Dye Penetrant Inspection Procedure

This article provides you with a example dye penetrant inspection procedure. This procedure
contains water washable process with both visible and fluorescent systems.
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This procedure establishes the general requirements of Penetrant Testing of ferrous and non-
ferrous components (essentially non-porous) and welds by Water Washable Process, Visible and
Fluorescent Penetrant Systems and are to be followed by NDT personnel Third Party.
2.0 PURPOSE:
2.1 The requirements are intended to detect discontinuities that are open to test-surface and free
from contaminants by interpreting the surface indications and evaluating them in accordance with
the applicable referenced codes, standards or specifications by certified NDT personnel qualified in
PT to Level II.
2.2 Customers approved specific Inspection/Evaluation manuals have also to be followed strictly, if
available and applicable.
2.3 Any conflicts between any points of this procedure and the referenced documents or job
specifications of customer shall be resolved (if given in writing) by the appointed ASNT NDT Level III
or the Divisional Manager (NDT) or his authorised representative.
2.4 Where special circumstances require unique techniques of Penetrant Testing by Water Washable
Process, specific technique sheets shall be attached as Annex: IV etc., with the written approval of
NDT Level III.
3.0 REFERENCES:
3.1
ANSI/ASME B31.1
Power Piping
3.2
ANSI/ASME B31.3
Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
3.3
ASME Sec.V
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
3.4
ASME Sec.VIII
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
3.5
ANSI/AWS DI.I
Structural Welding Code - Steel
3.6
API 1104
Standard for Welding Pipelines and related facilities
3.7
API 620
Dsign and Construction of Large, Welded Low Pressure Storage Tanks
3.8
API 650
Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
3.9
ASTM E-165
Standard Test method for liquid penetrant test
3.10
ASTM E-1209
Standard Test Method for Fluorescent Penetrat Examination using Water Washable Process.
3.11
ASTM E-1418
Test Method for Visible PT using Water Washable
3.12
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189
Personnel Qualification and Certification Standard
3.13
SNT-TC-1A of ASNT
Personnel Qualification and Certification Guidelines
4.0 SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD & WATER WASHABLE PENETRANTS
4.1 A liquid penetrant which may be a visible or a fluorescent material is applied evenly over the
surface being examined and allowed to enter open discontinuities. After a suitable dwell time, the
excess surface penetrant is removed. A developer is applied to draw the entrapped penetrant out of
the discontinuity and stain the developer. The test surface is then examined to determine the
presence or absence of indications.
Note: Caution - Fluorescent penetrant examination shall not follow a visible penetrant examination
because visible dyes may cause deterioration or quenching of fluorescent dyes.
4.2 Processing parameters, such as surface precleaning, penetration time and excess penetrant
removal methods, are determined by the specific materials used, the nature of the part under
examination, (that is, size, shape, surface condition, alloy) and type of discontinuities expected.
4.3 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the presence, location and, to a limited extent,
the nature and magnitude of the detected discontinuities. Each of the various methods has been
designed for specific uses such as critical service items, volume of parts, portability or localised areas
of examination. The method selected will depend accordingly on the service requirements.
4.4 Water-Washable Penetrants are designed to be directly water-washable from the surface of the
test part, after a suitable penetrant dwell time. Because the emulsifier is built-in to the water-
washable penetrant, it is extremely important to exercise proper process control in removal of
excess surface penetrant to ensure against overwashing. Water-washable penetrants can be washed
out of discontinuities if the rinsing step is too long or too vigorous. Some penetrants are less
resistant to overwashing than others.
4.5 Post-Emulsifiable penetrants with lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsifiers are not included in this
procedure.
5.0 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:
5.1 This procedure is intended for use with the following consumables or their equivalent. It has to
be ensured that the consumables are selected in such a way that they are compatible to the test
surface and object and as per test requirements.
Dye Penetrant Inspection - Water Washable, Fluorescent Penetrant System
Manufacturer
PENETRANT
REMOVER
DEVELOPER
Sherwin
HM-440, HM-430
Water
D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox
P133D, P134D, P135D
Water
9D1B
Magnaflux
ZL-60C
Water
SKD-LT or ZP-9F
Dye Penetrant Inspection - Water Washable, Visible Penetrant System
Manufacturer
PENETRANT
REMOVER
DEVELOPER
Sherwin
DP-51
Water
D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox
906/303A
Water
9D1B
Magnaflux
SKL-WP
Water
SKD-NF,SKD-S, ZP-9B
5.2 Intermixing of penetrant materials from different families (manufacturers) is not permitted by
this procedure.
Manufacturers recommendation for compatible penetrant systems must be adhered with.
5.3 Dye Penetrant Inspection - Control of Contaminants
When testing nickel based alloys, austenitic stainless steels and titanium, contaminant content of
penetrant materials shall be controlled. Control shall be based on the manufacturers batch
certification which shall include, as a minimum, the manufacturers name, batch number and
chemical contaminant content as determined in accordance with ASME Section V, paragraph T-625.
Only dye penetrant inspection materials having a batch number printed on the container and
traceable to a valid manufacturers batch certification on file shall be used.
6.0 PARTS TO BE EXAMINED:
This procedure shall be used for parts or welds in ferrous and non-ferrous materials in accordance
with applicable code or specifications for parts or welds.
When welds are tested, at least one inch of the base material on both sides of the weld is to be
covered.
7.0 SURFACE PREPARATION: