Procedure No.

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LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

PROCEDURE

Issued for NGUYEN HONG

01 19-Dec-2017 Review and THANG MAI ANH TAI
Approval NDE Level II NDE Level III
Prepared by Approved by
Rev. Date Description AITECH JSC
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RECORD OF REVISIONS

Rev. Date Change of Item

00 30-Aug-2017 Issued for Review and Approval

Update Code:
01 19-Dec-2017 - ASME Section I, Section V, Section VIII Div.1, 2017 Edition.
ASME B31.1, 2016 Edition
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CONTENT

CONTENT ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
2. SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3. ABBREVIATION AND TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................... 4
4. ESSENTIAL OF PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 4
5. REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 6
6. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION ............................................................................................... 6
7. PENETRANT MATERIALS ....................................................................................................... 6
8. SURFACE PREPARATION ...................................................................................................... 7
9. DRYING AFTER PREPARATION ............................................................................................. 8
10. PROCEDURE/TECHNIQUE...................................................................................................... 8
11. CALIBRATION.......................................................................................................................... 9
12. EXAMINATION ......................................................................................................................... 9
13. EVALUATION ......................................................................................................................... 12
14. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA ...................................................................................................... 13
14.1 According to ASME Section VIII, Div.1, 2017 Edition: ......................................................... 13
14.2 According to ASME Section I, 2017 Edition: ........................................................................ 13
14.3 According to ASME B31.1, 2016 Edition............................................................................... 13
15. DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................................ 14
16. PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION .................................................................................... 15
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1. INTRODUCTION
This procedure describes the technique, acceptance standards and documentation
requirements of penetrant inspection for detecting discontinuities open to the
surface of material using visible dye penetrant, solvent removable and non-aquous
wet developer.

(01) 2. SCOPE
This procedure defines the conditions and requirements of performing the Liquid
Penetrant examination for steel welded joints in accordance with the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code.

The procedure is applied for demonstration to comply with the requirements of

ASME Section I Code refer A-270.4, Section V, Section VIII Div.1 Code refer
Appendix 8, 2017 Edition and ASME B31.1 Code refer Paragraph 136.4.4, 2016
Edition.

3. ABBREVIATION AND TERMINOLOGY

- ASNT : American Society for Non-destructive Testing

- ASME : American Society of Mechanical Engineers

- ASTM : American Society for Testing and Material

4. ESSENTIAL OF PROCEDURE

4.1 Requirements: Liquid penetrant examination shall be performed in accordance

with a written procedure which shall as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in
Table T-621.1. The written procedure shall establish a single value, or range of
values, for each requirement.

4.2 Procedure Qualification. When procedure qualification is specified by the

referencing ASME Code Section V, Article 6, a change of a requirement in Table T-
621.1 identified as an essential variable shall require requalification of the written
procedure by demonstration to satisfaction of the Authorized Inspector. A change of a
requirement identified as a nonessential variable does not require requalification of
the written procedure. All the conditions and requirements are identified as essential
or non essential variable as per ASME BPV Code, Section V, Article 6, Table T-621.1.
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changes of essential or nonessential variables from those specified within the written
procedure shall require revision of, or an addendum to, the written procedure.

Table T-621.1
REQUIREMENT OF LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Requirement Essential Nonessential Procedure
Variable Variable Paragraph
No.
Identification of and any change in type or family group of X Section 7
penetrant materials including developers, emulsifiers,
etc…
Surface preparation (finishing and cleaning, including type X Section 8
of cleaning solvent)
Method of applying penetrant X Section 12.1
Method of removing excess surface penetrant X Section 12.3
Hydrophilic or lipophilic emulsifier concentration and dwell X N/A
time in dip tank and agitation time for hydrophilic
emulsifiers
Hydrophilic emulsifier concentration in sprays applications X N/A
Method of applying developer X Section 12.5
Minimum and maximum type periods between step and X Section 12
drying aids
Decrease in penetrant dwell time X Section 12
Increase in developer dwell time (Interpretation time) X Section 12
Minimum light intensity X Section 12.6
Surface temperature outside 50C to 52oC or as previously X Section 10.3
qualified
Performance demonstration, when required X Section 16
Personnel qualification requirements X Section 6
Materials, shapes, or sizes to be examined and the extend X NA
of examination
Post-examination cleaning technique X Section 12.7

This Penetrant Testing Procedure, Document No.: AITECH/NDT/PT/001, Rev. 01 has

demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Authorized Inspector to comply with the
requirements of ASME Code Section V, Article I, Paragraph T-150.

