ASTM E499/E499M-11 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E499/E499M-11(2025) — Standard Practice for Leaks Using the Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector in the Detector Probe Mode. This practice describes procedures and test methods for locating and quantifying gas leaks from sealed components and assemblies by probing the effluent side with a mass spectrometer (typically using helium or other tracer gases), when a pressure differential can be created across the item under test.

Abstract

This standard defines two primary detector-probe test methods (direct probing and accumulation) and establishes sensitivity, test setup, probe handling, and reporting conventions for mass spectrometer leak detection in the detector-probe mode. It is intended to provide repeatable procedures for locating leak sources and for establishing accept/reject criteria at leak rates appropriate to vacuum, sealed-component, and assembly testing.

General information

• Status: Current — reissued/confirmed as ASTM E499/E499M-11(2025) (replaces earlier E499 editions).
• Publication date: 1 July 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Non-destructive testing; related ICS codes include 19.100 and references to inorganic chemicals / leak testing practices.
• Edition / version: E499/E499M-11 originally issued 2011, published/reconfirmed with the parent designation shown as (2025).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

This practice covers procedures for testing and locating sources of gas leaking at typical detection thresholds used with detector-probe mass spectrometer systems (example sensitivity levels commonly cited are on the order of 1 × 10−8 standard cm3/s or similar, depending on units and equipment). The test may be applied to devices or components across which a tracer-gas pressure differential can be created and where the effluent side is accessible for sampling with the mass spectrometer probe. Two methods are described: direct probing (Method A) and accumulation (Method B).

Key topics and requirements

• Test Methods: Direct probing (Method A) and accumulation/collection (Method B).
• Tracer gases and detection: helium is the common tracer; alternative tracers and substitutions are discussed where appropriate.
• Sensitivity and units: guidance on detection limits, unit conversions, and reporting (e.g., standard cm3/s, Pa·m3/s, mol/s).
• Probe handling and technique: recommended probe positioning, motion, and sample intake practices to locate leak sites reliably.
• Calibration and verification: requirements for instrument calibration, background checks, and verification of system response.
• Safety and limitations: notes on safe handling of tracer gases, pressurization hazards, and limitations of probe access methods.

Typical use and users

Applied by leak-test technicians, vacuum-system engineers, quality engineers, and test laboratories in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, chemical processing, and any manufacturing domain producing sealed components (valves, hermetic packages, vessels, bell jars, etc.). Users rely on the practice for consistent location of leaks and for establishing pass/fail criteria at the sensitivity range appropriate to their products.

Related standards

Related ASTM practices and guides on leak testing and non-destructive testing include standards for mass spectrometer leak detection in hood mode, hydrostatic leak testing, ammonia colorimetric leak testing, and other atmospheric/solid-state sensor probe methods. These related documents help define alternative test modes, complementary techniques, and broader NDT context.

Keywords

bell jar leak test, bomb mass spectrometer leak test, helium leak test, helium leak testing, leak testing, mass spectrometer leak testing, sealed object mass spectrometer leak test.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E499/E499M-11(2025) is a practice that specifies procedures for locating and testing leaks using a mass spectrometer leak detector in the detector-probe mode.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two detector-probe test methods (direct probing and accumulation), guidance on tracer gases (commonly helium), instrument calibration/verification, probe technique, sensitivity considerations, and reporting conventions for leak-location testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Leak-test technicians, vacuum and reliability engineers, NDT labs, and manufacturers of sealed components in aerospace, semiconductor, medical devices, cryogenics, and chemical industries.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is presented as reissued/confirmed with the designation ASTM E499/E499M-11(2025) and is current as of its publication date of 1 July 2025; it replaces earlier E499 editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's body of leak-testing and NDT practices; related standards cover hood-mode mass spectrometer detection, hydrostatic leak tests, colorimetric leak tests, and emerging probe-sensor-based atmospheric leak practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key searchable terms include helium leak test, mass spectrometer leak detector, detector probe mode, bell jar/bomb tests, leak testing, and sealed-object leak detection.