frhSaiipennl

I
Volume4

t
tIgUID PENETRANT INSPECTION

t
I Multimedia training course for penetrant testing operators, based on
* Saipem'smultimediasoftwareof the sametitle

t
Centre"E.Gandolfi"
1998,Training
I
COHTEMAGGIORE

I
t
INDEX,

I
Seeffon Sfi,e - "H"d'S# f " SH
f #trf
l.l.Introductlon $

I l.l.l.
t.f .2.
f .1.3.
E:ramlnattonPrtnctple
Classlflcatton of penetrants
DescrlPflon of the Process
3
4
5

1.2. Charncterlzaflon of ltqutd lnrctssfit naterlels s

1.2.f . Chemtcal characterlsttcs 6

I 1.2.2.
f .2.3.
1.2.4.
Physlcal ProPertles
Other Propertles
Enamhation sensltlvttY
6
I
I
f .2.5. Rleptlogo delle carattertsttche dei liqutdi penetrantt I

I.s. Ghef,actcrlzatlon of dwelopers I

I 1.3.1.
f .3.2.
GeneralttY
Classlllcatton
Rteptlogodelle caratteristiche det rivelatori
I
ro
10
I.3.S.

f.4.Iight aoutcea tl

1l
I 1.4.1.
I.4.2.
Classtllcatton
Black ltght lamP tl

se*f{en ffwo - ^s"xA$f f .tr*+It f #.tr I}fi #C.E# {I*R.E

1S

t
2. l. Eramlnetlon Procedrue

2. f .1. Introductlon l5
2.I.2. InsPectionof the Ptece rs
2.f .3. Selectlon of method and type of liquid r6
2.1.4. DescrtPtion of the Process L7
Step I surface cleaning L7
T7
t Step

Step
Step
2
Step 3
3'
3"
penetrant aPPllcation
penetrant dwell tlme
emulslller appltcatlon
emulelllcation dwell ttme
l8
l8
l9
Step 4 penetrarrt removal r9
Step 5 developer appltcatlon 20
Step 6 evaluatlon of the tndicatlons 2r
28
I 2.I.5.
2.1.6.
Tlghtnesstest
Sualtflcatronofprocedures- 29

GI{}BSARY sr
APFENDIX - SAIPEM procedure for dye penetrant exemlnatlon of weldedJotnte 4l

I
SectionOne

BASE THEORY
 Basetheory

1.1. INTRODUCTION
principles
Thefirstsectiondealswiththeexamination andwiththenecessary
equipment:

I .
.
.
liquidpenetrants
developers
lightsources

1.1.1.Examlnation
Principle
I Examinationusingliquidpenetrants Testing- PT)allowsdiscontinuities
(Penetrant
arepresentat the surfaceof thepartunderexamination
to be detected.
which

Discontinuityopen
Discontlnuityinsldethe to the zudace
I (nondetectablebYmeansof PT) (detectableby
meansof PT)

procedureis as follows:
The examination
I r a specidl colored liquid, known as a
liquidpenetrant,is appliedto the surface
of the test piece whichthen penetrates
any surfacediscontinuities; Excesspenetrantremwal

t . Bll exce$s penetrant is subsequently

removedby cleaningthe surfaceand a
substanceknown as the developeris ffiffi
applied. The developer absorbs the Wet developerapplication
penetrant that has seeped into the

t
in this way indicatingthat
discontinuities,
is in fact present.
a discontinuity
ffi
The followingtableprovidesthe mainadvantages of penetranttesting
and limitations

t ADVANTAGE$
. lt can be applied to any material
(ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetlc)
r lt is relatively slmple In terms of
procedureand interpretation
t r' lt can be caniedout also on pattsthat
are not easilyaccessible
r Wlth respectto otherexaminations, the
equlpmentis muchmoreeconomical
LIMITATIONS
r lt can detectonly discontinuitiesthat
are opento the surface
. Discontinuitiesfilled with extraneous
matter (dirt, oxides...) cannot be
detected because the penetrant
cannotfillthem
' Surfaceconditioningmust be more
accurate than in other types of
examinations

t Satrynt TrainingCentreE Gandofii

 r NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I
1.1.9.Claesificationof penetrf,nt$

Liquid penetrant$can be classifiedinto two groups, dependingon the method of

indicationsappearingon the sudaceof the
usedto interpretthe discontinuity
obbervdtion
I- pieceunderexamination:
II

. visible-dyePenetrants
they produceindicationsthat can be seen in the daylight,or in white artificiallight
(stdndardilluminationlamps) thanks to the color contrastbetweenthe penetrant
I containsa ceftainamountof red pigment)and the developingagent (usually
("11tictr
t white).
. fluorescent
liquids
theyproduceindications thatcanbe observed in thedark,dueto fluorescence,when
theyare exposedto ultravioletradiation(i.e.theyare erposedto blacklight).These
I substance.
liquidscontaina fluorescent
I
The abov6 group$ can be turther dividedinto three subgroups,on the basis of the
techniquesadoptedto removethe exces$penetrantremainingon the sudace being
inspected:

f . water-washable penetrants
r
also called water-solublepenetrants,becausethey can be washedwith water, or
becausethey are naturallysolublein water,or becausethey containan emulsifying
agentthat allowstheirdispersionin water;

I - solvent-removable Penetrants
I the liquidcan be removedonlyby a specialorganicsolvent;
r post*omulsifiablePenetrant$
the excess liquid can be removedby water rinsingonly after the applicationof an
I liquid.
emulsifying
I

Moredeteils Fluoreccentmatcriale

Certainmaterials,calledfluorescentmaterial$,can absotbshort-wavelengfih radiation,

electromagnetic

I in this case of about 350 nanometers(1 nanometor=10" meters),and then immediatelygive out the
absorbedenergyemittingvisibleluminoueradiation,termedfluorescentfight.

More detaile Emuleion

I An emulsionls a mixtureof two liquidsthatare notsolublein eachother(trlm-phase

in
(the dispersedphase) is dispersed the other
droplets.
(the dirryersion
medium) in the
system),whereone
form of very minute

the suilacetenslonof the liquidwherethey are

Emulsifiershavethe capabilityto reducesubstantially
dispersedby suroundingthe dropletsol the dispersedphase.

CentreE, Gandolfi,
Sorp"mTraining
I NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I
OFLIOUIDPENETRANTS
1.2. CHAHACTEHIZATION
1.2.1.Chemicalcharacterlstice

T weightsuchas alcohols,
specific
aremostlyorganicandhavea verylow
Fromthe chemicalpointof view,liquidpenetrants
oilsandpetroleum-based
mineralor vegetable
all mixedin compounds.
synthetic
substances,
Allof thesubstances involved(penetrants,
solvents, etc.)mustbe
developers,
emulsifiers,
chemicallyinertto thematerials and
beingexamined, to
especially their
corrosiveness.
I ASMECODE.Sec.V. Art.6
The ASME code in Particular ... rvhen eramining nickel baee alloys, the sulfur
imposesvery Preciselimitations contentIn the pendrerrtsshall not exceed1% of the
a$ to the content of certain reeidueby weight...
I substancesin liquids,in orderto wtren examining austenitic stainless steel or
I avoidanydamageto the structure titeniumand itealloys,the halogens(F, Cl, Br, l) in the
beingtested.
of thematerials penetrantsshall not exceed 1o/"d the residue by
weight...

