Designation: E1209 – 10

Standard Practice for

Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Water-
Washable Process1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1209; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

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1. Scope 1.5 All areas of this document may be open to agreement
1.1 This practice2 covers procedures for water-washable between the cognizant engineering organization and the sup-
fluorescent penetrant examination of materials. It is a nonde- plier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering
structive testing method for detecting discontinuities that are organization.
open to the surface such as cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
laminations, isolated porosity, through leaks, or lack of poros- safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ity and is applicable to in-process, final, and maintenance responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
examination. It can be effectively used in the examination of priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and nonferrous, bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or fully densified 2. Referenced Documents
ceramics and certain nonporous plastics and glass.
1.2 This practice also provides a reference: 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1.2.1 By which a fluorescent penetrant examination method D129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
using the water-washable process recommended or required by eral Bomb Method)
individual organizations can be reviewed to ascertain its D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
applicability and completeness. D808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications Products (Bomb Method)
dealing with the water-washable fluorescent penetrant exami- D1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
nation of materials and parts. Agreement by the purchaser and (High-Temperature Method)
the manufacturer regarding specific techniques is strongly E165 Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for General
recommended. Industry
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and E433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspec-
personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination. tion
1.3 This practice does not indicate or suggest standards for E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestruc-
evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be pointed out, tive Testing
however, that indications must be interpreted or classified and E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
then evaluated. For this purpose there must be a separate code 2.2 ASNT Documents:
or specification or a specific agreement to define the type, size, Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualifica-
location, and direction of indications considered acceptable, tion and Certification in Nondestructive Testing4
and those considered unacceptable. ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Qualification and Certification of
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are regarded as NDT Personnel4
standard. SI units given in parentheses are for information only. 2.3 Military Standard:5

1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.03 on Liquid contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2010. Published March 2010. Originally the ASTM website.
4
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as E1209 - 05. DOI: Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O.
10.1520/E1209-10. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
2 5
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Test Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
Method SE-1209 in Section II of that Code. Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.

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 E1209 – 10
MIL-STD-410 Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualifica- structures, where emphasis is on productivity. The method
tion and Certification enjoys a wide latitude in applicability when extensive and
2.4 AIA Standard: controlled conditions are available. Multiple levels of sensitiv-
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive ity can be achieved by proper selection of materials and
Test Personnel6 variations in process.
2.5 Department of Defense (DoD) Contracts—Unless oth-
erwise specified, the issue of the documents that are DoD 6. Reagents and Materials
adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS (Depart-
6.1 Liquid Fluorescent Penetrant Testing Materials
ment of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards) cited
(see Note 2) for use in the water-washable process consist of
in the solicitation.
a family of fluorescent water-washable penetrants and appro-
priate developers and are classified as Type I Fluorescent,
2.6 Order of Precedence—In the event of conflict between
Method A—Water-Washable. Intermixing of materials from
the text of this practice and the references cited herein, the text
various manufacturers is not recommended.
of this practice takes precedence.
NOTE 2—Refer to 8.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen, and
alkali metal content. (Warning—While approved penetrant materials will
3. Terminology not adversely affect common metallic materials, some plastics or rubbers
3.1 Definitions—definitions relating to liquid penetrant ex- may be swollen or stained by certain penetrants.)
amination, which appear in Terminology E1316, shall apply to 6.2 Water-Washable Penetrants are designed to be directly
the terms used in this practice. water-washable from the surface of the test part after a suitable
penetrant dwell time. Because the emulsifier is “built-in” to the
4. Summary of Practice
water-washable penetrant, it is extremely important to exercise
4.1 A liquid penetrant is applied evenly over the surface proper process control in removal of excess surface penetrant
being tested and allowed to enter open discontinuities. After a to assure against overwashing. Water-washable penetrants can
suitable dwell time, the excess surface penetrant is removed be washed out of discontinuities if the rinsing step is too long
with water and the surface is dried prior to the application of a or too vigorous. Some penetrants are less resistant to over-
dry or nonaqueous developer. A developer is then applied, washing than others.
drawing the entrapped penetrant out of the discontinuity and 6.3 Developers—Development of penetrant indications is
staining the developer. If an aqueous developer is to be the process of bringing the penetrant out of open discontinui-
employed, the developer is applied prior to the drying step. The ties through blotting action of the applied developer, thus
test surface is then examined visually under black light in a increasing the visibility of the penetrant indications. Several
darkened area to determine the presence or absence of indica- types of developers are suitable for use and the fluorescent
tions. (Warning—Fluorescent penetrant examination shall not penetrant water-washable process. (Warning—Aqueous de-
follow a visible penetrant examination unless the procedure has velopers may cause stripping of indications if not properly
been qualified in accordance with 9.2, because visible dyes applied and controlled. The procedure shall be qualified in
may cause deterioration or quenching of fluorescent dyes.) accordance with 9.2.)
NOTE 1—The developer may be omitted by agreement between pur- 6.3.1 Dry Powder Developers are used as supplied (that is,
chaser and supplier. free-flowing, noncaking powder) in accordance with 7.1.7.1(a).
4.2 The selection of particular water-washable penetrant Care should be taken not to contaminate the developer with

