ARTICLE 6 2007 SECTION V

ARTICLE 6
LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

T-610 SCOPE identified as a nonessential variable does not require requal-

ification of the written procedure. All changes of essential
When specified by the referencing Code Section, the
or nonessential variables from those specified within the
liquid penetrant examination techniques described in this
written procedure shall require revision of, or an addendum
Article shall be used. In general, this Article is in confor-
to, the written procedure.
mance with SE-165, Standard Test Method for Liquid Pen-
etrant Examination. This document provides details to be
considered in the procedures used.
When this Article is specified by a referencing Code T-630 EQUIPMENT
Section, the liquid penetrant method described in this Arti- The term penetrant materials, as used in this Article, is
cle shall be used together with Article 1, General Require- intended to include all penetrants, emulsifiers, solvents or
ments. Definitions of terms used in this Article appear cleaning agents, developers, etc., used in the examination
in Mandatory Appendix I of this Article and Article 1, process. The descriptions of the liquid penetrant classifica-
Appendix I. tions and material types are provided in SE-165 of Arti-
cle 24.

T-620 GENERAL
The liquid penetrant examination method is an effective T-640 MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
means for detecting discontinuities which are open to the T-641 Control of Contaminants
surface of nonporous metals and other materials. Typical
discontinuities detectable by this method are cracks, seams, The user of this Article shall obtain certification of con-
laps, cold shuts, laminations, and porosity. taminant content for all liquid penetrant materials used on
In principle, a liquid penetrant is applied to the surface nickel base alloys, austenitic or duplex stainless steels, and
to be examined and allowed to enter discontinuities. All titanium. These certifications shall include the penetrant
excess penetrant is then removed, the part is dried, and a manufacturers’ batch numbers and the test results obtained
developer is applied. The developer functions both as a in accordance with Mandatory Appendix II of this Article.
blotter to absorb penetrant that has been trapped in disconti- These records shall be maintained as required by the refer-
nuities, and as a contrasting background to enhance the encing Code Section.
visibility of penetrant indications. The dyes in penetrants
are either color contrast (visible under white light) or fluo- T-642 Surface Preparation
rescent (visible under ultraviolet light).
(a) In general, satisfactory results may be obtained when
the surface of the part is in the as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast,
T-621 Written Procedure Requirements
or as-forged condition. Surface preparation by grinding,
T-621.1 Requirements. Liquid penetrant examination machining, or other methods may be necessary where sur-
shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure face irregularities could mask indications.
which shall as a minimum, contain the requirements listed
(b) Prior to each liquid penetrant examination, the sur-
in Table T-621. The written procedure shall establish a
face to be examined and all adjacent areas within at least
single value, or range of values, for each requirement.
1 in. (25 mm) shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease,
07 T-621.2 Procedure Qualification. When procedure lint, scale, welding flux, weld spatter, paint, oil, and other
qualification is specified by the referencing Code Section, extraneous matter that could obscure surface openings or
a change of a requirement in Table T-621 identified as an otherwise interfere with the examination.
essential variable shall require requalification of the written (c) Typical cleaning agents which may be used are
procedure by demonstration. A change of a requirement detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions, and paint

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 2007 SECTION V ARTICLE 6

TABLE T-621 07
REQUIREMENTS OF A LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Essential Nonessential
Requirement Variable Variable

Identification of and any change in type or family group of penetrant X ...

materials including developers, emulsifiers, etc.
Surface preparation (finishing and cleaning, including type X ...
of cleaning solvent)
Method of applying penetrant X ...
Method of removing excess surface penetrant X ...
Hydrophilic or lipophilic emulsifier concentration and dwell time in X ...
dip tanks and agitation time for hydrophilic emulsifiers
Hydrophilic emulsifier concentration in spray applications X ...
Method of applying developer X ...
Minimum and maximum time periods between steps and drying aids X ...
Decrease in penetrant dwell time X ...
Increase in developer dwell time (Interpretation Time) X ...
Minimum light intensity X ...
Surface temperature outside 40°F to 125°F (5°C to 52°C) X ...
or as previously qualified
Performance demonstration, when required X ...
Personnel qualification requirements ... X
Materials, shapes, or sizes to be examined and the extent of examination ... X
Post-examination cleaning technique ... X