I 1.2.2.PhysicalProperties
Liquid penetrantsmust have certain
characteristicsthat ensure their
even if
into discontinuities,
penetration
theseareverynarrow.
I This ability depends on a PhYsical
whichin turn
propertycalledcapillarity,
dependson other propertiessuch as
viscosity,surfacetensionand wetting
action.
I
Viscosity

Viscosityis a propertyof liquidsthat refersto the frictionbetweenthe moleculesof the

I liquiditdeffwhichpreventsthemfrom flowing.In practice,viscositydefinesthe abilityof a
liquiclto flow over a sudace.The higherthe viscosity,the slowerthe flow.
penetrantswith highviscositywillthereforerequirea longerdwelltime,and this increases
thetotalexamination.time.

I Conversely,low viscositymeansthe liquid.will run off the surfacetoo quickly,no_tallowing

enough time to ensure proper penetration,especiallyin the case of non-horizontal
surfaces.

t SotryrryTrainingCeilre E. Gandnlfi
 NDT _ LIQT]ID PENETRANT INSPECTION
t
nwet" wElls
This phenomenonis dependenton the sufface . higherlwel
tension of the liquid and the forces created . concavemeniscus
betweenthe moleculesof the liquidand those
t of the container.
nNon-wet"
lf the fluid -wets"the tubewallsthe levelwill be wallg
. lowerlwel
higher;if the fluid "doesnot wet"the tube walls . convexmeniscus
the levelis lower.

t The riseof sap from the root of the plantagainstgravityis a familiarexampleof capillary
rise. In cracks,althoughthey are not capillaries,the interactionbetweenthe piecesolid
surfaceand the penetrantliquidsurfacecause$the migrationof the penetrantinto the
narrowopening.

I 1.2.3.Other ProPerties
mainlyrelatedto the operator'ssafety,are:
Otherimportantcharacteristics,

I . the flash point this definesthe temperatureto urhichthe penetrantcan be heated,

underspeoificconditions,to produceenoughvaporto form a flammablemixturewith
air. Of cour$e,the higherthe flashpointthe better-

. toxicityand skin irritability:there are no particularrestrictionsas regardstoxacity,

excepithat it is recommended a maskshouldbe wornwhenworkingwith developers
I in closedenvironmentsor with compressedair systems.As for skin irritations,all
contactbetweenliquidsand skinshouldbe avoided.

1.2.4. ExaminatlonsensitivitY

t are, the moresensitivethe liquidpenetrant

The smallerand narrowerthe discontinuities
examinations.

Penetration powerdoes howeverdecreasein proportionto the amountof additivesused

makingthe penetrant"heavier"
(suchas coloredor fluorescentpigmentsand emulsifiers)

t and limitingits abilityto penetratenarrowopenings.

Fluorescentpenetrant$are moreeffectivethanvisible-dye Wpesbecauselessfluore$cent

substanceis requiredto obtain good this
visibility: meansa betterflowingaction which
enablesthe liquidto penetratenarrowopeningsmoreeasily-
regardingthe additionof varioussubstances,of the
I In view of the above considerations
three types of penetrant (water-washable,
solvent-removablb
solvent-removable
and
penetrantsare the lightest thereforethe
and post-emulsifiable)
most sensitive;theseare
followed by the post-emulsifiable types (the addition of the emulsifier before the
developer,helpsto stopthe liquidfromdraining)andfinallythe water-washable ones.

t 8 CentreE. Gandolfi
SaiWruTraining
 Basetheory
I 1.2.5. Summaryof the main characterieticsof liquid peneffsnts

The tollowinglist providesa summaryof the most importantcharacteristicsa good

penetrantshouldposse$s.
I easily
1. abilityto penetrateverysmalldiscontinuities
2. abilityto give sharpand clearindications
B. chemicalinertnesswithmaterialsbeinginspectedandwithcontainers
t 4. highflashpointand lowtoxicity
or goodfluorescence
5. goodcolorcontraston the lightbackground
6. ease of drainagefrom the discontinuityat the applicationof the developer

I 7. easeof removalfromthe surfaceit hasbeenappliedto

8. slowevaporationand drying
9. abilityto remaininsiderelativelybroaddiscontinuities

t OF DEVELOPERS
1.3. CHARACTERIZATION
1.3.1.Generality

I Developer$
the piece surfacecomposedof a large number of thin
to bleedout,creatinga layeron
causethe penetrantheldin the discontinuities
tubes. The thick networkof tiny
tubes is formed by minute particlesof talc, chalk, or amorphoussilicon which the
developeris composedof.
flows into the tiny tubesby meansof capillaryaction
The penetrantin the discontinuity
t and becomesvisible on the piecesudace.

Dralnedpenetrant
<* Filmof
developer
I Penelrant

I SatpemTrainingCentreE- Gandolfi
 NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
t 1.9.2.Glasslfication
Therearethreetypesof develoPer:
. drydevelopers, theseareveryfine powderswhichareonly appliedto a dry test
| piecesudaceusinga handpowderbulbor a powdergun.
They ensurethe highestsensitivity,bttt they are the most
eilcensive.
r aQuBoUs theabsorbent
developers, powderis dispersed
in water.
I aqueousdevelopers
After the application, must be alloweda
dryingtime,but thentheyhavethe samecharacteristics as dry
developers, althoughtheyhavea lower because
sensitivity the
obtained arelesssharp.
indications

t powderis dispersed
r solventdevelopers,theabsorbent in a solvent;theseshouldonly
penetrants.
be usedwithsolvent-removable
Thesedevelopers increasethe penetrant mobilityby eliminating
the parts
thathavealreadystartedto dry.

I Manufacturgrs for eachtypeof liguidpenetrant.

providethe suitabledeveloper
generally
alwayskeepto theirspepifications.
substances,
Whenusingthe-se

1.3.3.$ummary of the main characteristicsof developere

t The followinglist providesa summaryof the most importantcharacteristicsa good
developershouldPossess.

1. they mustbe easyto aPPIY

t Z. they mustspreadeasilyon the surfaceandtorma uniformand thin coating

3, they mustbe highlyabsorPtive
if usedwithfluorescentpenetrants
4. theymustbe non-fluorescent
S.theymustprovidea contrastingbackground,whencolor-contrastpenetrantsare used
I 6. theymustbe easyto removeafterthe inspection
7. they mustbe inertand non-toxic

I l0 Saipem,TrainingCentre E. Gandolfi t
 Basetheory
I 1.4. LIGHTSOURCES

1.4.1.Glassification

I two typesof lightsourceare used:

examinations
ln liquid-penetrant
. whitelight
. blacklight

White light (naturallight, or artificiallight producedby normal lamps) is used for the
I inspectionwith visible-dyepenetrantswhich must always be pedormed in a well-lit
environment.Black light is usedfor inspectionwith fluorescentliquid penetrants,which
mustbe carriedout in a suitablydarkenedarea.

1.4.2.Blacltlight lamp
l Black light is obtained by filtering the
radiationemittedby a mercury-vaporlamp.

