BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

1779:1999
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Non-destructive
testing —
Leak testing —
Criteria for method and
technique selection

The European Standard EN 1779:1999, with the incorporation of

amendment A1:2003, has the status of a British Standard

ICS 19.100

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 1779:1999

National foreword

This British Standard is the English language version of EN 1779:1999,

including amendment A1:2003.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
WEE/46, Non-destructive testing, which has the responsibility to:

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible European committee any enquiries on the

interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the UK interests
informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This British Standard, having This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
been prepared under the
direction of the Engineering pages 2 to 18, an inside back cover and a back cover.
Sector Committee, was The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
published under the authority
of the Standards Committee document was last issued.
and comes into effect on
15 November 1999

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

14968 10 February 2004 Revision to Foreword page and deletion of

© BSI 10 February 2004 Annex ZA

ISBN 0 580 32931 3

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1779
August 1999
NORME EUROPÉENNE + A1
December 2003
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

ICS 91.040.70

English version

Non-destructive testing - Leak testing -

Criteria for method and technique selection
(includes amendment A1:2003)

Essais non destructifs - Contrôles d'étanchéité - Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung – Dichtheitsprüfung -

Critères de choix de la méthode et de la technique Kriterien zur Auswahl eines Prüfverfahrens
(inclut l’amendement A1:2003) (enthält Änderung A1:2003)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 July 1999, and amendment A1 was approved
by CEN on 20 November 2003.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the
conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained
on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any
other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language
and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1999 All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means Ref. No. EN 1779:1999 + A1:2003 E
reserved worldwide for CEN national Members.
Page 2
EN 1779:1999

Contents
Page
Foreword 3

1 Scope 4

2 Normative references 4

3 Definitions 4

4 Personnel qualification 4

5 Units 4

6 Tightness requirements 4

7 Leak testing 5

8 General principles of method and technique selection 9

Annex A (normative) Specific features of leak testing methods 12

Annex B (informative) Conversion factors for leakage rate units 18

 Page 3
EN 1779:1999

Foreword

This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 138 "Non-destructive
testing", the Secretariat of which is held by AFNOR

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2000, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2000.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Foreword to amendment A1

This document EN 1779:1999/A1:2003 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 138
“Non-destructive testing”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.

This Amendment to the European Standard EN 1779:1999 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2004, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by June 2004.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and
the European Free Trade Association.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Page 4
EN 1779:1999

1 Scope

This European Standard describes criteria for the selection of the most suitable method and technique
for the assessment of leak tightness by indication or measurement of a gas leakage. Annex A,
normative, allows a comparison of standard test methods. Leak detection using hydrostatic tests,
ultrasonic or electromagnetic methods is not included in this document.

This standard can be used for equipment which can be evacuated or pressurized.

2 Normative references

This standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications
apply to this standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the reference applies.

EN 473 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel - General principles

EN 1330-8 Non-destructive testing - Terminology -

Part 8: Terms used in leak tightness testing

3 Definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the definitions given in EN 1330-8 apply.

4 Personnel qualification

It is assumed that leak testing is performed by qualified and capable personnel. In order to prove this
qualification, it is recommended to certify the personnel in accordance with EN 473.

5 Units

The leakage rate is defined as the pV-throughput of a specific fluid which passes through a leak under
specific conditions and is expressed in Pascals cubic metre per second.

In the past, the leakage rate was expressed in various units, these are given in informative Annex B.

6 Tightness requirements

The leak tightness of an object is usually determined by measurement of its gas leakage rate.

Leak tightness is commonly described as the flow rate of fluid into or from the test object. For a gas, leak
tightness may be conveniently indicated by the variation of pressure with time under specified conditions.

For testing, however, i.e. when drafting specifications and procedures, the leak tightness shall be
3
expressed as leakage rate in units of gas throughput (Pa⋅m /s) for a specific gas at specified temperature
and at specified pressure conditions.

Zero leakage rate shall not be specified. The required leak tightness shall be related to the function of the
object under consideration.
 Page 5
EN 1779:1999

NOTE 1: Examples of relationship between leakage rate and the object:

-4 3
- leakage rates in the order of 5 x 10 Pa⋅m /s can be acceptable for compressed air cylinders
(this corresponds to a pressure variation of 5000 Pa in a 10 l volume in 24 hours or 0,5 l loss
measured at atmospheric pressure);
-10 3
- a leakage rate of 10 Pa⋅m /s is typical for cardiac pacemakers (this corresponds to a loss of
3
1 cm every 30 years approximately).

