Penetrant Testing – API 6A Code

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT .......................................................................................................2

2. DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................................2
2.1. CODES AND STANDARD .................................................................................................................... 2
3. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................2
4. PERSONNEL .........................................................................................................................2
5. PRODUCTS ...........................................................................................................................3
5.1. TYPE: .............................................................................................................................................. 3
5.2. METHOD: ......................................................................................................................................... 3
5.3. SENSITIVITY ..................................................................................................................................... 3
5.4. DEVELOPERS SHALL BE OF THE FOLLOWING FORMS: .......................................................................... 3
5.5. SOLVENT REMOVERS SHALL BE OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES: ............................................................ 3
6. CONTAMINANT CONTROL IN AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL AND TITANIUM .............3
7. CONTAMINANT CONTROL IN NICKEL AND NICKEL-BASE ALLOYS ... ERREUR ! SIGNET
NON DEFINI.
8. SURFACE PREPARATION....................................................................................................3
9. SURFACE TEMPERATURE ..................................................................................................4
9.1. STANDARD TEMPERATURE................................................................................................................ 4
9.2. NON STANDARD TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................ 4
10. LIQUID PENETRANT APPLICATION METHOD AND TIME ..................................................4
10.1. REMOVAL OF EXCESS LIQUID PENETRANT ....................................................................................... 4
10.2. DRYING METHOD AND TIME, BEFORE DEVELOPER APPLICATION ....................................................... 4
10.3. METHOD AND MAXIMUM TIME FOR DEVELOPER APPLICATION............................................................ 4
10.4. INTERPRETATION TIME................................................................................................................... 4
10.5. LIGHTING ...................................................................................................................................... 5
10.5.1. Fluorescent Light Examination: .........................................................................................5
10.5.2. Visible Light Examination: .................................................................................................5
10.6. POST CLEANING ........................................................................................................................... 5
10.7. EVALUATION ................................................................................................................................. 5
11. DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................................5
11.1. RECORDING OF INDICATIONS ......................................................................................................... 5
11.1.1. Non-rejectable Indications. ................................................................................................5
11.1.2. Rejectable Indications. ......................................................................................................5
11.1.3. Examination Records ........................................................................................................6
12. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA .....................................................................................................6
13. REPORTING ..........................................................................................................................6
1. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT

This procedure describes the minimum requirements for Non-Destructive penetrant liquid testing according to
API 6A and ASTM E165 Codes. It applies to Carbon steel, ferrite, martensitic and austenitic stainless steel,
alloy steels, cast iron and nonferrous materials.
This general procedure can be amended with project specific requirements by a Work Instruction.

2. DOCUMENTATION

2.1. CODES AND STANDARD

Ref. [1]. API 6A Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment

Ref. [2]. ASTM E-165 Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination

Ref. [3]. ASTM E-1417 Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing

Ref. [4]. AMS 2644 Inspection Material, Penetrant

Ref. [5]. ISO 9712 Non-Destructive testing – Qualification and Certification of personnel

3. DEFINITIONS

MT Magnetic Testing

MUT Manual Ultrasonic Testing

NDE Non Destructive Evaluation

NDT Non Destructive Testing

RT Radiographic Testing

WI Work Instruction

WT Wall Thickness

4. PERSONNEL

The Personnel shall have vision, with correction if necessary, to enable him to read a Jaeger Type No. 1
Standard Chart at a distance of not less than 12 in. (300 mm), and is capable of distinguishing and
differentiating contrast between colours used. These requirements shall be checked annually.
The personnel shall be competent in the techniques of the liquid penetrant examination method for which he
is certified (as per ISO 9712), including making the examination and interpreting and evaluating the results,
except that, where the examination method consists of more than one operation, he may be certified as being
qualified only for one or more of these operations.
5. PRODUCTS