The emissionspectrumof these lampsis

I composed of several lines between

ultravioletand visible.

By suitablyfilteringthe lightradiationlevels
betweenvisibleand far ultraviolet, onlythe
radiation between about 300 and 400
is allowedto pass.
l nanorneters
zeo 3oo foo *o
w"uTflrngtht(t'ltl
ffil Transmissionfac'torcf the fllter
- Transmittedradletlon

t This type of filter is also knownas a Woodfilterand lampswith the abovecharacteristics

are alsoknownas Woodlights.

A Wood light is composedof a small Glassexternal

quartz bulb containinga few drops of bulb
mercury enclosed in a sPecialglass

I bulb.Thereare two versions:

. with a transparentbulb: these need

Auxiliary
electrode

an externalfilter;

. with a bulb made of sPecialWood

I glass:thesedo not needan external
filter.
Wood'sfilter
Quailz bulb,transparentto ultravioletrays,
containinglow-pressuregas (neonor argon)
The power ratings availableare 100, and a few dropsof mercury.
125,250 and 400Watts.

I CcntreE. Gandoffi
SarpentTraining ll
 NDT - LIQTIID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I lampstendto becomeexhausted overtimeandfor thisreasontheyneed
Mercury-vapor
to be periodically
checkedby meansof special (a radiometer).
instruments

The ASME V standardrecommends

I the intensityof black light lampsto
be checkedevery I hoursof use bY
meansof an instrumentcalibratedto
a sensitivityof 365 nm.

The check consists of taking two

I readings:the first one without UV
filters and the second with an
absorbentUV filter (365 nm) placed
over the photocellof the measuring
instrument.The difference between
the two values must be of at least
t 800 pWcm2.

The efficiencyof the lampmustbe testedafterat least15 minutesof warm'up.

I ffi wARNING
In order to avoid any damageto the retina,do not look at the lamp.Always use
suitableprotectiveglasses.

l In order to obtain good readings,the lamp must be kept at a distancefrom the piece
suitablefor the intensityof the lamp itself.Excessivedistancesdo not providesufficient
lightingand this wouldpreventweaksignalsbeingdetected,or ratherthoseproducedby
-and
dbep narrow discontinuities.Conversely,too close a distancewould cau$e a
reductionin contrast.With standard100Wattlampsthe correctdistanceis about40 cm.

I The examinermustcleanthe filtercarefullyto preventthe accumulation

of dust.A layerof
dustwouldreducethe intensityof blacklightemittedby the lampas well as its fluorescent
effect.

lf there are any crackson the filter,it must be replaced.This is becausethe ultraviolet
t radiationcouldpassthroughthesecracksanddamagethe eye-

More details PercePtionof colors

The eye does not perceiveall colorsin the sameway,but has a maximumsensitivltyfor yellow'green
radiation(e.g.thoseemittedbyfluorescentexaminationmedia)'

I perceptionof
The eye perceptionof colorsis a functlonof lighting,that is, as lightlngls increased,..the
differencesbetweencolorc incrmse$ too, while the capabilityto distinguishsmall light sources ls
decreased(fweal vision);as lightingis decreased,the perceptionof color differencesis decreased
whilethe capabilityto distinguishsmalllightsourcesis Increased(scotopicvision).

t SorprruTraining Ceilre E. Gandolfi

SectionTwo

N ATION PROCEDURE
EXAI]III
 Examinntionprocedure
I 2.I. EXAMINATIONOPERATIONS

In thissectionyou willfinda description procedure,

of the examination fromthe surface
preparation of theindications.
to theinterpretation
I 2.1.1.lntroduction

The operationsinvolvedin liquid-penetrant

examinationsare shown on the right. The
varioussteps are practicallyidenticalfor all
I Wpes of penetrant, with the exception of
penetrantswhich require
post-emulsifiable
two additionaloperations,as pointedout in
the diagram.

I We will now go through the individual

stages,pointingout the differencesin how
the varioustypesof liquidare used.We will
assume a sudace temperaturewithin the
range specifiedin the ASTM 165/80code
(min.1SoC,max.52'C).
I In the case of non-standardtemperature
conditions,a procedure qualificationis
requiredprior to penetrantinspection.This
test is also usefulto checkthe effectiveness
of the liquidsbeingused.
I 2.1.2.Test pieceinspection

Before examination,the test piece and the documentationaccompanyingit must be

thoroughlyexamined.This allowsthe operatorto gatherusefulinformationregardingthe
I choiceof examinationmethodand type of penetrantas well as givingsome idea of the
expected.
discontinuities

More specifically,in orderto evaluatecorrectlythe indicationswhich arise,the operator

mustknow:
r the processesthe piece has been subjectedto (e.9.:rolling,forging,welding,heat
t treatments),
r the servicec-onditions of the test piece(newor usedpiece,the type of stressthe piece
has beensubjectedto and the environment whereit has beenused),
thateachof the aboveconditionscan generate.
as well as the type of discontinuity

I Finally,the operatormust know if any standards(for instance,UNI or ASTM)or codes

such as ASME are to be compliedwith, or whetherthere are any special internal
procedurestandards(see the $aipemprocedurein the appendix).In this case he must
or proceduresstatedin the normsboth duringthe
keepscrupulouslyto the specifications
test operationsand whenevaluatingthe results.

I Sorrym Training Centre E. GflIrdofii

 NDT - LIQTIID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I 2.1.9. Selectionol method and type of liquid

Severalfactorscan be takeninto accountwhenselectingthe mostsuitablemethodfor a

Hereare somegeneralpointsto be remembered.
certaintvpeof examination.
t 1, As we have alreadyse6n,fluorescentpenetrantsensurehighersensitivitycompared
to visible-dyepeneirantsand are thereforeto be preferredwhen greaterse.nsitivityis
required.On ifre other hand,a blacklight sourceand a suitablydarkenedarea are
necessaryto inspectthe indicationsand this fact sometimesmakesit impossibleto
usethem.
I Note The environmentfor the obseryationof the indicationsdoEs not need to be totally
lamp,s.In thls case,the illuminationon
darkened,providedthat you use high-inilensity
the test pieceshouldnot bE lowerthan3000mWcm-

I Amongvisible-dye penetrants, liquidsare the easiestto use:these

water-washable
areauiilab6in iraitical spraycontainers. provideaveragesensitivity
They sufficient
forthe requirementsof mostcases.

solvent*removable
For the detectionof very narrowdiscontinuities, penetrants
are
I preferable,while for v-erybroad and shallow
penetrantsare mostsuitableas water-washable
post-emulsifiable
discontinuities
typescouldcomeoff duringthe
penetrantremovalstage.

Narrowand deePdiscontinuities Broad and shallow discontinuities

l Highar penetratbnpower
(becausetheyare
tessyary)
Removalof
penetrentfrom the
discrintinuity

ffiffi
ffi
Water-washable
penetrant
ffi
Solvent-remwable
penetrant
ffiffi
Water-washable
penetrant
iable
Post-emulsif
penetrent

because
liquidsare-preferable
lf the testpiecesurfaceis veryrough,water-washable
post-emuliitiabtepenetrants to
canbedifficult from
remove the surface.

