ARTICLE 10

ASME BPVC.V-2015

MANDATORY APPENDIX I
BUBBLE TEST DIRECT PRESSURE TECHNIQUE
I-1000
I-1010

INTRODUCTION

NOTE: When inert gas is used, safety aspects of oxygen deficient atmosphere should be considered.

SCOPE
I-1032 Bubble Solution.
(a) The bubble forming solution shall produce a film
that does not break away from the area to be tested,
and the bubbles formed shall not break rapidly due to
air drying or low surface tension. Household soap or detergents are not permitted as substitutes for bubble testing solutions.
(b) The bubble forming solution shall be compatible
with the temperature of the test conditions.

The objective of the direct pressure technique of bubble leak testing is to locate leaks in a pressurized component by the application of a solution or by immersion in
liquid that will form bubbles as leakage gas passes
through it.

I-1020

GENERAL

I-1021 Written Procedure Requirements.

I-1021.1 Requirements. The requirements of
T-1021.1, Table I-1021, and the following as specified in
this Article or referencing Code shall apply.
(a) soak time
(b) pressure gage
(c) test pressure
(d) acceptance criteria

I-1033 Immersion Bath.

(a) Water or another compatible solution shall be used
for the bath.
(b) The immersion solution shall be compatible with
the temperature of the test conditions.

I-1070
I-1071

I-1021.2 Procedure Qualification. The requirements of T-1021.3 and Table I-1021 shall apply.

I-1030
I-1031

TEST
Soak Time

Prior to examination the test pressure shall be held for

a minimum of 15 min.

EQUIPMENT
Gases

I-1072

Surface Temperature

As a standard technique, the temperature of the surface

of the part to be examined shall not be below 40F (5C)
nor above 125F (50C) throughout the examination.

Unless otherwise specified, the test gas will normally be

air; however, inert gases may be used.

Table I-1021
Requirements of a Direct Pressure Bubble Leak Testing Procedure
Requirement

Essential Variable

Nonessential
Variable

Bubble forming solution (Brand name or type)

Surface temperature [Note (1)] (change to outside the range specified in this Article or as
previously qualified)
Surface preparation technique
Lighting intensity (decrease below that specified in this Article or as previously qualified)
Personnel performance qualification requirements, when required
Solution applicator
Pressurizing gas (air or inert gas)
Post testing cleaning technique
Personnel qualification requirements

X
X

...
...

X
X
X
...
...
...
...

...
...
...
X
X
X
X

NOTE:
(1) The minimum metal temperature during test shall not be below that specified in the referencing Code Section for the hydro, hydropneumatic, or pneumatic test. The minimum or maximum temperature during test shall also be compatible with the testing
method.

250