Vacuum Box Test Procedure
Vacuum Box Test Procedure
Vacuum Box Test Procedure
Document No.:
0 4
Rev Date Prepared Checked Approved Page Status
In this procedure we want to explain leak testing of butt weld, fillet weld and lap weld by
vacuum box method.
We can use this procedure for all metals.
Reference
Equipment:
Procedure
- Remove weld slag. Mud dirt and other debris from the weld joint, which may prevent
bubble formation. This is achieved, if necessary, by strong brushing.
- If freezing weather conditions exist at the time of the test, heat the weld joint to be
vacuum box tested until the metal is slightly warm to the hand in order to avoid any
ice, that could possible be plugging existing leaks. Limit the areas heated to those
which can be tested before the metal cools to freezing temperatures. The temperature
of the part to be examined shall not be below 40 f (5 ˚c) nor above 125 f (52 ˚c )
during the examination.
- Provide adequate lighting for this examination.
- Apply leak detector soap solution to the weld in a continuous film relatively free of
bubbles on about 20 inch (500 mm) and on about 4 inch (100 mm) width. This must
be achieved at least 1 minute before applying the vacuum box test.
- Repeat again the operation after having displaced the vacuum box on the welds to be
examined. Overlap successive settings of the vacuum box should be at least 50 to 100
mm ( 2 inch to 4 inch), to assure complete coverage of the weld inspected (thickness
of the sponge rubber gasket of the vacuum box is about 30 to 35 mm)
- When testing large areas, such as roof or bottom joints, mark inspected areas to
prevent missing an area of weld.
Acceptance Standard
Repairs
- If any repair found during leak testing, the defective area shall be repaired as per
repair procedure of weld and the repaired area shall be retested by the same steps
stated above.
Report
- For all leak testing by means of vacuum box, one report is established by the
examiner. This report is reviewed and signed by the constructor quality control
supervisor.
Personnel