Types of penetrants 2 :

Fluorescent Dye [ Type I ] : Fluorescent penetrant uses minerals or

chemical compounds which emit visible light when exposed to
ultraviolet light. Fluorescent penetrant’s response is maximum when
exposed to 365 nm wavelength ultraviolet light. The dye absorbs this
energy and emits between 520 nm to 620 nm wavelengths which is
visible as brilliant yellow-green. Orange - red type penetrants are also
available. The efficiency of fluorescent dyes in converting UV light to
visible light may be reduced by prolonged exposure to UV light.
Elevated temperature can reduce the fluorescence of penetrant in
open tanks.
Fluorescent penetrants are designed for different sensitivity levels ;
Level 1/2 Ultra low, for castings and rough surfaces.
Level 1 Low sensitivity 50μm NiCr crack panels.
Level 2 Normal sensitivity 40μm, general purpose use.
Level 3 High sensitivity 20 - 30μm.
Level 4 Ultra high sensitivity 10μm extremely critical use.
The actual certifications for sensitivity level ½ to 4, involves the use
of a series of titanium and nickel alloy panels containing very small,
laboratory generated fatigue cracks. Fluorescent penetrants are more
sensitive than visible dye because they have lower viscosity, can
penetrate smaller openings, and have excellent visibility. It is easier to
detect something glowing in the dark than to observe a small
colored area on a white background. Fluorescent indications are many
times brighter than their dark surroundings. The brightness of
indications depends on the incident UV - light intensity and minimum
1000 micro watts / cm2 is required at the test surface. Background
white light illumination is to be limited to 20 Lux.
Fluorescent penetrants require a developer with lower particle
concentration, because the white background provided by the
developer is not necessary. Developer is required only for the
blotting action. Fluorescent indications are visible in very thin film. For and thus is quenched by, the red dye. When the
these penetrants, removal of excess penetrant by solvent wiping surface is viewed under UV illumination, the
requires more care and is a problem when a large surface area is residual spots of red dye can be detected, which
to be cleaned. Water washable type will reduce this problem. stands out as dark spots against a fluorescent
For fluorescent penetrant testing, it is very important to ensure that background. Once the removal of red penetrant
the part surface is completely free from nitric, sulphuric, chromic dye has been completed and verified by this
acids, alkaline permanganate, acid chromate solutions, acid ferric procedure, the developer is removed by rinsing
solutions, peroxides, persulphates etc. These common cleaners all with water.
degrade or kill the fluorescence completely. Fluorescent Brightness : is the amount of visible
Dual sensitivity penetrants [ Type III ] : These penetrant contains a light given off when a fluorescent dye is exposed
combination of red visible dye and orange fluorescent dye, such as to UV light. It depends on ;
‘By Lux’ from Sherwin. The test object is first viewed under white * the thickness of the penetrant film.
light for red dye indications followed by ultraviolet light in a * the intensity of the UV light.
darkened area for orange indications. These penetrants provide two * amount of fluorescent dye and its capability
levels of inspection sensitivity. One advantage is that flaws located to absorb UV light.
during UV examination are marked by visible indications for repeat * the efficiency of the dye in converting the
examination or repair work. Another advantage is that flaws found in released electrons to visible light.
one mode can be verified in the second mode. However, the Penetrants were examined by placing a drop of
brightness of the visible red color and the fluorescent color are less used and new penetrant next to each other on a
than the individual visible dye and fluorescent penetrants. paper towel for a visual comparison. Most
Important : Fluorescent penetrant should never be used on surfaces penetrant specifications require replacement when
which have been processed previously with color contrast penetrant. the brightness drops by more than 10%. Under
In many cases residues of dyes persist in a defect, the fluorescent test situations, the human eye may detect a
process suffers not only from the residue reducing the amount able change of about 15% or more in brightness.
to get into the defect, residues of color dyes will compete for light Fluorescent brightness measurement can be
and effectively kill the fluorescence of any entrapped fluorescent performed using a approved Photo fluorometer
penetrant in subsequent tests. 1% visible penetrant can stop the such as NDT- Italiana, S – 291. The instrument is
fluorescence. If fluorescent inspection is required, then the part shall available from NDT-Italiana,
be cleaned thoroughly to remove any color penetrant residue from FAX 011-39 -39 -647799.
the interior of the discontinuities. Applying a reversible penetrant
developer, which contains a fluorescent dye, reacts with,
Note : The general rule is
to use the lowest sensitivity
fluorescent penetrant that
reveals the discontinuities
of interest.

Compiled by K. Chatterjee, 75643 Center for NDT P 00 Rv 04 Self study material.