REVEALING SURFACE CRACKS IN METALS
Liquid penetrant testing (PT) identifies finite surface defects that the human eye might miss. The term penetrant material includes all penetrants, solvents or cleaning agents used in this examination process.
The basic principle of liquid penetrant testing (PT) is capillary action, similar to blotting paper. Capillary action allows the penetrant to enter the opening of the defect, remain there when the liquid penetrant is removed from the material surface, and then re-emerge on the surface on the application of a developer. Through PT, surface-breaking on non-porous material, such as hairline cracks, surface porosity, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks, can be detected. Whenever necessary, a more sensitive method shall be used – fluorescence PT.
Liquid dye penetrant testing is commonly used to inspect the surfaces of non-porous assets made out of ceramics, plastics, and metals, where inspectors will be looking at:
- Welds
- Castings
- Forgings
- Plates
- Bars
- Pipes
In these materials, inspectors will be using dye penetrants to look for defects like:
- Leaks
- Joint flaws
- Fractures
- Surface porosities
- Cracks (cracks from fatigue, hairline cracks, or grinding and quenching cracks)
- Incomplete fusion
APPLICATION OF LIQUID PENETRANT TESTING
Globally accepted non-destructive testing method
Easily determine surface cracks, pores, lack of fusion and inter-granular corrosion
Penetrant testing can be used on a wide range of materials (also non-ferrite and composite)
Fast and efficient testing method to cover large-area and surfaces
Common Test Methods
ASTM E165
ASME SEC V, Article 6 & 24
BS EN ISO 3452-1
AWS D1.1
TALk to us today
Our skilled and experienced team will detect acceptable defects and cracks in ferrous and non-ferrous materials in our state-of-the-art lab facility.
Contact us today for more information about our liquid penetrant inspection services or to request a quote.
