ASTM E165-95
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination
Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for penetrant examination of materials. They are nondestructive testing methods for detecting discontinuities that are open to the surface such as cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations, through leaks, or lack of fusion and are applicable to in-process, final, and maintenance examination. They can be effectively used in the examination of nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and nonferrous, and of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or fully densified ceramics, certain nonporous plastics, and glass.
1.2 This test method also provides a reference:
1.2.1 By which a liquid penetrant examination process recommended or required by individual organizations can be reviewed to ascertain its applicability and completeness.
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications dealing with the liquid penetrant examination of materials and parts. Agreement by the user and the supplier regarding specific techniques is strongly recommended.
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination.
1.3 This test method does not indicate or suggest criteria for evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be pointed out, however, that after indications have been produced, they must be interpreted or classified and then evaluated. For this purpose there must be a separate code or specification or a specific agreement to define the type, size, location, and direction of indications considered acceptable, and those considered unacceptable.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E 165 – 95 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Liquid Penetrant Examination
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 165; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers procedures for penetrant ex- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
amination of materials. They are nondestructive testing meth- D 129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
ods for detecting discontinuities that are open to the surface eral Bomb Method)
such as cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations, through D 516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
leaks, or lack of fusion and are applicable to in-process, final, D 808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petro-
and maintenance examination. They can be effectively used in leum Products (Bomb Method)
the examination of nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
and nonferrous, and of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or D 1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
fully densified ceramics, certain nonporous plastics, and glass. (High-Temperature Method)
1.2 This test method also provides a reference: D 4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Chemically
1.2.1 By which a liquid penetrant examination process Suppressed Ion Chromatography
recommended or required by individual organizations can be E 433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspec-
reviewed to ascertain its applicability and completeness. tion
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications E 543 Practice for Evaluating Agencies that Perform Non-
dealing with the liquid penetrant examination of materials and destructive Testing
parts. Agreement by the user and the supplier regarding E 1208 Test Method for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Ex-
specific techniques is strongly recommended. amination Using the Lipophilic Post-Emulsification Pro-
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and cess
personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination. E 1209 Test Method for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Ex-
1.3 This test method does not indicate or suggest criteria for amination Using the Water-Washable Process
evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be pointed out, E 1210 Test Method for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Ex-
however, that after indications have been produced, they must amination Using the Hydrophilic Post-Emulsification Pro-
be interpreted or classified and then evaluated. For this purpose cess
there must be a separate code or specification or a specific E 1219 Test Method for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Ex-
agreement to define the type, size, location, and direction of amination Using the Solvent-Removable Process
indications considered acceptable, and those considered unac- E 1220 Test Method for Visible Penetrant Examination
ceptable. Using the Solvent-Removable Process
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
as the standard. SI units are provided for information only. E 1418 Test Method for Visible Penetrant Examination
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Using the Water-Washable Process
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 2.2 ASNT Document:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Nondestructive
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard 2.3 Military Standard:
statements, see Note 5, Note 12, and Note 20. MIL-STD-410 Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualifica-
tion and Certification
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-7 on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.03 on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1995. Published March 1995. Originally Available from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 1711 Arlin-
published as E 165 – 60 T. Last previous edition E 165 – 94. gate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Recom-
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
mended Test Method SE-165 in the Code.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 165
TABLE 1 Classification of Penetrant Examination Types and
2.4 APHA Standard:
8 Methods
429 Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
Type I—Fluorescent Penetrant Examination
3. Terminology
Method A—Water-washable (see Test Method E 1209)
Method B—Post-emulsifiable, lipophilic (see Test Method E 1208)
3.1 The definitions relating to liquid penetrant examination,
Method C—Solvent removable (see Test Method E 1219)
which appear in Terminology E 1316, shall apply to the terms
Method D—Post-emulsifiable, hydrophilic (see Test Method E 1210)
used in this standard.
Type II—Visible Penetrant Examination
Method A—Water-washable (see Test Method E 1418)
4. Summary of Test Method
Method C—Solvent removable (see Test Method E 1220)
4.1 A liquid penetrant which may be a visible or a fluores-
cent material is applied evenly over the surface being examined
7. Types of Materials
and allowed to enter open discontinuities. After a suitable
7.1 Liquid penetrant examination materials (see Notes 3-5)
dwell time, the excess surface penetrant is removed. A devel-
oper is applied to draw the entrapped penetrant out of the consist of fluorescent and visible penetrants, emulsifiers (oil-
base and water-base; fast and slow acting), solvent removers
discontinuity and stain the developer. The test surface is then
examined to determine the presence or absence of indications. and developers. A family of liquid penetrant examination
materials consists of the applicable penetrant and emulsifier or
NOTE 1—The developer may be omitted by agreement between pur-
remover, as recommended by the manufacturer. Intermixing of
chaser and supplier.
materials from various manufacturers is not recommended.
NOTE 2—Caution: Fluorescent penetrant examination shall not follow
a visible penetrant examination unless the procedure has been qualified in
NOTE 3—Refer to 9.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen and
accordance with 10.2, because visible dyes may cause deterioration or
alkali metal content.
quenching of fluorescent dyes.
NOTE 4—Caution: While approved penetrant materials will not ad-
4.2 Processing parameters, such as surface precleaning, versely affect common metallic materials, some plastics or rubbers may be
swollen or stained by certain penetrants.
penetration time and excess penetrant removal methods, are
NOTE 5—Warning: These materials may be flammable or emit hazard-
determined by the specific materials used, the nature of the part
ous and toxic vapors. Observe all manufacturer’s instructions and precau-
under examination, (that is, size, shape, surface condition,
tionary statements.
alloy) and type of discontinuities expected.