Penetrant examination processes and materials are classified in accordance with the material classification
contained in AMS 2644. Penetrant systems covered by this practice shall be of the following types, methods,
and sensitivity levels. PT consumables (cleaner, penetrant and developer) shall be from the same
manufacturer:
5.1. TYPE:
− Type I—Fluorescent dye.
− Type II—Visible dye.
5.2. METHOD:
− Water washable.
− Post-emulsifiable, lipophilic.
− Solvent-removable.
− Post-emulsifiable, hydrophilic.
5.3. SENSITIVITY
(These levels apply to Type I penetrant systems only. Type II penetrant systems have only a single sensitivity
and it is not represented by any of the levels listed as follows):
− Sensitivity Level 1⁄2 —Very low.
− Sensitivity Level 1—Low.
− Sensitivity Level 2—Medium.
− Sensitivity Level 3—High.
− Sensitivity Level 4—Ultrahigh.
5.4. DEVELOPERS SHALL BE OF THE FOLLOWING FORMS:
− Dry powder.
− Water-soluble.
− Water-suspendable.
− Nonaqueous for Type I fluorescent penetrant.
− Nonaqueous for Type II visible dye.
− Specific application.
5.5. SOLVENT REMOVERS SHALL BE OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:
− Class 1—Halogenated.
− Class 2—Nonhalogenated.
− Class 3—Specific application

6. CONTAMINANT CONTROL IN AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

When testing austenitic stainless steel, use only penetrant material bearing a chemical analysis certificate of
contaminant content (Chloride and Fluorine),
This analysis shall comply with ASTM E 165 – 12 (A4)

7. CONTAMINANT CONTROL IN NICKEL AND NICKEL BASE ALLOYS

When testing Nickel or Nickel-base alloys, use only penetrant material bearing a chemical analysis certificate
of contaminant content (Sulfur),
This analysis shall comply with ASTM E 165 – 12 (A4)

8. SURFACE PREPARATION

In general, satisfactory results may be obtained when the surface of the part is in the as-welded, as-rolled,
as-cast, or as-forged condition. Surface preparation by grinding, machining, or other methods may be
necessary where surface irregularities could mask indications.
Prior to each liquid penetrant examination, the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas within at least 1
in. (25 mm) shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding flux, weld spatter, paint, oil, and other
extraneous matter that could obscure surface openings or otherwise interfere with the examination.
Typical cleaning agents which may be used are detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions, and paint
removers. Degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning methods may also be used.
Cleaning solvents shall meet the requirements of Ref. [1]. The cleaning method employed is an important
part of the examination process.

9. SURFACE TEMPERATURE

9.1. STANDARD TEMPERATURE

As a standard technique, the temperature of the penetrant and the surface of the part to be processed shall
not be below 50°F (10°C) nor above 125°F (52°C) throughout the examination period. Local heating or
cooling is permitted provided the part temperature remains in the range of 50°F to 125°F (10°C to 52°C)
during the examination.
Where it is not practical to comply with these temperature limitations, other temperatures and times may be
used, provided the procedures are qualified as specified in the next section.
9.2. NON STANDARD TEMPERATURE
When it is not practical to conduct a liquid penetrant examination within the temperature range of 50°F to
125°F (10°C to 52°C), the examination procedure at the proposed lower or higher temperature range requires
qualification of the penetrant materials and processing in accordance with section 10.2 of Ref. [1].

