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Procedure for Liquid Penetrant Examination Page No : 2 of 12

Rev. / Date : C/ 24-04-2014

CONTENTS

1. SCOPE

2. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

3. SURFACE PREPARATION

4. LIQUID PENETRANT GROUPING

5. EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

6. INTERPRETATION

7. EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS

8. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

9. RE-EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED AREAS

10. SAFETY MEASURES

11. POST CLEANING

12. RECORDS

ATTACHMENTS :

1. Appendix A - Acceptance Criteria.

2. Appendix B - Format for Liquid Penetrant Examination Report (Form No.: HCC-6-2-F2)
3. Appendix C- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Intensity Log ( Form No. HCC-6-2-F9)
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1. SCOPE

1.1 This specification gives the general requirements to carry-out the Liquid Penetrant
Examination using, Wet Visible Solvent Removable penetrant for detecting open surface
discontinuities on all type of metals and non-metals including welds except highly porous
surfaced materials.
The temperature of the parts shall remain in the range of 50º F (10º C) to 125º F (52º C)
during the whole examination.
1.2 This specification procedure meets the requirement of ASME Code Section I, V and VIII Div.
1(2010 Ed., Add. 2011), ASME B31.1 (2010.) & ASME B31.3 (2010 Ed.), API 650 (11th Ed.
Jun 2007, Add-3 August 2011) and API 620 (11th Ed February 2008. Add.3, March 2012),32-
SAMSS-005,32-SAMSS-006.
1.3 The materials shapes and sizes to be examined and the extent of examination shall be as

2. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

2.1 All personnel performing Liquid Penetrant Examination according to this procedure shall be
qualified as per the requirements of Hidada Procedure for Qualification & Certification of NDT
personnel, Doc. No. 7-4-00, which meets the minimum requirements of ANSI / ASNT CP-189-
2011 and SAEP-1142
2.2 Level II personnel shall conduct the examination. Level I personnel may perform PT
Examination only under the direct supervision of Level II or Level III personnel. Level I
personnel shall not independently interpret the results of the examinations.

3. SURFACE PREPARATION

3.1 The surface to be tested shall be in general machined, ground or in as welded, as rolled or as
forged condition.
3.2
and free of any dirt, grease, scale, welding flux, spatter, oil or any extraneous matter and
surface irregularities that could mask indications of unacceptable discontinuities.
3.3 The cleaning of the surface to be examined shall be performed by solvent and dried by normal
evaporation or with forced hot or cold air. A minimum period of time (5 min.) shall be
established to ensure that the cleaning solution has evaporated prior to application of the
penetrant. The maximum time limit shall be 30 minutes.
3.4 Cleaning processes that could close surface openings of discontinuities or leave interfering
deposits, such as blast cleaning or acid treatments are general unadvised. When such
processes are used examination procedure shall be specifically qualified.

4. LIQUID PENETRANT GROUPING

4.1 The combinations of Liquid Penetrant materials to be used shall be selected in accordance
with the following table.
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Technique Manufacturer Cleaner Type Penetrant Type Developer Type

ELY/Chemetall S72 CHECKMOR 222 LD3

Visible
Magnaflux SKC - S SKL SP2 SKD S2

Use of penetrant, cleaner or developer from different manufacturers or brands shall not be
permitted. All Penetrant materials shall be kept for use in their original containers.
Refilling of these containers shall be prohibited.

Penetrant systems shall not be mixed.

4.2 Non-Aqueous
Penetrant, cleaner and developer are available in pressurized spray cans or in open cans.

4.3 Control of Contaminants

4.3.1 All the liquid penetrants materials used on nickel base alloys, austenitic stainless steels and
titanium shall have controlled contaminants, example sulphur content for examining nickel
base alloys and chlorine plus fluorine content for examining austenitic and titanium material
shall be limited to 1% .
4.3.2 The supplier of the liquid penetrant materials shall provide Certificate of Analysis / Inspection
Certificate. This record shall be kept in file.

5 EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

5.1 Penetrant Application

5.1.1 The penetrant may be applied by brushing or spraying..
5.1.2 Do not allow penetrant to dry. If the penetrant dries out, the test shall be repeated starting
with initial cleaning. Rewetting (using additional penetrant) is permissible to avoid drying.

5.2 Dwell Time

5.2.1 The penetrant must remain on the surface being examined from 10 to 30 minutes (or follow

temperature of penetrant applied and the surface to be examined shall be in the range of 50º
F (10º C) up to 125º F (52º C). Other temperature limitation and times may be used only after
approval of Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Level III. If the penetrant dries out, the test
shall be repeated starting with initial cleaning. When the temperature exceeds these limits, the
new proposed lower or higher temperature range requires qualification by the use of a liquid
penetrant comparator block and shall comply T-653 of ASME Code Section V.
5.3 Excess Penetrant Removal
5.3.1 Solvent Removal Penetrant
After the penetration time has elapsed, the excess of penetrant shall be removed by wiping
with clean rags or absorbent paper, repeating the operation until most traces of penetrant has
been removed. The remaining traces shall be removed by lightly wiping the surface with Lint
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free cloth or absorbent paper moistened with solvent, taking care to minimize removal of
penetrant from discontinuities. Adequate removal of excess penetrant shall be reached when
no visible evidence of red dye remains on the surface. Flushing the surface with solvent is
prohibited.