SaipenTrainingCenlreE. Gandolrt
 fu.aminationprocedure
I 2.1.4.Descriptionof the Process
Stepl:surtacecleaning
to bea success. lt is essential
to
I important
is extremely
Thisoperation fortheexamination
removeall foreignmatterfrom the surfacesuch as
otherwise:
grease, dirt, etc., which could

. contaminate thepenetrant properties;

andalteritsphysical
r preV€nttheliquidfromwettingthesudaceproperly;
I . obsttuctnarrowdiscontinuities.
paint
The surfacemustbe cleanedwith a cleanclothdippedin solvent.Detergents,
mayalsobe used.
solutions
solventsandde-oxidizing
$andingis not recommended mightbe
becausethe edgesof narrowdiscontinuities
I against
action
sealedby thehammering thesurface.

Grindingcan be usedbut this methodalsorequiresgreatattention

to avoidobstructing
by bending
anydiscontinuities thematerial.
witha wirebrush.
Anyscaleor rustcanbe removed
I to let the partsdry completely
Aftercleaning,it is veryimportant beforemovingontothe
nextstep.

I Step2 : penetrantaPPlication
Thepenetrant mustat all timesforma uniformlayerthatcoversthe entiresudaceunder
lf onlya limitedareais beingexamined
examination. (e.9.welds),theareamustextendto
roughly?5 mmbeyondtheboundary of theareain question.

I Nonuniform
layer

I
The penetrant arewithinthe rangesstatedin
is appliedto surfaceswhosetemperatures
the ASTM165/80standards(15/52'C).Thereare variouswaysthe penetrantcan be
applied:
t . brushing
. spraying
. dipping,
in thecaseof smallParts

Satpem Tiaining Centre E. Gandofi 17

 NDT - LIQTJID PENETRANT INSPECTION
t Step3 : dwelltime

After application,a certaintime must be allowedto let the liquidpenetrateand fill the
Thistimeis calledthe dwelltime.
discontinuities.
I The followingtablegivessomeindicationS of the dwelltimesfor steeland aluminumpads.
that,giventhe sametype of penetrant,the dwelltime
However,it shouldbe remembered
variesaccording to the widthand volume as wellas the materialbeing
of the discontinuity,
inspected.Verynarrowor very largediscontinuities requirelonger dwelltimes.

I DWELLT|MES(rNMTNUTES)
OF LIQUIDPENETRANTS
STEEL ALUMINIUM
Type ol Penetrants Penetrants
Prcducts defec{ Water- Solvent- Post. Water- Solvent- Post-

I Castlngs
Porosity
Coldshuts
washable remwable emulsifiableweshable removable emuleifieble
30
30
10f)
10r)
5
7
sl0
S+15
5(-)
5f)
3
3
Extrusions Laps NA 10 7 NA 10 7
Poroslly, 60 20 7 30 5 3
Weldings laclrof fusion

I All
Cracks
Fatigue
cracks
g0

NA
20
30
7

10 NA
30 10
g0
5
5

NA = NonApplicable; (*) = Techniqueto be usedfor precisioncastings

Ir The lengrthof time the penetrantremainson the part to allow properpenetrationshould

not be longer than necessarysince this could start a drying process or hinder its
absorption during the developing $tage. lf the dwell time is medium-to-long
(15+20minutes),a secondapplicationis recommended to avoiddryingand to ensureany
discontinuitiesarefilled.
tt
penetrants)
$fep 3' : emulsifierapplication(for post-emulsifiable
agentoverthe penetrant.Onceit
This operationconsistsof applyinga coatof emulsifying
I has beenapplied,the emulsifierstartsto flowthroughthe penetranttowardsthe test piece
f surface.The layerwherethe penetrantcombineswith the emulsifierin this way becomes
washableand can be rinsedoff withwater.

Excessof
Discontinuity penetrant:
Excessof penetrant filledwithllquld
I the pieceeufface penetrant emulsified

I t8 CentreE. Gatdolrt
SaiperuTraining
 Emmination procedure
I
The emulsifiercan be aPPliedbY:
. {looding
. dipping
I . spraying(usinga spraycan)

In any case,applicationmustbe carriedout gentlyto preventthe emulsifierfrom mixing

time; and for
with the penetrant,whichwouldmakeit difficultto checkthe emulsification
this reasonsprayingis not rscommended.

I
penetnnts)
time(for post'emulsifiable
Step3" : emulsffication

The emulsificationtime is the time requiredby the emulsifierto reach the test piece
surface.This is a crucialparameterbecausetoo short a time can prevent complete
I removalof the penetrantwhiletoo long a time causesthe penetrantto be removedfrom
if they are broadandshallow)-
(especially
any discontinuities
Tooehoilatime # rcmoval
Incomplete

Too longa tlme E+ Removalof penetrentlrom discontlnulty

I time mustbe as shortas possible,takinginto account
In general,the emulsification
surfaceroughnessandthetypeof discontinuity lt usuallyrangesfrom1 to
beingdetected.
butin somecasesit canbeas
3 minutes, longas 5 minutes.
blockthatbears
time,youcanu$ea reference
In orderto definetheproperemulsification
I thedefectbeingsearched {or.

Step4 : penetrantremoval

I The obiectof this operationis to rinsethe penetrantfrom the test piecesurfacewithout

removingit fromthe actualdiscontinuity.

The rinsingoperation(usingeitherwateror solvent,dependingon the type of liguid)must

be accuralebecauseimproperwashingcan negativelyaffectthe examinationresults:
blackstainscan form on the dirtyareasand makeit difficultto perceivethe indicationsof
I smarr
discontinuities'
t"$:rs$f-fr"'o',lF#:i*ff-t
Water-washable Penetrantscanbe jet pressure
removedwith a dampclothor bY Maximum
- 3.4atm
r meansof a waterjet angledat 45'
Ir in relationto thetestpiecesur{ace,
at a maximum Pressureof roughlY
3.4Kg/cmt(atm):

t SarpemTiaining Ccnre E. Gandolfi l9

 NDT _ LIQTIID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I With solvent-removable penetrantsthe
exce$s penetrant is removed usinga dry Penetrantnemovalprccedure of
solvent-rumovablep€netrants
cloth(orblottingpaper)untilonlya verythin
layerof penetrantis leftonthesurface. 1. removalwithdryclolh

removedwith
This layer is subsequently 2. removal wlth solvent-moistened
anothercleancloth withsolvent.
moistened cloth

The solventshouldnot be applieddirectlyto

the surfaceotherwisethe penetrantinside
I maybecomediluted.
the discontinuity

The surfacecan in any case be checkedfor cleanlinessby wipingit with a clean white
clothand thencheckingthe clothafterwards.

Withfluorescentliquids,penetrantremovalcan be checkedby exposingthe pieceto black

I lightin orderto makesurethereare no luminousareas.