The total tightness of a system can be considered in terms of tightness for all components of that system.
To meet requirements the sum of the leakage rates for each component plus the sum of the leakage
rates at each connecting point shall be less than the overall allowable leakage rate of the system.

The tightness of component or system shall be specified under normal operating conditions.

NOTE 2 : The following factors have the most significant influence on tightness:

- the nature and pressure of the gas;

- the operating temperature.

The suitability of the system for a given task is indicated by the functional tightness.

NOTE 3 : To take into account factors that are unquantifiable, it may be advisable to adopt leak
tightness values lower than this by a factor from three to ten.

7 Leak testing

The actual gas flow through the leaks of the test object, which has been determined in a leak test, shall
be converted to the leakage rate with that under operating conditions.

The following considerations shall be applied to all methods by which leakage rates are determined. A
review of the methods and techniques is given in table 1.
Page 6
EN 1779:1999

Table 1: Leak testing - Criteria for method and technique selection

Flow direction Extent of test Applicability Techniques

location B.1, B.2.2, B.4, C.3
gas flow
out local area measurement B.2.1, B.3, D.3
of object
location C.1, C.2
total area
measurement B.3, B.5, D.1, C.1, B.6, D.3,
D.4

location A.3
gas flow local area
into measurement A.2, D.3
object
location
total area
measurement A.1, D.2, D.3, D.4
Utilization of the table:

1) choose the appropriate flow direction for test;

2) define the extent of the investigation: total or local area;
3) define the aim of test: location or measurement;
4) choose the appropriate method (A to D, from the normative Annex A);
5) check any practical difficulties associated with the test.

NOTE: Some techniques used for location can also give an estimate of the leakage size, but they are not
allowed to demonstrate the compliance with the specifications.

7.1 Techniques for leak location and techniques for measurement

It is usually not possible to establish in one step the total leakage of a component (or a system) and
the location of the leaks. Two techniques shall, therefore, be considered: measurement of the overall
leakage rate or location of leaks for possible elimination.

Examples of total (or integral) techniques include the measurement of the pressure variation with time
within the object and the accumulation of gas escaping from the object over a period of time.

One technique for leak location involves probing the object with a suitable tracer gas or sniffing the
surface of an object filled with tracer gas.

NOTE: In the selection of an appropriate technique for leak assessment, the conditions of the test
(pressure, vacuum, type of gas, etc.) should be carefully considered. Some guidance is given in
clause 8.

7.2 Time dependence (in tracer gas techniques)

The measuring device shall be placed on the opposite side of the boundary to that probed with tracer
gas. The tracer gas can be detected only when it has crossed the boundary. Time shall be allowed,
therefore, for stabilization. The time taken by the gas to cross the boundary depends on the nature of
gas, the pressure difference and the geometry of the leak path. It also depends on the temperature, the
cleanliness of the object, etc.

NOTE: Small leaks can require a long stabilization time. If the flow through the leak is impeded by
successive obstacles, such as multiple seals or double weld beads, the test time can be very long.
 Page 7
EN 1779:1999

7.3 Influence of flow conditions

The usual laws governing gas flow shall be used to calculate variation in leakage rate, as a function of
pressure, temperature and type of gas.

NOTE: In quantitative leak detection two different flow regimes are normally considered. These are
the regimes of viscous laminar or molecular flow.

The boundaries between these regimes are not precisely defined. Care shall be taken therefore in the
selection of any of the formulas given in 7.3.1, 7.3.2 and 7.3.3.

For practical purposes it is generally accepted that for helium leakage rates less than or equal
-7 3
10 Pa⋅m /s, conditions for molecular flow apply. For helium leakage rates greater than
-5 3
10 Pa⋅m /s, conditions for viscous laminar flow apply in the case of a single capillary leak.

For the different flow regimes the dependence of leakage rate on pressure, temperature and type of gas
is different.