10. LIQUID PENETRANT APPLICATION METHOD AND TIME

Liquid penetrant shall be applied by aerosol, brushing or spraying with compressed air gun. Penetration time
(dwell time) shall be at least ten (10) minutes and shall not exceed sixty (60) minutes. The figures given
within this section shall be checked against manufacturer recommendations.
10.1. REMOVAL OF EXCESS LIQUID PENETRANT
For water washable penetrant, excess penetrant shall be removed by spraying water over part surface. The
chloride’s maximum level allowed on water must be inferior to 50 ppm when the surface to be tested is
austenitic stainless steel. Water pressure shall be under 280 Kpa (40 psi) and temperature less than 45°C
when using dye penetrant and between 10ºC and 38ºC when using fluorescent penetrant.
For solvent removable penetrant, excess penetrant shall be initially removed using dry and clean clothes or
absorbent paper. After this first cleaning, use cloth or absorbent paper slightly wet with cleaning fluid.
Cleaning fluid shall not be directly applied to part surface.
10.2. DRYING METHOD AND TIME, BEFORE DEVELOPER APPLICATION
Surface drying shall happen by natural evaporation during at least five (5) minutes.
In case of penetrant removal with water, the surface may be dried using a cloth or absorbent paper before
developing time is completed.
10.3. METHOD AND MAXIMUM TIME FOR DEVELOPER APPLICATION
Developer shall be applied by aerosol in order to obtain a thin and uniform layer in the whole area,
immediately after surface drying. When this is impossible, maximum time shall be thirty (30) minutes.
Before and during the application developer container shall be vigorously shaken to ensure suspension
homogeneity.
10.4. INTERPRETATION TIME
The initial interpretation of test results shall be carried out immediately after developer application.
Test final interpretation shall be carried out from ten (10) to thirty (30) minutes after developer application.
10.5. LIGHTING
10.5.1. Fluorescent Light Examination:
10.5.1.1. Visible Ambient Light Level
Examine fluorescent penetrant indications under black light in a darkened area. Visible ambient light should
not exceed 2 ft candles (20 Lx).
The measurement should be made with a suitable photographic-type visible light meter on the surface being
examined.
10.5.1.2. Black Light Level Control
Black lights shall provide a minimum of 1000 μW/cm2, at the examination surface. The black light
wavelength shall be in the range of 320 to 380 nm. The intensity should be checked weekly to ensure the
required output. Reflectors and filters should be checked daily for cleanliness and integrity. Cracked or
broken ultraviolet (UV) filters should be replaced immediately. Defective bulbs, which radiate UV energy,
must be replaced before further use.
10.5.1.3. Black Light Warm-Up
Allow the black light to warm up for a minimum of 10 min prior to its use or measurement of the intensity of
the ultraviolet light emitted.
10.5.1.4. Visual Adaptation
The examiner should be in the darkened area for at least 1 min before examining parts. Longer times may be
necessary under some circumstances.
10.5.2. Visible Light Examination:
Visible penetrant indications can be examined in either natural or artificial light. Adequate illumination is
required to ensure no loss in the sensitivity of the examination. A minimum light intensity at the examination
site of 100 fc (1000 Lx) is recommended.
10.6. POST CLEANING
Post cleaning is necessary in those cases where residual penetrant or developer could interfere with
subsequent processing or with service requirements. It is particularly important where residual penetrant
examination materials might combine with other factors in service to produce corrosion. A suitable technique,
such as a simple water rinse, water spray, machine wash, vapour degreasing, solvent soak, or ultrasonic
cleaning may be employed (see ASTM E165 for further details). It is recommended that if developer removal
is necessary, it should be carried out as promptly as possible after examination so that it does not “fix” on the
part.
10.7. EVALUATION
An indication of an imperfection may be larger than the imperfection that causes it; however, the size of the
indication is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only indications with major dimensions greater than 1⁄16 in.
(1.5 mm) shall be considered relevant.
(a) A linear indication is one having a length greater than three times the width.
(b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with the length equal to or less than three
times the width.
(c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be reexamined to determine whether or not they are
relevant.

11. DOCUMENTATION

11.1. RECORDING OF INDICATIONS

11.1.1. Non-rejectable Indications.
Non-rejectable indications shall be recorded.
11.1.2. Rejectable Indications.
Rejectable indications shall be recorded. As a minimum, the type of indications (linear or rounded), location
and extent (length or diameter or aligned) shall be recorded.
11.1.3. Examination Records
For each examination, the following information shall be recorded:
(a) procedure identification and revision;
(b) liquid penetrant type (visible or fluorescent);
(c) type (number or letter designation) of each penetrant, penetrant remover, emulsifier, and
developer used;
(d) examination personnel identity and if required by referencing Code Section, qualification
level;
(e) map or record of indications;
(f) material and thickness;
(g) lighting equipment; and
(h) date and time examinations were performed.

12. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The following acceptance criteria apply:

− no relevant linear indication;
− four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by less than 1,6 mm (1/16 in) (edge
to edge) are unacceptable;
− no relevant indication in pressure-contact sealing surfaces.
− no rounded indications greater than 3 mm (1/8 in) for welds whose depth is 16 mm (5/8 in) or
less, or 5 mm (3/16 in) for welds whose depth is greater than 16 mm (5/8 in).
− no more than ten relevant rounded indications in any continuous 40 cm² (6 in²) area

13. REPORTING

The report shall include the reporting requirements of the applicable standard, NDT procedure and
acceptance criteria.
At least the following minimum information must be given:
− Name of the company and operator carrying out the testing including certification level of the
operator
− Object and drawing references
− Place and date of testing
− Material type and dimensions
− Post weld heat treatment, if required
− Location of examined areas, type of joint
− Welding process used
− Surface conditions
− Temperature of the object
− Number of repairs if specific area repaired twice or more
− Contract requirements e.g. order no., specifications, special agreements etc.
− Example of reporting forms
− Sketch showing location and information regarding detected defects
− Extent of testing
− Test equipment used
− Description of the parameters used for each method
− Description and location of all recordable indications
− Testing results with reference to acceptance level
− Other information related to the specific method may be listed under each method