Procedure for Liquid Penetrant Examination

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1. Scope
This Test method covers procedures for penetrant examination of butt and fillet weld with the associated
Heat Effected Zone (HAZ) on the parent metal and components. They are non-destructive testing methods for
detecting discontinuities that are open to the surface such as cracks, porosity and lack of fusion by liquid penetrant
testing conducted in accordance with the requirements of the referenced Codes and Standards.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to explain the method of applying the liquid penetration non-destructive test.

3. References

ASME Code Section V -applicable edition/addenda.

4. Definitions
PT: Penetrant Examination

5. Responsibilities

The NDT Inspector shall be responsible for conducting and reporting the results of inspection in
accordance with project contract.

6. Personnel Qualifications

6.1 All personnel involved in Penetrant Examinations shall be qualified in accordance

with the Requirements of NDT Written Practice for NDE Personnel Qualification.

6.2 When the written practice is revised, the certification of NDE personnel remains valid to the
requirements of the previous revision until the expiry date of the personnel qualification certificate;
then, recertification to the requirements of the new revision is required.

6.3 The certification of personnel shall be checked by the QA/QC Manager prior to
work commencement.

7. Procedure

This procedure shall be demonstrated prior to use in accordance with the requirements of T-150, ASME
Code Sec. V. The procedure qualification record shall be attached to this procedure.

7.1 Equipment:

7.1.1 Solvent Removable Visible Dye Penetrant materials consist of:

a) Penetrant. b) Penetrant remover/cleaner. c) Developer. d) Lint free cloth. e) Light meter capable of
measuring visible light intensity in lux / foot candles. Materials:

7.1.2 Only materials of a recognized commercial quality shall be used as identified by the manufacturer’s
name i.e. Ardrox, Ely Chemicals or Magnaflux or as specified by the client.

7.2 Surface Condition:

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7.2.1 Generally 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 of unacceptable discontinuities.
Precautions shall be made with the mechanical cleaning not to close the discontinuities open to the
surface. Etching of the cleaned surfaces may be necessary to open the discontinuities.

7.2.2 Prior to all liquid penetrant inspections, the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas within
at least 25mm (1”) shall be dry and free of dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding flux, weld spatter, oil and other
extraneous matters that could obscure surface openings or otherwise interfere with the examination.

7.2.3 Typical cleaning agents that may be used are detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions and
paint removers. Degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning methods may also be used.

7.3 Method:

7.3.1 Surface Cleaning process:

a) Solvent cleaning method: On removal of any rust, scale, welding flux, spatter, and in general, inorganic
soils, the surfaces to be inspected shall be cleaned, with solvent cleaner and then finally with a dry lint free
cloth.

7.3.2 Drying Process:

a) The drying process shall be accomplished by normal evaporation. Minimum time allowed for drying is 1
minute to ensure that the cleaning solution has been evaporated prior to application of the penetrant.

7.3.3 Application of penetrant:

a) After the area has been cleaned, dried and the temperature of the surface and penetrant are within the
range of 40° F (5° C) to 125° F (52° C), the penetrant shall be sprayed directly to the surface to be
inspected by means of aerosol container, so that the entire area under inspection is completely covered.

b) After application, excess penetrant shall be allowed to drain (care being taken to prevent pools of
penetrant forming on the test area) while allowing for minimum penetration (dwell) time stated in
accordance with (ASME V. Article24, SE165) unless otherwise specified by the client in a more
restrictive manner.
c) The length of time the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper penetration should be as
recommended by the penetrant manufacturer (dwell time shall not exceed the maximum recommended
by the manufacturer).

7.3.4 Excess Penetrant removal:

a) 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, taking care to minimize removal of
penetrant from possible discontinuity.
b) Flushing the surface with solvent cleaner, following the application of the penetrant and prior to
developing is prohibited.

7.3.5 Drying after removal of excess penetrant:

a) The drying process shall be accomplished by normal evaporation. Drying time shall only be that
necessary to adequately dry the part.

7.3.6 Application of the developer:

a) Apply the non-aqueous wet developer directly to the area being inspected, by spraying from the aerosol
container.

b) The non-aqueous developer evaporates rapidly at room temperature and therefore does not require
the use of a dryer.
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c) Areas being inspected shall be sprayed in such a manner so as to assure complete coverage with a thin,
even film of developer.

d) Dipping or flooding parts with non-aqueous developer is prohibited.

e) Developing dwell time shall not be less than 10 min., The maximum permitted developing time is 1 h for
no aqueous developers as stated in accordance with (ASME-V. Article24, SE-165) unless otherwise
specified by the client, in a more restrictive manner.

7.4 Examination:

7.4.1 Inspection shall be carried out after the applicable developer dwell time to allow for bleed out of
penetrant from discontinuities into the developer coating. It is good practice to observe the bleed out
while applying the developer as an aid in interpreting and evaluating indications.

7.4.2 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.

7.4.3 The light source, technique used, and light level verification is required to be demonstrated, one
time, documented, and maintained on file.

7.5 Evaluation of indications:

7.5.1 All indications shall be evaluated in accordance with the referencing code or Specification.

7.5.2 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.

d) 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 to the
detection of unacceptable discontinuities.

7.6 Acceptance Criteria:

7.6.1 Acceptance criteria for specific Codes are listed as below.

Indications > 1/16" (1.5 mm) shall be considered as relevant The
following indications shall be reject able:
1. Relevant linear indication >1/16" (1.5mm)
ASME SEC VIII D1 2. Relevant rounded indications > 3/16" (5 mm)
3. Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16" or
less (edge to edge).

Acceptance / Rejection criteria is dependent on service condition.

Refer to the relevant project engineer or the Inspection
AWS D1.1
Department. (Table 6.1 for visual inspection acceptance criteria can
be applied)

7.7 Post cleaning:

7.7.1 Upon 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
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7.8 Documentation:

7.8.1 Non-reject able indications shall be recorded as specified by the referencing Code Section.

7.8.2 Reject able 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.

8. Records

Liquid Penetrant Examination shall be documented on Liquid Penetrant Examination Report form no.

9. Attachments:

Liquid Penetrant Examination Report ……………………………………….