Leak Detection with Penetrant Inspection Process

One of the many applications of liquid penetrant inspection is leak testing by enhancing visual detection of leaks. For leak testing, the liquid penetrant is applied on one side of the enclosing wall or surface of the test object and allowing time for the penetrant to seep through leaks and inspecting on the opposite side of the wall. The word leak refers to the physical hole. The word leakage refers to the flow of a fluid through a leak. Leak testing to detect and locate leaks is important to be able to repair unacceptable leaks in vessels or systems such as holding or process tanks, radiators, pipe systems, hydraulic systems, etc. Penetrant inspection of leaks is generally subjective as compared to the quantitative leak inspection using tracer gas and pressure change techniques. Both visible and fluorescent penetrants may be used as liquid dye tracers. Leak Testing Techniques Using Penetrant Materials Inspection of empty vessels, tanks, or other liquid containment systems: Observe all safety precautions when inspecting enclosed areas. Make sure there is enough ventilation when using chemicals. If not, use self-contained breathing apparatus for oxygen source. Apply penetrant on the inside wall of the tank or area being inspected. Depending on the thickness of the wall, let penetrant dwell on the surface between 10-30 minutes. Allow a dwell time of at least one hour if the wall thickness is greater than inch. Apply developer on the other side of the wall. Observe indications where the developer was applied. When using SKL-4C or SKL-WP2 or SKL-SP1 Spotcheck penetrant, use SKD-S2 nonaqueous developer and observe for red indications against the white developer background. For Zyglo fluorescent penetrant inspection (ZL-4C, ZL-19, ZL-60D), apply ZP-4B dry powder developer and observe fluorescent green indications using a blacklight in a darkened area.