5.1 The equipment, test duration, and technique should be determined before commencement of the test based on the required test sensitivity or accuracy (see Annex A1 and Annex A2). If the test is used to certify that the vessel has a minimum specified leakage rate, then the test equipment and test duration should be chosen to have a resolution ten times less than the specification and an accuracy which is four times less than the specification. The test should be designed so that the total pressure change is less than 10 % of the starting pressure. Leak test specifications should specify the vessel test pressure or differential pressure. If the test specification does not specify a test pressure, then a safe test pressure should be used that complies with the applicable safety standards8.

1.1 This practice describes a method for determining the leakage rate of a vessel subject to a positive pressure difference. The technique is based upon evaluation of the change of mass within the test object based on a pressure decay measurement. The pressure decay measurement uses the ideal gas equation of state and the measured pressures, temperatures, and time to determine the mass loss from the vessel. This method does not apply to deformable vessels.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.