Penetrant Testing

Wetting characteristics- Good Wetting 0< 90deg (under 90) poor wetting 0=90deg no wetting
0>90deg
Capillary Action-is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in
opposition to, external forces like gravity.
Major Properties of Penetrant- Wetting ability (contact angle, surface tension) Capillary action,
Viscosity
Dwell Time- the time that is needed for liquid pen to penetrate into surface discontinuities
Reversed Capillary Action- the adhesive forces between the solid and liquid
Test procedure seven main steps- surface cleaning, application of penetrant, dwell time, clean, apply
developer, examine visually, cleaning the surface
Types of dye- Type1: fluorescent dye (more sensitive) Type 2: Visible color dye
Processes to remove penetrant- Method a: water washable, Method b: lipophilic emulsifier, Method c:
solvent removable, Method D: Hydrophilic emulsifier
Limitations- Can only detect flaws that are open to the surface, rough surfaces cannot be tested, cannot
measure depth
Capabilities- Surface defects, magnetic and non magnetic materials, porosity, cracks, leaks, shrinkage,
cold shuts, grinding and heat treat cracks, seams, forging laps, bursts and disboud, more sensitive than
radiographic testing for minute surface discontinuities.
Standard temp limits- temp of pen material and surface of the part should be between 40 to 125 deg f as
per ASTM E-165 50 to 125 deg f as per ASME V
Immersion- Best way to for applying penetrant
Spraying- applied by electrostatic or conventional spray guns, avoids pen build up, are portable and
suitable for local application
Removal of Penetrants
Water washable process- temp of water- 50 to 100 deg f, Water pressure less than 40psi (astm) rinse
time not to exceed 120 sec
Drying Parameters- temp not exceed 160 deg f part temp not exceed 125 deg f
Black Light- Wave length 3200-3800 A, should produce an intensity of at least 100uw/cm2, 10 min
warm up time, less than 20 lux background light, 1 min adaptation time,
Types or Indications- False from a condition other than a discontinuity, Relevant caused by a condition
or discontinuity that requires evaluation, Non-Relevant caused by a condition or discontinuity that is not
rejectable
Rounded Indication- L/D less than or equal to 3
Linear indication- L/D greater than 3
Classification 5.2 Developers Shall be of the following forms
5.2.1 Form A- Dry powder
5.2.2 Form B- Water soluble
5.2.3 Form C- Water-suspendable
5.2.4 Form D- Nonaqueous for type 1 Fluoresecent penetrant
5.2.5 Form E- Nonaqueous for type 2 visible dye
5.2.6 Form F- Specific application
5.3 Solvent removers shall be of the following classes
5.3.1 Class1- Halogenated
5.3.2 Class 2- Nonhalogenated
5.3.3 Class 3- Specific application