Step5 : develoParaPPlication

II Beforeapplyingthe developer,the test piece sudacemust be completelydried with a

'aqueous'type, in which case it can be applied
cloth (unlessthe developeris of the
a{terrinsing).
immediately
by usinga hot-airiet, makingsure
The surfacedryingprocesscan be accelerated
doesnot exceed52"C,as statedin the ASMEcode,to
howeverthat the temperature
l avoiddryingoutthePenetrant.
onthetype:
canbe appliedin variouswaysdepending
Developers
. aqueousdevelopers
bydipping
or brushing
I r solventdevelopers
bysprayingor brushing
. drydevelopers
witha handpowderbulbor powdergun

The developer's actionstartsonceit has dried.Withdry developers

absorbing it starts
immediately.
t $olventdevelopersdryveryquicklydueto'spontaneous
canbe heatedwithnon-pressurised hotair in orderto accelerate
aqueousdevelopers
evaporation;
drying
the spontaneous
process, quite
whichis normally slow.

I SairywTrainingCenlreE. Ganfulfi
 Examination procedure
I
Sfep 6 : evaluationof the indications

Examinationof the indicationsmust start immediatelyto preventthe penetrantfrom

and possiblyhidingsmallerdefects(accordingto the
runningout of targediscontinuities
t ASME code, the results should be inspectedwithin 30 minutesfrom the developer
application).
do not alwaysmeana defectis prasent.
that indicatiOns
It shouldbe remembered
namelyblotchesand lines,can be causedby knowngeometrical
Some indications,
I discontinuities of the piece being tested (non'relevant
which are characteristic
r indications).
canbe dueto faultyoperating
Otherindications (falseindications):
conditions
. printsfromtheoPeratofs hands

I . contactwithpartscontaining
. incomplete rinsing
penetrant

. clothresidue..-
produced
Clearlyonlythe indications by actualanomaliesin thepieceareto be examined
I Thereare four categoriesof relevantindicationsthat can be
(relevintindications).
obtainedby meansof penetrant
testing:
. Gontinuous straight
indications: Discontinuous
or curued,linearor jagged,more
or lessevident
I . discontinuous a
indications:
dottedline,straightor curved

r louhdindications:stainswitha
moreor less circularor PolYgonal
I outline

r a seriesof
scatteredindications:
dots,usuallYveryconcentrated

t Discontinuitiesdetectableby penetranttestingcan be groupedinto three categorieson

the basi$of whentheYwereformed:
. primarydiscontinuities:theseare formedduringthe manufacturing processof 'part-
iinishe-d"elements(plates,tubes, profiles,forged piecesetc.) i.e. pieces which will
undergofurtherprocessesbeforebecoming"finished"products;
I . thesecan be detectedin finishedpartsthat have been subiected
final discontinuitiesi
to grinding,weldingor plasticformingoperationssuchas bendingor molding,---

. theseformwhilethe pieceis in service.

servicbdiscontinuities:

I CentreE Gandolli
SaipemTraining 2r
 NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I Examinationof the indicationsservesto definethe type of discontinuities they refer to
and to establishwlretherthese can ieopardizethe use of the piece. In
(interpretation)
evaluatingthis last factorthe examinermust referto specificdocumentssuch as norms
and codes,as statedin the examination procedureor in the servicingreguest.
I As an aid to interpretationof the indications,in the followingthe main types of
detectableby meansof liquidpenetrants
discontinuities are described.

Laminations
I Type
Primary(laminatedParts)

Origln
Generatedby inclusions(especiallygas inclusions)in the initialingot,pressedbut
I Poslffon
not joinedduringthe laminationprocess.Theycan be foundin platesand pipes.

lntemallamination
Insidethe piece,parallelto the laminated (lt cannotbe detected
surface.Theycan reachthe pieceedge,
andin this casetheycanbe detectedby
I meansof liquidPenetrants.
Aspectof the indication
Straightline, sharpand continuous,
that
tendsto broadenraPidlY.

I Forging laps
Type
Primary(laminatedparts,forgingsand drawnparts).

I origin
-
t They are caused by protuberances or depressionsin the originalmaterialthat
undergoesa seriesof operationsleading The protuberances
to plasticdeformation.
are prbssedon one side duringthe part processing and overlapthe pieceprofile.
Depressionsare alsosealedby machiningthuscreatingan interstice.

I Position
Theyreaehthe piecesudace,and
their orientationcan be inclined
Forginglap Forginglap
generatedby a
generatedby a
(protuberances) or perpendicular depression
(depressions)with resPectto the
piecesurface. Directionof piece
processing
I Aspectof the indlcntlon
dependingon the laP adherence,
canbe a continuous
the indication
one.
lineor a discontinuous

CentrreE. Gandolft
SarpemTraining
 Examinationprocedure
I Lackof sidewallfusion
Type
Primary(castPieces).
I Origin
-
They form wlren two molten metals Lack of
flowingfromtwo differentregionsmeet
and adhere without forming a
homogeneous structure.

I Position
Opento the piecesurface(internalor
external).
Aspect of the lndlcatlon

I Dependingon the level of adherence,

this discontinuitycan be visualizedby
eithera continuous or a discontinuous
indication.

I Grindingcracks
Type
Final

I Origln
They are caused bY the localized
heating due to grindingin materials
that can be hardened(steelswith high
carboncontentor lowalloysteels).

I Posltion
On the ground side of the sudace,
usually characterized bY an
aggregation of crossing grooves
randomlYoriented.

t Aspectof the indicatlon

lines.
crossing
Continuous

l Sarpcn,TrainingC*ntreE- Gandolft 23
 NI)T - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION

Coldcracks
Type
Final(weldedjoints).
I Origin
They tend to form in welded
high-resistancesteels (C-Mn,
micro-alloyor low-alloysteel),
and are tavored by the use of
weldingprocedureswhichimPlY
the additionof hydrogento the
weld pool or where the heat is Coldcrack(undeithe weld
bead,opento thEsuilace)
insufficient.

Position
Theyare oftenfoundunderthe weld,in the heataffectedzone. They can be open
to the sudace,in the form of groovesparallelto the weld and locatedon its side
(detectableby meansof PT);theycan alsobe transverseto the weld.

Aspmt of the indicrtion

or acrosstheweld.
ontheweldboundary
Continuous,
t
Hot cracks
Type

t Orlgin
Final(weldedjoints).

Theyform in weldson any type of material(steel,aluminumand its alloys,copper

of hot cracksis mainlyfavoredby high
andits alloys,etc...).In steelsthe formation
carboncontentsand by the presenceof sulfur.
I Position
Theyare longitudinalto the weld
direction and are generallY
reach the $urface of the weld
run wheretheyform,that is theY
I can be opento the surfaceweld.

Aspectof the indication

Continuous,usuallyverysharp,
centralandparallelto
theweld.

I CentreE. Gilndolfr
SorperuTraining
 Examinationprocedure
I Lamellartaaring
Type
Final, they can be found in T- or L- joints,especiallyin the thicker ones (over
25mm).
I
Orlgin
They arefavoredbyhighshrinkage
-presence stressin weldshavingverywide.angles
andby
the of substantial inclusionsin the parent
metal
which reduce
the piece
transverse of thethickness).
ductility(inthedirection

I Posltion
lnside the part. Tears usually take a
stepwisepattern.
characteristic
They can reach the surface,in which
case they can be detectedby meansof

I liquidpenetrants.

