PENETRANT INSPECTION‘LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION Tntrodction nnn The sx basic steps to liquid penetrant testing Safety aspects involved when using penetrants. Principles and stages of liquid penetrant inspection.. Properties of penetrants. Properties of emulsifier ‘Typical penetration times for various materials. Control checks on equipment performance... Techniques (including advantages/disadvantages of each system). COSHH REGULATIONS Scope Responsibilities. ‘Occupational exposure limits (EH40) CONVERSION FACTORS & TERMINOLOGY Od terminology vs new terminology .... Commonly referred to standards in liquid penetrant inspection. GLOSSARY nn EXAMINATION SCHEMES... PON examinations nu ASNT examinations .. Ruane FPO Ne!Auane & TPOWe Gao 20 Pscosey isa propery ofa penetrent and, whilst “important, docs no affect ‘he cpilary action. However, doe affect the 5p speed of etre of the Peneirant material cess The reslstance of fluid fom. Montseus: By sing Hhadowgraph, the conaet gp ‘angie may be determined fora percranton especie ‘material. A good ponirant isnsvaly defined with 0 contac angie Ur the order of6- 10 50 n ute gonoraly considered ax ‘goad working practice 10 ‘lye ure the same ‘fly of consumables BS EN 571-1 quotes ‘the povetron and developer ‘nay be from wise files (fan opproved source), bus {he pencrant and renover MUST be ofthe same family’ 80 0 100 Lhe ae INTRODUCTION Penetrant esting provides a means of detecting surface opening discontinuities, such as cracks or porosity, in relatively non-absorbent materials, (Porous materials are ‘unsuitable for general penetrant testing). It utilizes 2 penetrating liquid which is applied to the surface to be tested and is drawn into any discontinuity preseat. The excess ponetrant is removed after a suitable period of time and a white finely divided developer powder is applied to the surface under test. The developer assists in drawing the residual penetrant from the discontinuities, thereby revealing their location. An early form of penetrant testing was the oil and chalk process. This method consisted of coating the work piece with a heavy lubricating oil, usually thinned out with paraffin or other light oils. After allowing penetrating time, the oil was removed with dry rags and a mixture of chalk and alcohol was then applied to the s Possible defects would be indicated where the chalk was stained with oil. CAPILLARY ACTION “Theconeave mets tigrieneoare Capiliary tube "The meniscus ‘Water level in tube Capillary pressure is determined by: 25C0s0 oa Where: ‘Water level in glass S= Surface tension Cos = Cosine of the contact angle d= Tube diameter/law with ‘THE SIX BASIC STEPS TO LIQUID PENETRANT TESTING Pre-clean, Penetration. Wash. Develop. aspect. Final clean, SAFETY ASPECTS INVOLVED WHEN USING DYE PENETRANTS ‘When the liguid penetration method for detecting flaws in materials is used, the operator must always follow the recommended procedures and standards under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. ‘This act states that recommended procedures and safety requirements are laid down in BS 6443 : 1984 and BS EN 571. ‘Within those standards are specific requirements with regard to safety. tse 2am PILI2» 0 * Guidance note used by the Heath & Safety Exeeutve ‘EH¢0 referenced in Unit Pr 50 oo * This is potcutarly relevant withthe use of foreseen’ penetrens. One of the worst Caniainates will be the alow contrast penetron. even mine quandties wil ‘quench the fuorescent 70 bis ofthe farescont poneron. » * Sodium based glasses nay be ued to Improve vital contrast and wl ale help {Alter ou the shorter UY ‘wavelenghs. 30 100 PaCeu TaD Fire hazards The use of electrical equipment, when involved in the inspection of materials, shail ensure that there is no risk of fire as a result of equipment sparking or overheating. ‘The use of inflammable vapours or solvents (aerosol cans, cleaning solutions; etc.) should always be kept away ftom any possible source of ignition. Special care should bbe taken not to use such equipment in confined spaces as this could provide a build up of ges, unless adequate ventilation is provided. Electrical safety All equipment used with the liquid penetrant method of inspection shall comply with clectrical safety regulations. This means that any mains equipment of 110V or above shall be fitted with an earth leakage current circuit breaker of rating 30 mA. Where portable equipment of 26V and above is used, the requirement for a circuit breaker ig 12mA. Toxic materials ‘When in use, some aerosol sprays end solvent cleaners may emit a toxie vapour whieh can cause a hazard tothe health of the operator, therefore, precautions should be taken to avoid these hazards in accordance with the suppliers’ instructions, ‘Such precautions include the use of face masks to absorb any harmful mists ot vapours, in the atmosphere, especially when in confined spaces. For the acceptable level in a confined space, see regulation in EH40*, Furthermore, there may