Developers :

Normally a developer is used to complete the penetrant process.

Developers are fine white powders applied as dry or with a liquid
carrier to form a thin uniform coating on the test surface. Developer
acts like a sponge with very fine random capillary paths. When the
penetrant contacts the developer, it spreads through these paths by
capillary action [ known as blotting or reverse capillary action ]. The
penetrant gradually diffuses into the developer and indications
become larger than the discontinuity opening. The white color of the
developer provides contrast with color contrast penetrants and also
provides a darker background for fluorescent indications.
It should be noted that the developer itself does not produce
indications but simply absorbs the penetrant already present below it
and makes it more visible. Developer should be applied as soon as
possible or within 30 minutes after the removal of the excess
penetrant.
Dry developers [ Form A ] :
[ blends of chemically inert white powders ]
Dry developers are a non toxic fluffy absorbent white powder that
is used mostly with florescent penetrant process. These dry powders
do not normally provide sufficient white background for contrast with
color contrast penetrants. This may be achieved by use of
electrostatic spray application but is not always controlled easily. Dry
powders must be used on dry surface only. Dry developers are the
least sensitive.
Dust Storm
The dry powders should be used in a closed container or, if
Cabinet :
sprayed, inside a booth with good extraction. Where the throughput
dry developer
of components is low, components can be placed on a grid in a
is blown inside
tank and powder applied using a scoop or from a pear shaped
the closed
rubber puffer. Excess powder is then removed by gentle air blast,
cabinet, while
shaking or tapping. Dry powder may also be applied by brushing on
settling, the
rough test surfaces.
powders coat
Dry powder is best applied by placing the component in a dust
the part surface.
storm cabinet which may be of the tunnel type or top loading. The
cabinet is sealed to be dust proof. Most cabinets work on a preset
cycle so that once started the cabinet cannot be opened until the
cycle is complete. The dry powder developer is then agitated with
dry and oil free compressed air, which blows the powder into a
cloud around the component to coat the surface. It is advisable to Developer properties :
incorporate an " extract and return " system with the cabinets, since  Good blotting action. Must be easily wetted
the fine particles take a very long time to settle from the air. Dust by penetrant and draw the maximum
chambers should be fitted with heaters to maintain a dry inside amount of penetrant from the defect.
atmosphere. Installing a fan at the bottom of the container to blow  Fine grained.
the powder eliminates most of the problems associated with the use  Show indications from small amount of
of compressed air. penetrant.
Dry powders can be applied after charging them in a electrostatic  Mask out interfering penetrant and part
spray system. Some dry powders are of a chemical composition surface background.
which does not become sufficiently charged and this point should be  To form a thin and uniform coating.
checked before attempting to use this method of application. Dry  Non fluorescent.
developers should cling to dry metallic surfaces in a fine film of  Easily cleaned from the surface.
dust. The adherence of the powders should not be excessive, as the  Non flammable.
amount of black light available to energize indications will be  Non toxic and non corrosive.
reduced.
In automatic processing systems, dry powders are applied by Developer selection :
passing the part through a conveyor in a fluidized bed tunnel  Select wet developer in preference to dry
system. This application relies on producing a controlled air / powder on very smooth test surfaces.
mixture which passes over the components and coat the surfaces.  Select dry developer in preference to wet
Extremely fine dry developer powders are available for application on very rough test surfaces. Cleaning and
by dipping the dried part into it. This process has the disadvantage re inspecting a rough surface is difficult, if
that the developer gradually becomes contaminated by fluorescent a wet developer was used for a prior
flecks and produces false indications. inspection.
For purpose of storage and applications, the dry powders should not  Wet developers can not be used reliably
be hygroscopic and they should remain dry. If they pickup moisture where part configuration accumulates
when stored in areas of high humidity, they agglomerate or lump up developer at certain locations such as
and lose their ability to flow and dust the surface adequately. The threads. Excess developer can mask out
developer should be checked daily for caking and contamination. indications. Dry developer can be used.
Dry powder developers can dry the skin and irritate the eyes and  Solvent suspended developers are very
the respiratory system. Use of rubber gloves and respirators is effective for flaws with narrow opening,
desirable. but are not satisfactory for finding wide
shallow defects.

Compiled by K. Chatterjee, 75643 Center for NDT P 00 Rv 04 Self study material.