Higher Colleges of Technology

Abu Dhabi Men’s College

Mechanical Engineering Technology
MCE 2303 Material Testing and Selection

Laboratory 06

LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION TESTING

1.Objective:

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The purpose of this test is to detect, using the Liquid Penetrant Inspection method, any surface-
breaking flaws, such as cracks, laps and folds, on some butt- welded steel samples.

2. Liquid Penetrant Inspection theory:

Liquid (or dye) penetrant inspection is an extension of visual inspection and is used for detecting
surface-breaking flaws, such as cracks, laps and folds, on any non-absorbent material's surface.

3. Apparatus

Welded samples
The three aerosol cans of
- Cleaner- Penetrant - Developer

4-Procedure:
• Firstly, the surface to be inspected is cleaned thoroughly..
• The Liquid penetrant (brightly colored or fluorescent liquid) is then applied
liberally to the component surface
• The Liquid Penetrant is allowed to penetrate any surface-breaking cracks or
cavities.
• The time the liquid is allowed to soak into the material's surface is normally about
20 minutes.
• After soaking, the excess liquid penetrant is wiped from the surface
• The developer is usually a dry white powder, is applied on the surface.
• The Developer is allowed to draw the liquid penetrant out of any cracks by
reverse capillary action to produce indications on the surface.
• To increase test sensitivity the inspection can be done under UV light if
available.

5-Questions

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 a- Take some pictures of the samples under test
b- Make your observations in terms of the welding quality.

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