Testing Container for Liquid Leaks

[KS2K]

After welding up a container that will hold liquid, how do you test it for liquid leaks ? I am not sure just filling water is viscous enough to prove its liquid tite.

Thanks
Paul

[dyn88]

fill the container with a few pounds of air pressure and spray the seems with soapy water

[KS2K]

The container is open top, 16" wide x 26" long. Cant close it off to presurize.

Paul

[burninbriar]

Wet the welds and hit them with compressed air to blow the liquid through any pin holes.

[Bowtieman31]

You should use water mixed with liquid dishwashing detergent. Soap is used to break down the surface tension of water, thereby making it easier to flow and penetrate. You will find the leaks if there are any.
You may also use straight stoddard solvent or kerosene, they are very fluid and will seek out the leaks. The only problem with these is the flammability.
You will then have a problem re-welding if not cleaned properly. :D

[BillC]

The container is open top, 16" wide x 26" long. Cant close it off to presurize.

PaulPaul,

I'm sure that you can figure out a way to seal the top. Maybe a piece of plywood with a little foam gasket material where it contacts the container lip? Leave a small hole in it for the air tip... Brush the seams with soapy water, pressurize the container, and look for bubbles.

Good Luck!

[KS2K]

Always trying to learn. Every time I burn wire, I learn something new or become better at what I already know. Have a Great Thanksgiving....Thank You

Paul

[Fishy Jim]

If you have another piece of sheet, you could tac that on and use some sealant on the edges to pressurize it. Then just cut it off again.

[bjfab]

If you decide to use a top and apply air pressure be very careful. Two psi. would give a lot of pressure to the surface area of the tank. It would be much better to fill the tank with water and then blow compressed air at the weld areas. Watch for bubbles in the water. If repairs are needed it is simple to drain the water and do the repair.


Byron

[burninbriar]

I would just uae compressed air directed at the weld. I have used this method and it worked great for me, its also a good method to check for leaky valve seats.

[tigman250]

there is a 2 part aerosol kit used to detect leaks and cracks/holes, you spray on the white developer on one side and the red penetrant on the other, come back a few hours later to see if you have any leaks. it really works great i was skeptical at first but i like to use it on all tanks i build now. the grainger site is down right now i'll try to post links when it's up.

[Prototype3a]

We use that on our welds in the navy. It's known as a dye penetrant test. It's a type of NDT (non-destructive test). Either way I was skeptical when I was first learning in school but when you try it you'll be surprised at what you find. I hadn't thought to try it the way you suggest. Be very careful with the dye as it can be quite messy and doesn't wash out of clothes. We use it by spreading the dye on the weld and then wait ~5 min. Then you wipe as much as you can off with a paper towel. Next, you wipe it down with a towel that has been sprayed with a tiny bit of the cleaner. Then you spray the developer on it and watch for the red spots to appear. I may have to borrow some from the boat now...

[tigman250]

can't direct link just go to http://www.mcmaster.com/ and put in these part #'s
1383T4
1383T5
1383T7

I may have to borrow some from the boat now...

no wonder the military cost so **** much, not only do taxpayers have to stock the armed forces we have to stock the garages of dishonest workers also! :mad:

[Prototype3a]

I'm not gonna say that people don't steal from the navy. I honestly do borrow things from time to time. I meant just that. I'll try it out at home since I don't really weld that often on the boat and then return it.