An original leak test for the Cirene nuclear plant

The leak test herein described was peculiar since used water as test medium nevertheless the welded joints were not inspectable. The use of a liquid caused that a particular procedure to analyze and interpret the results be tuned up. In particular a specific test to check if air, and its amount, had been trapped inside the component during the fill up was conceived. A decrease of the air volume during the test was demonstrated to be occurred. Due to this decrease it was demonstrated the 'apparent' leak rate measured was to be related to. To explain the decrease of the air volume during the test the absorption of air by water has been shown to play a significant role. (orig.)