Conestoga College

Non-Destructive Evaluation A

Written Instruction for Liquid Penetrant

Assignment

DATE: Sep. 29, 2023

PREPARED BY: Kristen MacRae
PREPARED FOR: Steve Milne
Table of Contents

1. Scope……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

2. Reference Documents (fictional)…………………………………………………………………………………….3

3. Personnel Qualifications…………………………………………………………………………………………………3

4. Equipment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3-4

5. Performance Checks……………………………………………………………………………………………………4-5

6. Safety………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5-6

7. Preparation of Inspection Surface…………………………………………………………………………………..6

8. Testing Instructions……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6-7

9. Reporting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7-8

10.

2
 Document: LPT-1482
Procedure for Liquid Revision: 01
Penetrant Testing September 29, 2023

1. Scope:
1.1 This procedure shall be followed for the examination of a steel shaft coupling, 4 inches long,
bore diameter of 1”, outer diameter of 1.75” and a keyway size of 1/4". Type II visible
penetrant, Removal Method C and Developer Form E Nonaqueous Type II will be used for
this procedure.

2. Referenced Documents (fictional):

2.1 ASTM E165 – Standard Guide for Liquid Penetrant Testing, latest edition
2.2 ASTM E1417 – Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing, latest edition
2.3 ASNT SNT-TC-1A – RP for the Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel, latest edition
2.4 ASME Section V, Article 6 – Standard for Liquid Penetrant Examination, latest edition
2.5 AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code - Steel, latest edition

3. Personnel Qualifications:

3.1 Individuals conducting inspections as per this procedure must possess qualifications and
certifications in alignment with the most recent edition of ASNT SNT-TC-1A and the
company’s personnel qualification protocol.
3.2 Inspections as per this procedure will be conducted exclusively by personnel certified at
Level II or higher in the applicable method.

4. Equipment:

4.1 The following equipment will be required as applicable:

4.1.1 Cleaning equipment: Appropriate cleaning agents may include degreasers, detergents,
soap and water, scrapers, or paint stripper.
4.1.2 Lint free rags
4.1.3 Flashlight
4.1.4 White light meter
4.1.5 Timer
4.1.6 Application brushes or pads if needed
4.1.7 Type II: Visible penetrant

3
4.1.8 Removal Method C: Solvent removable
4.1.9 Developer Form E: Nonaqueous Type II
4.1.10 Solvent cleaner

5. Performance Checks:

5.1 Lighting requirements

5.1.1 Minimum White Light Level: For visible liquid penetrant inspections, the lowest
acceptable ambient white light intensity at the inspection surface must be 100-foot
candles (1000 lux), or higher if specified by the customer.

5.2 Equipment Calibration Requirements

5.2.1 The white light meter should undergo calibration or calibration verification at intervals of
no more than 6 months, or whenever doubts arise regarding the equipment’s accuracy.
5.2.2 Serialized equipment that has been calibrated should have documented evidence of
calibration or calibration verification stored for record keeping purposes.

5.3 Cleaning Requirements

5.3.1 All surfaces slated for inspection, along with an additional 1 inch of adjoining material,
must undergo cleaning to eliminate substance like grease, oil, scale, dirt, weld spatter,
slag, paint, or any other foreign matter that the Level II inspector considers obstructive
to the inspection process.
5.3.2 Upon completion of the cleaning operations, the areas designated for inspection must
be entirely dry before commencing the inspection.

5.4 Tests of Penetrant Materials

5.4.1 Penetrants should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme
temperatures. Ensure containers are tightly sealed when not in use to prevent
contamination.
5.4.2 Verify the expiration date on the penetrant materials. Do not use penetrants that have
exceeded their shelf life.
5.4.3 Before using the penetrant, visually inspect it for any signs of contamination, separation,
or unusual discoloration.
5.4.4 Periodically conduct test panels using the penetrant to ensure it performs as expected.
These test panels should be treated similarly to the actual part being tested. Inspect the
test panels for indications and compare the results to known standards.
5.4.5 The contrast ratio for visible penetrant dye is 60-1.

4
5.5 Tests for Developer (Nonaqueous Type II):
5.5.1 Verify the expiration date on the developer aerosol can. Do not use developers that have
exceeded their shelf life.
5.5.2 Aerosol cans require agitation before spraying.
5.5.3 A check spray should be performed before spraying the test surface to prevent
spattering of the developer.

5.6 Tests for Solvent Cleaner:

5.6.1 Verify the expiration date on the solvent cleaner aerosol can. Do not use solvent
cleaners that have exceeded their shelf life.
5.6.2 Aerosol cans require agitation before spraying.
5.6.3 Solvent cleaners must evaporate readily and completely from the substrate.
5.6.4 Solvent cleaners should be used to remove organic contaminants only.

6. Safety:

6.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

6.1.1 Wear appropriate PPE, including safety boots, safety glasses, gloves, and any additional
gear specified by the safety guidelines of your organization.

