PENETRANT TESTING (PT) Liquid penetrant testing, also known as dye penetrant testing, involves the application of a liquid

which, by a capillary action, is drawn into a surface-breaking discontinuity, such as a crack or porosity (see Figure 91). When the excess residual dye is carefully removed from the surface, a developer is applied to absorb the penetrant that is contained within the discontinuity. This results in a stain in the developer showing that a discontinuity is present. Conceptually, PT is simple, but in application, it is frequently misapplied. The materials being inspected must be clean. Adequate time, typically around 15 minutes, must be allowed for the liquid to be carried by capillary action into the discontinuity. Excessive liquid must then be carefully removed. Failure to remove dye from the surface will cause irrelevant indications. If the surface is flushed with cleaner, however, the dye can be washed from the cavity. Therefore, only wiping of the surface is permitted. Finally, if the developer is applied but an insufficient length of time elapses before inspection, the dye may not stain the developer.