The applications of visual testing include:

(1) Checking of the surface condition of the test specimen.

(2) Checking of alignment of mating surfaces.
(3) Checking of shape of the component.
(4) Checking for evidence of leaking.
(5) Checking for internal side defects.

1.1.4. Liquid penetrant testing (PT)

This is a method which can be employed for the detection of open-to-surface discontinuities
in any industrial product which is made from a non-porous material. This method is widely used
for testing of non-magnetic materials. In this method a liquid penetrant is applied to the surface of
the product for a certain predetermined time, after which the excess penetrant is removed from
the surface. The surface is then dried and a developer is applied to it. The penetrant which
remains in the discontinuity is absorbed by the developer to indicate the presence as well as the
location, size and nature of the discontinuity. The process is illustrated in Figure 1.2.

Penetrants used are either visible dye penetrant or fluorescent dye penetrant. The inspection
for the presence of visible dye indications is made under white light while inspection of presence
of indications by fluorescent dye penetrant is made under ultraviolet (or black) light under
darkened conditions. The liquid penetrant processes are further sub-divided according to the
method of washing of the specimen. The penetrants can be: (i) water-washable, (ii) post-
emulsifiable, i.e. an emulsifier is added to the excess penetrant on surface of the specimen to
make it water-washable, and (iii) solvent removable, i.e. the excess penetrant is needed to be
dissolved in a solvent to remove it from the test specimen surface. In order of decreasing
sensitivity and decreasing cost, the liquid penetrant processes can be listed as:

(1) Post emulsifiable fluorescent dye penetrant.

(2) Solvent removable fluorescent dye penetrant.
(3) Water washable fluorescent dye penetrant.
(4) Post emulsifiable visible dye penetrant.
(5) Solvent removable visible dye penetrant.
(6) Water washable visible dye penetrant.

Some of the advantages of liquid penetrant testing are as follows:

(1) Relatively low cost.

(2) Highly portable NDT method.
(3) Highly sensitive to fine, tight discontinuities.
(4) Fairly simple method.
(5) Can be used on a variety of materials.
(6) All surface discontinuities are detected in one operation, regardless of orientation.