sensitivity tests for this tracer will be ineffective if the tracer gas has already escaped from the system. It is therefore recommended that all parts be tested for large leaks after the high sensitivity tests have been conducted. Tests for large leaks involved relatively insensitive procedures. If liquids are employed, the smaller leaks can easily become clogged and may not be detected during a subsequent high sensitivity test. 3.3.2.1 Evacuated Unit TestingWith evacuated units, the choice of a testing procedure is relatively simple. If the system includes a gage, this gage may be used to show the presence of gas contamination. The back pressurizing procedure should be used in the absence of an internal gage. The units should be passed through a bubble test after the back pressurizing test to locate the exceptionally large leaks. If the unit can be opened to the atmosphere, a ow measurement procedure may be used. 3.3.2.2 Units Sealed with AirTesting procedures for units sealed with air may be divided into two categories: low sensitivity testing by either bubble testing, ow measurement, or pressure measurement, and high sensitivity testing using the back pressurizing technique. 3.3.2.3 Units Sealed With Tracer GasUnits sealed with tracer gas may be tested for leakage of the gas out of the unit by dynamic or static procedures. Generally, the partial pressure of tracer gas inside a unit will be higher than it would be if the tracer gas were forced into an evacuated unit through a small leak as is done in the back pressurizing procedure.

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Thus, pre-sealing with tracer gas leads to a more sensitive procedure involving fewer steps. As in the case with the other methods, a nal inspection must be conducted by means of a bubble test procedure to locate exceptionally large leaks.

4.

Leak Location

4.1.1 Testing of Evacuated Systems (Tracer Probe Mode)In the location of leaks in evacuated systems, rst determine if there is an inherent detector within the system. This may be a pressure gage; preferably a gage that is specic for some tracer gas which may be used. If such a gage does not exist, the methods to use in the order of increasing sensitivity are: sonic, pressure change, gage response, high-voltage discharge, alkali-ion diode leak halogen detector, infrared detector, and mass spectrometer. 4.1.2 Testing at Atmospheric Pressure (Detector Probe Mode)In testing a system that is leaking into atmosphere, the rst consideration is whether or not the leaking uid may be used as a tracer. This will always be the case when using either the sonic method or the bubble-testing method. However, the tracer might be of a composition that will also prove satisfactory for use with the other testing methods. In order of increasing sensitivity these methods for leak location are: chemical testing, gage response, infrared gas analyzer, mass spectrometer, and alkali-ion diode halogen detector. 4.1.2.1 When using liquid penetrants, the pressure may be atmospheric both inside and outside. Both surfaces must be accessible. Leaks are detected visually by uorescence or coloration.

4.1 Leak location can be subdivided into a tracer probe mode and a detector probe mode. The tracer probe procedure is used when the system is evacuated, and the tracer gas comes from a probe located outside the system. The detector probe mode is used when the system is pressurized with tracer gas and testing is done at atmospheric pressure. Usually the tracer probe technique is more rapid because the gas reaches the detector at a higher concentration, despite any streaming effects, than it does with a detector probe which detects tracer gas which is highly diluted by atmospheric gases. In the detector probe mode, a higher pressure differential across the system may be used, and therefore leaks of a smaller conductance can be found. In using either mode it is important that leak location be attempted only after the presence of a leak has been veried.

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FIG. 1 GUIDE FOR SELECTION OF LEAKAGE TESTING METHOD

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ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS

SE-479

RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR PREPARATION OF A LEAK TESTING SPECIFICATION

SE-479
[Identical with ASTM E 479-73 (1984)]

1.

Scope

1.1 This standard is intended as a guide. It enumerates factors to be considered in preparing a denitive specication for maximum permissible gas leakage of a component, device, or system. The guide relates and provides examples of data for the preparation of leak testing specications. It is primarily applicable for use in specifying halogen leak testing methods. 1.2 Two types of specications are described: 1.2.1 Operational specications (OS), and 1.2.2 Testing specications (TS): 1.2.2.1 Total, and 1.2.2.2 Each leak.