Aspectof theindicstion
Continuous line,verysharP.

t Porosity
Type
Final(weldedjoints).

t Origln
lnsufficientprotectionof the weld pool or weld on oxide-coatededges. lt is
skill-
generallydue to the operator'sinadequate

Posltion
They occur in the weld Pool and
Porosity
have a round or an elongated
I shape. In this case, if their
orientationis in the directionof the
(opento the sudace)

thickness, theY can reach the

surface weld and therefore be
detectedwith liquidPenetrants.

Aspectof the lndicatlon

Round shaPed,very sharP, it
veryquicklY.
broadens Porosity
(internal)

CentreE-Gandoffi
SairymTraining 25
 F{DT- LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I
Lackof Panetration
Type
Final(weldedjoints).
tt orlgin
They are caused by a bad preparationof the edges, by insufficientdistance
betweenthe edges.In automaticweldingthey can be causedby bad adjustments
of the proces$parameters.

t Position
Whenthe weldis carriedouton one
side only, they reachthe surface
oppositeto the weldedside.When
both sides are welded, the
discontinuityis internaland cannot
I be detected withliquidpenetrants.
Aspect of the indicntion
Continuous,parallel to the ioint,
more or less sharp, dePendingon
the adherence between the non-
I moltenedges.

Lackof fusion

l Type
Final(weldedioints).

Origin
Bad welding conditions,operator's
inadequateskill. The weld metal is
I spread on one edge, but this does
not melt.

Position
It can be found:
t r on the butt weld reverseside,whenonly one side is welded,if the weld metal
penetratesbetweenthe edgesbutthesedo not melt(detectable);
r flt the sur{aceof one of the weldedparts (in T-joints)becauseof the lack of
fusionin the parentmetal(detectable);
. insidethe jointnon-detectable by PT).
I Aspectof the indication
oftenweak.
Continuousor discontinuous,

t Saipe4TrainingCentreE. Gadolfi
 Examinntionprocedure
t Undercuts
TyFE
Final(weldedjoints).
t Ortgln
Inadequateoperator'ssklllor weldingconditions(excessive
currentor speed).

Poslfion
$udace,at the weldboundary. Undercut
r
I Aspect of the lndlcatlon
Continuous, locatedparallelto the weld
usuallyraggedand
and at its boundary,
verysharp
-
!
Fatiguecracks
Type
service detect,it can be found in
I parts that are subiected to
t continuouslYrePeated stress or
vibration.
Origin
The discontinuitystarts at sudden

I geometricalvariationsor on surface
notches.
Position
Surface, therefore theY can be
detected with liquid penetrants.In
parts (axles,
case of circular-section
I shafts, pins), the discontinuitYis
usuallyorientedat 45" with respectto
the piece axis. In welds, fatigue
cracksare favoredby the presenceof
undercutsor by lackof penetration.

I Aspectof the indlcatlon

Continuous,usuallyraggedandmore
Fatigue
crack

or .less sharp, dePendingon the

fractureprogression.

Sapru Tiaining Cente E. Gandolfi n

 NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
t Strass-corrosion cracks
Type
$ervice,they can be detectedin partsthat are used ln the conditionsdescribed
I Origin
below.

Theyarethe resultof thecombination of thefollowing

factors:
a) hignstressin thepiece,includingresidual (e.9.
stress welding);
b) surfaceof the piecein with
contact a corrodingagent(liquidor gaseous).

I Position
Ttheydevelopon the piecesurfaceas
groups of lines orientedin various
directionsthatdependon the direction
of theinternalstress.
t Aepectof the indication
Continuousor discontinuous lines,
often divergingand crossingeach
other,dependingon the Progressof
thephenomenon,
t
2.1,5. Leakagetest

Liquidpenetrantscan be usedto detectthroughdiscontinuities

on walls.

l The test consists of applying the

penetranton one side of the wall
(surfaceA) and the developeron the
oppositeside(sudaceB).
I In this case the penetrantremoval
step is not necessarybecau$ethe
developeris appliedon the opposite
side.

t After a certain time, which also

dependson the wall thickness,the
presenceof through discontinuities
will be indicatedon the developer. Cross
section

T penetrantsor, if greatersensitivityis
This test can be carriedout with water-washable
required,with solvent-removablepenetrants.

t SaiperyTrainingCeilre E. Gandnlfi
 Exarninationpro cedur e

2.1.6. Procedurequalification

Non -standard etre,

mination cond itions

When liquid penetrantexaminationsare carriedout underparticularclimaticconditions

I (outsidethe temperaturerange defined in the norms: min.16"C,max. 52'C) the
examinationshouldalwaysbe verifiedto makesureit will givereliableresults.

The samecheckshouldbe carriedout whenusingnew or old penetrantsand developers

that havebeenkept in storefor a longtime.
t In such cases,the resultsobtainedfromthe productsin tests underreal conditionsmust
be comparedwith the resultsof a test carriedout understandardconditionsand with
productsknownto be reliable.A comparisonof the indicationsobtainedwill allow the
inspectorto evaluatethe reliabilityof the examination'

I Comparatorblock

The comparisonis of courseonly valid if the

I two tests are carried out on the same

discontinuities.
-+_
I
2.5
For this reasoncomparatorblocksare used:
the most commontype of block is a pieceof
aluminum-copper-magnesium alloy, of the
sameshapeand size as the figureshownon
l the right.

The block surfacesare marked by several

to the centreline
cracksset out symmetrically
of the block which conespondswith the two :{-IF
t t

I slots. Measuresetpressedin millimEtere

The crackson the piecesudaceare producedby heatinga limitedarea in the centerof

the pieceup to mor€than500'C (510-527"C) and then suddenlyquenchingthe blockin
water.The slotsare madeafterthe formation the cracks.
of

Saipen,TrainingCentreE. Gafldolfr 29
 NI}T . LIQI,]ID PENETRANT INSPECTTON
t
Operations

The test is then carriedout on one half of

I the block underthe conditionsor with the
liquidsin question(side S), alter having
positioneda cardboardpartitionin the slot
to avoid contaminating the other half. The
test under normal conditions or with
reliableliquidsis then carriedout on the
I otherhalfof the block(sideN).

Teston liquidpenetrants
Liquidto be checked(slde$) Liquidd ltnownefficacy(sideN)
1. Applicationof the penetrantto be checked 4. Applicationof the reliablepenetrant
l 2. Penetrantremoval 5. Penetrantremoval
3. Applicationof the dweloperto be checked 6. Appllcationof lhe reliabledweloper

Teston examinationconditions
I Realconditions(sideS) Normalconditions(sideN)
1, The block is broughtto the te$ temPereture 5. The blockis broughtto normal
PenetrantaPPlication temperature
2.
6. Penetrantapplication
3. Penetrantremoval
4. DeveloperapPlication 7. Penetrantremoval

I 8. Daneloperapplication

The resultsof the two tests (sideN and

sideS) are thencomPared:
I a substantialdifferencemeans that
Verydifferent
indications:
the resultsare
the productsor the conditionsbeing not reliable
checkeddo not give reliableresults;
s
on the other
very similarindications,
I hand,showthat the Productsand the
conditions being checked can
Similarindications:
reliablere$ults
guaranteereliableresults.

