VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE

TUNISIA
- SFAX: Road Mahdia Km 1, N84 Street Mohamed Ikbal, P.O. Box: 89A 3099 Sfax Tunisia, Tel: +216
74232032 / Fax: +216 74234717.
- TUNIS: 13 Street Michael Noaima 2080 Arian Tunisia, Tel: +216 71 820205, Fax: 71 820128.
- GABES: Street Environment Chenini Nahal 6041,Tel / Fax: +216 75229440.
LIBYA: BECA Libya For Inspection, Testing And Analysis, Street 16 off 11 June Road Nearby Ben Zahra
Mosque Souk Al Joumaa Tripoli Libya,Tel / Fax: +218 (0) 213501973.
ABU DHABI: BECA Abu Dhabi, Branch UAE, P.O. Box: 129865 Abu Dhabi UAE, Tel: +971(0) 25102400,
Fax: +971 (0) 25589961. TECHNICAL DEPARTEMENT
GABON: BECA Securale De Gabon, Boulevard Lon MBA Quartier Littoral face central SEEG B.P. N1701
Port Gentil Gabon, Tel / Fax: +241 01569527. BECA COMPANY
CONGO : Luanda Pointe Noire Congo
Tel : +242069069213 Email:beca.congo@becacompany.com
VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

This document is the property of BECA; no part of it shall be reproduced or transmitted without prior written BECAs authorization.
T.P N.D.T 008 Page 2 of 7 Revision 2
VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 - SCOPE ....4

2 - REFERENCE........4

3 - PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION ......4

4 - PROCEDURE .4

5 - REPORT OF EXAM .5

APPENDICES:

APPENDIX 1: VACCUM TESTING REPORT

This document is the property of BECA; no part of it shall be reproduced or transmitted without prior written BECAs authorization.
T.P N.D.T 008 Page 3 of 7 Revision 2
VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

1. SCOPE
The present procedure describes the exam of welds of storage tanks bottoms and
roofs by vacuum testing.

2. REFERENCE
API 650
Technical specifications

3. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION
The operator shall have vision to be able to perform, exam, interpret and evaluate the
tested joints.

4. PROCEDURE
Vacuum testing is performed using a testing box approximately 150 mm (6 in.)
wide by 750 mm (30 in.) long with a clear window in the top, which provides proper
visibility to view the area under inspection. During testing, illumination shall be
adequate for proper evaluation and interpretation of the test. The open bottom shall be
sealed against the tank surface by a suitable gasket. Connections, valves, lighting and
gauges, shall be provided as required. A soap film solution or commercial leak detection
solution, applicable to the conditions, shall be used.
Vacuum testing shall be performed following this steps:
a. Performing a visual examination of the bottom and welds prior to performing
the vacuum box test;
b. Verifying the condition of the vacuum box and its gasket seals;
c. Verifying that there is no quick bubble or spitting response to large leaks;
d. Applying the film solution to a dry area, such that the area is thoroughly
wetted and a minimum generation of application bubbles occurs.
A partial vacuum of 20 kPa (3 lbf/in. 2) to 35 kPa (5 lbf/in.2) gauge shall be used for
the test.
The vacuum box test shall have at least 50 mm (2 in.) overlap of previously viewed
surface on each application.
The metal surface temperature limits shall be between 4Cand 52C.
A minimum light intensity of 1000 Lux at the point of examination is required
during the application of the examination and evaluation for leaks.
The vacuum shall be maintained for the greater of either at least 5 seconds or the
time required to view the area under test.
The presence of a through-thickness leak indicated by continuous formation or
growth of a bubble(s) or foam, produced by air passing through the thickness, is
unacceptable. The presence of a large opening leak, indicated by a quick bursting
bubble or spitting response at the initial setting of the vacuum box is unacceptable.
Leaks shall be repaired and retested.

This document is the property of BECA; no part of it shall be reproduced or transmitted without prior written BECAs authorization.
T.P N.D.T 008 Page 4 of 7 Revision 2
VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

5. REPORT OF EXAM

After every intervention of control, a record or report of the test (Appendix 1) shall be
completed by a qualified inspector and furnished to the customer upon request.

This document is the property of BECA; no part of it shall be reproduced or transmitted without prior written BECAs authorization.
T.P N.D.T 008 Page 5 of 7 Revision 2
VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

Appendix 1

VACUUM TESTING REPORT

I/ GENERALITIES:

Report n:

Project:

Owner:

Equipment:

Inspection date:

Inspection place:

II/ Equipment of control:

1/ Digital Infrared Thermometer:

Mark:

Serial n:

Calibration certificate n:

2/ Gauge:
Gauge identification:

Calibration certificate:

3/ Vacuum box equipment:

Connections, valves, hose

Conclusion:

1/2

III/ Technical data:

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VACUUM BOX TEST PROCEDURE T.P N.D.T 008

Tank reference:

Controlled area:

Joint identification:

Drawing n:

Examination extent:

Metal surface temperature:

Fluid service:

Depression:

Inspection time:

Technical procedure N:

Applicable code:

Examination conditions

Surface treatment As welded Grinded Brushed Sandblasted

IV/ Test results:

B.E.C.A INSPECTOR

2/2

This document is the property of BECA; no part of it shall be reproduced or transmitted without prior written BECAs authorization.
T.P N.D.T 008 Page 7 of 7 Revision 2