NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING IN

THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Lecture 05
28 March 2015

Topic
1.Introduction in Nondestructive testing.
2.Discontinuities , origin and classification
3.Visual testing.
4.Liquid penetrant inspection method.
5.Process control and interpretation of liquid penetrant inspection
6.Magnetic particle testing theory.
7.Magnetic particle inspection applications and interpretations
8.Ultrasonic inspection method.
9.Ultrasonic inspection equipments and materials.
10.Ultrasonic inspections process control and safety.
11.Eddy current inspection method.
12.Application on eddy current inspection
13.Acoustic emission testing.
14.Thermal infrared testing.

Inspecting Welds with Liquid

Penetrants
Liquid penetrant inspection is one of
the oldest, simplest, least expensive,
and most reliable nondestructive
examination methods.
For welds to perform as intended they
should be free of flaws, or, if any flaws
exist, they should be evaluated for
their significance.
Liquid penetrant inspection is used to
detect
any
surface-connected
discontinuities such as cracks from
fatigue, quenching, and grinding, as
well as fractures, porosity, incomplete
fusion, and flaws in joints.

This test method covers procedures for penetrant

examination of butt and fillet weld with the
associated Heat Effected Zone (HAZ) on the parent
metal and components.
They are non-destructive testing methods for
detecting discontinuities that are open to the
surface such as cracks, porosity and lack of fusion
by liquid penetrant testing conducted in
accordance with the requirements of the
referenced Codes and Standards.

Penetrant removal is a critical process step and is closely

controlled.
Care must be taken not to use too much solvent, water, or
emulsifier that might dilute or disturb the penetrant in the flaw.

For the solvent removal process, first use a dry, lint-free cloth or towel
to wipe the surface to remove the majority of the surface penetrant.
Smooth surfaces may not even require the use of any solvent.
Remove the remaining surface penetrant by spraying a towel with the
solvent and wiping the surface, repeating as necessary.
Solvent should never be sprayed directly on the surface to be
inspected.

SPOTCHECK
METHOD

This is a method that can be employed for the

detection of surface-breaking defects in any industrial
product made from a non-porous material.

This method is widely used for testing of nonmagnetic materials. In this method, a liquid
penetrant is applied to the surface of the product for
a certain predetermined time, after which the excess
penetrant is removed from the surface.
The surface is then dried and a developer is applied
to it. The penetrant which remains in the defect is
absorbed by the developer to indicate the presence
as well as the location, size and nature of the defect.

The process is illustrated in the figure below.

The advantages of liquid penetrant testing are:

a) Relatively low cost.
b) High portability.
c) Highly sensitive to fine, tight cracks.
d) Fairly simple method.
e) Can be used on a variety of materials.
f) All surface defects are detected in one operation,
regardless of orientation.

The limitations of liquid penetrant testing are:

a) Test surface must be free of all contaminants (dirt,
oil, grease, paint, rust, etc.).
b) Detects surface defects only.
c) Cannot be used on porous surfaces and is difficult
to use on very rough surfaces.
d) No permanent record.

Examination Guide for

Initial Certification
Liquid Penetrant

Question for evaluating grade

Level 2

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

END