7.3.1 Influence of pressure

For a given leak, the dimensions of which are unchanged by the applied pressure, the following
expressions shall be used to take into account the effect of pressure change on flow rate:

- Molecular flow
∆ p2
q 2 = q1
∆ p1

with pressure differences

∆ p 2 = p B2 - p A 2

∆ p1 = p B1 - p A1

- Viscous laminar flow Figure 1: Leak

( p 2B - p 2 A ) ∆ p2 p2
q 2 = q1 2 2
= q1
(p 2
B1
-p 2
A1
) ∆ p1 p1

with pressure averages

( p B1 + p A1 )
p1 =
2

( pB2 + p A 2 )
p2 =
2
Page 8
EN 1779:1999

where

pA1 and p A 2 are different downstream pressures in Pascals;

pB1 and p B2 are different upstream pressures in Pascals;

3
q1 and q2 are the leakage rates in Pa⋅m /s associated with the two pressure differences.

7.3.2 Influence of temperature

For a given leak, the dimensions of which are not altered by the temperature change, the following
expressions shall be used to take into account the effect of temperature on flow rate:

- Molecular flow

T2
qT 2 = qT 1 ×
T1

- Viscous laminar flow

ηT
qT 2 = qT 1 × 1

ηT 2

or approximately

T1
qT 2 = qT 1 ×
T2

where

T1 and T2 are the different temperatures, in Kelvins;

qT 2 and qT 1 are the leakage rates in Pa⋅m3/s associated with T2 and T1;

ηT 2
and η T 1 are the different dynamic visocities in Pa⋅s associated with T1 and T2

7.3.3 Nature of gas

For a given leak, the leakage rate for two different gases is given by the following expressions:

- Molecular flow

M G1
q G 2 = q G1 ×
M G2
 Page 9
EN 1779:1999

- Viscous laminar flow

ηG
q G 2 = q G1 × 1

ηG 2

where

q G 2 and q G 1 are the leakage rates in Pa⋅m3/s associated with gases G1 and G2;
M G1 and M G 2 are the molar masses, in kilograms per mole of the gases G1 and G2;
ηG 1
and η G 2 are the dynamic viscosities in Pa⋅s associated with gases G1 and G2.

7.4 Influence of other factors

In addition to the above, it should be noted that the dimension of a leak path can be changed by
temperature and pressure variations. Further, the direction of flow can have a significant effect on the
measured leakage rate and care shall be taken if the pressure gradient has to be reversed.

The object to be tested shall, whenever possible, be cleaned, degreased and dried. Typical sources of
contamination are swarf, dirt, oil and grease, flux residues from welding, paint marks, surface corrosion
and fingerprints. It is obvious that any cleaning method used to remove contamination shall not damage
the object or leave any unacceptable deposit.

To minimize the effects of such unquantifiable factors, the leak test shall be carried out, under the
operating conditions. If it is not possible, the deviations from the operating conditions shall be stated in
the test report.

In some industrial conditions the accuracy of the measurements, which depends on the technique
employed, may be in the order of ± 50%.

8 General principles of method and technique selection

In the selection of a test technique (see normative Annex A) the following points shall be considered:

a) range of allowable leakage rates (see 8.1);

b) test type: leak location, measurement of the integral leakage rate (total or partial) (see 8.2);
c) item design, e.g. dimensions, openings and surface accessibility, pressure and vacuum
design limits, materials (walls, gaskets,..), surface finish (see 8.3);
d) operating and test conditions, e.g. tracer fluids, temperature, driving force (pressure
difference, magnitude and direction); tests during manufacture or in-service test (see 8.4);
e) safety and environmental factors (see 8.5).

8.1 Range of leakage rates

The maximum allowable leakage rate determines the technique selected.

NOTE: Some of the techniques may not have the sensitivity to measure the required leakage rate, nor do
they cover the whole range. Some highly sensitive techniques however can be uneconomic or not
suitable for the detection of large leakage rates.
Page 10
EN 1779:1999

8.2 Test type

If a measure of the total leakage rate is needed, only a quantitative technique, with appropriate
calibration, shall be used.

NOTE: Many techniques are only applicable for the location of a leak, and may give a very
approximate indication of the leakage rate. Moreover, some of these techniques can only be used
to investigate a part of the object.

