Kowotest
Kowovac V
KOWOVAC’s vacuum leakage testing systems enable quick and safe weld leakage testing of tanks, pipes, and many other welded structures. In addition, melt castings can be inspected for cracks and porosity if they run through the entire thickness of the material. The so-called “bubble test method” can be performed according to EN 1593 and ASTM E515 standards.
Highlights
Why choose Kowovac V?
Introduction to KOWOVAC Vacuum Leak Testing Systems
KOWOVAC vacuum leak testing systems enable quick and safe testing of welds on tanks, pipelines and other welded structures. These systems are also particularly suitable for inspecting castings for cracks and porosity that run through the entire thickness of the material. The "bubble test method" is performed according to EN 1593 and ASTM E515, and is useful when other techniques, such as hydraulic pressure testing, are expensive or unreliable due to thicknesses that are too thin.
Advantages of the KOWOVAC bubble testing method
The leak test with KOWOVAC systems is carried out before or instead of a hydraulic pressure test, if the latter is impractical or ineffective, for example due to too thin walls. KOWOVAC V systems and vacuum boxes are ideal when structures are only accessible from one side, such as in tank bottoms, or for testing open structures such as storage tanks. The test method involves the use of a specific foaming agent, the G-FLEX leak finder, which is applied to the area to be tested.
How the foaming agent leak test works
Once the foaming agent is applied, the area to be tested is covered by a vacuum box, which is adapted to the geometry of the structure. The box is connected via a vacuum tube to the KOWOVAC V unit. When you open the box valve by pressing on the test zone, the air inside the box is evacuated within seconds. If the structure has a defect, the air entering the system through it causes visible foam to form, thus allowing the leak point to be located.
Limits of detection and safety
The detection limits of the KOWOVAC method, under practical test conditions, range from 0.0001 to 0.001 mbar l/s. To ensure safe detection of even the smallest defects, the vacuum under the box must be maintained for at least 30 seconds. This time is critical to ensure that foam bubbles form correctly in the presence of a leak, thus offering a reliable assessment of the quality of the structure.
G-FLEX Leak Test Solutions and KOWOVAC boxes
G-FLEX products are tested and registered by the German DVGW according to DIN 30 657 and are certified for use with any gas and test pieces. KOWOVAC vacuum boxes are made of highly transparent and flexible plastic, with a soft rubber gasket to ensure an optimal seal on all surfaces. The box is equipped with a 360° rotating vacuum valve and a Ø 13 mm vacuum hose connection. The test starts automatically when you press the box on the piece to be tested.