EN 1518:1998
(Main)Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies terms and procedures for the characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors (MSLD). It is not intended to give a complete set of specifications for an acceptance test but a description of procedures that can be used without particular calibration equipment. An MSLD has an integral high vacuum system for maintaining the sensing element (mass spectrometer) at low operating pressure and for establishing a partial pressure related to the incoming gas flow.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 21-Apr-1998
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Oct-1998
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 138 - Non-destructive testing
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 138/WG 6 - Leak testing
- Current Stage
- 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 04-Mar-2024
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Directive
- Not Harmonized97/23/EC - Pressure equipment
Overview - EN 1518:1998 (Non‑destructive testing, Leak testing, MSLD)
EN 1518:1998 is a CEN European Standard that defines terms and procedural guidance for the characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors (MSLD) used in leak testing and non‑destructive testing (NDT). The standard clarifies how to describe and evaluate the performance of MSLDs and their integral high‑vacuum systems. EN 1518 is intended as a practical procedural reference rather than a prescriptive acceptance‑test specification - it provides methods that can be applied without specialized calibration equipment.
Key Topics and requirements
- Terminology and definitions relevant to mass spectrometer leak detectors and leak testing to ensure consistent communication between manufacturers, test houses and users.
- Characterization procedures that describe how to assess MSLD behavior, sensitivity and response in a practical test environment.
- Vacuum system considerations: guidance on the role of the integral high‑vacuum system in maintaining the sensing element at low operating pressure and establishing the partial pressure that corresponds to incoming gas flow.
- Practical methods that can be carried out without dedicated calibration apparatus; the standard emphasizes reproducible procedures suitable for routine characterization.
- Limitations: EN 1518 does not provide a complete set of acceptance criteria for purchase or final certification tests; it is focused on characterization and consistent measurement practice.
Applications and who uses EN 1518
EN 1518 is relevant to professionals and organizations involved in leak testing, vacuum technology and NDT, including:
- Test engineers and NDT technicians performing leak detector characterization and routine performance checks.
- Manufacturers and suppliers of mass spectrometer leak detectors (MSLDs) who need standardized terminology and procedural descriptions for product documentation.
- Quality and maintenance teams in industries that rely on high‑sensitivity leak detection (aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, medical device manufacturing).
- Calibration and service laboratories that evaluate detector response and vacuum system behavior without access to specialized calibration equipment.
Using EN 1518 supports consistent characterization, clearer supplier‑user communication, and improved reliability of leak testing programs where MSLDs are employed.
Related standards
- EN 1518 complements other European and international standards on non‑destructive testing and leak testing. Users should consult additional EN/ISO standards for acceptance testing, calibration methods and industry‑specific leak‑testing requirements.
Keywords: EN 1518:1998, mass spectrometer leak detectors, MSLD, non‑destructive testing, leak testing, characterization, CEN, vacuum system.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 20-Dec-2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1518:1998 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Non-destructive testing - Leak testing - Characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies terms and procedures for the characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors (MSLD). It is not intended to give a complete set of specifications for an acceptance test but a description of procedures that can be used without particular calibration equipment. An MSLD has an integral high vacuum system for maintaining the sensing element (mass spectrometer) at low operating pressure and for establishing a partial pressure related to the incoming gas flow.
This European Standard specifies terms and procedures for the characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors (MSLD). It is not intended to give a complete set of specifications for an acceptance test but a description of procedures that can be used without particular calibration equipment. An MSLD has an integral high vacuum system for maintaining the sensing element (mass spectrometer) at low operating pressure and for establishing a partial pressure related to the incoming gas flow.
EN 1518:1998 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 19.100 - Non-destructive testing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1518:1998 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 20484:2017, EN 1518:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1518:1998 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 97/23/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/071. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 1518:1998 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.VQRZerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Dichtheitsprüfung - Charakterisierung von massenspektrometrischen LeckdetektorenEssais non destructifs - Contrôles d'étanchéité - Caractérisation des détecteurs de fuite a spectrométrie de masseNon-destructive testing - Leak testing - Characterization of mass spectrometer leak detectors19.100Neporušitveno preskušanjeNon-destructive testingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1518:1998SIST EN 1518:2000en01-februar-2000SIST EN
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