SatrymTraining CentreE. Gandolfi

 GIossary
I

t Aqueousdeveloper A liquid developerwhere the talc and chalk particlesare

dissolved in an aqueousvehicle.
or suspended

t
Blacklight Electromagnetic radiationwtrosewavelengthrangesfrom 300
and 400 nm. lt is also calledultravioletradiation,becausein
the electromagnetic spectrumit lies in an intervalne)dto the
I visibleradiation.
Blacklightis obtainedby filteringthe radiationemittedby the
mercury-vapor bulbwitha blacklightfilter.

Blacklightlamp It is also lrnowna$ Wood'slamp;it is usedto readthe results

of penetranttestingwithfluorescentliquids.lt is composedof
I a mercury-vapor bulband of a filter-thatallowsthe passageof
365-nm wavblengthradiation 10"emeters). The radiation
emittedby this lampis calledblacklight.

I
Gapillarity A phenomenon wherethe wettingliquidscan rise througha
capillarytubeandform a concavemeniscus(the meniscusis
the sudaceof the liquidin the capillary
tube).
I Centigrade indicatedby the symbol'C.
The unitof temperature,

Coagulation The aggregationof particlesdispersedin a colloidalsystem

thatform largerparticlesleadingto flocculation.

t penetrant'
penetrant See'Visible-dye
Golor-contrast
blocks
Comparator Boards bearing artificial discontinuitiesused to compare
materialsand procedures in liquidpenetrantexaminations.

The parametersthat defines the level of wettabilityof a

t Contactangle
certainliquid.lt is definedas the anglebetweenthe surfaceof
the wet solidandthe tangentat the liquidcontactpoint.When
it is smallerthan90owe say thatthe liquidwets the surface,if
it is bigger,it doesnot.

I SatpemTiaining&ntre E. Gandolrt 33
 NDT - LIQT]ID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I Contrast betweenthe colorof the indications
The difference and the
background. thecolordifference
By reducing (worse
contrast)
wealsoreducethevisibility
of theindications.

t
A discontinuity that cannotbe acceptedbecause,due to its
it can jeopardizethe good
I size, positionand characteristics,
functioningof the part.

Developer ln liquidpenetrantexamination,a white materialappliedto

create a white backgroundand to {acilitatethe bleed'out o{
the penetranttrappedin the discontinuity thus producingan

I indicationvisibleto the humaneye (in eithernaturalor black

light).

Developing
time The time elapsedfrom the momentof the applicationof the
developerto the examinationof the results.In practice,the
time requiredby the developerto dry. The ASMEcode says
I Discontinuity
the developingtimemustnot be lessthanz minutes.

This term refersto any interruptionin the piece structureor

geometrywith respectto its normalconditions.

Drainage The leakageof the penetranttrapped in the discontinuity

l caused by capillarity,favored by the developer blotting
property.

Drydeveloper A developersuppliedas a veryfine powdercomposedof talc

or chalkiarticleswhosesizeis 02 - 0,4 Hm(1Hffi= 10'6m).
It can be appliedto the test surfacewith a hand powderbulb
I or dippingthe piece.

Dwelltime The total time that the penetrantis left on the sudace being
examinedso as to let it penetratethe discontinuity.

t
Emulsification
dwelltime The time elapsedbetweenthe applicationof the emulsifier
and the removalby means of water rinsingof the excess
I penetrantmixedwiththe emulsifier

t SarryotTrainingCentreE, Gandolti
 Glossarv
t Emulsifier A liquidthat is appliedto the excesspenetrantto obtaina
water-washablemixture. 'Water-washable"penetrants
containth6 emulsifier,while in npost-emulsifiable" the
emulsifier
applicationis a separate
operation.
t Emulsion
(dispersion
medium).
phase)in anotherliquid
of a liquid(dispersed
Thedispersion
A stableemulsion
contains,
besides the
phaseandthe dispersion
dispersed medium,an emulsifying
agent.

I Excesspenetrant The penetrantthat remainson the surfacebeing tested

(withoutpenetrating and that must be
the discontinuity)
removedin orderto obtain,afterthe developerapplication,
andadequatecontrast.

I
Falseindication An indicationobtainedin penetranttestingand causedby an
incompleteremovalof the excesspenetrant.
I Flashpoint The temperatureat which a liguid must be heated in
normalizedcondition$to produceenough vapor to form a
flammablemixturewithair.

Fluorescence Luminescentemission that ceases suddenly when the

t Fluorescentpenetrant
excitingsourceis stopped.

A penetrantthat containsa fluorescentdye which, in the

presenceof a discontinuity,producesa visible indication
when it is irradiated with black light in a darkened
environment.
I Fovealvision of the eye that allowsthe perceptionof the
A characteristic
minutestdetailsof colors,shapes,structuresand positionsof
illuminated
objects.

The humaneye has bothfovealand scotopicvision.

t

I Halogens Thistermrefersto a groupof elements

arefluorine,
chlorine,bromine,iodine,
thatformsalts.They
andastatine.

I Sarryrrt,Training CentreE. Gafldolrt 35

 NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION

Termusedto describeany variationor anomalyvisualizedby

testing.In penetranttesting the indications
non-destructive
are produced by the presenceof penetranton the surface
beingtested.

Inspection
time The time elapsed{romthe beginningof the visual inspection
t results.
of the examination

The ASMEcode states,for instance,a maximuminspection

timeof 30 minutesfromthe applicationof the developer.After
this time the examinationresults cannot be considered

I ol the indications.
reliablebecauseof the degradation

I develoPer A liquid developerwhere the liquid vehicle is a solvent,

Non-aqueous
usuallyalcohol.

indication An indicationobtainedin penetranttestingand causedby the

Non-relevant
piece geometrythat makesit difficultto removecompletely
l the excesspenetrant.

I Penetrant by highpenetrationpowerthat allowsit

A liquidcharacterized
very opento the surfaceand to
discontinuities
to enter small
bleedout showingthe presenceof the discontinuity.

power
Penetration of penetrants,it is the result of three
A typicalcharacteristic
t properties:surfacetension,wettingactionand viscosity.

Penetration
time See'Dwelltime'

Photometer Instrument used to measure the intensity of luminous

radiation.There are visual photometersand photoelectric
I photometers,morerecent.

Saiper4TrainingCewreE, Gandolfi
 Glossary
T Post-emulsifiable Unlikewater-washablepenetrants,thistype of penetrantmust
penetrant be emulsifiedto allow its removalfrom the sudace being
examined.In other words,it can be de{inedas a penetrant
wlrose removaloccursin two ditferentsteps: emulsification

I and waterrinsing.

I Removalagent In liquidpenetrant the termrefersto the liquid

examinations
penetrant.
usedto rsmovetheexcess
It can be water-based(in the case o{ water-washable
penetrants)or solvent-based(in the case of solvent-

I removablepenetrants).

I Scotopicvision The term describesa characteristic

illumination,
by which,at low levelsof
the abilityto distinguishobiectsand to perceive
colorsis reduced, smallsources
whilethe abilityto distinguish
of lightis enhanced.

I It is typicalof nocturnalanimals,likecats or owls.The human

eye has bothscotopicandfovealvision.