3.2 testing specication (TS) a specication for the detection, location, or measurement, or a combination thereof, of leakage. The operational uid usually is not detectable with commercially available leak detectors. The leak test must be performed with a suitable test gas containing a tracer to which the detector is sensitive. The pressure magnitude and pressure direction may vary greatly from operational conditions. These and other factors are to be considered and evaluated when the leak testing performed to the requirements of the TS is to result in a product that meets most of the OS requirements. In addition, should a product be tested with a detector or tracer probe from point to point, allowance should be made for the possibility of two or more leaks, each causing less leakage than the total leakage maximum, but adding up to an amount greater than allowed.

2.

Applicable Documents

4.

Specication Content and Units

2.1 ASTM Standards: E 425 Denitions of Terms Relating to Leak Testing E 427 Recommended Practice for Testing for Leaks Using the Halogen Leak Detector (Alkali-Ion Diode) E 432 Recommended Guide for the Selection of a Leak Testing Method

4.1 The content and units of the specication should relate the following data: 4.1.1 Mass ow per unit of time, preferably in standard cubic centimetres per second, cm3/s (that is, under standard temperature, 25C, and pressure, 760 mm Hg). 4.1.2 The pressure differential across the two sides of possible leaks, and the direction, in pounds per square inch (psi) or metric units (Pa). 4.1.3 Any special restrictions or statement of facts that might prohibit the use of a particular type of leak testing method.
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3.

Denitions

3.1 operational specication (OS) a specication from which the others are derived. The specication species and states the limits of the leakage rate of the uid to be used for the product using criteria such as failure to operate, safety, or appearance.

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4.1.4 The methods of the leakage specication shall not be limited to any one particular method unless it is the only one suitable. Specic leak testing methods can be selected when careful consideration of the facts is outlined (refer to Recommended Guide E 432 or the other applicable documents of Section 2).

normal charge can be lost before serious operational inefciency begins, and the neoprene connecting hoses have a basic permeation rate of 1 oz/year. Inspection of the system shows that the vacuum operator of the capacity valve and the thermostat are not directly connected to the refrigerant circuit, and can thus be considered separately. 6.2.1 Calculations: Leakage to be detected = 6 oz (total loss) 1 oz 3 years = 3 oz Period = 3 years Rate = 3 oz/3 years = 1 oz/year. Rate (standard units) = 1 oz/year 1.8 104 (or 0.00018 = R-12 conversion factor) = 1.8 104 standard cm3/s. See 6.6.3. Pressure The maximum operating temperature of the system will be 170F (77C) at which temperature the pressure of the refrigerant will be about 300 psia (2.07 MPa, absolute). Pressure difference = 300 psia (internal) 15 psia (0.10 MPa, absolute) (atmosphere) = 285 psi (1.97 MPa). 6.2.2 Therefore, the following would appear on the appropriate documents: Leakage Specication (Operational): 3.6 104 standard cm3/s max at 285 psi (1.97 MPa) pressure difference (1.8 104 standard cm3/s excluding hose permeation). 6.3 TS, Refrigerant Circuit: 6.3.1 For a unit to be tested at the OS level, any inaccuracies in the test could cause possible unit acceptance when in fact the unit may leak in excess of the amount allowed. Most testing conditions cannot duplicate operating conditions. Should a point-by-point probing technique be used, a number of smaller leaks may allow a total leakage in excess of the value specied. 6.3.2 In addition, some portions of the system may be purchased as a completed operative component. Their potential contribution to the total system leakage must be limited. It is because of the requirements of the testing specication that these and other factors are considered, and that required leak testing at levels to ensure acceptable quality levels in the nal product is made with the consideration for a lesser testing cost. Often it is necessary to divide the leakage allowance equitably among various components, taking into account the statistical probability of the largest allowable leakage occurring in a number of a given set of components. 6.3.2.1 Division of Leakage Allowance Among System Components Assume in the previous example that the compressor, condensing and evaporating coils,
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5.

Signicance

5.1 For any product to be tested the geometrical complexity will vary widely. However, the basic concept of determining an operative leakage specication regardless of geometries is much the same for all, whether it be simple, ordinary, or complex. 5.2 The data required for writing the OS, which is total leakage (standard cm3), time (s), and pressure difference across the leak, are either available or can be determined by tests or measurements. 5.3 A user who selects values to be used in a leakage specication as a result of someone else having used the value or simply because of prestige reasons, may nd the value or values unsatisfactory for the product. 5.4 A specication that is too restrictive may result in excessive leak testing costs. 5.5 A typical illustration for determining a leakage specication, using the complex geometry of a refrigerant system for an example, will be used throughout this recommended guide. It is well to point out that the user should realize that the values and test methods selected do not necessarily represent the best or typical ones for this application.

