Shipbuilding
Inspection of welds on the outer hulls of ships, submarines and other hull structures during construction, repair and completion.
Read the material →Vacuum bubble method
Leak testing using the vacuum bubble method
Methodology, equipment and application scenarios
This section explains how the vacuum bubble leak testing method works and what RUNDT equipment is used for this task.
About the vacuum bubble method
The vacuum bubble method of leak testing is used for local testing of welds, joints, tanks, pipelines and other areas where it is necessary to quickly detect leaks without complex bench preparation.
The essence of the method is to create a controlled vacuum over a limited area and observe the formation of bubbles. This approach is convenient for production sites, installation work, repairs and technical control at existing facilities.
To perform control, vacuum frames of various geometries and installations are used, ensuring stable operation of the method depending on the conditions of the object, mobility and the required configuration.
The method is in demand in industry, shipbuilding, tank production, pipelines, tanks, heat exchangers and other critical facilities where local leak testing at the work site is important.
RUNDT / TECH NK LLC offers solutions for the use of the vacuum-bubble method as a manufacturer of a line of vacuum frames and related equipment. For selection, it is enough to describe the object, the geometry of the control zone and the conditions of use.
How the method works
- Preparing the control area and installing the frame or connecting the installation.
- Create a controlled vacuum in a local area.
- Observe bubble formation and assess joint integrity.
Where the method is applied
Aviation industry
Checking the tightness of the skin of fuselage parts, rivet joints, windows, doors and local areas of aircraft structures.
Read the material →Oil and gas infrastructure
Monitoring the tightness of process and main pipelines, tanks, piping units and equipment at oil and gas infrastructure facilities.
Read the material →Tanks
Inspection of tanks of various types and designs at enterprises producing tank equipment, including inspection of seams, bottoms, roofs and nozzle areas.
Read the material →Cryogenic systems
Monitoring of complexes of vacuum chambers, isothermal storage facilities, thermal vacuum chambers and other units where stable tightness of low-temperature systems is critical.
Nuclear industry
Vacuum frames are used to control cooling pools, production vessels, heat exchangers and other critical elements of nuclear infrastructure.
Related solutions
Vacuum frames
For local control of areas with different geometries.
Leak testing units
For power supply and process organization at the facility.
Custom-made
For custom frames and custom designs.
Questions about the vacuum bubble method
What is the vacuum bubble leak testing method?
This is a method of local leak testing, in which a vacuum is created in the area being tested, and the presence of a leak is determined by bubble formation. The method allows you to quickly check welds, connections and local areas at an industrial facility.
Where is the vacuum bubble method used?
The method is used on tanks, pipelines, welds, metal structures, process vessels and areas after restoration repairs. It is in demand where local tightness control is required directly on site.
What equipment is needed for the vacuum bubble method?
For work, vacuum frames of appropriate geometry and, if necessary, a tightness control unit are used. The composition of the solution depends on the shape of the site, site conditions, the length of the control zone and the required mobility.
When is a vacuum frame sufficient, and when is installation necessary?
If the problem is solved locally and, according to the operating conditions, a basic kit is sufficient, only a vacuum frame may be suitable. If autonomy, stable power supply to the process, mobility on site or an expanded configuration are required, an additional leakage control unit is selected.
Is it possible to select a solution for the method directly from the RUNDT manufacturer?
Yes, RUNDT / TECH NK LLC helps you select the frame, installation and application configuration for a specific object. For serial vacuum frames, the most complete open package of documents for initial technical and procurement consideration is available on the website.
Technical Consultation
Describe the task of leak control
We will suggest a suitable combination of frame, installation and application scenario.