Variety is emblematic of nondestructive testing. From the wide varieties of industries supported by nondestructive testing like aerospace and infrastructure to the varying levels of certification available to technicians, the nondestructive testing industry is anything but monotonous.
Testing methods used in nondestructive testing are equally diverse. Inspection methods like magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, and liquid penetrant testing are just a few of the inspection methods used by nondestructive testing technicians to inspect for safety.
NDT is used in fields that are constantly innovating. While many things come and go, nondestructive testing methods remain some of the best and most precise ways to inspect for flaws.
In today’s article, we explore liquid penetrant testing and why it has stood the test of time. Here is what you should know.
Liquid penetrant testing (also known as dye penetrant testing) is a method of nondestructive testing useful for when flaws and discontinuities are undetectable to the naked eye. When visual testing is inappropriate, liquid penetrant testing is a more precise method for identifying issues.
While performing liquid penetrant testing, the NDT technician uses the property of capillary action in an effort to “find surface-breaking discontinuities in a variety of materials. Penetrant testing uses a low viscosity liquid (penetrant) that is applied to the surface of a test piece.”
Once excess penetrant is removed, the liquid penetrant will enter any discontinuities and will expose the flaw because of capillary action. Liquid penetrant testing is a multifaceted approach and can involve a variety of different techniques, depending on the specific inspection being conducted and the asset under inspection.
Liquid penetrant testing has stood the test of time because of the tremendous benefits of using this NDT method.
Some methods, like magnetic particle testing, can only be performed on a limited number of assets because the materials must be ferromagnetic for the testing method to yield results. For liquid penetrant testing, a wide variety of material types can be tested.
Liquid penetrant testing is also a great choice beauce of its portability and ease of use. Technicians can travel using this method and complete jobs, even when the component itself cannot be moved, saving companies time and money that may otherwise be wasted on transportation of assets.
Furthermore, part geometry does not inhibit the effectiveness of liquid penetrant testing. Regardless of the shape or intricacies of the component under inspection, liquid penetrant testing can precisely identify flaws in the component so technicians can quickly strategize for maintenance and repairs.
Progress is inevitable, and innovation is necessary to keep our world moving forward, but liquid penetrant testing remains an effective strategy for inspective components and keeping the world’s assets safer.
Whether you are looking to hire nondestructive testing services to protect your assets or to enter a stable career and become a technician through NDT technician training, it is crucial to choose the right company to meet your NDT needs.
TXNDT is a cut above the rest with superior NDT courses, knowledgeable instructors, and hands-on coursework to prepare all prospective technicians for NDT certification. When lives are on the line, choose the best people for the job. Check us out online or give us a call today at 281-231-0001 to see how TXNDT can work for you!
