Designation: E2930 − 13

Standard Practice for

Pressure Decay Leak Test Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2930; 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.

1. Scope 2.4 ASME Standards:6

1.1 This practice describes a method for determining the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V Article 10
leakage rate of a vessel subject to a positive pressure differ- (paragraph T-1044)
ence. The technique is based upon evaluation of the change of 2.5 ISO Standards:7
mass within the test object based on a pressure decay measure- ISO/IEC Guide 98–3 Uncertainty of Measurement — Part 3
ment. The pressure decay measurement uses the ideal gas
3. Terminology
equation of state and the measured pressures, temperatures, and
time to determine the mass loss from the vessel. This method 3.1 Definitions:
does not apply to deformable vessels. 3.1.1 pressure decay test resolution—the resolution of the
test that can be derived from the test equipment specifications
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and the volume of the test vessel. The test resolution is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
determined by evaluation of the individual resolutions of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
pressure measurement, temperature measurement, and time
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
measurement for a known vessel volume. The method for
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
determining the test resolution is give in Annex A1.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.2 pressure decay test accuracy—the test accuracy is the
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 estimated accuracy of the test based on a combination of the
E479 Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specification measurement accuracies of contributing variables. The method
(Withdrawn 2014)3 for determining the test accuracy is given in Annex A2.
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
4. Summary of Test Method
Testing
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations 4.1 This practice requires a known volume and the use of
2.2 ANSI/ASNT Standards:4 the pressure rate of decay technique for quantitative measure-
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi- ment of leakage rates. The practice is written to be usable over
cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel a wide range of pressures and system volumes. This method is
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive only applicable to the test of non-deformable volumes or
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification devices. Test devices which may have significant changes in
2.3 AIA Document:5 volume due to pressurization should not be tested with this
NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive method. The method requires the measurement of the system
Testing Personnel pressure and temperature as a function of time and as such
requires that these measurements be made with calibrated
instrumentation. The range of the measurement technique can
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- vary significantly but is generally applicable in the range
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.08 on Leak
Testing Method.
greater than 1 × 10-8 mol/s (2.2 × 10-4 std cc/s)
Current edition approved June 1, 2013. Published June 2013. DOI: 10.1520/
E2930–13 5. Significance and Use
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 The equipment, test duration, and technique should be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on determined before commencement of the test based on the
the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
6
www.astm.org. Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
4
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org. www.asme.org.
5 7
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 E2930 − 13
required test sensitivity or accuracy (see Annex A1 and Annex
A2). If the test is used to certify that the vessel has a minimum
specified leakage rate, then the test equipment and test duration
should be chosen to have a resolution ten times less than the
specification and an accuracy which is four times less than the
specification. The test should be designed so that the total
pressure change is less than 10 % of the starting pressure. Leak
test specifications should specify the vessel test pressure or
differential pressure. If the test specification does not specify a
test pressure, then a safe test pressure should be used that
complies with the applicable safety standards8.

6. Basis of Application
6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
ment between parties using or referencing this practice.
6.2 Personnel Qualification:
6.2.1 If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
performing examinations to this practice shall be qualified in
accordance with a national or internationally recognized NDT 11. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/
11.1 The units for test should be in mol/s or pressure based
ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or a similar document
units of Pa m3/s or std cc/s with the units referenced to a
and certified by the employer or certifying agency, as appli-
standard temperature of 0°C or 273.15 K (unless otherwise
cable. The practice or standard used and its applicable revision
specified in the test specification). The actual test temperatures
shall be identified in the contractual agreement between the
can vary over the specified operable ranges of the
using parties.
instrumentation, as long as the temperature is stable enough to
6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified meet the test resolution requirements.
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicable 12. Preparation of Apparatus
revision of Practice E543 shall be in the contractual agreement. 12.1 Vessel Preparation—The test vessel should be clean
and dry. Hydrostatic, bubble, and liquid penetrant testing
7. Interferences should not be performed prior to a pressure decay test. All
7.1 Interferences in the reported leak values could result internal components subject to deformation or failure should be
from desorption of gases from the vessel or adsorption of gases removed. Care should be taken where trapped or poorly
into the vessel. In addition, the effect of permeation of gases accessible volumes may be encountered (double gasket seals)
out of the test vessel may be significant for very low leak rate because they can increase the uncertainty of the test.
measurements. Eq A2.3 of Annex A2 can be modified to
incorporate these additional effects if appropriate. This test 13. Calibration and Standardization
assumes a nominal isothermal testing environment. 13.1 The test equipment (pressure measurement, tempera-
ture measurement, and time measurement) must be appropri-
8. Apparatus ately calibrated and traceable to national or international
8.1 The required test equipment includes a pressure gauge/ standards. The accuracy of the method depends on the deter-
transducer of the appropriate range, automated or manual mination of the test vessel volume as outlined in Annex A3.
timing system for data collection, and a temperature measure- 13.2 Commercial pressure decay systems often use an
ment device along with proper fixtures as shown in Fig. 1. internal leak standard to determine the volume of the test
system. In this case the manufacturer should specify the
9. Reagents and Materials accuracy of the determined volume as outlined in Annex A3.
9.1 A non-condensable, inert gas is required for pressuriza-
tion of the test vessel. If air is used, the dew point temperature 14. Conditioning
must be lower than the tested temperature range. 14.1 The volume and test equipment should be allowed to
thermally equilibrate before commencing the test. The test
10. Hazards vessel should not be pressurized beyond the pressure specifi-
10.1 In no instance should the test pressure exceed the cations (or design limits).
maximum allowed vessel design limits.
15. Procedure
15.1 Assemble the test system and determine the system
8
See ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V Article 10 (paragraph volume (see Annex A3). An isolation valve should be used
T-1044) between the test vessel and test system for isolation purposes.