8.3 Test object design

8.3.1 Dimensions of test objects shall be considered.

NOTE: Large or heavy test objects are not always easily handled and it is difficult to place them into
enclosures or baths of liquids. Further, the evacuation to an appropriate level can be very difficult
and may involve prolonged pumping for large volumes.

8.3.2 Openings and surface accessibility are required for many techniques, for example when the
tracer gas is applied to one side of the object boundary and detection is performed on the other side.
One surface shall therefore be free of obstacles which can prevent scanning or can mask a leak. One
opening is needed to fill the object with the tracer gas or to connect the internal volume to the vacuum
line and the detector. Openings are not necessary if before sealing the object was filled by a gas which
can be used as tracer gas or if a pressurizing- evacuation (bombing) test is used.

8.3.3 To induce a fluid flow through a leak, a pressure difference is necessary. If the object is a
pressure equipment, the object shall withstand this test pressure difference. If the object is not
pressure equipment, pressurization is only permitted after verification is obtained that the object has
been designated to withstand the pressure difference.

The design shall be such that during the test the object is not irreversibly altered by the test nor is the test
a hazard for the operators.

8.3.4 The vacuum or the test fluid shall be compatible with the object materials.

NOTE 1: vacuum tests can be affected by the presence of materials such as porous materials,
organic compounds (plastics, rubber, lubricants, etc.);

NOTE 2: certain tracer gases are not compatible with some materials and problems due to
corrosion, sorption or permeation may occur. For example:

1) halogen gases (except SF6) are not usable for the testing of nickel alloys and
stainless steels;

2) ammonia is not compatible with copper or copper alloys;

3) helium or hydrogen may present problems with some elastomers/polymers since

permeation can be significant.

NOTE 3: Surface finish can also restrict the applicability of some techniques or influence their
results. Examples are evacuation difficulties, inadequate leak tightness for seals in vacuum box
applications, false indications (bubble test), etc.

8.4 Operation and testing conditions

8.4.1 Generally a test fluid other than the operating fluid is used in order to increase test sensitivity or
to reduce hazard or pollution. The difference between the properties of the fluids shall be taken into
account to avoid wrong results due to physical or chemical phenomena (see material compatibility)
and to evaluate, if necessary, the true leakage under operating conditions.
 Page 11
EN 1779:1999
8.4.2 Whenever possible the test shall be performed with the leakage flow in the same direction and
with the pressure in the same range as under the operating conditions. If it is not possible, deviations
from the operating conditions shall be stated in the test report.
NOTE 1: Leaks can show a very different behaviour for reverse flow, particularly if elastic or plastic
components (springs, diaphragms, gaskets) are part of the boundary wall. The leakage rate can
also change significantly according to the conditions of gas flow (viscous/molecular).
NOTE 2: Generally the pressure difference required to show the presence of a leak is low, not
exceeding 0,1 MPa. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply the effective operating pressure in
order to reveal the effects of strain in the structure on the leak tightness.

8.4.3 For convenience, testing is usually performed at ambient temperature. Thermal expansion due
to a temperature difference can however generate strains and geometric deformation. This can affect
the dimension of the leak and then the leakage rates but this may only occur during the periods of
temperature change. Such changes shall be taken into account when reviewing the results.

In pressure change tests, unknown and varying temperature gradients can arise in some circumstances
in large test objects or between several parts of a system and may invalidate the test results. Such
changes shall be taken into account.

8.4.4 A test may be performed on components, sub-assemblies or a completed object. Testing of sub-
assemblies may eliminate costly repair in later stages. In this case it is possible to improve the test
sensitivity by the use of temporary seals or improve the gasket tightness by means of plugs or welding.

When the object under test is part of a completed plant, it shall be isolated by blanks.
NOTE: If this is not possible, leakage rates of points of connection should be measured at the test
pressure and these should be subtracted from the total object leakage.

8.5 Safety and environmental factors

8.5.1 Hazard due to a pressure differential

Leak testing can be carried out by subjecting the test object to a pressure differential by either evacuation
or application of an internal overpressure. In both cases, it is essential that the manufacturer guarantees
that the object withstands the pressure differential and does not distort, thereby causing injury to
personnel or damage to plant.