5.4 Drying
5.4.1 Following the removal of excess penetrant, the surfaces shall be dried by normal evaporation
for maximum 10 minutes.
5.5 Developer Application
5.5.1 The developer shall be applied by spraying as soon as possible after excess penetrant
removal. The time interval shall not exceed 5 min. The application shall be performed taking
care to obtain a thin and even coating over the surface being examined and to avoid
accumulation or runs that may obscure fine indications prior to applying wet developer must
be thoroughly agitated to ensure adequate dispersion of the suspended particles.
5.5.2 Only Wet Non-aqueous developer (aerosol spray) shall be used.
5.5.3 Drying shall be by normal evaporation.

5.6 Final Interpretation

5.6.1 Developing time for Final Interpretation begins immediately after the wet developer coating is
dry
5.6.2 The Final interpretation shall be made within 10 to 30 minutes of applying the developer. For
information, examined surface shall be observed during application of developer to monitor
the behaviour of indications which tend to bleed out profusely

5.7 Witness Inspection & Written Procedure Requirements

The client shall have the right, at his option, to witness all liquid penetrant examination or any
part of the inspection.
The written procedure shall be made available to the Client Inspector. A copy of the
procedure shall be available with the nondestructive testing personnel for their reference and
use.
Liquid penetrant Examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure
which shall as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in Table 1. The written Procedure
shall establish a single value, or a range of values for each requirement.
When procedure qualification is specified, a change of requirement in Table 1 identified as an
essential variable from the specified value or range of values, shall require requalification of
the written procedure. A change of a requirement identified as a nonessential variable from
the specified value, or range of values, does not require requalification of the written
procedure. All changes of essential or nonessential variables from the value, or range of
values, specified by the written procedure shall require revision of, or an addendum to, the
written procedure.
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Table 1 REQUIREMENTS OF LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Essential Non-essential
Requirement
Variable Variable

Identification of and any change in type or family group of

X
penetrant materials including developers, emulsifiers, etc.

Surface preparation (finishing and cleaning, including type of

X
cleaning solvent)

Method of applying penetrant X

Method of removing excess surface penetrant X

Hydrophilic or lipophilic emulsifier concentration and dwell time

X
in dip tanks and agitation time for hydrophilic emulsifiers

Hydrophilic emulsifier concentration in spray applications X

Method of applying developer X

Minimum and maximum time periods between steps and

X
drying aids.

Decrease in penetrant dwell time X

Increase in developer dwell time (Interpretation Time) X

Minimum light intensity X

Surface temperature outside 40oF to 125oF (5oC to 52oC) or as

X
previously qualified.

Performance qualification, as required X

Personnel qualification requirements X

Materials, shapes or sizes to be examined and the extent of

X
examination

Post examination cleaning technique. X

6. INTERPRETATION

6.1 Visible Technique

The area under inspection shall be illuminated adequately by natural or artificial light of
minimum 1000 lux, to enable interpretation of the results accurately.

Light Source:
The following light source were demonstrated and may be used to provide the required 1000
lux.
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Light Intensity :

a) 60W frosted bulb at 200mm from the surface under inspection.

b)

If the abovementioned light sources are not available, any other light source is acceptable,
provided the required light intensity of 1000 lux is verified.

Light meter shall be calibrated at least once a year or whenever the meter has been repaired.
In general, the discontinuity will appear as deep red color indication (linear or rounded)
against the white background color of the developer. If the surface being examined has an
excessive pink color, it may indicate inadequate cleaning. In such case, the examination shall
be repeated. If false indications are suspected, re-examination of the part shall be carried out.

