Standard/guide for vacuum test for a presure vessel?

[IceMan30]

Can anyone out there direct me to a standard or guide regarding preferred methods for testing pressure vessels? (AIAA, AMSE, NIST, Whatever Association of Pipe-Fitters and Pressure Vessel Experts, etc.) I've read plenty of anecdotal evidence, and intuitively understand how a vacuum test should be nominally superior to a positive pressure test...however I'd like to see something published by an organization. Also, it would be super helpful to have a real reference when I talk to customers regarding parts we design.

Thanks!

 

[r6155]

See ASME VIII Div 1 UG-99 (f)

Regards.

 

[EdStainless]

There are also ASNT documents on leak testing.
Are you going to just do a general vacuum and look for leak up rates or are you going to continue to pull vacuum and use a tracer gas and detector? These are two very different tests.

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P.E. Metallurgy

 

[IceMan30]

r6155 - Thanks!

Ed - I believe the answer to your question is "general vacuum test." We are applying vacuum, closing a valve and shutting off vacuum. Data is vacuum loss (pressure rise) over time.

 

[r6155]

The best practice is RT 100% and PT 100% of welds to reduce leak as minimum as possible.

Regards