Tetningskontroll

Tetningskontroll, or seal integrity testing, is the process of verifying that a sealing interface prevents leakage of liquids or gases under defined conditions. It is used to ensure safety, environmental protection, and product quality across industries. The term covers methods to detect leaks, measure leak rates, and confirm that seals and joints perform as intended.

Applications span process industries such as oil and gas and chemical production, water and wastewater treatment, automotive and aerospace, HVAC systems, and consumer packaging. The goal is to ensure that seals, gaskets, flanges, valves, and other joints meet specified tightness under operating pressures and temperatures.

Principles involve defining acceptable leakage, selecting test media (air, inert gas, or water), choosing test pressures or vacuums, and setting a testing duration. Tests may be applied to assemblies, piping, tanks, or components requiring leak-tight performance.

Common methods include: pressure hold tests (pressurize to a defined level and monitor pressure over time); pressure decay tests; vacuum tests; and high-sensitivity methods such as helium leak testing. Bubble testing in a liquid and, in some cases, dye penetrant methods may be used for supplementary diagnostics. Functional testing under service conditions can verify performance during actual operation.

Procedure typically includes planning, preparing the test setup, applying defined conditions, measuring and recording results, and comparing them with acceptance criteria. Calibration and traceability of instruments are essential. Safety considerations, such as controlled depressurization and containment of test media, are important. Standards and regulations vary by industry and country.