7.2 Penetrants:
5. Significance and Use 7.2.1 Post-Emulsifiable Penetrants are designed to be in-
soluble in water and cannot be removed with water rinsing
5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the pres-
alone. They are designed to be selectively removed from the
ence, location and, to a limited extent, the nature and magni-
surface using a separate emulsifier. The emulsifier, properly
tude of the detected discontinuities. Each of the various
applied and given a proper emulsification time, combines with
methods has been designed for specific uses such as critical
the excess surface penetrant to form a water-washable mixture,
service items, volume of parts, portability or localized areas of
which can be rinsed from the surface, leaving the surface free
examination. The method selected will depend accordingly on
of fluorescent background. Proper emulsification time must be
the service requirements.
experimentally established and maintained to ensure that
over-emulsification does not occur, resulting in loss of indica-
6. Classification of Penetrations and Methods
tions.
6.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods and types are
7.2.2 Water-Washable Penetrants are designed to be di-
classified as shown in Table 1.
rectly water-washable from the surface of the test part, after a
6.2 Fluorescent penetrant examination utilizes penetrants
suitable penetrant dwell time. Because the emulsifier is “built-
that fluoresce brilliantly when excited by black light (see
in” to the water-washable penetrant, it is extremely important
8.9.1.2). The sensitivity of fluorescent penetrants depends on
to exercise proper process control in removal of excess surface
their ability to be retained in the various size discontinuities
penetrant to ensure against overwashing. Water-washable pen-
during processing, then to bleed out into the developer coating
etrants can be washed out of discontinuities if the rinsing step
and produce indications that will fluoresce. Fluorescent indi-
is too long or too vigorous. Some penetrants are less resistant
cations are many times brighter than their surroundings when
to overwashing than others.
viewed under black light illumination.
7.2.3 Solvent-Removable Penetrants are designed so that
6.3 Visible penetrant examination uses a penetrant that can
excess surface penetrant can be removed by wiping until most
be seen in visible light. The penetrant is usually red, so that the
of the penetrant has been removed. The remaining traces
indications produce a definite contrast with the white back-
should be removed with the solvent remover (see 8.6.4.1). To
ground of the developer. The visible penetrant process does not
minimize removal of penetrant from discontinuities, care
require the use of black light. However, visible penetrant
should be taken to avoid the use of excess solvent. Flushing the
indications must be viewed under adequate white light (see
surface with solvent to remove the excess penetrant is prohib-
8.9.2.1).
ited.
7.3 Emulsifiers:
7.3.1 Lipophilic Emulsifiers are oil-miscible liquids used to
Available from American Public Health Association, Publication Office, 1015
Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. emulsify the excess oily penetrant on the surface of the part,
E 165
rendering it water-washable. The rate of diffusion establishes materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be
the emulsification time. They are either slow- or fast-acting, between 50 and 100°F (10 and 38°C). Where it is not practical
depending on their viscosity and chemical composition, and to comply with these temperature limitations, qualify the
also the surface roughness of the area being examined (see procedure as described in 10.2 at the temperature of intended
8.6.2). use and as agreed to by the contracting parties.
7.3.2 Hydrophilic Emulsifiers are water-miscible liquids 8.3 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Examination—
used to emulsify the excess oily fluorescent penetrant on the Satisfactory results usually may be obtained on surfaces in the
surface of the part, rendering it water-washable (see 8.6.3). as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions (or for
These water-base emulsifiers (detergent-type removers) are ceramics in the densified conditions). Sensitive penetrants are
supplied as concentrates to be diluted with water and used as a generally less easily rinsed away and are therefore less suitable
dip or spray. The concentration, use and maintenance shall be for rough surfaces. When only loose surface residuals are
in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. present, these may be removed by wiping with clean lint-free
7.3.2.1 Hydrophilic emulsifiers function by displacing the cloths. However, precleaning of metals to remove processing
excess penetrant film from the surface of the part through residuals such as oil, graphite, scale, insulating materials,
detergent action. The force of the water spray or air/mechanical coatings, and so forth, should be done using cleaning solvents,
agitation in an open dip tank provides the scrubbing action vapor degreasing or chemical removing processes. Surface
while the detergent displaces the film of penetrant from the part conditioning by grinding, machining, polishing or etching shall
surface. The emulsification time will vary, depending on its follow shot, sand, grit or vapor blasting to remove the peened
concentration, which can be monitored by the use of a suitable skin and when penetrant entrapment in surface irregularities
refractometer. might mask the indications of unacceptable discontinuities or
7.4 Solvent Removers function by dissolving the penetrant, otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of the examination.
making it possible to wipe the surface clean and free of excess For metals, unless otherwise specified, etching shall be per-
penetrant as described in . formed when evidence exists that previous cleaning, surface
7.5 Developers—Development of penetrant indications is treatments or service usage have produced a surface condition
the process of bringing the penetrant out of open discontinui- that degrades the effectiveness of penetrant examination. (See
ties through blotting action of the applied developer, thus A1.1.1.8 for precautions.)
increasing the visibility of the indications.
NOTE 8—When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting
7.5.1 Dry Powder Developers are used as supplied (that is,
without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method.
free-flowing, non-caking powder) in accordance with 8.8.2.
NOTE 9—Caution: Sand or shot blasting may possibly close disconti-
Care should be taken not to contaminate the developer with
nuities and extreme care should be used with grinding and machining
fluorescent penetrant, as the penetrant specks can appear as operations to avoid masking discontinuities.
indications.
NOTE 10—For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by
grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not
7.5.2 Aqueous Developers are normally supplied as dry
recommended because of the potential for damage.
powder particles to be either suspended
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