Alhoty

Non-Destructive Testing Vacuum Box Testing

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and other international standards associations require tank inspections to include bubble leak (or vacuum box) testing to evaluate tank bottom plate welds and shell-to-bottom plate welds.

Post Heating

Alhoty utilizes an ASTM E515 compliant system to complete vacuum box testing according to the parameters of ASME V Section 10, Appendix II.

Vacuum Box Testing is a non-destructive testing technique designed to locate weld seam leaks in surfaces between 5°C and 50°C.  Applying high- or low-pressure vacuum to the inspection area alongside a detergent-based test solution creates bubbles at leak locations.  Vacuum Box Testing is coupled with other NDT inspection techniques to determine the size and orientation of flaws.

Alhoty Vacuum Box Testing is ideal for:

  • Lap welds, butt welds, and shell to annular welds
  • Piping systems and pressure vessels
  • Tank Bottoms
  • ERW seamed pipe in pipelines
  • Objects where a pressure differential across the examination area is feasible

Vacuum Box Testing offers the following advantages:

  • Speed: Immediate visual indication visual and location of leaks
  • Precision: Detects small leaks in a given area