Penetrant Testing Notes

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Brief history of nondestructive testing and liquid penetrant testing
1.2 Purpose of liquid penetrant testing
1.3 Basic principles of liquid penetrant testing
1.4 Types of liquid penetrants commercially available
1.5 Method of personnel qualification
2.0 Liquid Penetrant Processing
2.1 Preparation of parts
2.2 Adequate lighting
2.3 Application of penetrant to parts
2.4 Removal of surface penetrant
2.5 Developer application and drying
2.6 Inspection and evaluation
2.7 Post –cleaning
3.0 Various Penetrant Testing Methods
3.1 Current ASTM and ASME standard methods – ASTM E 165, E 1208, E 1210, and E 1417
3.2 Characteristics of each method
3.3 General applications of each methods
4.0 Liquid Penetrant Testing Equipment
4.1 Liquid penetrant testing units
4.2 Lighting for liquid penetrant testing equipment and light meters
4.3 Materials for liquid penetrant testing
4.4 Precautions in liquid penetrant inspection

Sure, here's an explanation of each section with respect to Penetrant Testing:

1.0 Introduction:

This section provides an overview of the history, purpose, basic principles, types of liquid penetrants,
and personnel qualification related to liquid penetrant testing. It sets the context for the rest of the
document and provides a foundation for understanding the subsequent sections.

1.1 Brief history of nondestructive testing and liquid penetrant testing:

This section provides a brief overview of the history of non-destructive testing and how it has evolved
over time. It also specifically discusses the history of liquid penetrant testing and how it has become one
of the most commonly used non-destructive testing methods today.
1.2 Purpose of liquid penetrant testing:

This section explains the purpose of using liquid penetrant testing as a non-destructive testing method,
which is to detect surface-breaking defects in materials that may not be visible to the naked eye. It also
discusses the advantages of using liquid penetrant testing over other non-destructive testing methods.

1.3 Basic principles of liquid penetrant testing:

This section explains the basic principles of liquid penetrant testing, including the use of capillary action
to draw the penetrant into any surface-breaking defects and the use of a developer to make the defects
visible.

1.4 Types of liquid penetrants commercially available:

This section provides an overview of the different types of liquid penetrants that are commercially
available, including water-washable, solvent-removable, and post-emulsifiable penetrants. It also
discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

1.5 Method of personnel qualification:

This section explains the importance of personnel qualification in liquid penetrant testing and provides
an overview of the different methods used to qualify personnel, such as certification programs and on-
the-job training.

2.0 Liquid Penetrant Processing:

This section provides a detailed overview of the liquid penetrant testing process, including the
preparation of parts, adequate lighting, application of penetrant to parts, removal of surface penetrant,
developer application and drying, inspection and evaluation, and post-cleaning.

2.1 Preparation of parts:

This section explains the importance of properly preparing the parts being tested before applying the
penetrant, including cleaning and removing any surface coatings or contaminants.

2.2 Adequate lighting:

This section discusses the importance of having adequate lighting during the inspection process to
ensure that any defects or false indications are clearly visible.

2.3 Application of penetrant to parts:

This section provides guidance on how to properly apply the penetrant to the parts being tested,
including how long to leave it on and how to ensure that it fully penetrates any surface-breaking defects.

2.4 Removal of surface penetrant:

2.5 Developer application and drying:

This section provides guidance on how to properly apply the developer to the parts being tested and
how to ensure that it dries properly.

2.6 Inspection and evaluation:

This section explains how to properly inspect and evaluate the parts being tested, including how to use
UV light to make the penetrant and any defects or false indications visible.

2.7 Post-cleaning:

This section explains the importance of properly cleaning the parts after the inspection process is
complete to ensure that any penetrant or developer residue is removed.

3.0 Various Penetrant Testing Methods:

This section provides an overview of the current ASTM and ASME standard methods for liquid penetrant
testing, including ASTM E165, E1208, E1210, and E1417. It also discusses the characteristics and general
applications of each method.

3.1 Current ASTM and ASME standard methods:

This section provides an overview of the current ASTM and ASME standard methods for liquid penetrant
testing, including ASTM E165, E1208, E1210, and E1417.

3.2 Characteristics of each method:

This section discusses the characteristics of each liquid penetrant testing method, including the type of
penetrant used and the specific steps involved in each method.

3.3 General applications of each method:

This section provides guidance on the general applications of each liquid penetrant testing method,
including which method is best suited for different types of materials and defects.

4.0 Liquid Penetrant Testing Equipment:

This section provides an overview of the different types of liquid penetrant testing equipment, including
liquid penetrant testing units, lighting for liquid penetrant testing equipment and light meters, and
materials for liquid penetrant testing.

4.1 Liquid penetrant testing units:

4.2 Lighting for liquid penetrant testing equipment and light meters:

This section provides guidance on how to properly light the parts being tested and how to use light
meters to ensure adequate lighting.

4.3 Materials for liquid penetrant testing:

This section provides guidance on the different materials that are used in the liquid penetrant testing
process, including penetrants, developers, and cleaners.

4.4 Precautions in liquid penetrant inspection:

This section outlines various precautions that should be taken during liquid penetrant testing to ensure
accurate and reliable results. These precautions include avoiding contamination of the parts being
tested, avoiding excessive heat or cold during testing, and properly disposing of used penetrants and
developers. It also discusses the importance of properly training and certifying personnel who perform
liquid penetrant testing to ensure that the testing is performed correctly.

1.0. Introduction

Liquid penetrant testing (PT) is a versatile nondestructive testing (NDT) method used for detecting
discontinuities open to the surface in a wide variety of solid, nonporous materials.

The effectiveness of the test is determined by the training , skill, and dedication of the penetrant
technician, cleaning and preparation of the test object, and the materials and procedures used to
perform the test.

1.2 Purpose of liquid penetrant testing

 Open to surface

 Relatively inexpensive

 High probability of detection

1.3 Basic principles of liquid penetrant testing

 Cohesion

 Adhesion

 Surface tension
  Viscosity

 Contact angle

 Capillary action

1.2 Purpose of liquid penetrant testing:

This section explains the purpose of using liquid penetrant testing as a non-destructive testing method.

1.2.1. Open to surface: The material being tested must have surface-breaking defects, meaning that the
defects are visible from the outside of the material. This is because the penetrant is drawn into the
defect by capillary action, making it visible to the inspector.

1.2.2. Relatively inexpensive: Liquid penetrant testing is a relatively inexpensive non-destructive testing
method compared to others such as radiography or ultrasonic testing. This makes it a popular choice for
many applications.

1.2.3. High probability of detection: Liquid penetrant testing has a high probability of detecting defects,
meaning that it is effective at detecting a wide range of defects, including fine cracks, porosity, laps, and
seams.

1.3 Basic principles of liquid penetrant testing:

This section explains the basic principles that underpin liquid penetrant testing.

1.3.1. Cohesion: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance. In the case
of liquid penetrant testing, the cohesion of the penetrant allows it to flow and spread across the surface
of the material being tested.

1.3.2. Adhesion: Adhesion refers to the attraction between molecules of different substances. In the
case of liquid penetrant testing, the adhesion of the penetrant to the surface of the material being
tested allows it to remain in place and fill any surface-breaking defects.

1.3.3. Surface tension: Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to contract. In the
case of liquid penetrant testing, surface tension allows the penetrant to form a thin film on the surface
of the material being tested.

1.3.4. Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of the liquid's resistance to flow. In the case of liquid penetrant
testing, the viscosity of the penetrant affects its ability to flow into surface-breaking defects and remain
in place during the inspection process.
1.3.5. Contact angle: Contact angle is the angle between the surface of a liquid and the surface of the
material being tested. In the case of liquid penetrant testing, the contact angle affects the ability of the
penetrant to wet the surface of the material and flow into surface-breaking defects.

1.3.6. Capillary action: Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the
assistance of external forces. In the case of liquid penetrant testing, capillary action allows the penetrant
to flow into surface-breaking defects and make them visible to the inspector.

How does the viscosity of the penetrant affect the inspection process?

The viscosity of the penetrant can have a significant impact on the inspection process in liquid penetrant
testing. Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow, and it affects the ability of the
penetrant to flow into surface-breaking defects and remain in place during the inspection process.

If the penetrant has a low viscosity, it will flow more easily into surface-breaking defects, making it
easier to detect smaller defects. However, a low viscosity penetrant may also flow out of the defect too
quickly, reducing the amount of time available for the inspector to observe the defect.

On the other hand, if the penetrant has a high viscosity, it may be more difficult to flow into surface-
breaking defects, making it more difficult to detect smaller defects. However, a high viscosity penetrant
will tend to stay in place longer, giving the inspector more time to observe the defect.

Therefore, selecting a penetrant with the appropriate viscosity for the material being tested and the size
of expected defects is important for achieving the best results in liquid penetrant testing.

How can an inspector determine the appropriate viscosity for a specific material?

There are a few factors that an inspector should consider when determining the appropriate viscosity of
a penetrant for a specific material. These factors include the surface roughness of the material, the size
and shape of the defects expected to be detected, and the application method being used.

In general, a finer surface finish will require a penetrant with a lower viscosity, as it will be easier for the
penetrant to flow into smaller defects. Conversely, a rougher surface will usually require a higher
viscosity penetrant to ensure that the penetrant remains in place during the inspection process.

The size and shape of the defects expected to be detected can also affect the choice of penetrant
viscosity. If the expected defects are small and narrow, a lower viscosity penetrant may be required to
ensure that the penetrant can flow into these narrow spaces. However, if the expected defects are
larger, a higher viscosity penetrant may be needed to ensure that it remains in place during the
inspection process.
Finally, the application method being used can also affect the choice of penetrant viscosity. For example,
if the penetrant is being applied by spray, a lower viscosity penetrant may be needed to ensure that it
can be evenly distributed across the surface of the material being tested.

In summary, the appropriate viscosity of a penetrant for a specific material can be determined by
considering factors such as the surface roughness of the material, the size and shape of the expected
defects, and the application method being used.