Many mass-spectrometer leak detectors contain liquid-nitrogen-cooled traps. Pressures in excess of

atmospheric that might cause mechanical failure can be generated when they are allowed to warm up. It
is therefore recommended to follow accepted venting procedures.

8.5.2 Hazardous materials

The object to be tested may contain hazardous materials. This shall be recognized and measures to
prevent escape shall be taken before testing begins.

All gases shall be handled with caution. The properties of the test gas shall be taken into account.
NOTE 1: Ammonia, for example, is a toxic, flammable gas which can be corrosive in the presence of
moisture. Ammonia needs an absorption treatment and a subsequent neutralization.
NOTE 2: Halogen-containing gases cause significant damage to the upper atmosphere.
NOTE 3: Most gases, including inert gases, e.g. helium, and nitrogen are asphyxiant.

8.5.3 Electrical hazards

High voltages are used in many vacuum components, including total pressure gauges and mass
spectrometers. Electrical safety shall, therefore, always be considered. Adequate protection of all
electrical components or parts of the system that could produce a discharge is necessary.
Page 12
EN 1779:1999

Annex A (normative)

Specific features of leak testing methods

Table A.1: Specific features of leak testing methods - Tracer gas method

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
Gas Vacuum Usually The object is evacuated Mass spectrometer Objects shall He: Measurement Quantitative measurement
-10 3
flows technique helium and connected to the leak detector or a be able to 10 Pa⋅m / possible if tracer gas
into (total) detector; the object is mass spectrometer withstand s concentration in the
object placed in a chamber for residual gas reduced chamber is known
A.1 containing the tracer gas analysis pressure
or completely immersed inside
in tracer gas
Vacuum As A.1 The object is evacuated As A.1 As A.1 As A.1 Measurement Accuracy dependent on
technique and connected to the knowing tracer gas
(partial) detector; the suspect concentration in the bag
A.2 areas are covered by a Possibility of missing some
suitable, gas-tight leaks
enclosure filled with
tracer gas
-7 3
Vacuum As A.1 The object is evacuated As A.1 As A.1 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Possibility of missing some
technique and connected to the leaks
(local) detector; the
A.3 suspect points are
sprayed with the tracer
gas
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions.
 Page 13
EN 1779:1999

Table A.1: Specific features of leak testing methods - Tracer gas method (continued)

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
-7 3
Gas Chemical Ammonia The object is previously Vacuum pump unit, Test object 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Pre-evacuation may be
flows detection evacuated and then filled ammonia sensitive material shall unnecessary if a loss of
out of with with NH3 gas; the points paint or strip be compatible sensitivity is tolerated
object ammonia to be checked are Equipment for safe with ammonia Presence of moisture can
covered by paint or a handling and significantly reduce the test
strip which chemically disposal of sensitivity
B.1 reacts with ammonia and ammonia Apparatus Risk of explosion in mixture
changes colour for post cleaning with air
and inspection Ammonia is toxic and
requires care in the handling
and disposal
-9 3
Vacuum Tracer The component is filled Tracer gas detector Test object 10 Pa⋅m /s Measurement Sealing of the vacuum box
box, using gas with tracer gas; a Vacuum pump surfaces shall to the test object may be
vacuum difficult
internal (usually box is applied to outer Suitable vacuum be smooth
pressure of helium) surface, evacuated and box enough to
tracer gas connected to the detector give a seal
B.2.1
-7 3
Vacuum As B.2.1 A vacuum box, As B.2.1 As B.2.1 10 Pa⋅m /s Location As B.2.1
box using connected to a detector, Both sides of Possibility of testing an open
spray gun is applied to one surface the object wall
on opposite of the object and the shall be
side other wall side is sprayed accessible
with the tracer gas
B.2.2
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions.
Page 14
EN 1779:1999

Table A.1: Specific features of leak testing methods - Tracer gas method (continued)

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
-7 3
Gas Pressure Helium, The object is pressurized Tracer gas detector Test object 10 Pa⋅m /s Measurement Accuracy is dependent on
flows technique by halogen with tracer gas and then Chamber or bags shall be depending volume changes and
out of accumulation placed in a chamber (or tight to tracer gas capable of on permeability of the bag
object the areas to be tested withstanding accumulation
are covered the pressure period
B.3 with gas tight bags).
Tracer gas will flow
through leaks into the
external volume, causing
a concentration increase:
this is measured with a
tracer gas detector, after
an accumulation period
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions
 Page 15
EN 1779:1999

