Vacuum box testing is an effective leak testing technique used to inspect welding joints. This is a relatively fast test and one that can be conducted without interfering with other fabrication operations. The test uses a box fitted with rubber seals around its open bottom and a plexiglass top cover. The weld section to be inspected is coated with a soap-like solution and a light vacuum, usually under 69 kPa (10 psi) is applied to the box. The formation of bubbles on the soaped weld indicates the location of a leak.

At LBNiW, we utilize vacuum box testing to inspect welds of the bottom and annular plates of the storage tanks. This includes butt welds and lap welds of the bottom as well as bottom to shell fillet welds.

Our specialists involved in vacuum box testing are highly skilled and experienced. They are qualified and certified to level 2 according to ISO 9712 (EN473) in visual testing. They have tested many storage tanks over the years performing vacuum box testing on both carbon and stainless steel storage tanks.

• Provides an immediate indication of any leaks present produced directly on the tested surface
• Easy to use
• Large areas can be inspected rapidly and at low cost
• Can detect small leaks within a given area
• Requires only access to one side of the tested surface
• The method is relatively clean does not require comprehensive cleaning after the test

• Can only detect leaks, other welding defects including surface imperfactions are not identified
• Surface preparation before testing including cleaning, de-greasing, rust and slag removal can be time consuming
• The method should not be applied to painted objects
• Size and orientation of any leaks will have to be analyzed with a secondary NDT method
• For standard testing surface temperature must be between 5°C and 50°C. Otherwise, a procedure effective at non-standard temperature range must be demonstrated