Supervised by NDE Level III

Witnessed / Accepted by AI
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(01) 5. REFERENCES

- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V, Article 1 & 6, 2017 Edition.

- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section I, Section VIII Div. 1, 2017
Edition.

- ASME Power Piping Code, B31.1 2016 Edition

- ASTM SE 165-12, Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination

- AITECH’s Written Practice for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel

Doc. No: AIT-NDT-WP-01

- SNT-TC-1A, 2006 Edition Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification

and Certification in Non-Destructive Testing.

6. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION

Personnel performing the Liquid Penetrant Examination shall be qualified and

certified as level II or level III in accordance with:

- AITECH’s Written Practice for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel

Document No.: AIT-NDT-WP-001, which is based on SNT-TC-1A, 2006 Edition
Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-
Destructive Testing, or

- National or international central certification programs, such as the ASNT

Central Certification Program (ACCP) or ISO 9712:2012 based programs, may
be alternatively used to fulfill the training, experience, and examination
requirements of the documents listed as specified in the AITECH JSC’s Written
Practice.

(01) 7. PENETRANT MATERIALS

- The penetrant materials used in this procedure shall include:

 Type II - Visible penetrant

 Solvent remover

 Non aqueous developer

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- These materials shall be contained in compressed cans ready for aerosol

spraying apply.

- To be used for nickel base alloys, austenite or duplex, stainless steel, and
titanium, certificate of contamination shall be obtained in accordance with the
Appendix II, Art. 6 of ASME Code Section V, 2017 Edition.

NICKEL BASE ALLOYS

When examining nickel base alloys, all penetrant materials shall be analyzed
individually for sulfur content in accordance with SE-165, Annex 4. Alternatively,
the material may be decomposed in accordance with SD-129 and analyzed in
accordance with SD-516. The sulfur content shall not exceed 0.1% by weight.

AUSTENITIC OR DUPLEX STAINLESS STEEL AND TITANIUM

When examining austenitic or duplex stainless steel and titanium, all penetrant
materials shall be analyzed individually for chlorine and fluorine content in
accordance with SE-165, Annex 4. Alternatively, the material may be
decomposed and analyzed in accordance with SD-808 or SE-165, Annex 2 for
chlorine and SE-165, Annex 3 for fluorine. The total chlorine and fluorine
content shall not exceed 0.1% by weight.

- Intermixing within the family of penetrant materials from different manufacturers

shall not be permitted.

- Types of consumable materials to be used are as follows:

TYPE
BRAND
Penetrant Remover Develop
Mega Check 2 Mega Check 1, 3 Mega Check 4
NABAKEM
Penetrant Cleaner Developer

(01) 8. SURFACE PREPARATION

- In general, satisfactory results maybe obtained when the surface of part is as-
welded condition.
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- Surface preparation by grinding, machining, or other methods maybe necessary

where irregularities could mask indications of unacceptable discontinuities.

- Prior to each liquid penetrant examination, the surface to be examined and all
adjacent areas within at least 25mm shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, lint,
scale, welding flux, weld spatter, paint, oil, and other extraneous matter that
could obscure surface openings or otherwise interfere with the examination.

- Typical cleaning agents which maybe used are detergents, organic solvents,
de-scaling solutions, and paint removers. Degreasing and ultrasonic methods
may also be used.

- Cleaning solvents shall meet the requirements of T-641 in ASME V, Article 6,

2017 Edition. The cleaning method employed is an important part of the
examination process.

(01) 9. DRYING AFTER PREPARATION

- After cleaning, drying of the surfaces to be examined shall be accomplished by

normal evaporation or with forced hot or cold air.

