ASTM E499/E499M-11

1.1 This practice covers procedures for testing and locating the sources of gas leaking at the rate of 1 × 10⁻⁷ Pa m³/s (1 × 10⁻⁸ Std cm³/s) or greater. The test may be conducted on any device or component across which a pressure differential of helium or other suitable tracer gas may be created, and on which the effluent side of the leak to be tested is accessible for probing with the mass spectrometer sampling probe.

1.2 Two test methods are described:

1.2.1 Test Method A - Direct probing, and

1.2.2 Test Method B - Accumulation.

1.3 Units - The values stated in either SI or std-cc/sec units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents: therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.