Table A.1: Specific features of leak testing methods - Tracer gas method (concluded)

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
-7 3
Gas Sniffing test Helium, The object is pressurized Tracer gas detector As B.3 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Sensitivity is strongly
flows halogen with tracer gas. The gas with dependent on probe tip to
out of B.4 escaping through the sampling probe test object distance and
object leaks is detected using a scanning velocity. Results
sampling probe are operator dependent
-9 -6
Pressurization Usually The object is placed in a Chamber for Object shall 10 to 10 Measurement Possibility of missing large
3
– evacuation helium chamber and pressurized pressurization be capable of Pa⋅m /s leaks. The test sensitivity is
test (bombing with tracer gas. After Vacuum chamber withstanding limited by the background
test) the"bombing" period, the Tracer gas detector pressure and signal from surface sorbed
object is placed in a vacuum. The tracer gas
B.5 vacuum chamber outer
connected to a detector surfaces of
the object
should not
take up large
amount of
gas
-9 3
Sealed Helium, The sealed object, filled Vacuum pump 10 Pa⋅m /s Measurement
objects by halogen with tracer gas, is placed Tight chamber
external in a chamber. The Leak detector
vacuum chamber is evacuated to
technique a pressure lower than the
B.6 object internal pressure
and the tracer gas
flowing through the leak
into the chamber is
measured.
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions.
Page 16
EN 1779:1999

Table A.2: Specific features of leak testing methods - Pressure change method

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
-4 3
Gas Bubble test Usually The pressurized object is Pressurization As B.3 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Measurement is possible
flows (immersion) air completely submerged in equipment with bubble-collecting device
out of C.1 the test liquid; the
object leakages are shown by a Pool with test liquid
bubble stream formation
-4 3
Bubble test Usually The outer surface of the As C.1 As B.3 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Results are operator
(liquid air object is covered with a dependent
application) suitable surfactant. The
C.2 pressure within the object
is increased: the
leakages are shown by a
growing foam
-3 3
Bubble test Usually The outer surface of the Suitable vacuum 10 Pa⋅m /s Location Possibility of testing:
with air object is covered with box with viewing
vacuum liquid or a suitable port Suitable liquid - an open wall;
box surfactant: then a or surfactant
- an object without
vacuum box is applied on
C.3 accessibility on the other
its surface. The leakages Evacuating system
side;
are shown by bubble or
foam formation - thin wall containers.
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions.
 Page 17
EN 1779:1999

Table A.2: Specific features of leak testing methods - Pressure change method (concluded)

Technique Test gas Principle Equipment Restrictions Minimum Applicability Remarks

on test detectable
1)
object leakage
-5 3
Gas Pressure Air or The test object is Pressurization As B.3 10 Pa⋅m /s Measurement Sensitivity depends on test
flows decay test other non pressurized and sealed. equipment depending condition variations and on
out of D.1 conden- The reduction of the total Time, temperature, on object object (or system) shape
object sable gas pressure value, over a pressure, humidity volume, and complexity. The
specified period of time, measuring equipment testing time internal temperature
is measured Device for protection and gradient in the object
against overpressure equipment (system) can strongly
influence the results
Gas Pressure Air The test object is Vacuum pump system Objects As D.1 Measurement Outgassing shall be taken
flows rise test evacuated and sealed. shall be able into account
to
into D.2 The increase of the total Time, temperature, withstand
object pressure value, over a pressure measuring reduced
specified period of time, equipment pressure
is measured. inside
-6
Gas Pressure Air or The test object is Pressurization/evacu- Objects 10 Measurement As D.1
3
flows change test other non pressurized or evacuated ation equipment. Time shall be Pa⋅m /s,
into or (bell conden- and the area to be tested and pressure capable of depending
out of pressure sable gas is enclosed in a rigid monitoring equip- withstanding on chamber
object change) measured as a pressure ment. Rigid chamber pressure and volume,
chamber. Any leakage is Over pressure vacuum time and
D.3 change in the chamber protection for pressure equipment
transducer
-4 3
Gas Flow mea- Air A pressure difference is Pressure/vacuum 10 Pa⋅m /s Measurement Leakage of deformable
flows surement generated across the equipment object can be measured.
into or D.4 object boundary. The gas Flow, temperature, Internal volume knowledge
out of flow, necessary to hold time, pressure is not necessary
object constant the pressure measurement
difference, is measured.
1)
Values usually obtained in industrial conditions
Page 18
EN 1779:1999

