Liquid Penetrant Testing

Liquid penetrant testing is a method of nondestructive examination that uses fluid to reveal surface flaws on parts and equipment without compromising the integrity of the item.

Liquid penetrant tests can be conducted using solvent removable penetrants, water washable penetrants or post-emulsifiable penetrants. These low viscosity fluids are highly sensitive and seep into even the smallest surface defects such as cracks or porosity, and once the access fluid is removed, the liquid trapped in the surface will flow back out, creating a visual indication of the flaws.

Liquid penetrant testing is perfect for large volumes of parts or materials, including those with complex geometric shapes, as they can be inspected rapidly at a lower cost than other examination methods. Liquid penetrant testing has very few material limitations, i.e. metallic and nonmetallic, magnetic and nonmagnetic, and conductive and non-conductive materials may be inspected. However, this examination method does not work well on porous materials.

Save downtime by testing for the imperfections in your parts that you may not be able to see in routine inspections. Contact Hercules SLR’s liquid penetrant testing experts for more information.