7 CODES AND STANDARDS

PROCEDURES GUIDELINES
7.1 DEFINITIONS
Before describing codes and standards used in leak testing, definitions of some essential
terms are given in the followings:
7.1.1 QUALITY
Quality of an industrial product is defined as the “fitness of the product” to do the job
required of it by its user.
7.1.2 QUALITY CONTROL
Quality control can be defined as the controls applied at each manufacturing stage to
consistently produce a quality product.
7.1.3 STANDARD
A technical specification or other document available to the public is called a standard if it
is:
a. Drawn up with the cooperation and consensus or general approval of all interests
affected by it.
b. Based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience.
c. Aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits and
d. Approved by a body recognized on the national, regional or international level.
7.1.4 STANDARDIZATION
An activity giving solutions for repetitive application to problems essentially in the spheres
of science, technology and economics, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of
order in a given context. Generally the activity consists of the processes of formulating,
issuing and implementing standards.
7.1.5 CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Codes and specifications are similar types of standards that use the verbs “shall” or “will” to
indicate the mandatory use of certain materials or actions or both. Codes differ from
specifications in that their use is mandated with the force of law by governmental
jurisdiction. The use of specifications becomes mandatory only when they are referenced by
codes or contractual documents. A prime example of codes is the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code which is a set of standards that assure the safe design, construction
and testing of boilers and pressure vessels.

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7.1.6 GUIDES AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
Guides and recommended practices are standards that are offered primarily as aids to the
user. They use verbs such as “should” and “may” because their use in usually optional.
However, if these documents are referenced by codes or contractual agreements, their use
may become mandatory.
If the codes or agreements contain non mandatory sections or appendices, the use of
referenced guides and recommended practices by them, are at the user's discretion.
7.1.7 PROCEDURE
In non-destructive testing, a procedure is an orderly sequence of rules that describes how a
specific technique shall be applied.
7.1.8 TECHNIQUE
A technique is a specific way of utilizing a particular non destructive testing method. Each
technique is identified by at least one particular important variable from another technique
within the method (example: LT method Bubble Test / Helium Mass Spectrometer
Techniques).
7.1.9 EXAMINATION AND TESTING
Examination and testing are those quality control functions which are carried out, during the
fabrication of an industrial product, by a qualified person who is the employee of the
manufacturer.
7.1.10 INSPECTION
Inspections are the quality control functions which are carried out during the fabrication of
an industrial product by an “authorized inspector”.
7.1.11 AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR
An authorized inspector is a person who is not the employee of the fabricator of an industrial
product but who is properly qualified and has the authority to verify to his satisfaction that
all examinations specified in the constructional code of the product, have been made to the
requirements of the referencing section of the construction code.
7.1.12 REPORT
A report of a non-destructive examination or testing is a document which will include all the
necessary information required to:
(i) Take decision on the acceptance of the defect revealed by the examination (ii) facilitate
repairs of non-acceptable defects, and (iii) permit the examination or testing to be repeated.
7.1.13 RECORDS
Records are documents which will give, at any time in future, the following information
about a non- destructive testing examination:
(i) the procedure used for carrying out the examination, (ii) the data recording and data
analyzing techniques used, and (iii) the results of the examination.
7.2 AIMS OF STANDARDIZATION
The aims of standardization can be summarized as:
a) Provision of means of communication amongst all interested parties.

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 b) Promotion of economy in human effort, materials and energy in the production and
exchange of goods.
c) Protection of consumer interests through adequate and consistent quality of goods
and services.
d) Promotion of the quality of life, safety, health and the protection of the environment.
e) Promotion of trade by removal of barriers caused by differences in national
practices.
7.3 STANDARDS RELATING TO NDT
A standard used in NDT, is a document issued by a standardizing organization to ensure
reproducible results from an NDT examination, no matter when, where or who conducts the
examination. Some of the organizations whose standards are commonly used in NDT
internationally are:
A. ASME : American Society of Mechanical Engineers
B. ASTM : American Society for Testing and Materials
C. IIW : International Institute of Welding
D. ISO : International Organization for Standardization
E. DIN : German Standardizing body
F. BSI : British Standards Institute
G. JSI : Japanese Industrial standards

Generally the standards belonging to NDT can be classified into the following categories:

a. Standards for Terminology

b. Standards for Equipment
c. Standards for Testing Methods
d. Standards for Education, Training and Certification
e. Standards for Acceptance and Rejection
7.3.1 STANDARDS FOR TERMINOLOGY
These standards are essential for avoiding failure to reach an agreement between the user
and purchaser of the NDT services. Some of such standards are:

a. Appendix - A of ASME Boiler and Glossary of terms used in Non-

Pressure Vessel Code (B & PV) Destructive Testing

b. ASTM E-425-95 (2006) Standard definitions of terms relating

to leak testing

c. BS-EN 1330-4 (2010) Non-destructive testing Terminology :