6.

Procedure

6.1 The example that follows is to be construed as applicable to the equipment and testing method cited, and is not to be construed as setting up mandatory leakage rates for any other equipment or method of testing. The example used to illustrate the use of this guide is as follows: An automotive air-conditioning system using Refrigerant-12 (R-12, dichlorodiuoromethane) and consisting of a compressor, condensing coil, thermostatic expansion valve, evaporating coil, vacuum-operated hot gas bypass capacity control valve, and a sealed temperature control thermostat. 6.2 OS, Refrigerant Circuit It is desirable that the rechargeable portions of the system operate three years before requiring additional refrigerant: for the sealed parts, 5 years. Tests show that 6 oz of the

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the expansion valve, capacity control valve, and sealed thermostat all have to be considered. Also assume that the compressor and evaporating coil will both be tested separately before assembly into the system, as each has a number of fabricated joints more prone to leakage than the condensing coil. The condensing coil, considered a continuous length of tubing, can be tested at the nal system test. All components except the thermostat make up some portion of the refrigerant circuit. How then should the leakage allowance be divided among them? The usually equitable way is to make the division on the basis of the number of joints in each, considering 1 in. (25.4 mm) of seam as one joint. A tabulation example on this basis follows:
No of Joints Compressor Condensing coil Expansion valve Capacity control valve Total 36 78 7 9 130 % of Total 28 60 5 7 100

6.6 Factor of Safety for Test versus Operating Conditions: 6.6.1 Pressure As a recommendation, the leakage is assumed to be proportional to the difference of the squares of the pressures on each side of the leak. However, for this example, it is assumed that a 400 psi (2.76 MPa) pressure difference, high pressure internal, is needed. This would allow combining the leak test with the burst test which is xed at 400 psig [415 psia (2.86 MPa, absolute) internal 15 psia (0.10 MPa, absolute) external = 400 psi]. This pressure will possibly reveal leaks that can only develop with higher stress. With the operating condition at 300 psig (2.07 MPa, gage) max, greater leakage can be expected at the higher test pressure. Calculate the Factor of Safety as follows:
Factor of Safety = (P22 P12)/(P32 P12) = (4002 152)/(3002 152) = 1.8

6.4 Factor of Safety for Leak Testing Accuracy When establishing the data for the factor of safety for leak testing accuracy and when performed by various people using different equipment, facilities, or operating standards, the resulting data usually will vary tremendously. Results of a round-robin test conducted by ASTM resulted in a spread of the test data of about one decade. This value is considered valid for leak tests using procedures and equipment described in Section 2. Therefore any operational specication may apply a factor of 13 or 0.3. 6.5 Factor of Safety for Number of Leaks per System When a unit or device has a number of points that may leak, the leak test is to be performed by point-to-point probing. There is a possibility that the sum of all leaks smaller than the specication total may add up to an amount in excess of it. However, this is dependent upon the number of leak possibilities or on whether there is any distortion of the normal leak size distribution curve, which covers many decades of sizes. The factor assigned here may depend upon a judgment of the probability of such an event occurring, the degree of condence needed in the leak test, and the safety factor that can be afforded. In this example, assume that the condensing coil is of welded aluminum which has a strong tendency to have porosities that leak in the range of 108 standard cm3/s. For this reason, the TS total will be divided by ve for this item, and by three for the others, that is, a factor of 0.2 and 0.3 respectively.
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where: P1 p pressure, atmospheric P2 p high pressure (internal) P3 p pressure, operating Therefore, a factor of 1.8 can be applied to the operational specication. 6.6.2 Test Gas Except at high ambient temperatures, most refrigerant gases normally used in a system will liquefy before the test pressure is reached. Nonetheless, other gases or a mixture of gases will be required for leak testing. The more suitable gases, such as helium, nitrogen, air, etc., have a viscosity of about 1.9 104 P, compared to 1.2 104 for most halogenated refrigerants, compared to 1 100 for water and 1 102 for lubricating oils. The leakage of a uid is inversely proportional to its viscosity. Therefore, the correction for test uid is extremely important, particularly when liquids are involved. In this example a factor of 1.2 104 divided by 1.9 104 = 0.6 will be used. 6.6.3 Test Specications From an operational specication of 1.8 104 standard cm3/s (excluding hoses) the testing specication for the completed system is derived (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 14). Test specication, total = 1.8 104 0.3 (equipment accuracy) 1.8 (gas pressure) 0.6 (gas viscosity) = 1.8 104 0.32 = 5.8 105. Round the coefcient to the nearest whole number. The total for all leaks will be: Leakage specication, testing, total: 6 105 standard cm3/s, max at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) pressure

