ASTM D3923

These practices may be used to determine whether a RO or NF device is free of leaks if the mechanical integrity of the device is to be confirmed. They may also be used to detect leaks in RO or NF devices whose operating performance indicates a possible leak. These practices may be used for either new or used devices.

1. Scope

1.1 These practices cover detecting leaks in which there is a direct communication between the feed or concentrate, or both, and the permeate. Several types of leaks are possible with the various configurations of reverse-osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) devices.

1.2 Types of Leaks:

1.2.1 With hollow-fiber devices, feed or concentrate leakage, or both, into the permeate stream by leaks through the tube sheet and past the tube sheet O-ring are possible. “Leaks” caused by broken fibers are not covered by these practices.

1.2.2 With spiral-wound devices, leaks may occur through damage of the membrane surface itself by punctures or scratches, by glue-line failure, and by O-ring leaks on product tube interconnectors.

1.2.3 With tubular devices, leaks due to membrane damage, tube end seal leaks, and leaks from broken tubes or product headers are possible.

1.3 Three leak test practices are given as follows:

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D4194 Test Methods for Operating Characteristics of Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Devices
D6161 Terminology Used for Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Processes
D6908 Practice for Integrity Testing of Water Filtration Membrane Systems
E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Molecular Absorption Spectrometry

Index Terms

dye test; leaks; nanofiltration; O-ring test; reverse osmosis; tubesheet leak test; vacuum test; Dye leak test; Leak testing; O-rings; Reverse osmosis (RO) installations; Spider test; Tube sheet leak test; Vacuum leak test; ICS Number Code 71.120.99 (Other equipment for the chemical industry)

Citing ASTM Standards

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