6.2 Fire Safety

6.2.1 Choose a designated, well-ventilated area free from open flames, smoking, and potential
ignition sources.

6.2.2 Ensure the work area is clean and free from flammable materials.

6.2.3 Have suitable fire extinguishers on hand, especially those designated for Class B fires
(flammable liquid fires).

6.3 Skin Irritation Safety

6.3.1 Wear protective gloves, aprons, and glasses.

6.3.2 Wash hands immediately when in contact with penetrant materials.

6.4 Air Pollution Safety

5
6.4.1 Exhaust fans should be installed for the use of dry developers. Inhalation of excessive
amounts can be a health hazard.

6.4.2 Fans should be used in test areas to remove vapors.

6.4.3 Always follow recommendations for respirator or mask use.

7. Preparation of Inspection Surface:

7.1 Cleaning Requirements

7.1.1 All surfaces slated for inspection, along with an additional 1 inch of adjoining material,
must undergo cleaning to eliminate substance like grease, oil, scale, dirt, weld spatter,
slag, paint, or any other foreign matter that the Level II inspector considers obstructive
to the inspection process.
7.1.2 Upon completion of the cleaning operations, the areas designated for inspection must
be entirely dry before commencing the inspection.

8. Testing Instructions:

8.1 Technique: Type II (Visible), Method C (Solvent Removable)

8.2 Penetrant application:
8.2.1 Upon completion of cleaning and drying the test object, generously apply the penetrant
to ensure full surface coverage of the test object. The penetrant can be administered
through methods such as spraying, brushing, or immersion.
8.3 Dwell Time:
8.3.1 Dwell time for the penetrant will be adjusted based on temperature and considering the
chosen penetrant’s viscosity. Dwell time should be not less than 15 minutes contact
time.
8.3.2 During dwell time penetrant is not allowed to dry out on the part. If penetrant dries out
on the test specimen the inspection process must start over.
8.4 Removal of Excess Penetrant:
8.4.1 To remove excess penetrant, a dry, lint-free cloth will be used. Dampen the dry, lint-free
cloth with the appropriate (cleaner/remover) and apply it to the test specimen. Always
swipe in one direction when removing dye penetrant and use a clean spot on the rag for
each swipe.
8.4.2 The test specimen shall then be wiped clean and excess penetrant removed.
8.4.3 Solvent shall not be sprayed onto the test specimen. If this occurs, the inspection must
start over.

6
8.5 Developer Application:
8.5.1 Apply a Non-Aqueous wet developer evenly, light, thin coats across the entire surface of
the test specimen. The developer should remain on the surface for a minimum of 10
minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes after it has completely dried.
8.5.2 Inspection shall be performed.
8.6 All discontinuities found shall be evaluated in accordance with the applicable code or
specification as dictated by the client.
8.6.1 Indications shall be determined as either relevant or non-relevant.
8.6.1.1 Relevant indications shall be defined as an indication, which is caused by an actual
discontinuity in the test specimen, with a dimension greater than 1/16”, unless
otherwise specified by the applicable code.
8.6.1.2 Non-relevant indications shall be defined as indications, which may or may not be
caused by an actual discontinuity, which is equal to or smaller than 1/16”, unless
otherwise specified by the applicable code. Non-relevant indications may also be
defined as false indications caused by part geometry or some other abnormality.
8.6.2 Once relevance is determined, indications shall then be defined in terms of type, either
linear or round.
8.6.2.1 Linear indication is defined as an indication having one dimension at least three times
greater than another.
8.6.2.2 Round indication is defined as an indication having a dimension less than three times
greater than another.
8.7 Unless otherwise specified, non-relevant indications shall be checked for relevance by
redressing the area in question and re-inspecting using the same method and technique.
8.8 The client is ultimately responsible for dictating the applicable reject criteria.
8.9 Upon completion of the inspection the test specimen shall be cleaned, and penetrant
materials removed.

9. Reporting:

9.1 All rejected findings shall be reported to the client or client representative immediately.
9.2 Testing and Inspection personnel will produce a report at the end of the job with the
following minimum requirements:
9.2.1 Name of inspector (printed and signed)
9.2.2 Inspector’s certification level and method
9.2.3 Date of inspection
9.2.4 Description of test specimen

7
9.2.5 Liquid penetrant method used
9.2.6 Results of inspection (acceptable or rejected) including types and location
9.2.7 Inspection procedure number including revision level
9.2.8 Acceptance criteria including revision level
9.2.9 Test equipment serial number and calibration due date (as applicable)
9.2.10 Inspection variable (light intensity, temperatures)
9.2.11 Inspection report number
9.2.12 Traceability of test specimens (part number, revision level, serial number)
9.2.13 Penetrant manufacturer, type, and batch number
9.2.14 Developer manufacturer, form, and batch number
9.2.15 Cleaner/Remover manufacturer and type
9.2.16 Test specimen thickness
9.2.17 Client representative name and date (if applicable)
9.2.18 Customer name
9.2.19 Customer project name (if applicable)
9.2.20 Customer PO or job number (if applicable)
9.2.21 Drawing number and revision (if applicable)