Liquid penetrate inspection

Liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) is one of the most widely used non-destructive evaluation
(NDE) methods. Its popularity can be attributed to two main factors: its relative ease of use
and its flexibility.   LPI can be used to inspect almost any material provided that its surface is
not extremely rough or porous
 Principles of penetrate inspection

The principle of liquid penetrant testing is that the

liquid penetrant is drawn into the surface-breaking crack by capillary
action and excess surface penetrant is then removed; a developer
(typically a dry powder) is then applied to the surface, to draw out
the penetrant in the crack and produce a surface indication.
characteristics of a liquid penetrate
• Viscosity
• Surface Tension
• Wetting ability
• Specific gravity
• Volatility
• Flash Point
• Solubility
• Ability to spread or creep
• Tolerance to contaminants
• Toxicity
• Odour / Freedom from skin irritation tendencies
• Inertness or non-corrosiveness
• Washability
water washable system
Water-washable or self-emulsifiable penetrants contain an emulsifier as
an integral part of the formulation. The excess penetrant may be
removed from the object surface with a simple water rinse. ...
Thus, water-washable penetrant systems provide ease of use and a high
level of sensitivity

Another word for emulsify

combine blend

intermix unite
post emulsification system
Post emulsifiable penetrants require a separate emulsifier or remover
to break the penetrant down so the excess penetrant can be rinsed off
with water, while the penetrant in the indication stays put. ...
Hydrophilic emulsifiers are water-based and supplied as a concentrate
that must be diluted with water prior to use.
Liquid penetrate inspection
• ADVANTAGES
• Inspection with this method is of low cost (materials and associated equipment are
relatively inexpensive)
• It is possible to do rapid inspection of large areas and volumes.
• It has high sensitivity (small discontinuities can be detected).
• This method is suitable for parts with complex shapes.
• Equipment is highly portable (materials are available in aerosol spray cans).
• Various types of materials can be inspected such as metallic and nonmetallic, magnetic
and nonmagnetic, and conductive and non-conductive materials may be inspected.
• Indications are produced directly on the surface of the part and constitute a visual
representation of the flaw.
Liquid penetrate inspection
• DISADVANTAGES
• With this method, only surface breaking defects can be detected.
• It is possible to inspect only materials with relatively nonporous surface.
• It is necessary to pre-clean the material since contaminants can mask defects.
• Metal smearing from machining, grinding, and grit or vapor blasting must be removed.
• Direct access to the surface being inspected is necessary.
• Surface finish and roughness can affect inspection sensitivity.
• It is necessary to perform and control multiple process operations.
• Post cleaning of acceptable parts or materials is required.
• This method involves chemical handling and its proper disposal.