DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION:

SOLVENT REMOVABLE PENETRANT

(colour contrast penetrant, non-aqueous developer)

Notes:
Pre-cleaning:
1) Non-mechanical methods are
preferred because mechanical
methods can close the entrance
to a surface breaking defect,
particularly in softer materials
such as aluminium alloys.
2) If a mechanical method has to
be used to remove oxides or
other deposits from a high
integrity component then an
acid etch is recommended to
follow mechanical cleaning.
3) If an acid etch is used the
component must be thoroughly
water-washed to remove all
traces of etchant. Even small
quantities of acid can greatly
reduce the fluorescent
properties of a penetrant.
4) Harder materials such as
austenitic stainless steel can be
cleaned successfully using less
aggressive mechanical methods
such as hand wire brush, light
grinding or filing and grit
blasting with special grit at low
pressure.
Pre-Inspection:
1) A close visual inspection,
noting any component features
which may cause a penetrant
indication.
Apply Penetrant:
2) This can be done by virtually
any convenient means,
including dipping, flowing,
brushing and spraying.
3) Where small areas have to be
tested brushing is the best
method.
4) Spraying is acceptable but it
makes post-cleaning much
more time consuming.
Soak:
1) BS EN 571-1 requires a
penetration dwell time of
between 5 and 60 minutes. 15
minutes is typical for most
applications.
2) There is generally no harm in
exceeding the specified dwell time so long as the penetrant remains liquid throughout the penetration time.

Wipe With Dry Wipes:

1) Remove as much excess as possible by wiping with lint free dry wipes.
Wipe With Solvent Moistened Wipes:
1) Remove any remaining excess penetrant with lint free solvent moistened wipes. Do not soak the wipes with solvent.
NEVER SPRAY SOLVENT DIRECTLY ONTO THE TEST ZONE!!!
Apply Developer:
1) Non-aqueous developer MUST be applied by spraying. The spray can must be thoroughly agitated before & during
application. The spray can should be held at a distance of at least 300 mm from the inspection surface during spraying.
For visible methods build up a sufficiently white background by spraying a large number of thin coats. Do not allow any
wet patches to form during application.
Inspect:
1) The viewing conditions for inspection specified by BS EN 571-1 are: white light minimum 500 lux at the test surface.
2) Inspection should commence as soon as possible after the application of developer – watching penetrant indications as they
form can reveal a lot about the shape and nature of a defect.
3) Final inspection for acceptance purposes should take place at the end of the specified development time. The specified
development time should not be exceeded.
4) BS EN 571-1 requires that the development time should be between 10 and 30 minutes.
Post-clean and Preserve:
1) Some materials, such as titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, nickel alloys and stainless steels can be severely damaged by
penetrant residues. The potential for damage can be minimised by using low halogen, low sulphur penetrant consumables
but even so thorough post-cleaning should be performed.
2) The best method of post cleaning is vapour degreasing but other methods such as cold solvent cleaning may be used.
3) Following post-cleaning the component should be protected by applying a coat of water repellent oil.