Solution A homogeneous mixtureof two or more substances,whose

propeilies are a function of the proportions of such
substances.
I Solvent This term generallydefinesany liquidused to degreaseor
clean the surface to be examined.The most common
solventsused for cleaningin liquid penetrantexaminations
are Genklene,Clorotheneand Acetone.

I The term "$olvent'also definesthe liquidusedto removethe

excesspenetrantwhenusingsolvent- removablepenetrants.

Solvent-removable A type of penetrantthat can be removedonly withsolvents.

p6netrant

I Surfacetension The propertyof fluidsby which,giventhe samevolume,they

by the minimum
tend to take the form that is characterized
surface.

$aiPer+ Training Cenre E- Gandolfi 17

 NDT _ LIQTIID PENETRANT INSPECTION
t Suspenslon A mixtureof twoor moresubstancesthatkeeptheiroriginal
properties
unchanged of theirconcentration.
regardless

I
Viscosity The propertyof a fluid that definesits resistanceto the mass
flow,that is the frictionbetweenthe fluidmolecules.

t penetrant
Visible-dye A penetrant containing a dye that in presence of
discontinuitiesproducesindicationsthat are visible to the
nakedeye and undernormallight.

VolatilitY desiredor undesired,of some liquid fuels

A characteristic,
whichpassintothe vaporphase.
I

t PenetrantA type of penetrantthat containsan emulsifyingagent and

Water-washable
that can be easily removedfrom the tested surface by water
rinsing.

Wettingaction A propertyof a liquidrelatedto the sur{acetension:it affects

l the liquidpenetration
substantially power.

This propertyi$ epressed by the valueof the contactangle

betweenthe liquidand the surface.

I CewreE, Gardolfi
SarpemTraining
 Appendix- Procedurefor dyepenetrantexaminationof weldedioints

DEPTTEGI/SALD Proc.:NDT90.96

EXAMINATION
FORDYE PENETRANT
PROAEDURE OF
WELDEDJOINTS

0 19.07.96 lssuenron CorusrnucTtoN Fl.LeeoRt E. DeMRRsrlrs

SaiWruTrainingCentreE. Gatdolft
 NDT - LIQUM PENETRANT INSPECTION
I
INDEX

I 1. 43
tl
2.
3. EQUIPMENT
4. TtsCHNIQIIE
5. PARTS TO BEEXAMTilIEL ...-.......'..'......43
6. PNF-EXAIVIINATION CLEAI{ING ANDDRYING............-.... "''"..43
7. LrQrrrD PEFTEITANT APPLICATTON ....."................44
8. METIIOD oF REMOVING EXffiSS PEI\IETRANT ..'.'............"...t14
9. DEVELOFER APPLTCATTON ...*.....'......44
10. EVALUATTON OF rNDrCATrONS............ ...........'.....44
11. PER$ONNET, Q UALIFICATION

CeilreE Gandolft
SaiWmTraining
 Appendix- Procedurefor dyepenetr_
I 1. scoPE
This documentoutlinesth6 equipment, method,surlacepreparation and acceptance
criteriafor the testingof non magneticmaterials(stalnlesssteelsand non ferrous
materials)in accordance V Articles6 & 24.
wlthASMESec'tion

I
2, HEFERENCES
A P I1 1 0 4 $tandardfor weldingof pipelinesand relatedfacilities;
ASME-VArt.SE 165 Boilerand PressurcVesselCode- NDE:Standardpractie for
I ASNTSNTTC 1A
LiquidPenetrantlnspectionMethod
Recommended Practicefor NDT PersonnelQualificationand
Certification;

t 3- EQUIPMENT

Developer: ROTRIVELU, manufactured

_bycGM, or equivalent.
Dyepenetrant ROTVELAVIOB, manufactured
by CGM'or equivalent.

4. TECHNIQUE
I The liquidpenetrantmethodis an effectivemeansfor detectingdiscontinuitieswhichare
open to the surfaceof non porousmetalsand other mateflals.Typical discontlnulties
detectableby this methodare cracks,seams,laps,coldshuts,laminationsand potosity.
In principle,a liquidpenetrantis appliedto the suffaceto be examinedand allowedto
enter discontinuities.All excess penetrantis then removed.The part is dded and a
developeris applied.The developerfunctionsboth as a blotterto penetrantthat has
I been trappedin discontinuities
of penetrantindications.The
and as a contrastingbackgroundto enhancethe visibility
dye penetrantwlll be of a colorcontrast(visibleunderwhite
light).

5. PARTSTO BE EXAMINED
l bothferrousand non fenous,and of nonporcus,
Non porousmetallicmatedal,
materials.
nonmetallic
as long as accesspermitsa
Shapes,sizesand geometryare of no consequence
inspection.
thorough

I 6. PRE-EXAMINATIONCLEANINGAND DRYING
In general,satisfactoryresultsmay be obtainedwhenthe sudaceof the part ls in
as-welded, condition.
as rolled,as cast,or as-forged Sufiacepreparation by grinding,
machining or other methods may be necessarywherc surface couldmask
irregulatities
of unacceptable
indlcations discontinuitles.
I Priorto all liquidpenetrantinspec{ions,the suilaceto be examlnedand all adjacent
areasshallbe free of dirt,greaselint,scale,weldingflux,weldspatter,oil and other
extraneousmatterthat couldobscuresurfaceopeningsor otherwiseinter{ercwith the
examination.

I SaipenLTrainingCentreE. Gandolfi 41
 NDT - LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
I 7. APPLICATION
LIQUIDPENETRANT
Afterthe part has beencleaned,driedand temperatureof the suilaceand penetrantare
wlthinthe rangeof 16"Cto 50oC,the penetrantwill be sprayeddirectlyon the surfaceto
be inspectedfollowingmanufacturersrccommendations so as the entire part or area
I underinspection is completely
covered with penetrant
Penetrantdwelltime:10 mlnutes.Maximumpenetrantdwelltimeshallbe 60 minutes.

8. EXCESSPENETRANT
METHODOF REMOVING
Afterthe specifiedpenetrationdwelltime has elapsed,any penetrantremainlngon the
I surfacewill be
careto minimize
removedwith
removal
of
a
penetrant from any possibie
clothof cleaner/remover,
dry or slightly-molstened
dlscontinui$.
taking

9. APPLICATION
DEVELOPER
I The developeris applieddlrectlyto the part by spraying.Previously,all excesspenetrant
has been removedand the part to be inspecteddried. Partsshall be sprayed in such
manneras to ensurccompletepart coveragewith a thin, evenfilm of developer.

10. OF INDICATIONS
EVALUATION
I lnterpretation
minutes.
shallbe doneafter5 minutesof applylngthe developerand not over 15

Whilethe developeris beingappliedto the part,the surfaceshallbe observedas an ald

in evaluatingindications.
shallbe recordedandreportedusingthe Saipemform.
All relevantindications

I 11. QUALIFICATION
PERSONNEL
Liquid penetrantexaminationwill be performedand results will be evaluate by
techniciansqualifiedand certifiedas Level ll for dye penetrantmethodin accordance
withdocumentsSNT-TC-IAof ASNL

I CenlreE. Gandolfi
SotpemTraining