INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR PENETRATING LIQUIDS

INDEX

1. AIM

2. SCOPE

3. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

4. MATERIALS

5. EXECUTION

5.1 Staff.

5.2 Surface Preparation.

5.3 Application of the Penetrant.

5.4 Removal of the Penetrant.

5.5 Application of the Developer.

5.6 Examination/Evaluation.

6. RESPONSIBLE

6.1 Construction manager

6.2 QA/QC Manager

6.3 QA

6.4 Engineer and/or Field Supervisor

7. RECORDS

8. SECURITY
1. AIM:
 Establish the methodology for performing penetrant dye testing (PT) on
butt and fillet welded joints in pipes, fittings and plates, to rule out
defects such as cracks.

9. SCOPE:
 This procedure covers PT (visible) testing on butt and fillet welded
joints in carbon steel materials, pipe, fittings, and sheet metal.

10. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

 ASME Section V, Article 6. Nondestructive Examination.
 ASTM E165. Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination.

 ASME B31.3. Process Piping.

 API 650. Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage.
 API 1104.

11. METHOD / MATERIALS:

All PT testing will be performed using Type II (visible penetrant examination),
Method C (solvent removable) materials for all inspections.
It will be verified that the materials to be used are current according to the
manufacturer's expiration instructions.

12. EXECUTION:

12.1 Staff:
Personnel performing PT testing must have Level I or Level II PT
according to SNT TC-1A. Level I PTs can perform the test with the
verification of a Level II for the interpretation of indications.

12.2 Surface:
The PT test will be carried out on surfaces with a maximum temperature
of 50º C. The examination surface must be smooth and uniform, dry and
free of welding spatter, slag, rust, paint, grease, etc.
The cleaning requirements will be achieved using emery board and brush,
subsequently cleaning must be carried out with Remover (Cleaner) from
the Penetrating Dye Kit and lint-free industrial cloth. This cleaning will
be carried out covering a minimum of 1 inch (25.4 mm) adjacent to the
foot of the weld bead.
It is important to verify that the surface is completely dry, after cleaning
with the remover, before applying the penetrant.
12.3 Penetrant Application:

After the examination surface has been cleaned, is completely dry and is
at a temperature below 50º C, the penetrant will be applied directly to the
area of interest, covering it completely. The area of interest corresponds
to the weld bead and ½ inch adjacent to the foot of it.
The application will be done by spray, directly from the penetrant can or
using a brush for a spot application.
The residence time of the penetrant on the examination surface will be
determined based on the test conditions (ambient and pipe temperature),
however this should not be less than 5 minutes and no longer than that
specified by the manufacturer.
In long extensions of surface to be examined, the test will be carried out
in sections of a maximum of 1 meter.

12.4 Penetrant Removal:

After the required penetration time, the excess penetrant should be
removed as much as possible, using a dry, lint-free cloth, repeating the
operation until most traces of penetrant have been removed.
Subsequently, using a lint-free cloth, slightly moistened with solvent,
gently remove the remaining traces on the surface, avoiding the removal
of penetrant from the discontinuities. Excessive use of remover should be
avoided.
Verify that the surface is completely dry, without traces of remover
before applying the developing agent.

12.5 Developer Application:

The remover container must be shaken vigorously before application to
the test surface, to ensure adequate dispersion of the suspended particles.
Before applying the developing agent directly to the examination surface,
check the effectiveness of the spray by applying it to another surface and
adjusting the appropriate distance for the application, which will not be
less than 12 inches (30 cm). Then apply the developer from the
established distance, perpendicular to the examination surface.
Developer will be applied in the amount necessary to completely cover
the test surface with a thin layer of developer, ensuring adequate contrast.
The direction of the wind will be taken into account since the direction of
the developer flow may vary. In the case of strong winds, special
considerations will be taken, such as isolating the application area with
barriers, etc.

12.6 Examination/Evaluation:
 Carry out the examination of the surface after at least 10 minutes of
application of the developer (development time). Close observation of
discontinuity formation during developer application could assist in
characterizing and determining the extent of the discontinuity(s).
The examination can be carried out with natural or artificial light,
ensuring that the level of luminosity is adequate to lose examination
sensitivity. A minimum light intensity of 100 fc is recommended. (1000
Lx.). The indications must be evaluated according to the acceptance
criteria of the reference code. The acceptance criteria for ASME B31.3,
API 650 and API 1104 are detailed below.
ASME B31.3, Table 341.3.2: Cracks are not accepted.
API 650, 6.4.4:
Every surface to be examined must be free of:
a. Relevant linear indications.
b. Relevant rounded indications larger than 3/16 inch (5 mm)
c. Four or more relevant rounded indications aligned and spaced 1/16
inch (1.5 mm) or less apart.
Indications with a dimension greater than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) should be
considered relevant.
Linear indication: One that has a length greater than 3 times its width.
Rounded indication: One with a circular or elliptical shape with a length
equal to or less than 3 times its width.
API 1104, 9.5.2:
Relevant indications should be considered defects if any of the following
conditions exist:
a. Linear indications characterized as crater fissures or star fissures
exceeding 5/32 inch (4 mm) in length.
b. Linear indications characterized as fissures or others other than crater
or star fissures.
c. Linear indications characterized as IF that exceed 1 inch (25.4 mm) in
total length in 12 inches (300 mm) of weld length or 8% of the weld
length.

Rounded indications should be considered defects if any of the following

conditions exist:
a. The size of an individual pore exceeds 1/8 inch (3 mm)
b. The size of an individual pore exceeds 25% of the thickness of the
thinnest member of the joint.
c. The diameter of a pore cluster exceeds ½ inch (13 mm).
d. The cumulative length of pore clusters exceeds ½ inch (13 mm) in 12
inches (300 mm) continuous weld length.

Indications with a dimension greater than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) should be
considered relevant.
Linear indication: One that has a length greater than 3 times its width.
Rounded indication: One with a circular or elliptical shape with a length
equal to or less than 3 times its width.
13. RESPONSIBLE:
 13.1 Construction manager:
Coordinate with Supervision for the verification of the joints to be
examined by PT and the test itself.

13.2 QA/QC Manager:

Verify compliance with this procedure in PT inspections, as well as
review the reports issued.

13.3 Level II PT:

Perform PT inspections according to this procedure, issue test reports.

13.4 Engineer and/or Field Supervisor:

Provide the necessary facilities to carry out the test, such as cleaning with
power tools, placement of scaffolding, etc.

14. RECORDS:

The test record must include at least the following information:

a. Test date.
b. Test location.
c. Examined element and material.
d. Temporary specifications: brand, type and method.
e. Penetrant residence time and development time.
f. Acceptance requirements.
g. Identification of the joint, diameter, thickness.
h. Test result.

15. SECURITY:
a. PT tests will be carried out in open spaces, away from open fire.
b. It will be used:
 Basic PPE, transparent safety glasses are recommended.
 Vapor mask, preferably rubber gloves (canvas or leather)
c. When it is strictly necessary to carry out the test in closed spaces, this must have
an adequate means of ventilation; The oxygen content in that environment must
be monitored and coordination will be made for a special work permit in
confined spaces.
d. All rags used with dye remains will be deposited in the corresponding containers,
in accordance with environmental provisions.
 REGISTRO DE IN SPECCIÓN POR TIN TES PEN ETRAN TES Código:
Edición:
TIN TES PEN ETRAN TES
Fecha:

PROYECTO: LUGAR:
MATERIAL IN SPECCION ADO: EQUIPO / LIN EA:
CRITERIO DE ACEPTACIÓN : REGISTRO:

ESPECIFICACIÓN DE LOS TIN TES:

MARCA: TIEMPO DE PEN ETRAN TE:

TIPO: II, Método C TIEMPO DE REVELADO:

ITEM JUN TA Ø (in.) ESP. (in.) SOLDADOR EQUIPO / LÍN EA RESULTADO OBSERVACION ES

IMAGEN / DIAGRAMA

N ombre: N ombre:

Fecha: Fecha:
Inspector QC Supervisión