Unit- 3

LIQUID PENETRANT TESTING (LPT)

1. Introduction

PT can apply to detect surface discontinuities which are open to surface

and also not extremely rough or porous. This method applied to Metals, Glass, Ceramic,

Rubber, and Plastic.

PT can detect only surface discontinuities i.e. Cracks, Porosity, Laps, and Pin holes in

weld.

2. Procedure

ASME Sec V Article 6

3. Standards

ASME Sec V Article 24 - SE165

Reference Standards:

1. ASME Code Section V / Article 24

2. ASTM-E165-Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination.

3. ASME Code Section I

4. ASME Code Section VIII

5. ANSI/ASME B31.1, B31.3

6. AWS D1.1

7. Clients specification requirements for acceptance criteria.

4. Principle

Capillary action

5. Types of action

After applying the Penetrant, it will enter into the opening or discontinuity of the job.

This is called as capillary action.

The developer is having the blotting effect. So it brings out the Penetrant from the

discontinuities. It is called as Blotting effect.

6. PT Equipments

1. PENETRANT (Green, Red, Pink)

2. DEVELOPER (White)

3. PENETRANT REMOVER / CLEANER (Colour less)

4. LINT FREE CLOTH

5. LUX METER.

6. UV METER
7. PT methods

1. Visible method

Visible method contains a red dye that provides high contrast against the white

developer BG.

Visible method Florescent method

2. Fluorescent method contains a fluorescent dye. That fluoresces when exposed to UV

(black light) radiation.

8. PT Process

1. Surface Preparation / Pre Cleaning

2. Application of Penetrant

3. Dwell time

4. Remove of Excess Penetrant

5. Application of the developer

6. Developing Time

7. Inspection

8. Post cleaning
1. Surface Preparation / Pre Cleaning
Surface of the job should be free from Oil, Grease, Scale, welding flux, Spatter,

Rust & Dust for getting the accurate results. This is called as surface Preparation or

Pre cleaning.

Methods of Surface preparation

 Detergent Cleaning Steam Cleaning - grease

 Vapuor Degreasing - oil Paint Recovering – rust

 Solvent Cleaning Acid Cleaning

2. Application of Penetrant

After the area has been cleaned, dried and the temp of surface

& Penetrant are within the range 5˚ to 52 ˚C , the Penetrant shall be applied by

Spraying, Brushing, Dipping, Painting & Pouring on the cleaned surface.

3. Dwell time

After applying the Penetrant minimum 5 minutes should be given to allow the

Penetrant to go into the openings of the surface of the Job. (5 to 30 min)

4. Remove of Excess Penetrant
After the specified dwell time has been elapsed. Any
penetrant remaining on the surface shall be removed with a dry or slightly
moistened cloth of solvent cleaner. Unidirectional only.

1. Solvent Removal Method

2. Water Washable Method

3. Post Emulsifying Method

5. Application of the developer

Apply developer directly to the area being inspected, by spraying from the

aerosol container.

Areas being inspected shall be sprayed in such a manner so as to assure

complete coverage with a thin, even film of developer.

Dipping or flooding parts with developer is prohibited.

6. Developing Time:
After applying the developer, time taken for blotting effect is known as

Developing Time. (10 to 30 min)

7. Inspection
After Appling the developer immediately visual inspection should be done.
Final interpretation is neither < 10 min nor > 60 min.
Visible Penetrant indications can be inspected in natural or artificial white
light. A minimum intensity at the inspection surface of 100 foot candles (1000
Lux) is required. For UV – 1000 uW/cm2
 a. Evaluation of indications:
All indications shall be evaluated in accordance with the referencing code or
Specification.

A) Relevant indications are those that result from mechanical discontinuities:

a) Linear indications are those indications in which the length is more than three times the
width.

b) Rounded indication or indications which are circular or elliptical with lengths less than
three times the width.

c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be re-tested to verify whether or not actual
defects are present.

Non Relevant indications

a) Localized surface imperfections may occur, such as machine marks, surface
conditions, or incomplete bond between base metal and cladding, may produce similar
indications which are not relevant.
 8. Post cleaning

After completion of the test, in cases where residual penetrant or

developer could interfere with subsequent processing or with service requirements,
a suitable technique, such as a water rinse or solvent soak for cleaning may be
employed.

9. Properties of Penetrant:

High surface tension

Low viscosity
High capillary action
High wetting ability
High visibility
High flash point
Non volatile

10. Advantages

1. Even small fatigue discontinuities on the surface not usually detected by other NDE
method can be detected by PT.
2. Parts with complex geometric are routinely inspected.
3. Any non-porous material can be tested.
 4. Large areas and large volumes of parts/materials can be inspected rapidly and at low
cost.

11. Disadvantages

1. Only surface discontinuities can be finding through this method.

2. Temperature should be maintained at 5˚ to 52 ˚C on the test job.
3. PT can't be conducted for porous material.
(E.g. Grade 14 cast iron)