remain a risk of irritation to the skin due to the use of aerosol sprays or solvents, Under these circumstances, the recommended safety garments should be worn and the extensive use of protective clothing where necessary. Permanent testing locations ‘Where it is necessary to cary out liquid penetrant testing on a continuous basi, a suitable room or building should be available. This should contain adequate ventilation, lighting for the inspection of materials, access to move equipment and ‘materials, both in and out, and sufficient space for cleaning. ‘The location of such a room or building should be well away from any manufacturing processes which may cause airborne costamination®, Safe use of ultraviolet light Always ensure the safe use of ultraviolet light when inspecting a material with a Muorescent penetrant. ‘The source of ultraviolet light should always be directed towards the work piece and away from the naked eye as exposure may cause damage. The filters used on ultraviolet light equipment should be regularly checked for cracking, as radiation waves below 315 nm can be very dangerous. ‘The use of photochromic spectacles should be avoided as these will darken under ultraviolet light and increase the possibility of missing the smaller indications ‘Aluorescing’. PRINCIPLES AND STAGES OF LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION Preparation As penetrant inspection is totally dependent on the ability of a penctrant to enter a surface discontinuity, contaminants such as oil, grease, paint, rust, scale, welding flux etc,, may restrict its entry. Moreover, such contaminants can absorb the penetrant, ‘asking fine defects or making them difficult or impossible to identify or interpret ‘Methods of cleaning can be divided into two main groups; piysical and chemical. tt 18 Pri2Fron These ofsirong attire '0 ‘materials must aso be ‘voided wherever possible the tothe possible release of ‘hromate fons hich are fpaque to utravole igh, Jere nga nerasing the chance of missing 2» Indication, 0 0 %0 50 Fas ACOLUD Bot Physical ‘The physical methods, such as wire brushing or abrasive blasting (shot blasting, metal scraping, sand blasting, etc), essentially remove contaminants from the surface and are generally incapable of removing any contamination which may exist within the discontinuity, thereby stopping or reducing entry ofthe penetrant. Lf abrasive cleaning is used, it should be followed by a light acid etching prior to penetrant application in order to remove the pened surface, which is very likely to close up discontinuities 50 ‘making the penetrant test ineffective. Care should be exercised when using fluorescent penetrants because the acid can kill the fluorescence and create poor or weak indications. Depending on the test piece material and surface finish, physical cleaning ‘may be unacceptable. Chemical ‘Chemical cleaning can be carried out by using detergents, steam cleaning or vapour degreasing but is ineffective for removing rust or scale. Detergent cleaning Detergents can be either acid or alkaline, therefore a detergent which is non-corrosive to the material should be chosen. Detergents can be applied to small areas, or used in a washing tank, therefore the size and shape of the component may have to be considered. Steam cleaning ‘This process is an excellent method of cleaning if the component cannot be successfully cleaned by detergent or vapour degreasing. Steam cleaning is usually used om large components, Vapour degreasing By applying or immersing into the degreasing agent, the surface and also the Aiscontinuty are effectively cleaned, Trichloreiylene is usually used as the degreasing agent, slthough this should not be used on titanium alloys as the susceptibility of such alloys to stress corrosion may be enhanced by its use. Sufficient time should be allowed after cleaning for drying out otherwise the efficiency of the penetrant may be affected. The time interval allowed for the eveporation of solvents can only be determined by the prevailing conditions of temperature, hurmidity and the type of solvent used, Moisture fom detergent cleaning can be removed by coven drying the component. Penetrants ‘Types Penetrnts ae usually classified according to the typeof dye; visual or fluorescent Colour contrast penetrants The brighlly coloured, usually red (as it provides a high contrast ageinst the whi background), highly penetrating liquids are visually inspected under good daylight conditions, or with the use of adequate artificial ight Fluorescent penetrants With these penetrants, the components are irradiated with an ultraviolet light (black light) in a darkened area 50 that the yellow-green indications are readily visible. ‘The above classes of penetrant can be further sub-divided by the manner in which they are removed from the material surface: a, Solvent removable. Water washable. Post emulsifiable, tame 251306 PmBuena & TPONe! Precipitation: The change (rom asaltion o 2 suspension, the base 30 laments come ou of olution, 0 so n Flas pott: The minis temperate whieh he ‘pour wil gate when cxpoted to naked flame, ‘sally determined via oted exp method. $0 Hoaloge roe: Contains no chlorine, uoring Bromide oriodina 100 UNIT PT! + LIQUID P Altemative penetrant systems include dual sensitivity (reverse fluorescence) used in poor lighting conditions, filtered particle used for porous materials, thisotropic used for overhead work and LOX sensitive used on materials likely to come into contact with liquid oxygen, These specialist systems are not covered in depth due to their limited applications. Application ‘After the surface bas been prepared and completely died, application of the penetrant can be by spraying, pouring or dipping, using a swab or brush, or by immersing into a tank. When using immersion, the test piece need only stay immersed until covered. The penetrant does not seep into a discontinuity, i is pulled into it by capillary action, ‘The penetrant should be applied within the temperature range of 4°C to 40°C, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Higher temperatures will retard. the penetrating ability by evaporating the volatile constituents. Lower temperatures will cause some precipitation ofthe dye and the penetrant o become more viscous. Surface contact time of the penetrant vaties between 5 minutes and 60 minutes Gepending upon the temperature, material, size and type of the defect being sought, which is the primary factor. The contact time or dwell time is usually between 20 to 30 minutes for welds in low carbon materials, ‘The desirable features of a good penctrant are that it must possess the following characteristic 8, The ability to penetrate fine surface discontinuities. 'b. Must aot be easily removed from relatively cosrse openings until required. ©. Be easily cleaned from the surface ofthe test piece. 4. Capable of being easily drawn from discontinuities by the developer. €. Have the ability to spread as a fine fim, t 8 In possession of intense colour or fluorescence, even as a thin film, ‘Have permanence in colour or fluorescence when exposed to heat, white light or ultraviolet light. 1h, Inertto the materials, including containers with which it comes in contact. i. Be odourless, non-flammable, non-toxic and stable when stored and in use. ‘Two other properties of a penetrant are important and, whilst not affecting the penetrating ability, the affect its use, These are: Flash point If a penetrant is to be used in bulk, it should have a flash point of 49°C to 52°C. Below this, special installations may be necessary. Toxicity Its essential tha the toxic effects of a penetrant, on inhalation of the vapour and on contact with the skin, are known and guarded against. Special purpose penetrants ‘These special inert penetrant materials are available for certain applications, io particular, when testing nickel elloys, cerinin stainless steels and titanium where the ‘Penetrants must be low in sulphur and chlorine because of their detrimental effects. Effects of sulphur and chlorine Certain alloy steels are susceptible to damage by sulphur or chlorine, especially when they are heated in processing or in service. ‘The predominant mechanism of damage is intergranular corrosion and cracking. Because of this detrimental effect, it is of the ‘utmost importance to xemave all traces of penetrant, emulsifier or developer from these tes teas PrigFeohed 0 30 To emulsify isto render water washable withthe ‘pplication ofan addtional chenicak 4 +25 6463 A masimum pressure of? bar (29 ps) tnd a tenperanre range of 15°C- JC, $7 BS EN STH: A maximum temperature of 30°C ax FFaflworescentpenetrant, 60 east 300 Fem’ UPA Irradiance ade mixin: danbien background Fighting of 150 fas to ‘BS EN 180 3038. 7 0 11) Amertean decumeriaton she rere loii serubhers 2) Indlp oak systems, ‘the tpeal pereennge 1400 intherange of 396-2036 whereas iP sprayed te percentage is ‘more tpn between Ds" 0.0%e Tee SURE A Le) alloy steels, or use the specially formulated so called sulphur/chlorine free penetrants, emulsifiers and developers. Removal of penetrants ‘The methed of removal depends upon the type of penetrant used. Solvent removable penetrants ‘The solvent can be applied by spray or by a cloth. During the inital inspection stage, excess penetrant should be removed by applying the solvent to a cloth and then wiping the surface clean. This method is used to limit the contact time of the solvent with the ppenetrant to prevent it entering the discontinuity. If the solvent was allowed ta flood onto the surface from a high pressure spray, the penetrant could be washed out from. any wide, shallow discontinuities, Water washable penetrants Solfemulsified or water washable penetrants are removed from the surface of components by direct water washing. The application of water is by using a spray or by immersing into an agitated water wash. The surface of the component should be washed to the point where the excess penetrant has only just been removed. If fuorescent peretrants are being used, washing should take place under ultraviolet light conditions. Note: Water contamination of water washable penetrants will reduce the penetrating quality and adversely affect the washability. ‘The penetraut/emulsifier mixture in the discontinuity is just as susceptible to washing as the material on the surface, so over-washing can be a very real risk ‘The spray used to remove the penetrant should be of a coarse water droplet type, with a pressure of *30-40 p.s.i.. Higher pressure would result in washing the penetrant out of the discontinuity. In all water washable methods, the water temperature should be ‘between **15°C and 40°C. Post emulsifiable penetrants ‘The post emulsifying process nas been the one traditionally used to give the highest degree of sensitivity. Emulsifiers mix withthe surface penetrant and render it water ‘washable, the success being dependent on the relative inability of the emulsifier to combine with the penetrant in the discontinuity. ‘The emulsifier should never be applied using a brush as this causes uneven mixing. ‘The original conception of this process was for use with a lpophilic (oi loving) emulsifier, this being a material with which the oily penetrat is mutually soluble. ‘When the emulsifier is applied, it dissolves the penetrant by a process of diffusion and consequently, correct contact time is the essence of procedure. Otherwise, there is a tendency forthe emulsifier to dissolve the penetrant in shallow, selatively wide surface discontinuities and so promote their loss on subsequent washing. Since the short comings of lipophilic emulsifier systems are caused by the unlimited ‘mutual solubility of the penctrant and emulsifier over relatively short periods of time, a 2, Equipment required for emulsifier application, 3. Difficult to remove penctrant from threads, keyways, blind holes, rough surfaces, te. 0 109 cee PrisRuane 8. FeO Nel Since all ofthese peuetrant systems may be colour contrast or fuoretcent, we must be are of the considerations to make the correct choices: ‘Visible ayes 10 | 1, No special lighting conditions are required. 2. No power supplies are require. 3. Lower eye strain when viewing, therefore longer inspection periods permissible 4, Ideal for polished surfaces since a developer is almost always used to cover the 20 work surface, hence eliminating the possibility of glare from the light source used. Fluorescent dyes 1. Special purpose light sources are required ~ may be expensive. 2. Higher contrat between background to indication, therefore increasing the overall Es sensitivity of the test. 3. No requirement of a white background, hence use of dry powder developers are ‘more common place, which reduces amounts of consumables used and reduces post cleaning requirements. Ideal for production line runs. 4, Higher care of contamination is required, i.e. handling/cross-contamination of © ‘oaths. 5. Regular breaks required for operators to reduce eyestrain, This requirement increases with the reduction in ambient lighting conditions, 6, Fluorescent dyes can be quenched by high temperatures (in excess of 50°C). Strong acids/lksline agents may release chromate fons which are opaque to UV-A. so Tight therefore increasing the probability of missing small indications fuorescing, « 0 0 0 100 eet 15884 Pri720 30 ‘0 0 o 0 ‘The occupational exposure Unit foraplene isan sceupational eposure gp Standard (OES), therefore the short term OEL 100 ppm over «15 minute ‘reference parod. The lang {erm OBL ts 50 gpm over ‘an 8 hur time weighted enngererence period. OSHH REGULATI NS. Score The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, referred to as The COSHH Regulations, define a substance hazardous to health as 8. a substance listed in part TA of the approved list as dangerous for supply, see ‘Hazard Information &: Packaging for Supply Regulations 1994 (CHIP?) - nature of risk classified as very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant. b, one which has an MEL in Schedule 1 of COSHH or if the H & S Commission has approved an OES, ©. a micro-orgenism which creates a hazard to health, 4. dust in air (when substantial), a substance comparable with the above. ‘The COSHH regulations are not applicable to the control of lead, radioactivity, explosive or flammable properties of materials, high or low temperatures, high pressures, medical treatment or below ground work (mining). ‘RESPONSIBILITIES ‘The exposure of an employee to substances hazardous to health is under the control of the employer. A training organisation is responsible for exposure by trainees. Employers must prevent exposure to substances hazardous to health, or control exposure when total prevention is not reasonably practicable. Personal protective equipment, e.g. masks, are a second choice for contro. . ‘Employees have a duty to report any problems in exposure control procedures or any defects found in protective equipment. Employers must keep records of examinations/monitoring tests carried out. These are kept for 5 years; 30 years for identifiable employees. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE Limits (EH40 - JANUARY 2002) ‘The Guidance Note EH40, entitled Occupational Exposure Limits, is « document published by the Health and Safety Executive which gives occupational exposure limits for substances hazardous to health A solvent, which is a substance hezardous to health, has its own occupational exposure limit as given in EH40. ‘The toxicity value of a solvent is expressed in parts per million (pom), e.g. the short term occupational exposure limit for xylene is 100 ppm, this means to say that ifthe air contained xylene exceeding 100 ppm, the air would be considered to be a significant ‘bazard fo health. ‘There are two types of occupational exposure limit 1, Maximam exposure limit (MEL): “isthe maximum concentration of aa sizborue substance, averaged over a reference period, to which employees may be exposed by inhalation under any circumstances and is specified, together with the appropriate reference period, in Schedule 1 of COSHH” 2. Occupational exposure standard (OES): "is the concentration of an airborne substance, averaged over 1 reference period, at which, according to current knowledge, there is no evidence that itis likely to be injurious to employees if they are exposed to inhalation, dey afer day to that concentration, and which is specified in alist approved by HSE”. ‘oes 294 PraBuenos LN ae ereeys When & MEL is specified, exposures must be kept as low as is reasonably practicable, ‘but always below the specified value, As OES should not be exceeded, but, an exposure over the limit is acceptable, 10 | providing the reason for exceeding the OES has been identified and measures are taken to reduce the exposure below the OES as soon as is reasonably practicable. 20 30 40 0 70 0 100 sesso rmaPeron 0 30 ‘0 70 0 50 OLD TERMINOLOGY ¥S NEW TERMINOLOGY Old Terminology New Terminology 3200-4000 K 320400 nm (UV-A) 73650K 365 om Black light Black light monitor ‘Woods/Klopps filter uv 1 Win? 1 Fuca 0.1 mW/em’ = 100 uWiem™ 10.76 Lux 1 Lux 1A 7.444 Wem? 10° lan = 10°m *c 2 +3287 3 ‘COMMONLY REFERRED TO STANDARDS IN LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION BS 6443 : 1984 Penetrant flaw detection /SUPERSEDED] BS 4489: 1984 ‘Measurement of UV-A radiation (black light) used in non-destructive testing (SUPERSEDED] BS ENISO3059:2001 ‘Non-Destructive Testing t and Magnetic Particle Testing Viewing ‘BSEN 571-1 Non-Destructive Testing - Penetrant Testing Part 1: General Principles BS EN ISO 3452-2: 2000 Non-Desinuctive Testing - Penetrant Testing Part2: Testing of Penetrant Materials BS ENISO 3452-3: 1999 Non-Destructive Testing - Penetrant Testing Part 3: Reference Test Blocks BS EN ISO 3452-4: 1999 Non-Destructive Testing — Penetrant Testing. Part 4; Equipment CP 3012: 1972 Cleaning and Preparation of Metal Surfaces [SUPERSEDED} BS 7773: 1995 Cleaning and Preparation of Metal Surfaces RPS 702 ‘Non-Destructive Testing - Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (Rolls Royce) BSM39 Method for Penetrant Inspection of Aerospace Materials ‘and Components BS 3683: Part 1:1985 Terms used in Non-Destructive Testing Part 1: Penetrant Flaw Detection [SUPERSEDED by BS EN ISO 12706) BS EN ISO 12706: 2001 Non-Destructive Testing Terminology ‘Terms used in Penetrant Testing fet 2emm4 PT34UNIT PT4 + GLOSSAR’ NTs os Patnton Air-ogitated wash Washing in liquid agitated by air pressure ‘Aitfwater spray gun A spray gun of the venturi type, using compressed air to deliver the water as a pressurised spray. Anti-coagulants ‘Agents which prevent the separation and agglomeration of the dispersed phase from an ‘emulsion, dispersion or colloidal solution. Aqueous liquid developer A suspension of inert white powdets in a water- based carrier medium, usually incorporating corrosion inhibitors. Note: Such developers are suitable for application by dipping or spraying. Background ‘The general appearance of the surface on which 0 defect indications are sought, Background coloration ‘The unwanted coloration remaining after incomplete removal of a fluorescent penetrant from the surface, 20 Carrier fuid A fluid that acts as a carrier for the active materials, Carry over of penetrant ‘The transfer into the rinse tank of the penetrant a remaining on the parts, Colour contrast penetrant A solution of dyes, typically red, in an organic carrier system. Combined colour contrast A solution of dyestuffs in an organie carrier and fluorescent penetrant medium that is capable of a ‘reflecting visible light and of absorbing radiation in the ultraviolet region with consequent emission of radiation in the visible region, ‘Comparator test block An intentionally cracked metal block having two separate areas forthe application of different a penetrants so that a direct comparison can be obtained. Contact time ‘The time during which the penetrantis in contact with the component under fet. Comtosion inhibitor A substance that minimises corrosive attack. | Degreasing