Annex B (informative)

Conversion factors for leakage rate units

Table B.1: Conversion factors (n) for leakage rate units (1 X = nY)
3 3 3 3
Y Pa⋅m /s mbar.l/s Pa⋅l/s torr.l/s lusec µ.ft /s atm.ft /min std cm /s molecules/s moles/s
-1 3 -1
or (micron l s ) (micron ft s ) or
3 3
X bar . cm /s ft (NTP)/min
3 3 3 2 -2 20 -4
Pa⋅m /s 1 10 1 x 10 7,5 7,5 x 10 2,65 x 10 2,097 x 10 9,87 2,651 x 10 4,403 x 10
mbar.l/s
-1 2 -1 2 1 -3 -1 19 -5
or 1 x 10 1 1 x 10 7,5 x 10 7,5 x 10 2,65 x 10 2,097 x 10 9,87 x 10 2,651 x 10 4,403 x 10
3
bar.cm /s
-3 -2 -3 -1 -5 -3 17 -7
Pa⋅l/s 1 x 10 1 x 10 1 7,5 x 10 7,5 2,65 x 10 2,097 x 10 9,87 x 10 2,651 x 10 4,403 x 10
-1 2 3 1 -3 19 -5
torr.l/s 1,33 x 10 1,333 1,33 x 10 1 1 x 10 3,53 x 10 2,795 x 10 1,316 3,535 x 10 5,87 x 10
-4 -3 -1 -3 -2 -6 -3 16 -8
lusec 1,33 x 10 1,33 x 10 1,33 x 10 1 x 10 1 3,53 x 10 2,795 x 10 1,32 x 10 3,535 x 10 5,87 x 10
3 -3 -2 -2 1 -5 -2 18 -6
µ.ft /s 3,76 x 10 3,76 x 10 3,76 2,83 x 10 2,83 x 10 1 7,92 x 10 3,71 x 10 1,001 x 10 1,662 x 10
3
atm.ft /min
1 2 4 2 5 4 2 22 -2
or 4,78 x 10 4,78 x 10 4,78 x 10 3,58 x 10 3,58 x 10 1,267 x 10 1 4,72 x 10 1,268 x 10 2,105 x 10
3
ft (NTP)/min
3 -1 2 -1 2 1 -3 19 -5
std cm /s 1,013 x 10 1,013 1,013 x 10 7,6 x 10 7,6 x 10 2,67 x 10 2,12 x 10 1 2,687 x 10 4,461 x 10
-21 -20 -18 -20 -17 -19 -23 -20 -24
molecules/s 3,77 x 10 3,77 x 10 3,77 x 10 2,83 x 10 2,83 x 10 9,99 x 10 7,88 x 10 3,72 x 10 1 1,66 x 10
3 4 6 4 7 5 1 4 23
moles/s 2,271 x 10 2,271 x 10 2,271 x 10 1,703 x 10 1,703 x 10 6,016 x 10 4,749 x 10 2,24 x 10 6,022 x 10 1
NOTE: In the conversion from the pV-throughput to a mass flow rate, for a determined gas, the following formula may be employed:
qM = qpV x M / RT
where
qM is the mass flow rate, in kilograms per second
M is the molar mass in kilograms per mole
qpV is the throughput, in Pascals cubic metres per second
R is the universal gas constant = 8,314 joule per mole Kelvin
T is the temperature, in Kelvins
blank
BS EN
1779:1999
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001.
Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. Email: orders@bsi-global.com. Standards are also
available from the BSI website at http://www.bsi-global.com.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the
BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7111. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7048. Email: info@bsi-global.com.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001.
Email: membership@bsi-global.com.
Information regarding online access to British Standards via British Standards
Online can be found at http://www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.
Further information about BSI is available on the BSI website at
http://www.bsi-global.com.

Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
BSI written permission of BSI must be obtained.
389 Chiswick High Road Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
London Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.
W4 4AL