Sealed Enclosures

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Vacuum Test Procedure

These instructions are for leak testing a pressure resistant enclosure.

Equipment
A Vacuum pump is required, it will need to achieve at least 90% of a full vacuum and it
should also have a 1 hose on the inlet. The second requirement is the kit pictured below.
Plastic Insert
M20 x 1.5

Cap

Hub
Valve

Female Cone
Connection

Pressure Gauge

Maintenance
The Vacuum Test equipment should be kept clean, dry and protected from damage by impact
or abrasion. Seals should be lubricated with grease (either Silicon Grease or Pure Petroleum
Jelly) and because this attracts dirt inspect them frequently.
Always check the oil level in the Vacuum Pump. When the pump is transported by carrier the
oil should be drained to a clean plastic bottle.
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Testing the Equipment

Before testing the housings the equipment itself can be tested by screwing the Cap on the
Insert and then pushing the Insert into the Hub. Open the Valve and turn on the Pump. The
pipe from the pump should have the male taper fitted, insert this into the Female Cone
Connection, now observe the gauge, the pressure should fall until it reads approximately 100kPa or 30 in Hg. If the pressure read is held for two minutes, continue with the test. If the
pressure is not held, inspect the system for damage particularly the O Rings or their sealing
faces, remedy any damage found and re-test the equipment.

Testing the Housings

1. Remove the Blanking Plug.
2. Take the plastic insert and screw it in hand tight.
3. Push the Hub onto the Insert taking care not to damage the Pressure Gauge.
4. Open the Valve.
5. Start the Vacuum Pump.
6. Join the Male and Female Cone Connections.
7. Observe the pressure fall to -100kPa or 30 in Hg, one or two division less would be
OK.
8. Close the Valve.
9. Separate the Cone Connection.
10. Note time and the position of the pointer on the gauge.
11. After thirty minutes, note any change in the position of the pointer.
12. If the pointer has moved and indicated a leak, every potential leak path will have to
investigated, the problem found and remedied. The test will then need to be re-started.
13. Where the pointer has not moved, open the Valve and remove the fittings.
14. Carefully replace the Blanking Plug, mindful that this plug is the only fitting that has
not been tested.

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