- The drying after preparation shall be required to ensure that the cleaning
solution has evaporated prior to application of the penetrant according to Table
T-621.3 ASME Section V Article 6, 2017 Edition

(01) 10. PROCEDURE/TECHNIQUE

10.1 Techniques

The color contrast (visible) penetrant shall be used with solvent removable
process.

10.2 Techniques for standard temperatures

The temperature of the penetrant and the surface of the part to be

processed shall not be below 50C or above 520C throughout the examination
period.

Local heating or cooling is permitted provided the part temperature remains

in the range of 50C to 520C during examination.
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11. CALIBRATION

Light meters shall be calibrated at least once a year or whenever the meter has
been repaired. If meters have not been in use for one year or more, calibration shall
be done before being used.

12. EXAMINATION

12.1 Penetrant application

The penetrant shall be applied by spraying as described below:

 Thoroughly shake the aerosol can for 10-15 seconds

 Apply the penetrant to the dry surface to be examined such that the
entire part of area under examination area completely covered with
penetrant.

(01) 12.2 Penetration (Dwell) Time

Penetration (dwell) time is critical. The minimum penetration time shall be

as required in Table T-672 of ASME SECTION V Article 6, 2017 Edition or
as qualified by demonstration for specific applications. The maximum dwell
time shall not exceed 120 minutes (2hrs) or as qualified by demonstration
for specific applications.

Regardless of the length of the dwell time, the penetrant shall not be
allowed to dry. If for any reason the penetrant does dry, the examination
procedure shall be repeated, beginning with a cleaning of the examination
surface.
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Table T-672
Minimum Dwell Times
Dwell Times
Material Form Type of Discontinuity [Note(1)] Minutes
Penetrant
Aluminum, magnesium,
Cold shuts, porosity,
Steel, brass, and
Castings and welds lack of fusion, cracks 5
bronze, titanium and
(all forms)
high temperature alloys
Wrought materials-
Laps, crack 10
extrusions forgings, plate

Carbide-tipped tools Brazed or welded Lack of fusion, 5

porosity, crack
Plastic All forms Cracks 5
Glass All forms Cracks 5
Ceramic All forms Cracks 5
Note:
(1) For temperature range from 500F to 1250F (100C to 520C). For temperatures from
400F (50C) up to 500F (100C), minimum penetrant dwell time shall be 2 times the
value listed.

Table T-621.3
Minimum and Maximum Time Limits for Steps in Penetrant Examination Procedures
Procedure Step Minimum Maximum
(Minutes) (Minutes)

Drying after preparation 2 -

Penetrant dwell 5 60

Drying after penetrant removal 2 -

Developer application - 10

Developing and interpretation time 10 60

(01) 12.3 Excess penetrant removal

- Excess solvent removable penetrants shall be removed by wiping with a clean,

dry, lint-free cloth or absorbent paper, repeating the operation until most traces
of penetrant have been removed. The remaining traces shall be removed by
wiping the surface with cloth or absorbent paper, lightly moistened with solvent.
To minimize removal of penetrant from discontinuities, care shall be taken to
avoid the use of excess solvent.

WARNING: Flushing the surface with solvent, following the application of the
penetrant and prior to developing, is prohibited.
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12.4 Drying after excess penetrant removal

The surfaces may be dried by normal evaporation, blotting, wiping, or

forced air.

12.5 Developing

- After the excess penetrant has been removed and the surface has
been dry, the developer shall be applied by spraying in such a manner
as to ensure complete part coverage with a thin, even film of
developer.

- Developing time for final interpretation begins as soon as a wet

developer coating is dry.

- The minimum developing time shall be not less than 10 minutes.

- The maximum developing time shall not more than 60 minutes.

(01) 12.6. Interpretation

- Final interpretation: final interpretation shall be made within 10 to 60

minutes after the requirements of developing time are satisfied. If
bleed-out does not alter the examination results, longer periods are
permitted. If the surface to be examined is large enough to preclude
complete examination within the prescribed or established time, the
examination shall be performed in increments.