plant Equipment comprising tanks for use with degreasing fluids. Development time ‘The time between the application of the developer and subsequent viewing. Drag-out of penetrant ‘The loss of penetrant from the tank as result of » carry over. Dry developing cabinet ‘An enclosed cabinet in which a dust storm of fine developer particles is created by recirculating air. Electrostatic spraying Application of penetrant and developer by electrostatic methods. Emulsifiable penetrants Penetrants which can be converted to a water washable condition by the addition of emulsifiers. Emulsification time ‘The time in which the component treated with ‘penetrant isin contact with the emulsifier. Emulsifiers| Liquids used to facilitate removal of excess penetrant by forming an emulsion during the rinsing operation. 100 PT4-1lane & WO se ere Rey TPONel Term Definition ‘i Flash point ‘The temperature at which a liquid, heated in a Cleveland cup (open test) or in a Pensky-Martens 0 apparatus (closed test), gives off sufficient vapour to ‘lash momentarily on the application of a small flame. Hydrophilic remover ‘A water-based penetrant remover that is miscible in all proportions with water. 20 | Immersion time ‘The time during which components are submerged. Lipophilic remover An oil based penetrant remover that is miseible in all proportions with post-emulsifiable penetrants. Oil and chalk A process (out-moded) in which oil is used as a penetrant and chalk as a developer. 30) Penetrant A liquid which, when applied to a component, is designed to find its way into surface fissures and to remain there in detectable amounts during the subsequent removal of excess penetrant from the surface. ao | Penetration time ‘The time allowed for penetration of discontinuities by the penetrant. Post-emulsifier ‘An emulsifying agent which is applied to a non ‘washable penetrant inthe post-emulsifiable penetrant process 50 | Quenching of fluorescence The extinction of fluorescence by causes other than the removal of the exciting radiation, e.g. by the action of strong oxidising agents and/or acids or changes in temperature or concentration, Radiometer See UV-A monitor. Go | Replenishes Materials added to compensate for the loss of particular constituents of a penetrant during use. Solvent cleaners Agents employed to clean oil and grease fom the surface of components prior to application of penetrant process materials.Note: A synonymous term is degreasing fluids n Test piece A device specially prepared for checking the efficiency of penetrant flaw detection processes. It ‘may be a:an electroplated artificially cracked block, », aluminium block quench cracks.c. cracked component obtained from production. 80 | ‘Thixotropic penetrant ‘A gelatinous penetrant in which the viscosity is reduced with the duration of an applied shear stress, ‘Through penetrant technique _A process in which a suitable penetrant is applied to ‘one side of a component and a developing agent to the other with the object of revealing discontinuities giving a continuous leak path through the 30 ‘component. ‘Ultrasonic cleaning ‘A method using a combination of a solvent or a detergent and high frequency sound to remove organic soil 100 tee ec praGL ARY Ruane & TPONe! Term Definition ‘Uttraviolet radiation Radiation for which the wavelengths of the ‘monochromatic components are smaller than those 10 for visible radiation and more than about 1. xm. Note: The limits of the spectral range of ultraviolet radiation are not well defined and may vary according to the user. The International Commission of Mlumination (CIE) distinguishes the following spectral range: » UV-A: 315 nm to 400 nm, UV-B: 280 nm to 315 nm, ‘UV-C: 100 nm to 280-nm. UV-A Slter A filter that suppresses visible light and ultraviolet radiation other than UV-A. 3p | UV-A monitor Apparatus used for the measurement of UV-A. radiation (see BS EN ISO 3059 : 2001), Vapour degreasing ‘The removal of oils, greases and organic solids by the use of a suitable vapour. ‘Wetting agents Substances added to liquid to decrease their surface “ teasion. 50 o 0 0 %0 100 tet 08 PT43urge FEB 0 30 4 50 60 0 90 100 PCN EXAMINATIONS General PCN (Persounel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing) is an intemational scheme for the certification of NDT technicians and supervisors and meets EN 473 and ISO 9712 requirements Levels of qualification See EN 473 fora full description for levels of competence, Level 1 This level qualifies personnel to carry out NDT operations according to written instructions under the supervision of a Level 2 or Level 3 person. A Level I person hhas demonstrated competence to: © setup equipment and carry out tests; record and classify the results in terms of written criteria, Level 2 This level qualifies personvel to perform and direct NDT according to established or recognised procedures and has demonstrated competence to: + choose the teciique forthe test method used; * perform and supervise the tes; ‘+ interpret, evaluate and report results according to applicable standards, codes or specifications; + define the limitation ofthe testing method for which the qualification covers: + undersiand and transform NDT standards and specifications into practical testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions. Level 3 ‘This level qualifies personnel to direct any NDT operation for which they are certificated and: assume full responsibility fora test facility and staff; establish and/or validate NDT instructions or procedures; interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures; designate the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used. Pre-examination requirements Level 1 and Level 2: There are mandatory minimum pre-approval training requirements wich are given in the PCN requirements documents. Pre-examination training courses must be validated by The British Institute of Non- Destructive Testing and need to cover the syllabus over a designated minimum number of hours. Documented in-house training may account for up to one third of the required training hhours, The candidate also has to demonstrate practical experience in line with the requirements of PCN. Level 3: The candidates have two access routes available which are shown in the PCN requirements documents. Both training end experience requirements depend upon academic background. Note: A mature candidate route is available. Examinations The examinations consist of general theory, specific theory and practical parts dependant on level and type of examination, ications, candidates may be eligible for exemptions, By holding other PCN qual faves 24 PTS-1» 30 0 0 0 100 ty Following an examination, a results notice will be issued; this counts as evidence of PCN certification for a period of 42 days. ‘The certificate will follow the results notice within 21 days. Where the candidate is unsuccessful, one retest may be allowed providing the percentage grades are not lower than the grades required by PCN. ASNT EXAMINATIONS General ASNT (American Society for Non-Destructive Testing) examinations are held at the Rotherham training centre Examination content is determined by an employer's Written Practice, ie. employers who do not have « Written Practice cannot have their NDT personnel certificated under the ASNT scheme, All companies who wish their NDT operators to be qualified to ASNT requirements ‘must hold a Written Practice in accordance with the ASNT document SNT-TC-1A — Recommended Practice; this document is intended as # guideline for employers to establish their own Written Practice for the qualification and certification of their nou- destructive testing personnel. ‘Written Practices are available via Ruane & T P O'Neill A self-employed individual may bold his own Written Practice but it should be appreciated that he may be re-examined in accordance with a different Written Practice ‘when employed by another organisation. Written Practice A Written Practice is nota set of NDT procedures, ‘A Written Practice is for the control and administration of NDT personnel and is written specifically for a company's needs, e.g. related to welds only, for welds and castings, for forgings only, etc.. The document may also relate to specific British Standards, American Standards, in-house procedures etc., and may cover one NDT ‘method or several. A Written Practice typically consists of 1025 pages and includes the following: ‘+ Minimum training and experience requirements for personnel wishing to be certificated. ‘+ The methods which may be relevant, ¢. UT, MT, PT, RT, ET. ‘+ The syllabus forthe taining related to each method. + The number of examination questions and number of practical test points (Theoretical questions are usually ofthe multi-choice type). + Minimum examination pass marks, Although it is common practice for ASNT examined Level III personnel to produce Written Practices, it should be noted that itis the employer who is responsible for tine document, ie. itis the employer who is responsible for his own qualification system for NDT personnel under the ASNT scheme, Examinations ‘Examination duration is typicelly less than a day and is divided into three parts: (1) General ~ Typically 30-40 multi-choice questions related to the relevant NDT method. 2) Specific — Typically 15-20 questions related to the test equipment used, ‘product/process and specifications/procedures used by the employer. (8) Practical - Typically 10 check points which may relate to one or more test sample. PTS2Ruane 8. TP OWNei All candidates would also have to undertake physical tests applicable to the test ‘method, eg. eyesight and, in some cases, colour differentiation jo | Examination results Examination results are normally available within 2 working days of the examination; the employer receives deal ofthe examination results and certificates of achievement for successful candidates, normally within 7 working days. ASNT certificates are normally valid for 3 years. » 30 “0 30 « 70 %0 0 100 arene PTS3