6.2 The evaluation of indications shall be according to Para 7.

7. EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS

7.1 Definitions
7.1.1 Non-relevant Indications
Non-relevant indications are those indications that are not or cannot be associated with
discontinuities. The term signifies also that these indications have no relation to the
discontinuities that might constitute defects.
7.1.2 Relevant Indications
Relevant indications are those which result from mechanical discontinuities and are produced
by detectable bleed-out of penetrant.
7.1.3 Linear Indications
Linear indications are those in which the length is more than three times the width.
7.1.4 Rounded Indications
Rounded indications are indications which are circular or elliptical with the length equal to or
less than three times the width.
7.2 Evaluation of Indications
7.2.1 Non-relevant Indications
-
be non-relevant shall be regarded as defect and shall be re-examined to verify whether or not
actual defects are present.
7.2.2 Localized surface imperfections such as those that may occur from machining marks, surface
conditions, or an incomplete bond between base metal and cladding may produce similar
indications which are not relevant to the detection of not acceptable discontinuities.
7.2.3 Non-relevant indications having major dimensions greater that 1.6mm shall be considered as
relevant and shall be evaluated and recorded.
7.2.4 Rounded Indications
Rounded indications are indications which are circular or elliptical with the length equal to or
less than three times the width.
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8. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The indication of a discontinuity may be larger than the actual discontinuity that causes it,
however, the size of the indication and not the size of the discontinuity is the basis for
acceptance or rejection.
Acceptance criteria for examinations performed to ASME B31.1;ASME B31.3; ASME
SECTION VIII, Division 1; API 650, API 620 & API 1104 are given in Appendix A.
Acceptance criteria for API 620 and API 650 are in accordance with ASME Section VIII,
Division 1.
Acceptance Criteria for ASME B31.4 and ASME B31.8 are in accordance with API 1104.
Selection of acceptance criteria is not included in this procedure or acceptance criteria for
special applications shall be pre-approved by the client representative.

9. RE-EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED AREAS

After repairs have been made, the repaired area shall be blended smoothly into the
surrounding area and re-examined by Liquid Penetrant method and by all other approved
methods of examination that were originally required for the affected are except that when the
depth of repair is less than the radiographic sensitivity required re-radiography may be
omitted.

10. SAFETY MEASURES

Penetrant materials are highly volatile, relatively toxic and the liquid may cause skin irritation.
Use adequate ventilation at all times and avoid prolonged skin contact.
Penetrant materials shall not be heated above 130oF (54o C) or exposed to open flames.
The inspector shall be responsible for compliance with applicable safety rules in the use of
liquid penetrant materials.
Keep aerosol cans containing penetrant materials out of direst sunlight and storage areas in
excess of 130o F (54oC); as excessive heat may cause aerosol cans to explode.

11. POST CLEANING

Dried developer shall be completely removed with brushes, sponges and / or cloth soaked in
acetone or Cleaner or Chlorothene.

12. RECORDS

After Liquid Penetrant Examination, a Liquid Penetrant Examination Report Form No.
HCC-6-2-F2 (Appendix B) shall be filled-in.
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APPENDIX A

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
I. ASME B31.1 Power Piping

The following relevant indications are unacceptable:

1. Linear Indication: Any cracks or linear indications.

2. Rounded indications with dimensions greater than 3/16 inch (4.8mm).
3. Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 inch (1.6mm) or less edge to
edge.
4. Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 square inches (3870mm 2) of surface with the
major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 inches (150mm)with the area taken in the
most unfavorable location relative to the indications being evaluated.

II. ASME B31.3 Process Piping

The following relevant indications are unacceptable:

1. Linear Indication: Any cracks or linear indications.
2. Rounded indications with dimensions greater than 3/16 inch (4.8mm).
3. Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 inch (1.6mm) or less edge to
edge.
4. Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 square inches (3870mm 2) of surface with the
major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 inches (150mm)with the area taken in the
most unfavorable location relative to the indications being evaluated.

III. ASME Section VIII, Division 1, API 650 & API 620

Indications with any major dimension greater than 1/16 inch (1.6mm) shall be considered
relevant. All surfaces to be examined shall be free of :

1. Relevant linear indications.

2. Relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 inch (4.8mm).
3. Four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 inch (1.6mm) or less
edge to edge.

IV. API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities

Any indication with a dimension greater than 1/16 inch (1.6mm) shall be considered relevant.
Relevant indications shall be unacceptable when any of the following conditions exist :

1. Linear indications evaluated as crater cracks or star cracks which exceed 5/32
inch(3.96mm) in length.
2. Linear indications evaluated as cracks other than crater cracks or star cracks.
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3. Linear indications evaluated a incomplete fusion (IF) and exceed1 inch(25.4mm) in total
length in a continuous 12 inch (304.8mm) length of weld or 8% of the weld length.
4. Individual or scattered porosity (P) shall be unacceptable when any of the following
conditions exists:

a. The size of an individual pore exceeds 1/8 inch (3.17mm).

b. The size of an individual pore exceeds 25% of the thinner of the nominal wall
thicknesses joined.

c. The distribution of scattered porosity exceeds the concentration permitted by Figure

18 or 19 of API 1104.

5. Cluster porosity (CP) that occurs on any pass except the finish pass shall comply with the
criteria of 4 above. CP that occurs in the finish pass shall be unacceptable when any of
the following conditions exists :

a. The diameter of the cluster exceeds ½ inch (12.7 mm).

b. The aggregate length of CP in any continuous 12 inch(304.8mm) length of weld
exceeds ½ inch (12.7mm).
c. An individual pore within a cluster exceeds 1/16 inch (1.6mm).
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APPENDIX - B
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APPENDIX - C