removers. Degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning methods T-652 Techniques for Standard Temperatures 07
may also be used.
As a standard technique, the temperature of the penetrant
(d) Cleaning solvents shall meet the requirements of
and the surface of the part to be processed shall not be
T-641. The cleaning method employed is an important part
below 40°F (5°C) nor above 125°F (52°C) throughout the
of the examination process.
examination period. Local heating or cooling is permitted
NOTE: Conditioning of surfaces prior to examination as required in provided the part temperature remains in the range of 40°F
T-642(a) may affect the results. See SE-165, Annex A1. to 125°F (5°C to 52°C) during the examination. Where it is
not practical to comply with these temperature limitations,
other temperatures and times may be used, provided the
T-643 Drying After Preparation procedures are qualified as specified in T-653.
After cleaning, drying of the surfaces to be examined
shall be accomplished by normal evaporation or with
T-653 Techniques for Nonstandard 07
forced hot or cold air. A minimum period of time shall
Temperatures
be established to ensure that the cleaning solution has
evaporated prior to application of the penetrant. When it is not practical to conduct a liquid penetrant
examination within the temperature range of 40°F to 125°F
(5°C to 52°C), the examination procedure at the proposed
T-650 TECHNIQUE lower or higher temperature range requires qualification
of the penetrant materials and processing in accordance
T-651 Techniques
with Mandatory Appendix III of this Article.
Either a color contrast (visible) penetrant or a fluorescent
penetrant shall be used with one of the following three
penetrant processes: T-654 Technique Restrictions
(a) water washable Fluorescent penetrant examination shall not follow a
(b) post-emulsifying color contrast penetrant examination. Intermixing of pene-
(c) solvent removable trant materials from different families or different manufac-
The visible and fluorescent penetrants used in combina- turers is not permitted. A retest with water washable
tion with these three penetrant processes result in six liquid penetrants may cause loss of marginal indications due to
penetrant techniques. contamination.

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 ARTICLE 6 2007 SECTION V

07 TABLE T-672 MINIMUM DWELL TIMES

Dwell Times [Note (1)]
(minutes)

Material Form Type of Discontinuity Penetrant Developer

Aluminum, magnesium, steel, brass Castings and welds Cold shuts, porosity, lack of fusion, 5 10
and bronze, titanium and high- cracks (all forms)
temperature alloys
Wrought materials — extrusions, Laps, cracks (all forms) 10 10
forgings, plate
Carbide-tipped tools ... Lack of fusion, porosity, cracks 5 10
Plastic All forms Cracks 5 10
Glass All forms Cracks 5 10
Ceramic All forms Cracks 5 10

NOTE:
(1) For temperature range from 50°F to 125°F (10°C to 52°C). For temperatures from 40°F (5°C) up to 50°F (10°C), minimum penetrant dwell
time shall be 2 times the value listed.

T-660 CALIBRATION T-673.2 Postemulsification Penetrants

Light meters, both visible and fluorescent (black) light (a) Lipophilic Emulsification. After the required pene-
meters, shall be calibrated at least once a year or whenever trant dwell time, the excess surface penetrant shall be emul-
the meter has been repaired. If meters have not been in sified by immersing or flooding the part with the emulsifier.
use for one year or more, calibration shall be done before Emulsification time is dependent on the type of emulsifier
being used. and surface condition. The actual emulsification time shall
be determined experimentally. After emulsification, the
mixture shall be removed by immersing in or rinsing with
water. The temperature and pressure of the water shall be
T-670 EXAMINATION
as recommended by the manufacturer.
T-671 Penetrant Application (b) Hydrophilic Emulsification. After the required pene-
The penetrant may be applied by any suitable means, trant dwell time and prior to emulsification, the parts shall
such as dipping, brushing, or spraying. If the penetrant is be prerinsed with water spray using the same process as
applied by spraying using compressed-air-type apparatus, for water-washable penetrants. Prerinsing time shall not
filters shall be placed on the upstream side near the air exceed 1 min. After prerinsing, the excess surface penetrant
inlet to preclude contamination of the penetrant by oil, shall be emulsified by immersing in or spraying with hydro-
water, dirt, or sediment that may have collected in the lines. philic emulsifier. Bath concentration shall be as recom-
mended by the manufacturer. After emulsification, the
mixture shall be removed by immersing in or rinsing with
T-672 Penetration (Dwell) Time water. The temperature and pressure of the water shall be
Penetration (dwell) time is critical. The minimum pene- as recommended by the manufacturer.
tration time shall be as required in Table T-672 or as
qualified by demonstration for specific applications. NOTE: Additional information may be obtained from SE-165.