2
 E2930 − 13
15.2 Perform a leak test of the test system with the isolation V = the vessel volume
valve closed and ensure that the leakage of the test system is R = the universal gas constant 8.3144 J/mol K (8.3144 Pa
less than 1 % of the target test value for the test vessel. m3/(mol K)
15.3 Determine the test parameters (initial pressure and test T = the vessel temperature, K
time) and calculate the test resolution and accuracies according TR = the reference temperature for the units (typically
to Annex A1 and Annex A2. Ensure that the calculated test 273.15 K)
resolution is at least ten times less than the target leakage rate. ∆P = the change in pressure between successive points

t = the change in time in seconds between successive
Ensure that the test accuracy is at least four times less than the
points
target leakage rate.
Examples are provided in Eq 3 and 4
15.4 Pressurize the vessel to the target pressure and close
the isolation valve 2. where:
15.5 Stabilization Time (Setting Time)—After
P = 10000 Pa (0.1 atm)
pressurization, the temperature and pressure should be moni- V = 0.0001 m3
tored as a function of time over the test duration previously
t = 100 sec.
established in 5.1. The pressure should be recorded at a TR = 273.15
minimum of ten time intervals during the test sequence. The T = 298 K
temperature should be recorded at the beginning and end of the ~ 10000 Pa! ·0.0001m 3 ·273.15K
N5 5 9.3 3 1023 Pa m 3 ⁄s (3)
test to ensure that the temperature is stable to within the 100s·293K
previously assumed limits. Illustrative pressure decay leak test ~ 0.1 atm! ·100cm3 ·273.15K
data is shown in Fig. 2. During the charge phase, gas is added N5 5 9.3 3 1022 Std cm3 ⁄s (4)
100s·293K
to the test system. The pressure in the test system will naturally
decay due to a number of factors (pressure equilibrating within 15.6 Depending upon the test conditions, it may require
the test system, gas temperature equilibrating, and so forth). seconds to hours for the indicated leak rate to stabilize.
The settling time will be dependent on the geometry of the test Stabilization criteria should be based on point to point varia-
system, the test pressures, filling times, type of gas used, and tions in the measured leak rate with a target of less than three
other environmental factors. times the calculated test resolution. The test data used in the
The leak rate should be calculated from the individual leak calculation in Section 16 will utilize data collected after
measurements with the following equations: stabilization.
N 5 ~ ∆ PV! ⁄ ~ RT ~ ∆ t !! ,mol/s (1) 15.7 The leak rate calculation can be calculated using one of
two methods. Method A is preferred as it also allows for
N 5 ~~ ∆ PV! ⁄ ~ ∆ t !!~ T R ⁄ T ! ,Pa m 3 ⁄s, or Std cc/s (2)
estimation of the precision of the test from the standard
where: deviation of the measurements.

