LeBracs Rubber Linings (P) Ltd

Document No. LRL-PRO-SPRK-001

SPARK TESTING PROCEDURE
REV- 0 Page 01 / 01

Ref: IS 4682 (PART 1) & BS 6374 (PART V)

It is essential that linings provide adequate protection to equipment under the conditions for which they are
designed. Therefore, there is a requirement that a lining is continuous i.e. from pin holes and cracks. Tests
which prove the continuity of the lining are necessary.

The approach to continuity testing is to consider the lining as an electrical insulator and search for holes by
testing to make electrical contact to the base metal through the lining by spark tester in which a current
discharge from a high frequency and high voltage with an A.C. source of 0 to 40 KV.

The voltage is adjusted as 5 KV i.e. a spark length of 5 mm per 1 mm thickness of lining.

For the compounds containing considerable amount of carbon black filler, the voltage should be 1.5 KV or a
spark length of 1.5 mm per 1 mm thickness of lining.

The electrodes used are generally of copper rod of 3 to 4 mm dia or copper mesh.

In general the instrument is having a single electrode and it can be choosen depending on the surface and
size of the contour of the surface. When using the ‘L’ shaped electrodes, the working length of electrodes
should be kept in between 150 mm to 200 mm.

In case of lining of pipes, the end of the electrodes should be shaped to fit loosely the inside circumference
of the pipe. The rod leading down the probe have to be insulated.

Before testing begins the surface shall be made dry and free from dirt.

After setting the spark tester to the correct voltage and frequency (frequency will be adjusted as per the
requirement of the spark intensity) for the thickness of rubber lining the electrode shall be taken around
continuously over the surface of the lining.

The tip of the electrode should not be kept at single point for longer period on any of the rubber as there is a
risk of puncturing the rubber by local burning.

ACCEPTANCE:

Normally, the violet spark discharges from the electrode is observed, when the job is without defect. Any
defect would be identified with bluish-white tracer spark discharge with crackling sound. This is to be
rectified as per approved procedure.

M/s LeBracs Rubber