Ultraviolet light :

Ultraviolet radiation is a band of wavelengths within the

electromagnetic spectrum and below visible [ white ] light. Ultraviolet
wavelengths are too short to be seen by the human eye. The
boundary between visible light [ white ] and UV [ black ] light is a
wavelength of 400 nm [ nano meters ] or [ 4000 Angstroms ].
UV - spectrum is divided into three ranges :
UV - A [ 400 - 300 nm ] - Long Wave.
UV - B [ 300 - 280 nm ] - Medium Wave.
UV - C [ 280 - 180 nm ] - Short Wave.
Ultraviolet A is not considered harmful to the human eye. Ultraviolet
B can cause sunburn as well as be harmful to the eyes. Ultraviolet
C is used for germicidal purposes and is harmful to the eyes and
the body. Daylight viewing is considered to be a range of 540
through 570 nm, with the average being 555 nm.
The fluorescent materials used in NDT for both the magnetic and
penetrant inspections are selected to provide maximum fluorescent
properties with UV - A excitation in the 365 nm wavelength. In fact
these materials normally fluoresce under excitation of any
wavelength, from 320 - 400 nm. The fluorescence, which is reflected
back is in the range of 540 - 620 nm and is visible as yellow-
green to the human eye. Any excessive white light in the
inspection area [ especially those in the green / yellow wavelengths ]
will decrease the contrast of indication to background, for this
reason, specifications limit the ambient white light level to 20 lux
maximum.
Black light sources are normally high pressure mercury arc bulbs
and low pressure mercury vapor discharge tubes. Low pressure
mercury vapor light sources have a deep purple coating on the
inside surface of the bulb to filter out undesired UV wavelengths
and blocks the visible light generated by the bulb. Mercury vapor
arc [ HID ] lamps used for NDT have only two lines of UV - A
energy in significant intensities. One of these bands is at 365 -
nanometer wavelength.
New micro power gas discharge technology [ MPXL ], is
recognized to create a much higher contrast of fluorescent
indication to background, thus improving the operator's visual acuity.
MPXL spot lamps produce in excess of 90,000 micro watts / cm 2
from 12 inch distance, and allow inspection to be performed in
areas where previously it would have been impossible.
The light intensity of ultraviolet lamps is measured with a suitable
UV light meter. Most of the UV intensity measurement meters for
NDT usage are designed for use on mercury vapor light sources
at 365 nanometers.
Fluorescence : is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by a
substance as the result of the absorption of electromagnetic or
corpuscular radiation of greater energy than that of the fluorescent
radiation. Fluorescence is characterized by the fact that it occurs
only so long as the stimulating radiation is maintained.

radiations. The dark color of the filter also cuts off

UV light filter : Ultraviolet lamps produce both the harmful
ultraviolet radiations and visible light. The deep purple filter in the
lamp allows only the wavelengths between 320 and 400
nanometers to pass through and eliminates the harmful ultraviolet
sufficient visible [ white ] light. UV radiations below
320 nm can burn the retina of the eyes and also
the skin of the exposed person. Examiners must
protect themselves from the harmful UV light by
ensuring that the filter used in the UV lamp is in
perfect condition. Any cracked or damaged filter
shall be immediately replaced or the Lamp shall
be rejected. A lamp with a damaged filter must not
be used. Looking directly at the lamp with a proper
filter will not cause any harm but may cause
temporary blurring of vision.

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