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differential, pressure internal. Therefore, each leak = 6 105 0.3 (selected by consideration of 6.5) = 1.8 105 standard cm3/s. Rounded, each leak will be: Leakage specication, testing, each leak: 2 105 standard cm3/s, max at 400 psi pressure differential, pressure internal. 6.6.4 Testing Specication, Purchased Components When purchased components will be subject to receiving inspection for compliance with the leakage specication supplied to the vendor, these two specications should not be the same: otherwise, parts tested at normal accuracies by the vendor may be rejected by the customer. Therefore, a typical factor of about 1 (0.1) should be applied to the vendors specication. 10 6.6.4.1 Expansion Valve This component has two leakage requirements. The part common with the refrigerant system must meet its requirements; the sealed operator assembly, a diaphragm, capillary tube, and bulb lled with R-12 gas has its own operation specication. Refrigerant System Side Specications: Test Specication, Total In the tabulation example in 6.3.2.1 an allowance of 5% for the expansion valve compartment was established. Applying this to the similar system specication: 1.8 104 0.05 = 9 106 standard cm3/s. (This allowance might be increased on a statistical basis if desired.) Thus the specication for this component can be tabulated as follows:
Maximum Leakage at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 58) Maximum Leakage, standard cm3/s 9 106 9 107 3 106 3 107

Operational specication p 2/(5 3.15 107) = 1.3 108 standard cm3/s

Using factors previously discussed, the specications may be tabulated as follows:

Maximum Leakage at 70 psi (0.48 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 913) Maximum Leakage, standard cm3/s 1.3 108 4 109 1 109 3 109 1 109

Type of Specication Operational Testing, total Testing, total Testing, each leak Testing, each leak

Seller

User X

X X X

Note that the factors used are larger than normal, as the sensitivity limit for the detection of halogen has been approached. (See Recommended Practice E 427.) 6.6.4.2 Control Valve There are two separate leakages to consider for this component: the refrigerant side and the operational side. Applying appropriate factors, the specications may be tabulated as follows: Refrigerant Circuit Side Specications:
Maximum Leakage at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 1417) Maximum Leakage, standard cm3/s 2 105 2 106 X each X 6 107 6 106

Type of Specication Testing, Testing, Testing, leak Testing, leak total total each

Seller X

User

Type of Specication Testing, Testing, Testing, leak Testing, leak total total each each

Seller X

User X

X X

Calculation, testing, total: 1.8 104 0.09 (see the tabulation example in 6.3.2.1) = 1.6 105 standard cm3/s. Operator Specications:
Maximum Leakage at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) Differential, Pressure External (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 1820) Maximum Leakage, standard cm3/s 1 100 1 101

Observe that a factor of 13 has been applied for probe testing versus total leakage testing. Operator Assembly Specications This is an independent system, and the operational specication must be established as before. Make the following calculations:
Maximum loss of R-12 before malfunction: Time limit: Pressure (internal): 2 standard cm3 5 years 85 psia (0.59 MPa, absolute)

Type of Specication Testing, total Testing, total

Seller X

User X

As this component is non-repairable, and because the diaphragm is accessible only through parts on each side of its enclosure, probe testing to locate points of leakage is neither possible nor desirable.
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6.6.4.3 Thermostat No parts are in contact with the refrigerant circuit. The unit components usually are sealed in an inert atmosphere at one atmosphere pressure, to prevent contaminants and oxidation. It is preferred to specify the tracer gas to be used, in order to control the electrical characteristics and contact life. As a rule, probing tests are difcult and not necessary, as defective units will be scrapped. Test data have revealed that a seal that leaks no more than 1 106 standard cm3/s at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) differential will give adequate protection at the normally small operating differentials.
Maximum Leakage at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 2123) Maximum Leakage, Standard cm3/ s 1 106 X X 3 108a 3 109a

7.