FIG. 2 Illustration of Pressure Decay Test Data

3
 E2930 − 13
15.7.1 Method A—The average of the calculated leak rates 16.4 It is important to perform multiple tests if possible to
determined from successive pressure measurements after sta- understand the stability of the measurements. Leak rate mea-
bilization. surements can be affected by environmental variables and these
15.7.2 Method B—The leak rate is calculated from a single effects can be significant; particularly when testing large
pressure reading obtained after stabilization and the pressure at volumes (greater than 100 L).
the end of the test.
17. Report
15.8 Once the stabilization time has been determined for a
17.1 Report of Test—The report of the test should have the
particular test system, it is not required to perform multiple
following information:
pressure measurements when utilizing Method A. The initial
17.1.1 Test Date
pressure after stabilization and the final pressure are sufficient.
17.1.2 Test Time
17.1.3 Test Technician
16. Calculation or Interpretation of Results 17.1.4 Test Accuracy
16.1 The leak rates should be calculated with equation 4 in 17.1.5 Beginning vessel test pressure
15.5. The significance of the measured leak rates should be 17.1.6 Ending vessel test pressure
interpreted from the computed test resolution and test accuracy. 17.1.7 Average reference test pressure (pressure outside of
Measured leak rates which are less than or equal to either the vessel)
test accuracy or test resolution are not significant. 17.1.8 Average test temperature
16.2 Method A—The leak rate should be calculated using Eq 17.1.9 Duration of test
1 and 2 in 15.5 with the pressure change, P, calculated as the 17.1.10 Test gas
difference between the pressure after stabilization from the 17.1.11 Average test leak rate in standard units
pressure at the end of the test. The change in time, t, is the 18. Precision and Bias
difference in elapsed time between the pressure measurements.
18.1 Precision and Bias—The bias should be calculated
The temperature, T, should be the average of the beginning and
using Eq A2.4 in Annex A2. The precision may be calculated
ending temperature of the test system.
with either of two methods.
16.3 Method B—The leak rate should be calculated using Eq 18.1.1 Single Test—If only one test is performed, the stan-
1 and 2 in 15.5 with the pressure change, P, calculated as the dard deviation of the calculated flows should be used to
difference between the successive pressure readings after estimate the test precision (assumes Method B is used).
stabilization. The change in time, t, is the difference in 18.1.2 Multiple Tests—If five or more tests are performed,
elapsed time between successive pressure measurements. The the average and the standard deviation of the five tests should
temperature, T, should be the average of the beginning and be computed. The standard deviation can be used to estimate
ending temperature of the test system. If the temperature is the test precision.
recorded with each pressure measurement, the average tem-
perature between successive pressure measurements may be 19. Keywords
used. The reported leak rate should be the average of the 19.1 leak; leakage; mass flow; pressure; pressure change;
computed leak rates. pressure decay; rate of change; vessel

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. TEST RESOLUTION FOR THE PRESSURE DECAY METHOD

A1.1 The test resolution for the pressure decay method is

given by Eq A1.1 in SI units or equations Eq A1.2-A1.4 in S D S D
PV Dt T s
T ∆t 2 1
,units~ Pa m 3 ⁄ s or Std cc/s! (A1.4)
custmoarty units of measure.
where:
A1.1.1 Minimum of P = the maximum pressure
S D S D S D
V DP PV DT PV Dt
, ,
RT ∆t RT 2 ∆t RT ∆t 2
,units~ mol/s! (A1.1)
T = the average temperature, K
Ts = the reference temperature for the leak rate units,
typically 273.15 K
S D S D ~
V DP T s
T ∆t 1
,units Pa m 3 ⁄ s or Std cc/s! (A1.2)
t = the leak rate calculation interval, s
R = the universal gas constant, J/(mol K)
S D S D ~
PV DT T s
T 2 ∆t 1
,units Pa m 3 ⁄ s or Std cc/s! (A1.3)
Dt = the time resolution (time), s

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 E2930 − 13

DP = the pressure resolution From Eq A1.3

DT = the temperature measurement resolution, K
3
A1.1.2 For example, if a vessel of 1 m , P = 100 000 Pa, T
S ~ 298 K ! 2 D S
100000Pa·1m 3 0.1K ~ 273.15 K !
10s 1 D
5 3.1 Pa m 3 ⁄s (A1.6)

= 273 K, t = 10 s, R = 8.3144 J/mole K, Dt = 0.1 s, DP = 100 From Eq A1.4

Pa, DT = 0.1 C, the minimum would be:
From Eq A1.2 S ~ 298 K ! D
100000Pa·1m 3 0.1s ~ 273.15 K !
~ 10 s ! 2 1 S5 92 Pam 3 ⁄s (A1.7) D
S~ 1m 3
D
298 K ! 10s S
100Pa ~ 273.15 K !
1 D
5 9.2Pa m 3 ⁄s (A1.5)
A1.1.3 The above example illustrates the calculation of the
resolution based on the test parameters. Eq A1.2-A1.4 also give
insight in the most appropriate way to increase the test
resolution. For the particular example, either increasing the test
interval or increasing the time resolution will improve the test
resolution.