- Characterizing indication(s): the type of discontinuities are difficult to

evaluate if the penetrant diffuses excessively into the developer. If this
condition occurs, close observation of the formation of indications
during application of the developer may assist in characterizing and
determining the extent of the indication(s)

- Color contrast penetrants. With a color contrast penetrant, the

developer forms a reasonably uniform white coating. Surface
discontinuities are indicated by bleed-out of the penetrant which is
normally a deep red color that stains the developer. Indications with a
light pink color may indicate excessive cleaning. Inadequate cleaning
may leave an excessive background making interpretation difficult.
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Illumination (natural or supplemental white light) of the examination

surface is required for the evaluation of indications. The minimum light
intensity shall be 100 fc (1076 lx). The light intensity, natural or
supplemental white light source, shall be measured with a white light
meter prior to the evaluation of indications or a verified light source
shall be used. Verification of light sources is required to be
demonstrated only one time, documented, and maintained on file.

12.7 Post-examination cleaning

Post cleaning is necessary in case where residual penetrant or developer

could interface with subsequent processing or promote corrosion. Post
cleaning shall be by solvent cleaning until all signs of penetrant and
developer have been removed.

13. EVALUATION

Discontinuities at the surface will be indicated by bleed-out of penetrant; however,

localized surface irregularities due to machining marks or other surface conditions
may produce false indications

Broad areas of fluorescence or pigmentation which could mask indications of

discontinuities are unacceptable, and such areas shall be unacceptable, and such
areas shall be cleaned and re-examined

An indication of an imperfection may be larger than the imperfection that causes it;
however, the size of the indication is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only
indications with major dimensions greater than 1⁄16 in. shall be considered relevant.

(a) A linear indication is one having a length greater than three times the width.

(b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with the length
equal to or less than three times the width.

(c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be reexamined to determine

whether or not they are relevant.
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(01) 14. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

14.1 According to ASME Section VIII, Div.1, 2017 Edition:

These acceptance standards shall apply unless other more restrictive

standards are specified for specific materials or applications with Appendix 8
of ASME Section VIII Div.1, 2017 Edition show as below:

All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:

(a) relevant linear indications;

(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3⁄16 in (5 mm);

(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1⁄16 in

(1.5 mm) or less (edge to edge).

14.2 According to ASME Section I, 2017 Edition:

These acceptance standards shall apply unless other more restrictive

standards are specified for specific materials or applications with A-270.4 of
ASME Section I, 2017 Edition show as below:

All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:

(a) relevant linear indications;

(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3⁄16 in (5 mm);

(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1⁄16 in

(1.5 mm) or less, edge to edge.

14.3 According to ASME B31.1, 2016 Edition

These acceptance standards shall apply unless other more restrictive

standards are specified for specific materials or applications with Paragraph
136.4.4 of ASME B31.1, 2016 Edition show as below:

Indications whose major dimension are greater than 1/16 in. (2.0 mm) shall
be considered relevant. The following relevant indications are unacceptable:

(a) any cracks or linear indications;

(b) Rounded indications with dimensions greater than 3/16 in.(5.0 mm);
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(c) Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in (2.0

mm) or less edge to edge;
(d) Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 spin (3870 mm²) of surface
with the major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 in.(150 mm) with
the area taken in the most unfavorable location relative to the
indications being evaluated.
15. DOCUMENTATION

- Liquid Penetrant Examination report will be generated and will contain the
following minimum information as applicable:

a) Examination method, technique, procedure Identification, and revision

b) Liquid Penetrant type (Visible)

c) Type (number or letter designation) of each penetrant, penetrant remover

and developer used.

d) Examination personnel identify and if required by referencing Code

Section, qualification level

e) Map or record of indications per T-691, Article 6 of ASME Section V.

f) Material and thickness

g) identification of the weld, part, or component examined including weld

number, serial number, or other identifier

h) Lighting equipment

i) Date of examination

j) results of the examination

k) name and/or identity and certification level (if applicable) for personnel
performing the examination
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- Liquid Penetrant Examination results shall be recorded on Liquid Penetrant

Examination Report please see Form AITECH/PT/F001 attached.

16. PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION

A demonstration shall be performed for commencement of liquid penetrant

examination work to procedure acceptable results to client or certifying agency.