Terms used in leak tightness testing

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7.3.2 STANDARDS FOR EQUIPMENT
A prerequisite to standardization of inspection techniques is a regularized method of
ensuring that the equipment in use is either inherently capable of or can be adjusted to give a
certain predetermined degree of sensitivity and performance. Some of the standards of this
type are:

a. ASTM E-908-98 (2004) Standard practice for calibrating gaseous

reference leak
b. ASME B & PV Code Code Section V (Articles 1, 10 & 27)

c. BS-EN 13192 (2002) Non-destructive testing : Calibration of

reference leaks for gases

7.3.3 STANDARDS FOR TESTING METHODS

These standards, usually, entitled as “Recommended Practice” or “Method” are issued in
order to select an optimal test technique for a particular job. In other words it will help in
selecting a technique which reveals only those defects which may be considered harmful
without giving prominence to secondary features. Some of the standards of this category are:

a. ASTM E-427-95 (2006) Standard practice for testing for leak using
the halogen leak detector

b. ASME B & PV Code Section V (Articles 1,10 & 27)

c Article 10 Leak Testing of ASME Section - V

c-1 Appendix-I Bubble Test -Direct Pressure Technique

c-2 Appendix-II Bubble Test-Vacuum Box Technique

c-3 Appendix-III Halogen Diode Detector Probe Test

c-4 Appendix-IV Helium Mass Spectrometer Test - Detector

Probe Technique

c-5 Appendix-V Helium Mass Spectrometer Test - Tracer

Probe and Hood Techniques

c-6 Appendix-VI Pressure Change Test

c-7 Appendix-A Supplementary Leak Testing Formula

Symbols

d. Article 27 Leak Testing Standards of ASME Section -

V

d-1 SE-432 Standard Recommended Guide for the

[ASTM E 432-91 (2004)] Selection of a Leak Testing Method

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 d-2 SE-479 Recommended Guide for Preparation of a
[ASTM E 479-91(2006)] Leak Testing Specification
e. BS-EN 1779 (1999) Non-destructive testing : Leak testing ;
Criteria for method and technique selection

7.3.4 STANDARDS FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF NDT

PERSONNEL
To avoid unreliable results of an NDT examination besides using standardized equipments
and test methods, the persons carrying out the examination must also be properly educated,
trained and certified in the method. Various standards are available to cater for this
requirement. Lately there is being started an effort to harmonize the education, training and
certification. Some of the standards of this type are:
a. DIN 54160 Requirements for non destructive testing
personnel
b. IIS/IIW-589-79 Recommendations relating to the training
of non destructive testing personnel
c. ASTM E-543 Recommended practice for determining the
qualifications of non destructive testing
agencies

d. ISO 9712 General standard for the qualification and

certification of non-destructive testing
personnel

e. SNT-TC-1A Recommended practice for non destructive

testing personnel qualification and
certification

7.4 MATERIALS FOR THE TEST

Test materials are covered in the individual procedural or recommended practice
standards. For liquid penetrant testing, standard coloured or fluorescent dyes are used. For
bubble testing, there are a range of commercial solutions available, but the important
criteria is the ability for escaping gas to form bubbles.
Specialized helium, halogen and radioactive tracers use available, safe and economical
materials. One of the critical conditions is that the tracer or other leak testing working
materials must not react in any way with the working fluid in the component being tested.
The test materials should not leave traces after the test that can react with the working
fluids.
7.5 ASME CODE
The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is comprised of several sections related
specifically to pressure equipment. Section V of the Code lists non-destructive test
methods and in this Leak Testing is included. Equally important are the provisions within
the product codes, such as Section I for Boilers, and Section VIII Division 1 for Pressure
Vessels, providing guidance for when and where to apply leak testing . Section I call for

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 hydrostatic testing as an acceptance test for new installations in Paragraph PG-99, as
follows:
7.5.1 PG-99 HYDROSTATIC TEST
Hydrostatic testing of the completed boiler unit shall be conducted in accordance with the
following requirements:
After a boiler has been completed (see PG-104), it shall be subjected to pressure tests
using water at not less than ambient temperature, but in no case less than 70°F (20°C).
Where required test pressures are specified in this paragraph, whether minimum or
maximum pressures, they apply to the highest point of the boiler system. When the boiler
is completed in the Manufacturer’s shop without boiler external piping, subsequent
hydrostatic testing of the boiler external piping shall be the responsibility of any holder of
a valid “S,” “A,” or “PP” stamp. The pressure relief valves need not be included in the
hydrostatic test. The tests shall be made in two stages in the following sequence:
7.5.2. PG-99.1
Hydrostatic pressure tests shall be applied by raising the pressure gradually to not less than
11⁄ 2 times the maximum allowable working pressure as shown on the data report to be
stamped on the boiler. No part of the boiler shall be subjected to a general membrane
stress greater than 90% of its yield strength (0.2% offset) at test temperature.
The primary membrane stress to which boiler components are subjected during hydrostatic
test shall be taken into account when designing the components. Close visual inspection
for leakage is not required during this stage.”
Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code covers hydrostatic testing of
new pressure vessels and components in paragraph UG-130 (d) (2):
7.5.3. UG-136(D) (2) HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TEST
(a) Hydrostatic testing shall be performed on the pressure containing parts of the shell of each
valve at a pressure at least 1.5 times the design pressure of the parts. The valve shell is
defined as parts, such as the body, bonnet, and cap, which isolate primary or secondary
pressure from atmosphere. Parts meeting the following criteria shall be exempt from
hydrostatic testing:
(1) The applied stress under hydrostatic test conditions does not exceed 50% of the allowable
stress
(2) The part is not cast or welded.
(b) Testing may be performed pneumatically at a pressure of 1.25 times the design pressure of
the part. Pneumatic testing can be hazardous; it is therefore recommended that special
precautions be taken when conducting a pneumatic test.
(c) Testing may be done in the component or assembled condition.
(d) These tests shall be conducted after all machining and welding operations on the parts
have been completed.
(e) There shall be no visible sign of leakage.
These particular instructions are common to all of the ASME product codes; ASME relies
on the ability of the manufactured component or device to hold pressure, the visual
observation for leaking coupled with observation of pressure drop has served well for
many years.

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7.6 TEST SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
7.6.1. DEFINITION OF TESTING AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONSIDERING FIELD OF
APPLICATION, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE
Leak testing techniques are based on widely differing technologies. It follows that each
technique has its own set of rules and instructions, its own dedicated equipment and its
own safety rules. The selection of the correct technique can only be made with a good
knowledge of the application and the possible test parameters, i.e. static or dynamic,
additive, tracer or working fluid, and detection technique, particularly for those techniques
which require chemical analysis.
7.6.2. INTERPRETATION AND EVALUATION
Interpretation must be based on knowledge of the working system and its performance
characteristics, as well as the testing technique, and how it is affected by the presence of a
leak.
7.6.3. FORMULATION OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TEST
Instructions for any test are prepared by or on behalf of a Level 3 expert. Generally these
will be based on a published standard, on product information provided by the
manufacturer, or on performance requirements detailed in the specification. Instructions or
performance standards that are unachievable serve no one.
7.6.4. CONTENTS OF CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES
Documented test instructions may be in the form of codes (referenced in legislation),
standards (industry consensus), purchaser’s specifications or guidelines. It is the latter
category that provides the most challenge for the service provider, he must not only prove
that the test is appropriate and that the acceptance criteria are achievable, but that the
results are a true indication of the integrity of the system tested.
7.7 NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR LEAK TESTING AND TESTING PERSONNEL
7.7.1. QUALITY CONTROL OF THE TEST AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS
ADMINISTRATION
The qualification of personnel for leak testing is covered in ISO 9712:2005 and BS EN
73:2008. These standards provide guidance for third party certification of personnel at
three levels in any NDT method, and specifically include leak testing.
Most national standards for personnel qualifications are based on one of the two
international documents listed above.

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 REVISION EXERCISE NO. 7
CODES AND STANDARDS
1. Which articles of ASME code Section – V relates to leak testing?

2. Articles relating to leak testing relate to which sections of ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code?

3. A person, who is not the employee of the fabricator of an industrial product but who
is properly qualified and has the authority to verify to his satisfaction that all
examinations specified in the construction code have been made according to the
construction code, is called ________________.

4. A technical document which is available to the public, drawn up with the cooperation
and consensus or general approval of all interests affected by it, based on the
consolidated results of science and technology, aimed at the promotion of optimum
community benefits, approved by a body recognized on the national, regional or
international level and its use is mandated with the force of law by government
jurisdiction is called a __________.

5. A standard which uses the verbs "shall" or will to indicate the mandatory use of
certain materials or actions or both is called a ___________.

6. The quality control functions which are usually carried out during the fabrication of a
product by a person who is not the employee of the fabricator of the product are called
______________.

7. The quality control functions which are carried out, during the fabrication of a product
by a person who is the employee of the fabricator are called _____________.

8. Which NDT standard concerns with the education, training and certification of NDT
personnel?

9. What are the Aims of standardization?

10. Define the following documents:

a. Report

b. Record

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11. Name some of the standardizing bodies along with their abbreviations.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

CODES AND STANDARDS
1. ASME Section VIII is a:
a. Code for the construction of unfired boilers and pressure vessels '-
b. Code for the construction of nuclear components
c. Code for the construction of directly fired boilers
d. All of the above
2. ASME Section III is a:
a. Code for the construction a unfired boilers & pressure vessels
b. Code for the construction of nuclear components
c. Code for the construction of directly fired boilers
d. All of the above
3. Which of the following abbreviations represents a standardizing body which belongs
to Germany:
a. BSI
b. PSI
c. IIW
d. DIN
4. A Level-1 persons has to carry out a ultrasonic inspection according to the:
a. Written procedure compiled by a level 2 person
b. Written instructions compiled by a level-2 person
c. Verbal procedure given by a level-2 person
d. All of the above
5. Appendix-II of article 10 deals with:
a. Halogen diode detector probe test.
b. Bubble test - vacuum box technique.
c. Pressure change test.
d. None of the .above.
6. ASTM E-427 deals with:
a. Standard practice for testing for leak using pressure change test.
b. Standard practice for testing, for leak using the halogen detector.
c. Standard practice for testing for Teak using helium mass spectrometer.
d. None of the above.

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