Chapter 6

Test Equipment

TEKFEN QA/QC Department

Liquid Penetrant Testing Method
 Test Equipment
 Determined by:
– Economic requirements
– Production requirements
 Categorized as:
– Portable
– Stationary
– Specialized application
 Portable Test Equipment

 When there is a need to spot check parts

 Most simple and economic testing system
 Can be visible dye or fluorescent
 Portable Test Equipment
 Two potential problems
– Often used by unqualified personnel
– Need of controlled lighting
 Stationary Testing Equipment

 Ranges from relatively small units designed

to process small parts to large units
designed to handle parts that require
handling devices
 Stationary Testing Equipment
 Designed to be assembled and operated in
one location
 Self-contained and set up for the method
used
 Stationary Testing Equipment
 Size and arrangement determined by
– Size of the parts to be inspected
– Penetrant method to be used for the inspection
– Method of penetrant application
– Type of developer used for the test
 Automated Testing Systems
 Designed to process large volumes of parts
in short periods of time
 Can initially be very expensive, although
savings through process control and man-
hours make them desirable
 Often designed for one application
 Selection of Testing Equipment

 Considerations:
– The type and size of parts to be inspected
– The type and size of discontinuities sought
– The factors that affect the production rate
– Processing requirements
– Safety and health code requirements
– Facility requirements
– Personnel qualifications
 Lighting

 For visible penetrants:

– 30-50ftc is often adequate for gross indications
– 100ftc or greater for critical inspections
 Lighting

 For fluorescent penetrants:

– UV light intensity should be >10 W/m2
(1000 W/cm2)
– White light should be < 20 lux (2 ftc.)