Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by waslam87 09 Feb 2013, 04:19

Aslaam O Alaikum Whats the standard procedure for Soap Film Testing (SFT) at any pressure vessel,and how the test pressure calculations are made in it. Please also give code reference Thanks
waslam87

Posts: 7 Joined: 14 Apr 2012, 05:58 Area of interest: Metallurgy Engineering T o p

Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by arcpro 09 Feb 2013, 05:19

Wa Alaikum Assalam,

For pressure vessels the governing code for new construction is ASME VIII however for in-service testing API 510, 572 are the ones providing guidelines. In any of the case (either new or in-service vessels), for procedure you need to follow the instructions given in ASME V Art. 10 and then the relevant appendix. Pneumatic test pressure has not been told by API 510 or 572. So in this case, ASME VIII requirements will be applicable for testing.
arcpro Senior Member

Posts: 611 Joined: 16 Apr 2010, 18:46 Area of interest: Manufacturing Engineering T o p

Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by ashfaqanwer 09 Feb 2013, 16:13

waslam87,

Soap film testing is normally carried out in two scenarios: 1) When you need to run a hazardous /flammable gas service inside the piping and you don't need to have even one single point leaking. 2) In order to look for a minute leakage which cannot be located with hydrostatic testing and a more sensitive test is required

In order to guide you properly on the questions you have asked, please let me know the following: 1. What is the intent of performing this test? 2. Are you performing this on a new pressure vessel / equipment or the one already in service?
Ashfaq Anwer ashfaqanwer@thepetrostreet.com
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Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by waslam87 14 Feb 2013, 12:35

Dear Ashfaq, Thanks for replying, At our plant we perform SFT In order to look for a minute leakage prior of H.T which cannot be located with hydrostatic testing and where more sensitive test is required.and i am specially asking about already in service heat exchangers. Thanks
waslam87

Posts: 7 Joined: 14 Apr 2012, 05:58 Area of interest: Metallurgy Engineering T o p

Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by ashfaqanwer 14 Feb 2013, 20:02

For that case, you can test the heat exchangers at pressure any where between 70 psi to 100 psi with air on shell side and applying soap on the tubesheet. ASME V would help you with the procedure requirements however for pressure I don't know any code reference. It's from our practice which we normally do at our plant. Soap leak test is very effective to locate leakages in shell and tube heat exchangers.
Ashfaq Anwer ashfaqanwer@thepetrostreet.com
ashfaqanwer Site Moderator

Posts: 796 Joined: 16 Mar 2010, 03:36 T o p

Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by waslam87 15 Feb 2013, 19:33

In API 660 , 25 psig pressure has been required for SFT in all fixed tube sheet exchangers for testing integrity of tube to tube sheet joint before expanding the tubes . But this criteria is for new heat exchangers. can we use this test pressure for in service heat exchangers.? In above mentioned case. please suggest ?
waslam87

Posts: 7 Joined: 14 Apr 2012, 05:58 Area of interest: Metallurgy Engineering T o p

Re: Soap Film Testing(SFT)

by ashfaqanwer 15 Feb 2013, 19:51

Found a reference in a book "Tubular Heat Exchangers: Inspection, Maintenance and Repair" by Stanley Yokell and Carl F. Andreone: Under Bubble testing it is stated, "For most purposes, a gas side pressure at 50 psi is adequate". A typical sequence for testin tube-to-tubesheet joints is as follows: 1. Fill the shell with inert gas or air at the lower of 50 psi or MAWP 2. Allow a pressure dwell time of 15 minutes 3. Flow, paint or squirt bubble former over the areas to be tested 4. Observe the bubble formation

Hope this helps.