Summary of Requirements

7.1 A leakage specication should contain all the requirements for the qualifying procedure. It shall specify: 7.1.1 Mass ow, preferably in standard cm3/s, 7.1.2 Time, preferably in seconds, 7.1.3 Pressure differential, preferably in psi, 7.1.4 Direction of pressure differential, 7.1.5 Other restrictions only when necessary, and 7.1.6 Intended use of specications: 7.1.6.1 Operational. 7.1.6.2 Testing, total. 7.1.6.3 Testing, each leak (optional). 7.1.6.4 Testing, total, seller (optional).

Type of Specication Operational Testing, total Testing, total

Seller

User

a Fill to be 10% helium in dry nitrogen. This value pertains to helium leakage only.

7.1.6.5 Testing, each leak, seller (optional).

APPENDIX X1. PRELIMINARY LEAK TESTS

X1.1 It should be noted that furnished specications in no way prevent the manufacturer or seller from making his own interim leak tests. It should be determined, however, that such tests do not prejudice the required tests. For example, a preliminary bubble test under water might temporarily plug small leaks. As an example, consider line 11, Table X1, Expansion valve operator assembly, seller, max leakage 1 109 standard cm3/s at 70 psi (0.48 MPa) differential, pressure internal. The seller wishes to test the assembly before tting and sealing. He elects to use the helium mass spectrometer with 100% helium external test gas. He computes the expected difference in leak rate: Factor of Safety = (P22 P2)/(P42 P32) = (152 02)/(852 152) = 0.03 Therefore he will get a value of 1 109 0.03 = 3 1011 standard cm3/s. However, in leaks of this size, helium leaks about 7 times faster than R-12. Therefore, he may desire to use the specication value of 3 1011 7 = 2 1010 standard cm3/s as a preliminary test.

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Pressure

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No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Hoses

Component

Type of Specication operational operational testing total testing, each leak testing total testing total testing, each leak testing, each leak operational testing total testing total testing, each leak testing, each leak testing total testing total testing, each leak testing, each leak operational testing total testing total operational testing total testing total

Seller

User

Internal X X

External

Differential, psi (MPa) 300 (2.07) 300 (2.07) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 70 (0.48) 70 (0.48) 70 (0.48) 70 (0.48) 70 (0.48) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 400 (2.76) 15 (0.10) 15 (0.10) 15 (0.10) 15 (0.10) 15 (0.10) 15 (0.10)

Max. Leakage, Standard cm3s 1.8 104 1.8 104 6 105 2 105 9 106 9 107 3 106 3 107 1.3 108 4 109 1 109 3 109 1 109 2 105 2 106 6 106 6 107 1 102 1 100 1 101 1 106 3 106 b 3 106 b

Methods Considered a A1 A1 A, B A, B A, B A, B A2 A2 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A, B A, B A2 A2 A C3 C3 B1 B1 B1

Refrigerant system except hoses Refrigerant system except hoses Refrigerant system except hoses Expansion valve refrigeration system Expansion valve refrigeration system Expansion valve refrigeration system Expansion valve refrigeration system a Expansion valve operator assembly Expansion valve operator assembly Expansion valve operator assembly Expansion valve operator assembly Expansion valve operator assembly Control valve refrigeration system Control valve refrigeration system Control valve refrigeration system Control valve refrigeration system Control valve operator system Control valve operator system Control valve operator system Thermostat Thermostat Thermostat

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X

X X

a The last column, Methods Considered, is not a proper part of the specications. It and the footnotes were appended to show test methods that were considered.

Methods Considered A. Halogen, alkali-diode B. Helium mass spectrometer, tracer internal C. Sensitive owmeter b Fill to be 10% helium in dry nitrogen. This value is for helium leakage only.

Reasons for Suitability 1. Inherent tracer 2. Adequate sensitivity 3. Quantitative measurement of large leaks

By publication of this standard no position is taken with respect to the validity of any patent rights in connection therewith, and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing the standard against liability for infringement of any Letters Patent nor assume any such liability.

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