T-673.3 Solvent Removable Penetrants. Excess sol-

T-673 Excess Penetrant Removal vent removable penetrants shall be removed by wiping
with a cloth or absorbent paper, repeating the operation
After the specified penetration (dwell) time has elapsed, until most traces of penetrant have been removed. The
any penetrant remaining on the surface shall be removed,
remaining traces shall be removed by lightly wiping the
taking care to minimize removal of penetrant from disconti-
surface with cloth or absorbent paper moistened with sol-
nuities.
vent. To minimize removal of penetrant from discontinu-
T-673.1 Water-Washable Penetrants. Excess water- ities, care shall be taken to avoid the use of excess solvent.
washable penetrant shall be removed with a water spray. Flushing the surface with solvent, following the applica-
The water pressure shall not exceed 50 psi (350 kPa), and tion of the penetrant and prior to developing, is pro-
the water temperature shall not exceed 110°F (43°C). hibited.

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 2007 SECTION V ARTICLE 6

T-674 Drying After Excess Penetrant Removal to be examined is large enough to preclude complete exami-
nation within the prescribed or established time, the exami-
(a) For the water washable or post-emulsifying tech-
nation shall be performed in increments.
nique, the surfaces may be dried by blotting with clean
materials or by using circulating air, provided the tempera- T-676.2 Characterizing Indication(s). The type of dis-
ture of the surface is not raised above 125°F (52°C). continuities are difficult to evaluate if the penetrant diffuses
(b) For the solvent removable technique, the surfaces excessively into the developer. If this condition occurs,
may be dried by normal evaporation, blotting,wiping, or close observation of the formation of indication(s) during
forced air. application of the developer may assist in characterizing
and determining the extent of the indication(s).
T-676.3 Color Contrast Penetrants. With a color con-
T-675 Developing
trast penetrant, the developer forms a reasonably uniform
The developer shall be applied as soon as possible after white coating. Surface discontinuities are indicated by
penetrant removal; the time interval shall not exceed that bleed-out of the penetrant which is normally a deep red
established in the procedure. Insufficient coating thickness color that stains the developer. Indications with a light
may not draw the penetrant out of discontinuities; con- pink color may indicate excessive cleaning. Inadequate
versely, excessive coating thickness may mask indications. cleaning may leave an excessive background making inter-
With color contrast penetrants, only a wet developer pretation difficult. A minimum light intensity of 100 fc
shall be used. With fluorescent penetrants, a wet or dry (1000 lx) is required on the surface to be examined to
developer may be used. ensure adequate sensitivity during the examination and
evaluation of indications. The light source, technique used,
T-675.1 Dry Developer Application. Dry developer and light level verification is required to be demonstrated
shall be applied only to a dry surface by a soft brush, hand one time, documented, and maintained on file.
powder bulb, powder gun, or other means, provided the
powder is dusted evenly over the entire surface being T-676.4 Fluorescent Penetrants. With fluorescent
examined. penetrants, the process is essentially the same as in T-676.3,
with the exception that the examination is performed using
T-675.2 Wet Developer Application. Prior to applying an ultraviolet light, called black light. The examination
suspension type wet developer to the surface, the developer shall be performed as follows:
must be thoroughly agitated to ensure adequate dispersion (a) It shall be performed in a darkened area.
of suspended particles. (b) Examiners shall be in a darkened area for at least
(a) Aqueous Developer Application. Aqueous developer 5 min prior to performing examinations to enable their
may be applied to either a wet or dry surface. It shall be eyes to adapt to dark viewing. Glasses or lenses worn by
applied by dipping, brushing, spraying, or other means, examiners shall not be photosensitive.
provided a thin coating is obtained over the entire surface (c) Black lights shall achieve a minimum of 1000
being examined. Drying time may be decreased by using ␮W/cm2 on the surface of the part being examined through-
warm air, provided the surface temperature of the part is out the examination.
not raised above 125°F (52°C). Blotting is not permitted. (d) Reflectors and filters should be checked and, if nec-
(b) Nonaqueous Developer Application. Nonaqueous essary, cleaned prior to use. Cracked or broken filters shall
developer shall be applied only to a dry surface. It shall be replaced immediately.
be applied by spraying, except where safety or restricted (e) The black light intensity shall be measured with a
access preclude it. Under such conditions, developer may black light meter prior to use, whenever the light’s power
be applied by brushing. Drying shall be by normal evapo- source is interrupted or changed, and at the completion of
ration. the examination or series of examinations.
T-675.3 Developing time for final interpretation begins
immediately after the application of a dry developer or as T-677 Post-Examination Cleaning
soon as a wet developer coating is dry. The minimum When post-examination cleaning is required by the pro-
developing time shall be as required by Table T-672. cedure, it should be conducted as soon as practical after
Evaluation and Documentation using a process that does
not adversely affect the part.
T-676 Interpretation
T-676.1 Final Interpretation. Final interpretation shall
be made within 10 to 60 min after the requirements of T-680 EVALUATION
T-675.3 are satisfied. If bleed-out does not alter the exami- (a) All indications shall be evaluated in terms of the
nation results, longer periods are permitted. If the surface acceptance standards of the referencing Code Section.

