PROCEDURE FOR VACUUM BOX TEST

(WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE TO API 650)

DOC.
NO.
REV.

CIT/VBT/001

PAGE

1 of 4

DATE

01/01/2008

1.0

SCOPE
This procedure provides a system of general conditions and specific
instructions as an aid to personnel required to perform leak test
vacuum box technique.

2.0

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.0

2.1

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 flow surface tension.
The number of bubbles contained in the solution shall be
minimized to reduce the problem of decrementing between
existing bubbles and those caused by leakage.

2.2

The bubble forming solution shall be compatible with the

temperature of the test conditions.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

3.1

Vacuum box A metal or fiberglass box of convenient size and

shape (e.g. flat vacuum box, angle vacuum box etc) with a glass
window in the side opposite the open bottom. The open bottom
edge shall be equipped with a suitable gasket to form a seal
against the test surface.

3.2

Vacuum gauge range 0 psi to 15 psi.

3.3

Air ejector

3.4

Air compressor

PROCEDURE FOR VACUUM BOX TEST

(WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE TO API 650)

4.0

DOC.
NO.
REV.

CIT/VBT/001

PAGE

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DATE

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PROCEDURE
4.1

Connect the air ejector to the vacuum box and install the gauge.
Connect the compressed air hose to the air ejector. The gauge
shall register a partial vacuum of at least 2 psi below
atmospheric pressure.

4.2

The area to be tested shall be free from oil, grease, paint, and
other contaminated which might mask a leak. If liquids are used
to clean the component, it shall be dry before performing leak
testing.

4.3

All openings shall be sealed using plugs, covers, sealing wax,

cement, or other suitable material which can rapidly and
completely removed after completion of the test.

4.4

All gauges used shall be calibrated against a standard

deadweight tester, a calibrated gauge master or a mercury
column and recalibrated at least once a year.

4.5

The temperature of the test surface should not be below 40 F or

above 125 F throughout the examination.

4.6

Apply bubble forming solution to the surface to be tested by

flowing, spraying, or brushing the solution over the examination
area before placement of the vacuum box.

4.7

The vacuum box shall be placed over the solution coated section
of the test surface and the box excavated to the required partial
column.

4.8

Apply a partial vacuum of at least 2 psi gauge inside the box for
at least ten seconds.

4.9

The presence of continuous bubble growth on the surface for the

material or weld seam indicates leakage through an orifice
passage in the region under examination.

PROCEDURE FOR VACUUM BOX TEST

(WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE TO API 650)

5.0

DOC.
NO.
REV.

CIT/VBT/001

PAGE

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DATE

01/01/2008

EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS

5.1 The area under test is acceptable when no continuous bubbling

is observed.
5.2 When leakage is observed, the position of the leaks shall be
marked. After repairs have
been made, the repaired area shall be retested using this
procedure.
6.0

7.0

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
6.1

API 650

6.2

Client specification

REPORTS
7.1

A leak test report shall be filled out. The test report shall as a
minimum, contain the following information:
7.1.1 Date of test
7.1.2 Client
7.1.3 Project
7.1.4 Name of operator
7.1.3 Acceptance Criteria
7.1.4 Test result
The test shall be maintained in accordance
requirements. Please refer to attachment A

with

code

PROCEDURE FOR VACUUM BOX TEST

(WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE TO API 650)

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REV.

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DATE

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VACUUM BOX TESTING REPORT

REPORT NO:
ATTACHMENT A
CLIENT :
PROJECT:
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:

ITEM INSPECTED :
PROCEDURE NO: TS/VBT/GP/01
PAGE:

MATERIAL

STAGE OF EXAMINATION

CARBON
STEEL

TEMPERATURE

AMBIENT

VACUUM BOX
DIMENSION

1 FEET X 0.5
FEET

PREPARED EDGE
REPAIR
AS WELDED
BEFORE/AFTER PWHT
AFTER HYDRO TEST

AFTER
AS ROLLED
BEFORE/

PROCEDURE FOR VACUUM BOX TEST

(WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE TO API 650)

SURFACE
PREPARATION

GRINDING
POWER BRUSH

PRESSURE

5 BAR (35kpa)

HOLDING TIME

5-10 SEC

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DATE

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MACHINING

RESULTS

TS /WO

DATE:
INSPECTED BY:

DATE:
CLIENTS AUTHORISED
REPRESENTATIVE: