Liquid Penetrant]

Questions &

The American Society for

Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
ii

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first printing 1996

second printing with revisions 02/03
third printing 08/06
fourth printing with corrections 03/09

Second edition
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 iii

Contents

Acknowledgments iv

Recommended References v

Reference Usage vi

Level I Questions 1

Level II Questions 17

Level Ill Questions 27

iv

Acknowledgments

ASNT wishes to thank those who assisted with the update of this edition of the Supplement
to Recommended to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant
Testing Method. The following contributors assisted with the review of this book including
updating old questions, writing new questions, updating references:

Gina Caudill
Karl Fogleman
William Milan
David Moore
Ron Oravec
Luis Payano
Robert Plumstead
Sam Robinson

•
 v

Recommended References
Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
The following references were used in formulating the questions contained in this book.

The following references were used in formulating the questions contained in this book.

A.* Tracy, Noel A., technical editor, Patrick 0. Moore, editor, Nondestructive Testing Handbook, third edition:
Volume 2, Liquid Penetrant Testing, Columbus, OH, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1999.

B.* Badger, Duane, Liquid Penetrant Testing Classroom Training Book, Columbus, OH, American Society for
Nondestructive Testing, Inc. 2005.

C.* Metals Handbook, ninth edition, Nondestructive Evaluation and Quality Control, Volume 17, Metals Park, OH,
American Society for Metals. 1989.

*Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

Each question found in this book is followed by letter(s) and page number(s) indicating the specific recommended
reference where the answer may be found. For example:

• 28. The term used to define the tendency of certain liquids to penetrate into small
openings such as cracks or fissures is:

a.
b.
c.
saturation
capillary action
blotting
d. wetting agent
C.21

In this example, the letter "C" refers to Reference C in the list above and "21" is the specific page in Reference C
where the answer to the question is located.

* Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

vi

Reference Usage
Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

Reference A: Total = 207 Reference C: Total= 1

Levell 93 Levell 1
Levell! 60 Level II 0
Levellll 54 Level Ill 0

Reference B: Total= 24
Levell 15
Level II 8
Level Ill 1

•
 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 1

I Level I Questions
Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

I. Which one of the following conditions 4. All of the following parts can be tested by
will affect the rate and the extent a liquid the liquid penetrant method except:
penetrant will enter cracks, fissures and
other small openings? a. an iron casting
b. an aluminum forging
a. the hardness of the specimen being c. a part made from a porous plastic
tested material
b. the surface condition of the specimen d. a part made from a nonporous
being tested material
c. the color of the penetrant A.35
d. the conductivity of the specimen
being tested
A.162 5. Which of the following discontinuities
can be found by the penetrant test
method?
2. Which of the following is a commonly

•
used classification for penetrant? a . a surface crack
b. a subsurface crack
a. post-emulsifiable penetrant c. an internal inclusion
b. nonferrous penetrant d. none of the above
c. chemical etch penetrant A.35
d. nonaqueous penetrant
A.43
6. Which of the following is generally the
more acceptable method for cleaning
3. A generally accepted method for parts prior to penetrant testing?
removing excess nonwater-washable
penetrant is: a. sand blasting
b. wire brushing
a. repeatedly dipping the test specimen c. grinding
in a cleaner d. vapor degreasing
b. soaking the test specimen in hot A.167
detergent water
c. blowing the excess penetrant off the
surface of the part with compressed 7. All of the following methods are
air commonly used to clean parts prior to
d. wiping and cautiously cleaning the penetrant testing except:
test specimen with a cleaner-
dampened cloth a. vapor degreasing
A.45 b. liquid solvent
c. power wire brushing
• d . alkaline cleaner

•
A.170

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2 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

8. Cutting oils may be effectively removed

from parts before penetrant testing by:
12. Subsurface discontinuities can be best
detected by: e
a. preheating a. the post-emulsification penetrant
b. vapor degreasing method
c. washing with water b. the visible dye penetrant method
d. all of the above c. the fluorescent, water-washable
A.1.70 penetrant method
d. none of the above
A.5
9. The most common type of contaminant
in fluorescent penetrant fluid is:
13. Water-washable penetrants may be
a. metal filings applied by:
b. oil
c. detergents (from cleaning) a. brushing
d. water b. spraying
A.1.03 c. dipping
d. all of the above
8.1.4
10. Ultraviolet light, with a proper
functioning filter in place, used for
fluorescent penetrant inspection can 14. The first step in conducting a liquid
cause permanent damage to: penetrant test on a surface that has been
painted is to:

•
a. human tissues
b. human eyes a. carefully apply the penetrant over the
c. human blood cells surface
d. none of the above b. completely remove the paint
A.78 c. thoroughly wash the surface with a
detergent
d. wire brush the surface to roughen the
II. All of the following basic inspection smooth surface coating of paint
principles apply to the visible penetrant A.1.74
methods except:

a. the penetrant must enter the 15. VVhen using a post -emulsification
discontinuity in order to form an penetrant, it is necessary to apply the
indication emulsifier:
b. indications glow when illuminated
with an ultraviolet light a. before applying the penetrant
c. a longer penetration time is required b. after the water-wash operation
for smaller discontinuities c. after the dwell time has elapsed
d. if the penetrant is washed out of the d. after the development time has
discontinuity, an indication will not elapsed
be formed by that discontinuity A.43
A.36

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 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 3

I 16. When conducting a water-washable

liquid penetrant test, the wet developer is
applied:
20. Usually, the most desirable method of
removing excess water-washable
penetrant after the dwell time is by using:

a. immediately after the penetrant has a. a low pressure coarse water spray
been applied b. water and brush
b. immediately before the penetrant is c. a solid stream of water
applied d. water and clean rags
c. after removal of the penetrant A.49
d. after removal of the emulsifier
A.34
21. When conducting a liquid penetrant test
using a post-emulsifiable visible dye
17. The term used to describe the action of a penetrant, the generally accepted method
particular developer in soaking up the for applying the wet developer is by:
penetrant in a discontinuity, so as to
cause the maximum bleedout of the a. brushing
liquid penetrant for increased contrast b. swabbing
and sensitivity, is known as: c. dipping
d. spraying
a. blotting 8.18
b. capillary action
c. concentration
d. attraction 22. Which of the following characteristics
A.38 does not apply to liquid penetrant

•
testing?

18. Using an ultraviolet light lamp with a a. this method can accurately measure
cracked filter or without the filter in place the depth of a crack or discontinuity
can cause damage to human eyes because b. this method can be used for on-site
the lamp emits: testing of large parts
c. this method can be used to find
a. black light shallow surface discontinuities
b. ultraviolet light d. this method can be made more or less
c. infrared light sensitive by using different penetrant
d. none of the above materials
A.77 8.24

19. The term used to define the period of 23. Which of the following discontinuities is
time in which the test part is covered most likely to be missed due to improper
with penetrant is: rinse techniques?

a. waiting time a. a forging lap

b. soak time (drain time) b. deep pitting
c. penetration time (dwell time) c. shallow and broad discontinuities
d. bleed in time d. the rinse technique will not affect the
A.34 detection of discontinuities
A.5

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4 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

24. Which of the following surface

conditions could have a detrimental
28.
effect on a liquid penetrant test?
Excess penetrant (all penetrant except
that which is in discontinuities) is
e~
removed from the specimen:

a. a wet surface a. after the required penetrant dwell

b. a rough weld time has elapsed
c. an oily surface b. before the application of an emulsifier
d. all of the above if a post-emulsifier penetrant is used
A.163 c. by means of a steam cleaner
d. only when water-washable penetrants
are used
25. Liquid penetrant testing is capable of A.49
detecting:

a. subsurface intergranular stress 29. When using a post-emulsifiable

corrosion cracking discontinuities penetrant, the emulsifier time should be:
b. discontinuities open to the surface
c. subsurface discontinuities a. as long as the penetrant dwell time
d. lack of fusion (subsurface) b. half the penetrant dwell time
A.34 c. the same as the developer time
d. only as long as necessary to remove
the interfering background
26. Ultraviolet light equipment is required A.49
when penetrant testing by:

a.
b.
c.
d.
the fluorescent penetrant method
the visible dye penetrant method
the nonfluorescent penetrant method
all of the above
A.45
30. V\Then an inspector is Working in a
darkened area, he/ she should become
adjusted to the dark before inspecting
parts. The generally accepted minimum
time period for becoming accustomed to
the dark is:
•
27. The term used to define the tendency of a. 1 min to 5 min
certain liquids to penetrate into small b. 5 min to 10 min
openings such as cracks or fissures is: c. 10 min to 15 min
d. no waiting period is necessary
a. saturation A.14
b. capillary action
c. blotting
d. wetting agent 31. Liquid penetrant inspection cannot find:
A.84
a. surface porosity
b. surface cracks
c. an internal cavity
d. a surface forging lap
8.3

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 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 5

I
.
32. All of the following materials can be
tested by the usual liquid penetrant tests
36 . Which of the statements below best states
the danger of sandblasting (without
except: subsequent chemical etching) for
cleaning surfaces to be penetrant tested?
a. unglazed porous ceramic
b. titanium a. the discontinuities may be peened
c. high alloy steel over and closed
d. cast iron b. oil contaminants might be sealed in
A.34.35 the discontinuities
c. the sand used in the sandblasting
operation may be forced into the
33. Liquid penetrant testing can be used to discontinuity
detect: d. the sandblasting operation may
introduce discontinuities
a. discontinuities 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) A.163
below the surface
b. internal discontinuities
c. discontinuities open to the surface 37. The penetrant applied to the surface of a
d. all discontinuities test specimen:
A.34
a. seeps into discontinuities
b. is absorbed by discontinuities
34. Which of the following are commonly c. is drawn into discontinuities by
accepted methods for applying capillary action

•
penetrant? d . is drawn into discontinuities by
gravity
a. dipping the parlin penetl"al1! A.84
(dipping)
b. pouring the penetrant over the test
specimen (flowing) 38. Which of the following statements
c. spraying the penetrant on the test concerning liquid penetrant testing is
specimen (spraying) correct?
d. all of the above
8.14 a. fluorescent penetrants will produce
red against white discontinuity
indications
35. A solvent used to clean the surface of a b. nonfluorescent penetrants require the
test specimen must possess all of the use of ultraviolet lights
following characteristics except that the: c. fluorescent indications will be seen
when exposed to ultraviolet light
a. cleaner must be capable of dissolving d. nonfluorescent discontinuities glow in
oils and greases commonly found on the dark for easy viewing and
the surface interpretation
b. cleaner must not be flammable A.45
c. cleaner must be free of excessive
contaminants
d. cleaner must leave a minimal residue
on the surface
C.38

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6 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

39. When removing excess penetrant from

the surface of a test specimen:

a. the penetrant removal operation must

not remove the penetrant from
42. Which of the following is an advantage of
visible dye penetrants over fluorescent
penetrants?

a. visible dye penetrants do not require

-
discontinuities ultraviolet light
b. sufficient excess penetrant must be b. visible dye penetrants are more
removed to eliminate an interfering sensitive than fluorescent penetrants
background c. visible dye penetrants are superior in
c. the use of a solvent-dampened cloth is penetrating characteristics
a common method of penetrant d. visible dye penetrants are nottoxic
removal while fluorescent penetrants are toxic
d. all of the above 8.33
A.87

43. The terms dry, aqueous wet and

40. The most widely accepted method for nonaqueous wet are used to describe
removing excessive water-washable three different types of:
penetrant from the surface of a test
specimen is by: a. emulsifiers
b. cleaners
a. using a wet rag c. developers
b. using a water spray rinse d. penetrants
c. washing the part directly under water A.38

•
running from a tap
d. immersing the part in water
j
8.15 44. Which of the following is not a generally
accepted method for applying
penetrants?
41. The final inspection of a test specimen
for discontinuities should take place: a. rubbing the penetrant over the surface
b. brushing the penetrant on the part
a. immediately after the developer has c. spraying the penetrant on the part
been applied d. dipping the part in the penetrant
b. any time after the developer has been 8.14
applied
c. after the developer has been on the
test specimen for the proper 45. Which of the following is the most
development time commonly used method for removing
d. immediately after the rinse operation nonwater-washable visible dye penetrant
8.18 from the surface of a test specimen?

a. dipping in a solvent
b. spraying
c. hand wiping
d. blowing
8.16

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 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 7

-
-
46. Which of the following is an acceptable
method for applying wet developers?

a.
b.
application with a soft brush
application with a hand powder bulb
50. Before conducting a liquid penetrant test,
it is important to ensure that the surface
of the part is free of:

a. oil or grease
c. rubbing with a saturated cloth b. acids ·or chromates
d. spraying or dipping c. traces of water
8.17 d. all of the above
A.162·163

47. When using solvent removable

penetrants, the excess penetrant may.be 51. When performing a penetrant test using
removed by: a post-emulsification penetrant, which of
the following is the most critical with
a. dipping the part in solvent respect to proper timing?
b. spraying the part with water and a
solvent a. dwell time
c. rubbing the part with a wet rag b. developing time
d. wiping the part with a rag or cloth c. emulsification time
that has been lightly moistened with d. drying time
solvent A.51-52
8.16

52. Which of the following is the most likely

•
48. While conducting a penetrant test, all of result of an excessive emulsification time
the following health precautions should when penetrant testing with post-
. be applied except: emulsification penetrants?

a. washing any excess penetrant from a. a large number of nonrelevant

skin using gasoline indications could appear on the part
b. washing any penetrant from skin with b. shallow discontinuity indications
soap and water as soon as possible could be lost
c. keeping penetrant off clothes c. excess penetrant could remain after
d. keeping the work area clean the wash operation
8.9 d. the emulsifier could harden,
preventing the developer from
blotting the penetrant in
49. Which of the following surface discontinuities
contaminants cannot be removed by A.51
cleaning parts in a vapor degreaser?

a. grease 53. In penetrant testing, developers should be

b. rust able to perform all of the following
c. heavy oil functions except:
d. soluble oil
A.i70 a. blotting penetrant from
discontinuities
b. aiding in providing an image of a
discontinuity
c. adding fluorescence to penetrants
d. helping control bleedout
A.55

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8 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

54. Which of the following is the primary 58. Which of the following is a type of
limitation ofliquid penetrant testing? developer used in penetrant inspection?

a. penetrant testing cannot locate a. dry

subsurface discontinuities b. aqueous particulate
b. penetrant testing cannot locate c. nonaqueous particulate
shallow surface discontinuities d. all of the above
c. penetrant testing cannot be used on B.iG
nonmetallic surfaces
d. penetrant testing cannot be used on
ferromagnetic material 59. When penetrant testing parts, the
A.S temperature of the parts should be near
room temperature. If the part is at a low
temperature when tested, the:
55. In penetrant testing, the time period
from developer application to inspection a. penetrant may become viscous
is often referred to as the: b. penetrant may evaporate very rapidly
c. color intensity of the penetrant will
a. emulsification time decrease
b. development time d. penetrant will tend to adhere to the
c. dwell time surface of the part
d. none of the above A.i38
A.42

60. If a part to be penetrant tested is hot, the

56. Liquid penetrant testing is a penetrant:
nondestructive test that can be used for:
a. may become viscous
a. locating and evaluating all types of b. may reduce sensitivity to small defects
discontinuities in a test specimen c. may lose some of its color brilliance
b. locating and determining the length, d. may evaporate
width, and depth of discontinuities in A.i38
a test specimen
c. determining the tensile strength of a
test specimen 61. Penetrants may be classified or
d. locating discontinuities open to the subdivided by the method used to
surface remove excess penetrant. Which of the
A.7 following is a proper classification in
accordance with this statement?

57. When conducting a penetrant test using a. nonsolvent removable

fluorescent penetrant, ultraviolet light b. vapor degreased
equipment is required to: c. water-washable
d. brush removable
a. cause the penetrant to fluoresce A.36-37
b. aid the normal capillary action
characteristics of a penetrant
c. neutralize excess penetrant on the
surface
d. decrease the surface tension of the
part
A.59

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t 62. The problem with retesting a test
specimen with fluorescent penetrants that
has been previously tested using visible
dye liquid penetrant is that:
a. the penetrant may form beads on the
surface
b. the penetrant left in discontinuities
may be misleading when the
specimen is retested
c. the penetrant will lose a great deal of
its color brilliance
d. residue can diminish or destroy
fluorescent indication brightness
A.165
63. Which of the following conditions will
decrease the life of an ultraviolet light
bulb?
a. line voltage fluctuations
b. dust on the face of the bulb
c. changes in room temperature
•
d. all of the above
A.237-238
64. Which of the following statements does
not apply to developers used during
penetrant testing?
a. developers are normally highly
fluorescent
b. developers often furnish a contrasting
background during inspection
c. developers absorb or blot the
penetrant that remains in
discontinuities after the rinse
operation has been completed
d. developers may be either wet or dry
A.55
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Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 9
65. Which of the following statements is
true?
a. sandblasting is a generally accepted
method for cleaning a surface that is
to be penetrant tested
b. parts should be heated prior to the
application of a penetrant
c. if the dryer is too high, the heat may
degrade the effectiveness of water-
washable penetrants
d. development time should be at least
twice the penetration time
A.42
66. When using a wet developer:
a. a thick layer of developer is better
than a thin layer for showing very fine
cracks
b. compressed air should be used to
remove excess developer
c. a black developer will show better
contrast than a white developer
d. a thin layer of developer is better than
a thick layer for showing very fine
cracks
A.95
67. Which of the following statements is
false?
a. sandblasting is not a recommended
method for preparing for a penetrant
test
b. it is not necessary to remove a film of
oil from a part prior to penetrant
testing because the penetrant is
basically an oil
c. vapor degreasing is a very good
method for removing oil from the
surface of the part to be penetrant
tested
d. a voltage regulator should be used
with an ultraviolet light if the line
voltage fluctuates
A.162-163
P09
10 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
68. A red against white background
discontinuity image is most likely to be
seen when:
a. dry developers are used
b. visible dye penetrants are used
c. fluorescent post-emulsification
penetrants are used
d. wet developers are used
A.36
69. The purpose for using a developer on a
test specimen is to:
a. promote penetration of the penetrant
b. absorb emulsifier residues
c. provide a blotting action to draw
penetrant from discontinuities and to
provide a contrasting background
d. help to dry the surface for better
observation
A.38
70. Which one of the following statements is
an incorrect use of crack panels (blocks)?
a. to establish a standard size of crack
that can be reproduced as needed
b. to determine the relative sensitivities
of two different penetrants
c. to determine if a penetrant has lost or
has reduced brilliance on fluorescent
penetrants because of contamination
d. to determine the degree or method of
cleaning necessary to remove
penetrant on the surface without
removing it from the cracks
8.67-68
71. Which of the following is generally
accepted as the most important
precaution when using water-washable
penetrants?
a. be sure that the part is washed
thoroughly during the rinse operation
b. be sure that the recommended dwell
time is not exceeded
c. avoid over-rinsing the part
d. avoid over-application of emulsifier
B.i5
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72. Which of the following is generally
accepted as the most important
precaution when using solvent removable
penetrants?
a. do not apply an excessive amount of
emulsifier
b. do not apply an excessive amount of
solvent
c. do not use an insufficient rinse
pressure
d. be sure to use an ultraviolet light to
determine if the excess penetrant has
been rinsed away
B.i6
73. Insufficient rinsing of fluorescent
penetrants will result in:
a. subsequent corrosion of the surface
b. difficulty in the application of
developer
c. excessive bleedout
d. excessive background fluorescence
A.52
74. Which of the following safety precautions
does not apply when handling penetrant
materials?
a. prolonged contact of penetrant with
skin should be avoided because the oil
or solvent base may cause skin
irritation
b. excessive amounts of developer
powders should not be inhaled
c. air line respirators and complete
protective clothing must be worn at
all times
d. because the solvents used with the
visible penetrant process are
flammable, this material should be
kept away from open flames
A.72,73
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t 75. Which of the following factors will affect
resolution of penetrant indications?
a. the sensitivity of the penetrant
materials used
b. the surface condition of the part
c. the temperature of the part and/or
penetrant
d. all of the above
A.:137,:138
76. A serious loss of water in a wet developer
mix or an excessive overconcentration of
developer powder can cause:
a. a loss of fluorescence during the
inspection operation
b. nonrelevant indications
c. cracking of the developer coating
during the drying operation
d. none of the above
A.:1:15,:1:16
• 77. What could happen if a person looks
directly into an ultraviolet light?
a. it will cause permanent damage to the
eyes
b. it will possibly cloud the vision of the
person looking into the light for a
short period of time
c. it will cause temporary total blindness
d. none of the above
A.77
78. When using dry developer, the drying
operation is performed:
a. immediately after removal of excess
penetrant
b. before the inspection step
c. thoroughly
d. all of the above
A.42
t
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Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 11
79. The failure to completely remove acid
materials from a part before fluorescent
penetrant is applied will result in:
a. contamination of the penetrant
materials
b. a need to double the penetrating time
c. a permanent stain on the part
d. all of the above
A.:168
80. When drying parts during a penetrant
test, the parts:
a. are normally dried at room
temperature
b. are normally dried by a circulating
hot-air dryer
c. should be dried in an oven set at a
temperature of 54 oc (130 °F)
d. should be dried by cool forced air
A.21i
81. The contamination of a water-washable
penetrant with an excessive amount of
water will:
a. reduce the penetrating quality of the
penetrant
b. adversely affect the washability of the
penetrant
c. both a and b are correct
d. neither a nor b are correct
A.103
82. Which of the following penetrant
methods is generally used for portable
field inspections?
a. the water-washable fluorescent
penetrant method
b. the post-emulsification fluorescent
penetrant method
c. the solvent removable penetrant
method
d. none of the above
A.67
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12 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

83. When using a fluorescent penetrant, the

actual inspection must be performed:
87.
a. in a brightly lighted room
b. with the part at a temperature
between 10 °C and 79 °C (50 op and
175 °F)
c. immediately after the developer has
been applied
d. in a darkened area under an
ultraviolet light
8.:1.5
Which of the following is not a property
of a developer used in liquid penetrant 41
testing?
a. the material must be absorbent
b. the material must form a thin and
uniform coating over a surface
c. the material must be fluorescent if
used with fluorescent penetrants
d. the material must not contain
ingredients harmful or toxic to the
operator
A.92

84. Which of the following penetrants can be

used when inspection must take place 88. Developer coatings of excessive
under ordinary lighting cOnditions? thickness:

a. visible dye penetrant a. may obscure indications

b. water-washable fluorescent penetrant b. may be beneficial while observing
c. post-emulsification fluorescent small indications for fluorescent
penetrant penetrants

.li
d. any of the above c. may be beneficial while observing
A.90 small indications for visible
penetrants
d. do not effect the inspection
85. Which of the following is a disadvantage A. 55
,,
of using the liquid penetrant testing
method?
89. Color contrast penetrants are
a. the liquid penetrant test method is commercially available in which of the
adaptable to production inspection of following variations?
small parts
b. liquid penetrant testing can locate fine a. normal solvent clean type
cracks b. water wash type
c. the liquid penetrant test method is a c. post-emulsification type
relatively simple test method d. all of the above
d. the liquid penetrant test method is A.36
not effective at all temperatures
A.:l.38
90. Which of the following could be a source
of false indications on a test specimen?
86. A good penetrant must do all of the
following except: a. residue from previous liquid
penetrant testing
a. be able to readily penetrate very fine b. machining oil
openings c. scale, rust and corrosion
b. evaporate very rapidly d. all of the above
c. be able to remain in relatively coarse A.151
openings

•
d. be easily removed from the surface
after testing
A.104

P06 P68 888 OL8 qg8 P98 8178 Pt:8

 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 13

t 91. Cleaning of the part prior to penetrant

inspection is:
95. A good commercial penetrant should
have a:

a. not required a. low flash point

b. important because if the part is not b. high flash point
clean, the developer cannot be c. medium flash point
improperly applied d. flash point is not a factor to be
c. essential because surface considered
contaminants may prevent penetrant A.72-73
from gaining access to discontinuities
d. required to eliminate possibility of
showing nonrelevant indications 96. A material that is applied over the film of
A.7 the penetrant on the surface of a part,
mixes with the penetrant, and enables the
penetrant to be washed off the surface is
92. VVhen using fluorescent water-washable called:
penetrant, adequate rinsing of the part is
assured by: a. an emulsifier
b. a penetrant
a. timing of rinse cycle c. a developer
b. scrubbing of part surface d. an isomer
c. rinsing under ultraviolet light A.37
d. using high pressure air with water
A.49
97. The time allowed for the penetrant to
enter discontinuities that may be present
93. What can happen if a part processed by is the:
visible dye penetrant inspection is
reprocessed by the fluorescent penetrant a. emulsification time
method? b. application time
c. dwell time
a. developer may remain on the surface d. drain time
causing background A.42
b. most visible dyes diminish or destroy
fluorescence
c. penetrants are not compatible 98. Which of the following penetrant systems
d. interpretation will be difficult is generally considered to be the most
A.:l.65 sensitive?

a. water-washable- visible dye

94. A suitable filter must be used at all times b. solvent removable -visible dye
over an ultraviolet light bulb because: c. water-washable- fluorescent dye
d. post -emulsification - fluorescent dye
a. too much white light will be present if A.36-37
the filter is not in place
b. the human eye may be damaged
without it
c. the filter filters out undesired wave
lengths
d. all of the above
A.231

P86 0L6 896 Pv6 0(;6 OT6

14 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

99. The best choice of a developer for use on 104. Which of the following processes would
a very smooth surface when using a be most sensitive to detecting very fine
fluorescent penetrant would be: defects?

a. dry - fluffy a. oil-and-whiting process

b. dry - regular b. water-washable process
c. wet c. post-emulsification process
d. none of the above d. water emulsifiable visible dye
A.92 penetrant process
A.36,37

100. The purpose of an emulsifier is to:

105. Wben using the post-emulsification
a. combine with the penetrant to make
the resultant mixture removable by a
water rinse
b. assist the blotting action of the
developer
c. increase the penetration of the
penetrant into fine discontinuities
d. eliminate false indications
A.52,53
fluorescent process, which of the
following methods cannot be used?
a. dipping the part in the emulsifier
b. spraying the part with emulsifier
c. pouring emulsifier over the part
d. brushing emulsifier on the part
8.50

106. Wbich of the following would be the

101. Developer assists in the detection of most desirable center wavelength for the

•
visible liquid penetrant indications by: output of the light source used in
fluorescent processes?
a. providing a clean surface
b. providing a contrasting background a. 320 nm
c. providing a dry surface b. 365 nm
d. emulsifYing the penetrant c. 520 nm
A.Ss d. 565 nm
A.231

102. Liquid penetrant examination can detect

all of the following types of 107. Bleedout of penetrant from a cold shut is
discontinuities except: an example of:

a. a forging lap a. a true indication

b. a seam b. a nonrelevant indication
c. a surface crack c. a false indication
d. subsurface porosity d. none of the above
A.S 8.23,53

103. What is the most universally used

ultraviolet light?

a. incandescent lamps
b. metallic carbon arcs

•
c. tubular BL fluorescent lamps
d. enclosed mercury-vapor arc lamps
A.230

OLQT Q90T P90T 0(701 PSOT PGOT QTOT BOOT 866

 Level I Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 15

108. Liquid penetrants become sluggish at
temperatures:
a. above 38 'C (100 'F)
b. between 10 'C and 38 'C (50 'F and
100 'F)
c. below 10 'C (50 'F)
d. below 21 'C (70 'F)
8.60
109. Why is it possible to flush a surface with a
coarse water spray to which a water-
washable penetrant was applied, remove
the excessive penetrant, and not remove
the penetrant that is in the defects?
110. Which of the items listed below is a
disadvantage of using the liquid
penetrant test method?
a. the method cannot find
discontinuities that are not opened to
the surface
b. the method is simple in principle and
relatively easy to understand
c. the method is essentially simple in
application
d. there are few limitations on the size
and shape of the article that can be
treated by this method.
A.8

a. the liquid will not wash the penetrant

from the defects because the
penetrant has to be drawn out by the
developer
b. the nature of a water-washable
penetrant is such that water will not
dissolve the penetrant; it has to push
the penetrant off the surface, which is

•
why a spray is used
.,. c. the water droplets are relatively large
and will not enter most defect
openmgs
d. a water spray should not be used; the
penetrant should be removed by a
cloth dampened with water
A.48,49

eon 060T 080T

16 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A(Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
 Level II Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 17

t Level II Questions
Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

1. Which of the following physical 4. Which of the following types of

properties, more than any other, discontinuities cannot be detected by the
determines what makes a material a good liquid penetrant test method?
penetrant?
a. surface laminations
a. viscosity b. internal forging bursts
b. surface tension c. surface cracks
c. wetting ability d. surface laps
d. no one single property determines if a A.S
material will or will not be a good
penetrant
A.40, 84-86 5. Which of the following types of
discontinuities could be classified as a
primary processing discontinuity often
2. The speed with which a penetrant found in cast material?

•
penetrates a surface flaw is influenced to
the greatest extent by which of the a. fatigue crack
following properties? b. stress corrosion crack
c. porosity
a. capillary action d. lack of penetration
b. surface tension and wettability A.:128
c. viscosity
d. density
A.84 6. Which of the following discontinuities
could be classified as a finishing
processing discontinuity?
3. Which of the statements below applies to
the liquid penetrant method of testing? a. fatigue crack
b. stress corrosion crack
a. the penetrant test method is less c. lamination
flexible than the eddy current test d. heat-treat crack
method A.:127
b. the penetrant test method is less
reliable than the magnetic particle
method for finding surface defects in 7. Which of the following discontinuities
ferromagnetic materials could be classified as a service induced
c. the penetrant test method will not discontinuity?
detect fatigue cracks
d. the penetrant test method is more a. fatigue crack
reliable than radiographic testing b. porosity
when attempting to detect minute c. machining tear

• d. lap
surface discontinuities
A.9 A.:127

BL P9 os qjr Pt: Pi': PT

18 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

8. All of the following methods are

recommended to remove grease from the
surface of a penetrant test specimen
except:
13. Which of the following is a possible cause
for false penetrant indications?

a. excessive washing
b. inadequate application of developers
•
a. vapor degreasing c. penetrant or part too cold during
b. alkaline cleaning penetration time
c. cleaning with solvent type material d. lint or dirt
d. hot water rinsing 8.20
A.170

14. Developer assists in the detection of

9. The penetrant indication for a cold shut penetrants retained in discontinuities by
on the surface of a casting will be a: aiding the:

a. dotted or smooth continuous line a. post-cleaning process

b. cluster of small indications b. emulsification process
c. rough deep indication c. bleedout process
d. large bulbous indication d. drying process
8.23 A.55

l 0. The penetrant indication of a forging lap 15. Developer assists in the detection of the
will normally be a: visible dye penetrant test indications by:

a. round or nearly round indication

b. cluster of indications
c. continuous line
d. dotted line
8.23
a. providing a clean surface
b. providing a contrasting background
c. providing a dry surface
d. emulsifying the penetrant bleedout
A. 55
•
11. When conducting a penetrant test, 16. When using post-emulsification
spherical indications on the surface of a penetrants, difficulties incurred during
part could be indicative of: the washing operation can be overcome
by:
a. fatigue cracks
b. porosity a. reapplying a coating of emulsifier
c. weld laps b. increasing the water pressure used
d. hot tears during the washing operation
8.23 c. completely reprocessing the part from
surface preparation on and by using a
longer emulsifier time, if allowed
12. Penetrant developer is commonly d. dipping the part in boiling water
available in all of the following forms A.53
except:

a. dry developer
b. nonaqueous developer
c. wet developer
d. high viscosity developer
A.38

09T PST PC:T qn OQT pg

 Level II Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 19

17. Which of the following methods for 21. When performing a liquid penetrant test
applying nonaqueous developer is using solvent removable visible dye
normally considered the most effective? penetrant, there are several ways to
remove excess penetrant from the surface
a. spraying of the part. Which of the methods listed
b. swabbing below is generally regarded as most
c. brushing suitable for giving accurate test results?
d. dipping
A.38 a. squirting solvent over the surface with
no more than 276 kPa (40 psi)
pressure
18. Of the methods listed below, the most b. wiping with a soaking wet cloth, then
effective means of precleaning a test item wiping with a dry cloth
to remove organic contaminants such as c. wiping with a solvent dampened
grease prior to a penetrant test is: cloth, then wiping with dry cloths
d. wiping with dry paper wipes, then
a. vapor degreasing wiping with a solvent dampened
b. detergent cleaning cloth, and finally wiping with dry
c. hot water rinse cloth
d. solvent wiping A.45
A.i70

22. Prior to the penetrant testing of a

19. Fluorescent materials used in fluorescent previously machined soft metal part,

•
penetrants respond most actively to which of the cleaning methods listed
radiant energy with a wavelength of below would best remove any smeared
approximately: metal that could mask discontinuities?
"
a. 700nm a. etching
b. 250kV b. shot peening
c. 365 nm c. alkaline cleaning
d. 1 klx (100 fc) d. water cleaning with detergents
A.95 A.35

20. Emulsifier time: 23. Why is the drying process used in

a. is important but not normally critical
b. is the time needed to rinse the
emulsifier and excess penetrant from
the surface
c. is extremely important and will
greatly affect test results
d. should be as long as economically
practic'al
A.5i,52
penetrant testing?
a. the drying process is used to ensure
that all excess penetrant will
evaporate
b. the drying process ensures the
uniform drying of dry developer
applied over a wet emulsifier
c. the drying process reduces
penetration time
d. after the application of a wet
developer, the drying process aids in
securing a uniform developer coating
A. 57

• Pf<: POi': 88T 8LT

20 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
24. Which of the following reasons best
describes why excessive drying of a part
should be avoided?
a. the extra time required is wasted
b. the developer may lose its blotting
ability
c. a reduction in fluorescent brilliance
may result
d. the excess developer may be difficult
to remove
A.56
25. Which of the following variables must be
considered to use the time required for
an indication to develop as a measure of
the extent of the discontinuity?
a. the type of penetrant and sensitivity
of technique
b. the type of discontinuity
c. the temperature of the material being
tested
d. all of the above
A.135
26. When using a fluorescent, post-
emulsifiable penetrant, the length of time
the emulsifier is allowed to remain on the
part is critical when detecting shallow
scratchlike discontinuities. The actual
length of time should be:
a. !0 s
b. 5s
c. 2to3s
d. determined by experimentation
A.52
27. Water-washable liquid penetrants differ
from post -emulsification penetrants in
that water-washable penetrants:
a. can only be used on aluminum test
specimens
b. do not need to be removed from
surfaces prior to development
c. have a soapy base
d. do not need the application of an
emulsifier before rinsing
A.43
8QE
28. Which of the following statements
concerning contaminating materials on
the surface of a penetrant test specimen is
false?
a. the contaminant may be of a
composition that attacks the
penetrant and reduces the
fluorescence or color of the penetrant
b. the contaminant may reduce or even
prevent capillary action by the
penetrant
c. the contaminant may retain the
penetrant and thus increase the
sensitivity of the inspection
d. the contaminant may completely fill
the crack and thus prevent the entry
of penetrant
A.137
29. The function of the emulsifier in the
post-emulsification penetrant method is
to:
•
a. more rapidly drive the penetrant into
deep, tight cracks
b. react with the surface penetrant to
make the penetrant water~washable
c. add fluorescent dye or pigment to the
penetrant
d. provide a coating to which dry
powder developer can adhere
A.43
30. When penetrant testing for shallow
discontinuities using a post~
emulsification penetrant, the
emulsification time should be long
enough to:
a. mix the emulsifier with the excess
surface penetrant only
b. mix the emulsifier with all the
penetrant on the surface and in
discontinuities
c. mix the emulsifier with penetrant in
the discontinuities
d. allow the emulsifier to dry out to a
•
white powder
A. 51
P80 P90 P90
 Level II Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 21

3L Which of the following practices should 35. Which of the following characteristics are
be avoided when performing a penetrant normally considered when selecting the
test? type of penetrant to he used in a
penetrant test.
a. applying emulsifier by dipping the
part in emulsifier a. removal characteristics of the
b. applying developer by spraying the penetrant
part with developer b. sensitivity level
c. removal of water-washable penetrant c. the cost of the penetrant
with a water spray d. all of the above
d. applying emulsifier with a brush A.9,10
8.50

36. Which materials should be avoided in the

32. A commonly used method of checking penetrant system when testing titanium
on the overall performance of a liquid alloys?
penetrant system is by:
a. carbon or oil
a. determining the viscosity of the b. halogenated solvents
penetrant c. emulsifier or oil
b. measuring the wetability of the d. fluorescent agents
penetrant A.170
c. comparing sections of artificially
cracked specimens

•
d. all of the above 37. Which of the following is a discontinuity
A.259 that might be found in sand castings?

a. incomplete penetration
33. An important difference between b. undercut
nonwater-washable penetrants and water- c. p1pe
washable penetrants is that: d. shrinkage
A.128
a. water-washable penetrants contain an
emulsifier while nonwater-washable
penetrants do not 38. Which of the following is a discontinuity
b. the viscosity of the two penetrants is that might be found in a welded
different fabrication?
c. the color of the tvvo penetrants is
different a. shrinkage
d. nonwater-washable penetrants are b. center bead crack, cracks in heat-
more easily removed than water- affected zone, or crater cracks
washable penetrants c. seams
A.36 d. laps
A.i30

34. Which of the following is a discontinuity

that might be found in rolled bar stock? 39. Which of the following is a discontinuity
that might be found in rolled plate?
a. shrinkage
b. bleedout a. laminations
c. laps b. shrinkage
d. undercut c. lack of fusion
A.129 d. undercut
A.128

P9S qss PtS PTE

22 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

40. Which of the following contaminants

could affect the sensitivity of a penetrant?

a.
b.
c.
acid
water
salts
44. Which of the following is an advantage of
visible dye penetrants over fluorescent
penetrants?

a. small indications are more easily seen

b. they can be used on anodized and
-
d. all of the above chromate surfaces
A.137 c. they make less background on rough
surfaces
d. no special lighting is required
41. Which of the following is a discontinuity A.46
that might be found in a forging?

a. shrinkage cracks 45. Which of the following is an advantage of

b. laps solvent wipe methods over water
c. cold shuts washing?
d. insufficient penetration
A.129 a. no special lighting is necessary during
inspection
b. they provide a quicker penetration of
42. Which of the following is a discontinuity small openings
that might be found in rolled plate stock? c. small indications are more easily seen
d. they can easily be carried out in the
a. inclusions field and remote areas
b. shrinkage cracks A.46

43.
c.
d.
forging laps
blow holes
A.129

Which of the following is an advantage of

fluorescent penetrants over visible type
penetrants?
a. the inspection can be carried out in a
well lighted area
b. small indications are more easily seen
c. they can be used where contact with
water is objectionable
d. they are less sensitive to
contamination of discontinuities
A.46
46. The tendency of a liquid penetrant to
enter a discontinuity is primarily related
to the:
•
a. viscosity of the penetrant
b. capillary forces
c. chemical inertness of the penetrant
d. specific gravity of the penetrant
A.84
47. The emulsifier is used:
a. to wash the penetrant out of
discontinuities
b. to aid in washing off the surface of
parts when using either the water or
oil soluble penetrants
c. to emulsify tbe oil soluble penetrant,
thereby making it water washable
d. to preclean parts before applying
penetrant
A.37

"Lv qg17 PS17 P1717 qt;17 q;;:v qn P017

-
 Level II Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 23

48. The prime purpose of the ultraviolet light 53. When improper processing causes
for fluorescent penetrant inspection is to: inspection difficulties, what should the
inspector do?
a. magnify indications
b. make the indications visible a. swab parts with a solvent
c. develop indications b. use a correct bleedback procedure
d. speed up inspection c. erase nonrelevant fluorescence
A.226 d. reprocess the part
A.151

49. Why is it advisable to have an ultraviolet

light installed at the wash station?
a. to check the effectiveness of the wash
cycle
b. to speed the bleeding of penetrant out
of defects
c. so inspection can be done without
drying parts
d. to determine if parts have been
covered with penetrant
A.223
54. Which of the following is most likely to
render the post~ernulsification test
ineffective?
a. the penetrant time is too long
b. the developing time is too long
c. the emulsifying time is too long
d. none of the above
A.51
55. Dry developer should be applied:

•
50-. Developer powder should always be: a. so that a heavy coat of developer
covers all surfaces
a. highly fluorescent b. so that a light dusting covers all
b. applied wet surfaces to be inspected
c. colorless c. with a dry paint brush
d. evenly applied d. by dipping
A.55 A. 56

51. When viewing parts, fluorescent 56. Which factor would apply in determining
background may indicate: the dwell time required for the penetrant
to be effective?
a. poor washing
b. insufficient emulsifying time (post- a. type of discontinuity sought
emulsification method) b. shape of part
c. porous material and coating c. size of part
d. all of the above d. surface roughness
A.48 A.138

52. In the absence of a written acceptance 57. The part is an aluminum forging.
criteria, rejection or acceptance of parts Description - the indication is sharp,
should be based on the: halfmoon shaped, not deep. It is called:

a. inspector's education a. a lap

b. design of the part and its intended b. center line porosity
application c. a heat treat crack
c. appropriate penetrant standard d. a false indication
d. selection of the penetrant A.147
A.154

BL9 egg qgg 0)>9 P£9 P09 qgp

24 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

58. The part is a 13 mm (0.5 in.) thick

aluminum plate with a V fusion weld.
Description - the indication appears as
a straight line. The indication is:
62. Which of the following is a discontinuity
that might be found in rolled bar stock?

a.
b.
blowhole
shrinkage lap
•
a. shrinkage c. crack or seam
b. nonrelevant d. lack of penetration
c. a quench crack A.129
d. lack of fusion
A.142
63. The term nonrelevant indication is used
to describe certain types of penetrant
59. The part is an aluminum casting. testing indications. Which of the
Description - the casting has a very following would be a typical nonrelevant
complex design. In one section, there is a indication?
flat area having a thickness of 32 mm
(1.3 in.). In the center of this area is a a. indications due to part geometry or
round section, 51 mm (2 in.) thick and part design configurations
25 mm (I in.) in diameter. There are b. nonmagnetic indications
linear indications about one-half the c. multiple indications
distance around the base where it joins d. nonlinear indications
into the thin section. The indication is 8.21
called:

a.
b.
c.
d.
dross
hot tear
microshrinkage
porosity
8.63
64. Which of the statements below best states
the danger of using sandblasting for
cleaning surfaces to be penetrant tested?

a. the discontinuities may be closed

.:
. '

b. oil contaminants might be sealed in

the discontinuities
60. Shrinkage cracks are usually found in c. the sand used in the sandblasting
what areas of a casting? operation may be forced into the
discontinuity
a. thin sections only d. the sandblasting operation may
b. heavy sections only introduce discontinuities in the part
c. at abrupt changes in thickness 8.13,14
d. no longer a problem
A.128
65. A continuous linear indication can be
caused by which of the following
61. Which of the following is a discontinuity discontinuities?
that might be found in a forging?
a. porosity
a. shrinkage crack b. slag inclusions
b. lap c. pitting
c. hot tear casting d. cracks
d. lamination A.133
A.129

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 Level II Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 25

66. Which of the following could be a source 68. Which of the following discontinuities
of false indications on a test specimen? would be impossible to detect using a
liquid penetrant test?
a. penetrant on the test table
b. penetrant on the hands of the a. a forging lap
inspector b. a crater crack
c. contamination of dry or wet c. grinding cracks
developer with penetrant d. nonmetallic internal inclusions
d. all of the above A.7
A.166

67. A crack type discontinuity will generally

appear as:

a. a round indication
b. a continuous line, either straight or
jagged
c. a straight, single solid line
d. random round or elongated holes
A.133,134

• P89 P99
26 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

I

- Level Ill Questions
Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
I. Chemical cleaners are often used for very
dirty, greasy parts. If used:
a. the surface must be subsequently
cleaned with a solvent cleaner
b. the surface must be thoroughly rinsed
free of any residue
c. heat must be used to ensure the
removal of any detergents from
surface openings
d. the surfaces must be subsequently
cleaned with a volatile solvent cleaner
A.:165
2. Generally, vapor degreasing is considered
•
to be one of the best methods of
preparing a part for liquid penetrant
inspection because:
a. the solvent vapor removes all
petroleum based materials
b. it totally relnoves all surface
contaminants
c. the method is easily adapted to
virtually any size of the part
d. the solvent vapor removes all
inorganic soils
A.:169
3. When penetrant is applied to parts by
dipping, the parts should be:
a. left in the tank during the entire dwell
time
b. set aside until the dwell time is up
c. placed on a rack designed to return
any excess drainage to the dipping
station
d. placed in the alkaline solvent rinse
tank immediately
• pg 09 qp 0£ e<:
A.205
q]:
Level Ill Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 27
4. With all other factors the same when
removing penetrant from the surface by
spray water wash, penetrant in a crack
would be harder to remove if it has:
a. low viscosity
b. high viscosity
c. medium viscosity
d. viscosity is not important
A.86
5. The most desirable objectives governing
the cleaning operations when removing
surface penetrant are to remove:
a . little penetrant from defects and leave
a minimal of residual penetrant
remaining on the surface
b. little penetrant from a defect and leave
no residual penetrant remaining on
the- surface
c. no penetrant from defects and leave a
minimal of residual penetrant on the
part surface
d. no penetrant from defects and leave
no residual penetrant on the part
surface
A.48
6. The best method of removing the excess
water-washable penetrant is to:
a. immediately immerse the part in the
water rinse tank
b. use water running directly from a tap
c. boil in hot water or steam spray
d. use a hose and nozzle with a coarse
spray
A.42
28 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

7. When removing excess post-emulsifiable 11. Removal of residual penetrant or

penetrant in a production situation developer materials by a suitable post-
involving relatively large irregularly cleaning technique is advantageous in
shaped parts, you may use a: which of the following cases?

a. coarse spray a. where it could interfere with

b. strong water blast subsequent processes or with service
c. commercial solvent b. where it could provide a contrasting
d. hot water immersion background
A.42 c. where it could assist in the
emulsification of the penetrant
bleedout
8. The sensitivity of wet developers can be d. where it could assist in the lattice
seriously impaired: structure breakdown
A.:l.SO
a. when the developer temperature is
greater than the ambient temperature
b. when the thickness of the coating 12. Post-cleaning is particularly important
becomes too heavy where residual penetrant or developer
c. if the corrosion inhibitors are added materials may combine with other
to the developer materials in service to produce:
d. if the surface of the part is polished
A.55 a. false penetrant indications
b. a contrasting background
c. corrosive action

•
9. When is a nonaqueous wet developer d. proper surface tension
generally preferred? A.:178

a. when the dryer oven temperature is

above 121 °C (250 °F) 13. Post-cleaning should be performed:
b. when it is essential to use the most
sensitive developers a. as soon as possible if the material is
c. when using a fluorescent penetrant on susceptible to corrosion
an as-cast surface b. after several hours because the drier
d. when using a fluorescent penetrant on the materials are, the easier they can
a wire brushed weld be wiped off
A.93 c. with the part warm to enhance the
solubility of penetrant material
d. with the part chilled to cause the
10. The best method of drying after the materials to lose their cohesion
application of a wet developer is A.HS
normally:

a. blotting the surface gently with

absorptive paper toweling
b. allowing the part to dry slowly at or
slightly below the ambient
temperature
c. rapid drying with a normal room
temperature air blast
d. drying with circulating air at a
maximum of 71 °C (160 °F)

en
A.384

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•

14. Ocular fluorescence should be considered
when arranging ultraviolet lights for
testing, because direct or reflected
ultraviolet light shining into the
inspector's eyes:
a. could cause tissue damage
b. is harmless and of no consequence
c. even though temporary, can become
extremely annoying and may impair
inspector effectiveness
d. even though annoying, it will not
impair inspector effectiveness
A.61
15. Residual acids and chromates are
detrimental to the fluorescent processes
because:
a. the fluorescent dyes may be
decomposed, resulting in weak· or
faint test indications
b. acids and oxidizing agents react with
•
the fluorescent dyes only in the
presence of water
c. acids and oxidizing agents react with
the fluorescent dyes only in the
presence of emulsifiers which are
contained in water-wash penetrants
d. emulsifiers neutralize the effects of the
acids and chromates
A.103,104
16. Due to the nature of penetrant material,
most methods have which of the
following adverse effects on operator
health?
a. penetrants are a hazard due to their
inorganic base
b. penetrant methods include materials
which can cause dermatitis if proper
precautions are not observed
c. penetrant materials contain
hallucinogens that can cause a sense
of drunkenness
d. modern penetrants have been
improved to be virtually hazard free
•
A.71,72
om: PH 891:
Level Ill Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 29
17. Which of the following is an advantage of
post-emulsifiable methods over water-
washable methods?
a. the excess penetrant removal is
accomplished by water spray
b. they usually exhibit higher sensitivity
to tight cracks
c. the overall test time is shortened
d. their sensitivity is easier to control
A.36,37
18. When compared to other methods, which
of the items below are disadvantages of
water emulsifiable visible dye methods?
a. degree of sensitivity to acidity and
alkalinity
b. portability
c. test time
d. requirements of ordinary light
A.66,67
19. The type of penetrant to be used on an
investment casting should be:
a. water-washable visible dye for
maximum sensitivity and water-
washability
b. solvent removable because of size and
shape
c. post-emulsifiable fluorescent for
maximum sensitivity and water-
washability
d. solvent removable for greater visibility
A.344,345
20. There is a variety of equipment available
for precleaning parts prior to penetrant
application. Of the following, the
recommended method for removing the
oil phases, if practical, is:
a. sand or grit blasters
b. solvent or chemical tanks
c. vapor degreasers
d. water detergent washing machines
A.170,171
30 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

21. If modular equipment has been obtained 25. A good penetrant must be:
for a penetrant inspection system using
fluorescent post-emulsifiable penetrant a. able to enter extremely fine surface
and wet developer, the dryer should be openings
placed: b. highly viscous
c. highly volatile
a. after the developer tank d. an inorganic base liquid
b. before the emulsifier tank A.40
c. before the developer tank
d. after the wash unit
A.205 26. Wetting ability is measured by the:

a. specific gravity
22. In a modular equipment system using a b. density
water-washable fluorescent penetrant and c. contact angle
dry developer, ultraviolet light should be d. surface tension
available: A.84

a. at the penetrant station

b. at the wash station 27. Which of the following functions does a
c. at the developer station . developer perform?
d. after the oven cycle
A.203-204 a. blots the penetrant by drawing it out
of discontinuities

23. Filters for ultraviolet lights effectively
remove:
a. natural white light
b. radiation of a wavelength above 300
nm
c. visible light from the energy given off
by the mercury arc
d. fluorescence from the penetrant
A.ii2
24. The use of I 00 W spot bulbs with a plain
filter for color contrast penetrants
produces:
a. a high intensity narrow beam
b. a large amount of light over a large
area
c. does not have a high maximum
intensity in any one area
d. is ideal for inspecting large parts
A.233
•
b. masks out nonrelevant indications
c. dries out the surface of the part
d. provides a noncontrasting
background
A.i38
28. When inspecting using fluorescent
penetrant methods, an indication will
appear as a:
a. soft white glow against a gray
background
b. brilliant yellow green glow against a
white background
c. bright yellow green glow against a
black background
d. brilliant yellow green glow against a
deep violet blue background
A.i33

PSG
•
 Level Ill Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 31

- 29. A visible dye indication will usually

appear as a:

a. bright red glow against a white

background
33. Porosity indications in ceramics would
appear:

a. more intense than porosity

indications in metals
b. red color against a gray background b. essentially the same as porosity
c. red color against a white background indications in metals
d. red color against a glowing white c. less intense than porosity indications
background in metals
A.i33 d. as minute cracks
A.i50

30. If an indication reappears after the

original developer has been removed and 34. VVhen inspecting a hard fired ceramic
another coat is applied, the discontinuity: that is very porous, the best inspection
method would be the:
a. contains a reservoir of penetrant
b. is probably shrinkage a. filtered particle method
c. is most likely porosity b. electrified particle method
d. is most likely a crack c. brittle enamel method
A.i35 d. emulsifiable color contrast method
A.327

31. If, upon proper reprocessing, a faint

•
indication fails to reappear, what could be 35 . A partially welded forging lap would
the cause? probably:

a. it was probably a false indication a. give no indication

b. the area has been overcleaned b. appear as a very thin, continuous line
c. the indication is probably due to a c. appear as a broad, continuous line
small flaw d. appear as an intermittent line
d. reprocessing has resealed the opening A.i33.i34
A.i52

36. A ragged line, of variable width and

32. A netvvork of interconnecting jagged lines numerous branches on castings caused
appearing in hard fired, unglazed ceramic by a difference in cooling rates betv.reen
products would be an indication of: thick and thinner sections, would most
likely be an indication of:
a. grinding cracks
b. fatigue cracks a. shrinkage
c. shrinkage cracks b. cold shut
d. thermal shock c. hot tear
A.327 d. lap
8.63

• ogs PSS eps PeS eos

32 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method

37. A deep crater crack will frequently appear

as a:
41. A penetrant that will spread over the
surface of the test area in a smooth, even
film despite a small amount of surface
.,,
a. small tight crack contamination is said to have:
b. rounded indication
c. fine linear indication a. low viscosity
d. faint intermittent line b. high viscosity
A.142 c. wetting ability
d. low evaporation
A.40
38. The forces generated by capillary
attraction cause a liquid to rise
spontaneously in a capillary tube. These 42. The sensitivity of two penetrants for
forces are also involved in the: crack detection is best compared by:

a. entry of a liquid into a crack a. using a hydrometer to measure

b. solubility of a liquid specific gravity
c. flash poiut of a liquid b. using cracked aluminum blocks
d. cliemical inertness of a liquid c. measuring the contact angles in a
A.84 wetting test
d. the meniscus test
A.249
39. Viscosity has a considerable effect on
some of the practical aspects of the use of

•
a penetrant. It is an important factor in 43. For post-emulsifiable penetrants, a good
the: method for establishing emulsifying time
is by:
a. solubility of contaminants
b. washability of a penetrant a. experimentation
c. degree of fluorescence emitted b. the water drop through test
d. rate with which a penetrant will drain c. the water tolerance test
off a smooth surface d. using published book values
A.86 A.53

40. One of the t\-vo most important 44. A newly mixed batch of wet developer
properties of a good penetrant is wetting should:
ability. Wetting ability is:
a. be checked by a hydrometer
a. measured by contact angle and is not b. be agitated for at least 30 min
related to surface tension c. be checked for evenness of coating
b. a function of viscosity and increases d. all of the above
as surface tension decreases A.i16
c. measured by contact angle and
decreases as surface tension increases
d. measured by surface tension and
increases as contact angle decreases
A.84

P1717 8017 P6£

 Level Ill Questions - Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 33

• 45. The test used to measure the sensitivity of

a penetrant to water contamination based
on the amount of water is the:

a. water drop through test ·

48. The ability of an indication to be seen
can be assigned a value called the
contrast ratio. This ratio is based on the
amount of:

b. hydrometer test a. white light present as opposed to the

c. photofluorometer test amount oflight absorbed by the dye
d. water tolerance test b. light reflected by the background as
A.:109 opposed to the amount oflight
absorbed by the dye
c. light absorbed by the background as
46. A method for evaluating quantitative opposed to the amount of light
values for the emitted light of fluorescent reflected by the dye
materials is the use of a: d. light reflected by the background as
opposed to the amount of light
a. fluorometer reflected by the dye
b. filtermeter A.59
c. refractometer
d. spectrometer
A.:l:l:l 49. The contrast ratio of a red dye penetrant
to a white developer is normally about:

47. When performing an evaluation of the a. 100to 1

fluorescent ability of a penetrant, the b. 33 to 1
value that is normally sought is the: c. 10to 1-20to 1
d. 9 to 2
a. amount of actual light emitted by A.6:1
indications
b. amount of ultraviolet light necessary
to cause the material to fluoresce 50. The test object and standard penetrant
c. relative amount of light emitted by the materials should be within a particular
fluorescent material compared to temperature range. One of the reasons an
other penetrants excessively cold penetrant is undesirable
d. relative amount of light emitted by the is that as the temperature becomes lower:
fluorescent material compared to the
light emitted by the background a. the viscosity increases
A.:l:l:l b. the viscosity decreases
c. fewer volatile materials will be lost
d. the dyes degrade
A.:138

51. If the surface temperature of the test part

is excessively hot, the:

a. viscosity of the penetrant may be too

high
b. surface tension of the penetrant
mcreases
c. penetrant may lose fluorescent
brightness as the dyes are degraded
d. contact angle increases
A.:105

809 Q6v P8v egp PSv

34 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book): Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
52. Which of the following is a criterion for a
good dryer?
a. it has the ability to dry the surface
slowly
b. it has the ability to heat the part to an
optimum temperature in a minimum
of time so that the part is both dry
and warm as promptly as possible
c. it has the electrical heating elements
so that there is a guarantee that no
contaminants can be introduced into
the inspection process
d. it is a warm air blast system
A.204
53. What are tvvo very important properties
that determine whether a liquid will have
high penetrating ability?
a. surface tension and cosine of the
contact angle
b. viscosity and cosine of contact angle
c. cosine of the contact angle and
density
d. surface tension and viscosity
A.84
54. VVhere precleaning is necessary and a
residue free solvent is used, which of the
following is observed?
a. the solvents are not suitable for
removing grease
b. the solvents are not suitable for
removing oil
c. the solvents should never be used for
removing grease and oils
d. the solvents are suitable for removing
grease and oils, but are generally not
adequate if solids are embedded in
void areas
A.i70
55. When utilizing the fluorescent post-
emulsifiable penetrant method and
performing the rinse cycle, which of the
following will prevent overrinsing?
a. rinse before the penetrant is
completely emulsified
•
b. rinse after the penetrant is completely
emulsified
c. discontinue the rinse as soon as the
surface penetrant is removed from the
part
d. rinse only with water hotter than
43 "C (110 "F)
A.Si
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