A2. TEST ACCURACY (BIAS)

A2.1 The test accuracy can be derived by evaluation of the δn/n 5 ~~ δ ∆ P ⁄ ∆ P ! 2 1 ~ δ V/ V ! 2 1 ~ δ T/ T ! 2 1 ~ δ ∆ t/ ∆ t ! 2 ! 2

1

individual equipment specifications and test conditions. (A2.3)

A2.1.1
For example if the parameters in the below table are used for
δn 5 ~ V/ RT t!~ δ ∆ P ! 1 ~ P/ RT t!~ δ V ! (A2.1)
the test.
2 ~ ∆ PV/ R T 2 ∆ t !~ δ T ! 2 ~ ∆ PV/ RT ∆ t 2 !~ δ ∆ t ! Pressure Volume, m3 Temperature, Time, s
change, Pa K
where: Value 1000 1 298 60
Uncertainty 6 0.02 1 0.1
δ
P = the uncertainty in the differential pressure measure-
ment In conjunction with Eq A2.3 yields,
δV = the uncertainty in the volume
FS D S D S D S D G
1
2 2 2 2
δT = the uncertainty in the measured temperature 6 0.02 1 0.1 2
1 1 1 5 2.1%
δ
t = the uncertainty in the measured time 1000 1 298 60
(A2.4)
which can be expressed in fractional form as:
δn/n 5 ~ δ ∆ P ⁄ ∆ P ! 1 ~ δ V/ V ! 2 ~ δ T/ T ! 2 ~ δ ∆ t/ ∆ t !
(A2.2)
9
using the ISO recommended method the uncertainties are
combined in quadrature to give the total uncertainty in the
measured leak rate.

9
ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.

A3. VOLUME DETERMINATION

A3.1 The volume of the test vessel can be determined in a gas input into the vessel while monitoring the vessel pressure
number of ways. Two methods will be described in this and temperature. The volume can be calculated by Eq A2.4 and
practice. A3.2.
A3.1.1 Method A—Volume determined using a flow stan- V 5 ~~ total mass flow! R T! ⁄∆P, mol/s (A3.1)
dard V 5 ~~ total mass flow! R T! ⁄ ~ T R ∆ P ! ,Pa m 3 ⁄s or Std cc/s
A3.1.1.1 The most straightforward method for volume de-
(A3.2)
termination is to connect a mass flow measurement device to
the vessel, as depicted in Fig. A3.1, and measure the amount of where:

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 E2930 − 13

R = the universal gas constant where:

T = the absolute temperature VD = the test volume
TR = the flow unit reference temperature (typically 273.15 Often due to the nature of connecting a known volume to a
K) test volume some test systems will have a connection volume

P = the pressure change that occurred as a result of the gas that will be referred to as a “stray” volume. In this case, shown
introduction in Fig. A3.3, the determination of the volume is modified to
To ensure that the volume determination is not significantly account for the “stray” volume. The known volume should first
skewed by the vessel leakage, the amount of flow required to be filled to a measured pressure, PS1. The stray volume and the
maintain a constant vessel pressure (at the maximum test test volume should be adjusted to a pressure, PD, lower than the
pressure) should be less than 1 % of the test mass flow rate. standard volume by closing V2 and adjusting the pressure via
The mass flow rate may be increased if this rule is violated. the gas inlet (V1 and V3 open). The valve connecting the
standard volume to the stray volume, V2, should be opened
A3.1.2 Method B—Volume determined using a gas expan- (V1 closed and V3 closed) and the system allowed to equili-
sion technique brate after which the pressure, PSC1 should be recorded. The
A3.1.2.1 This method utilizes a standard volume, VS1, and valve connecting the stray volume to the test volume, V1,
test apparatus as shown in Fig. A3.2. In this case, the gas (at the should be opened and the system allowed to equilibrate (V3
desired test pressure) is introduced into the volumes with closed, V2 open). The pressure PF should be recorded.
valves V1 and V2 open. Valve V1 is then closed to isolate the
test volume D. The pressure PD is recorded. The pressure in S1, VD 5 S V S1
PF 2 PD DS ~ P S1 2 P F ! 1 ~ P D 2 P F ! S P S1 2 P SC1
P SC1 2 P D DD
PS1, is now set at base conditions and recorded (typically (A3.4)
vented to atmosphere by opening V2). Valve V2 is closed and
valve V1 is opened. The final system pressure, PF , is recorded where:
after stabilization. The sample volume, VD, is then calculated VD = the sample volume
as:

S
V D 5 V S1
P s1 2 P F
PF 2 PD D (A3.3)

FIG. A3.1 Test Apparatus

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 E2930 − 13

FIG. A3.2 Test System for Volume Determination

FIG. A3.3 Test System for Volume Determination with Stray Volume

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 E2930 − 13
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