117
ARTICLE 6 2007 SECTION V

(b) Discontinuities at the surface will be indicated by T-692 Examination Records

bleed-out of penetrant; however, localized surface irregu-
For each examination, the following information shall
larities due to machining marks or other surface conditions
be recorded:
may produce false indications.
(a) procedure identification and revision;
(c) Broad areas of fluorescence or pigmentation which
(b) liquid penetrant type (visible or fluorescent);
could mask indications of discontinuities are unacceptable,
and such areas shall be cleaned and reexamined. (c) type (number or letter designation) of each penetrant,
penetrant remover, emulsifier, and developer used;
(d) examination personnel identity and if required by
T-690 DOCUMENTATION referencing Code Section, qualification level;
(e) map or record of indications per T-691;
T-691 Recording of Indications
(f) material and thickness;
T-691.1 Nonrejectable Indications. Nonrejectable (g) lighting equipment; and
indications shall be recorded as specified by the referencing
(h) date of examination.
Code Section.
T-691.2 Rejectable Indications. Rejectable indications
T-693 Performance Demonstration
shall be recorded. As a minimum, the type of indications
(linear or rounded), location and extent (length or diameter Performance demonstration, when required by the refer-
or aligned) shall be recorded. encing Code Section, shall be documented.

118
 2007 SECTION VIII — DIVISION 1

MANDATORY APPENDIX 8
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METHODS FOR
LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION (PT)

NOTE: Satisfactory application of this method of examination requires indication is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only indi-
special skills in the techniques involved and in interpreting the results. The cations with major dimensions greater than 1⁄16 in. (1.5 mm)
requirements specified herein presume application by suitably experienced
personnel.
shall be considered relevant.
(a) A linear indication is one having a length greater
than three times the width.
(b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical
8-1 SCOPE
shape with the length equal to or less than three times the
(a) This Appendix describes methods which shall be width.
employed whenever liquid penetrant examination is speci- (c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be
fied in this Division. reexamined to determine whether or not they are relevant.
(b) Article 6 of Section V shall be applied for detail
requirements in methods, procedures and qualifications,
unless specified within this Appendix. 8-4 ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS
(c) Liquid penetrant examination shall be performed
in accordance with a written procedure, certified by the These acceptance standards shall apply unless other
Manufacturer to be in accordance with the requirements more restrictive standards are specified for specific materi-
of T-150 of Section V. als or applications within this Division.
All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:
(a) relevant linear indications;
8-2 CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCY (b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3⁄16 in.
(5 mm);
OF NONDESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL (c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line
separated by 1⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) or less (edge to edge).
The manufacturer shall certify that each liquid penetrant
examiner meets the following requirements.
(a) He has vision, with correction if necessary, to enable 8-5 REPAIR REQUIREMENTS
him to read a Jaeger Type No. 2 Standard Chart at a
distance of not less than 12 in. (300 mm), and is capable of Unacceptable imperfections shall be repaired and reex-
distinguishing and differentiating contrast between colors amination made to assure removal or reduction to an
used. These requirements shall be checked annually. acceptable size. Whenever an imperfection is repaired by
(b) He is competent in the techniques of the liquid pene- chipping or grinding and subsequent repair by welding is
trant examination method for which he is certified, includ- not required, the excavated area shall be blended into the
ing making the examination and interpreting and evaluating surrounding surface so as to avoid sharp notches, crevices,
the results, except that, where the examination method or corners. Where welding is required after repair of an
consists of more than one operation, he may be certified imperfection, the area shall be cleaned and welding per-
as being qualified only for one or more of these operations. formed in accordance with a qualified welding procedure.
(a) Treatment of Indications Believed Nonrelevant. Any
indication which is believed to be nonrelevant shall be
8-3 regarded as an imperfection unless it is shown by reexami-
EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS
nation by the same method or by the use of other nonde-
An indication of an imperfection may be larger than structive methods and /or by surface conditioning that no
the imperfection that causes it; however, the size of the unacceptable imperfection is present.

389
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