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process parameters depends upon the nature of the application, fluorescent penetrant, as the specks can appear as indications.
condition under which the examination is to be performed, 6.3.2 Aqueous Developers are normally supplied as dry
availability of processing equipment, and type of materials to powder particles to be either suspended or dissolved (soluble)
perform the examination. (Warning—A controlled method for in water. The concentration, use, and maintenance shall be in
applying water and disposing of the water is essential.) accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (see
4.3 Processing parameters, such as precleaning, penetration 7.1.7.1(b)).
time and wash times, are determined by the specific materials 6.3.3 Nonaqueous, Wet Developers are supplied as suspen-
used, the nature of the part under examination, (that is, size, sions of developer particles in nonaqueous, solvent carriers
shape, surface condition, alloy) and type of discontinuities ready for use as supplied. Nonaqueous, wet developers form a
expected. coating on the surface of the part when dried, which serves as
the developing medium for fluorescent penetrants (see
5. Significance and Use
7.1.7.1(c)). (Warning—This type of developer is intended for
5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the pres- application by spray only.)
ence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and magni- 6.3.4 Liquid Film Developers are solutions or colloidal
tude of the detected discontinuities. This method is normally suspensions of resins/polymer in a suitable carrier. These
used for production inspection of large volumes of parts or developers will form a transparent or translucent coating on the
surface of the part. Certain types of film developer will fix
6
Available from the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 indications and may be stripped from the part and retained for
Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005. record purposes (see 7.1.7.1(d)).

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7. Procedure scale, insulating materials, coatings, and so forth, should be
7.1 The following general procedure applies to the fluores- done using cleaning solvents, vapor degreasing or chemical
cent penetrant examination water-washable method (see Fig. removing processes. Surface conditioning by grinding, ma-
1). chining, polishing or etching shall follow shot, sand, grit and
7.1.1 Temperature Limits—The temperature of the penetrant vapor blasting to remove the peened skin and when penetrant
materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be entrapment in surface irregularities might mask the indications
between 40° and 125°F (4° and 52°C). Where it is not practical of unacceptable discontinuities or otherwise interfere with the
to comply with these temperature limitations, qualify the effectiveness of the examination. For metals, unless otherwise
procedure at the temperature of intended use as described in specified, etching shall be performed when evidence exists that
9.2. previous cleaning, surface treatments or service usage have
7.1.2 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Inspection— produced a surface condition that degrades the effectiveness of
Satisfactory results can usually be obtained on surfaces in the the examination. (See Annex on Mechanical Cleaning and
as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions or for Surface Conditioning and Annex on Acid Etching in Test
ceramics in the densified condition. The more sensitive pen- Method E165 for general precautions relative to surface
etrants are generally less easily rinsed away and are therefore preparation.)
less suitable for rougher surfaces. When only loose surface NOTE 3—When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting
residuals are present, these may be removed by wiping the without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method.
surface with clean lint-free cloths. However, precleaning of (Warning—Sand or shot blasting may possibly close indications and
metals to remove processing residuals such as oil, graphite, extreme care should be used with grinding and machining operations.)

Incoming Parts
Alkaline Steam Vapor Degrease Solvent Wash Acid Etch
PRECLEAN
(See 7.1.3.1)
Mechanical Paint Stripper Ultrasonic Detergent
DRY
(See 7.1.3.2)
Dry

PENETRANT Apply Water-

APPLICATION Washable
(See 7.1.4) Penetrant
FINAL RINSE
(See 7.1.5)
Water Wash
Spray Dip
DRY DEVELOP Developer
(See 7.1.6) (See 7.1.7) (Aqueous)
Dry
DEVELOP DRY Developer,
(See 7.1.7) (See 7.1.6) Dry,
Nonaqueous
or Dry
Liquid Film
EXAMINE
(See 7.1.8)
Examine
Water Rinse Detergent Mechanical
Wash
POST CLEAN
(See 7.1.10 and
Prac-
tice E165, Annex
on
Post Cleaning.)
Dry
Vapor Degrease Solvent Soak Ultrasonic Clean
Outgoing Parts
FIG. 1 General Procedure Flowsheet for Fluorescent Penetrant Examination Using the Water-Washable Process

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NOTE 4—For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by TABLE 1 Recommended Minimum Dwell Times
grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not Dwell TimesA
recommended because of the potential for damage. Type of (minutes)
Material Form
Discontinuity Pene- Devel-
7.1.3 Removal of Surface Contaminants:
trantB operC
7.1.3.1 Precleaning—The success of any penetrant exami-
Aluminum, castings and cold shuts, 5 10
nation procedure is greatly dependent upon the surface and magnesium, steel, welds porosity,
discontinuity being free of any contaminant (solid or liquid) brass and bronze, lack of fusion,
that might interfere with the penetrant process. All parts or titanium and cracks (all forms)
high-temperature
areas of parts to be examined must be clean and dry before the alloys
penetrant is applied. If only a section of a part, such as weld wrought- laps, cracks (all 10 10
including the heat-affected zone, is to be examined, all con- materials— forms)
extrusions,
taminants shall be removed from the area being examined as forgings, plate
defined by the contracting parties. “Clean” is intended to mean Carbide-tipped tools lack of fusion, 5 10
that the surface must be free of any rust, scale, welding flux, porosity, cracks
Plastic all forms cracks 5 10
spatter, grease, paint, oily films, dirt, etc., that might interfere Glass all forms cracks 5 10
with penetration. All of these contaminants can prevent the Ceramic all forms cracks, porosity 5 10
penetrant from entering discontinuities. (See Annex on Clean- A
For temperature range from 40° to 120°F (4° to 49°C).
B
ing of Parts and Materials in Test Method E165 for more Maximum penetrant dwell time 60 min in accordance with 7.1.4.2.
C
Development time begins as soon as wet developer coating has dried on
detailed cleaning methods.) (Warning—Residues from clean- surface of parts (recommended minimum). Maximum development time in accor-
ing processes such as strong alkalies, pickling solutions and dance with 7.1.7.2.
chromates, in particular, may adversely react with the penetrant
and reduce its sensitivity and performance.)
7.1.3.2 Drying After Cleaning—It is essential that the sur- prevent pools of penetrant on the part), while allowing for
faces be thoroughly dry after cleaning, since any liquid residue proper penetrant dwell time (see Table 1). The length of time
will hinder the entrance of the penetrant. Drying may be the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper penetra-
accomplished by warming the parts in drying ovens, with tion should be as recommended by the penetrant manufacturer.
infrared lamps, forced hot or cold air, or by exposure to Table 1, however, provides a guide for selection of penetrant
ambient temperature. dwell times for a variety of materials, forms, and types of
7.1.4 Penetrant Application—After the part has been discontinuity. Unless otherwise specified, the dwell time shall
cleaned, dried, and is within the specified temperature range, not exceed the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
apply the penetrant to the surface to be inspected so that the 7.1.5 Removal of Excess Penetrant—After the required
entire part or area under examination is completely covered penetration time, the excess penetrant on the surface being
with penetrant. examined must be removed with water, usually a washing
7.1.4.1 Modes of Application—There are various modes of operation. It can be washed off manually, by the use of
effective application of penetrant such as dipping, brushing, automatic or semiautomatic water-spray equipment or by
flooding, or spraying. Small parts are quite often placed in immersion. Accumulation of water in pockets or recesses of the
suitable baskets and dipped into a tank of penetrant. On larger surface must be avoided. If over-removal is suspected, dry (see
parts, and those with complex geometries, penetrant can be 7.1.6) and reclean the part, then reapply the penetrant for the
applied effectively by brushing or spraying. Both conventional prescribed dwell time. (Warning—Avoid overwashing. Exces-
and electrostatic spray guns are effective means of applying
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sive washing can cause penetrant to be washed out of discon-

liquid penetrants to the part surfaces. Electrostatic spray tinuities. Perform the rinsing operation under black light so that
application can eliminate excess liquid buildup of penetrant on it can be determined when the surface penetrant has been
the surface, minimize overspray, and minimize the amount of adequately removed.)
penetrant entering hollow-cored passages which might serve as 7.1.5.1 Immersion Rinsing—For immersion rinsing, parts
penetrant reservoirs, causing severe bleedout problems during are completely immersed in the water bath with air or
examination. Aerosol sprays are conveniently portable and mechanical agitation. Effective rinsing of water-washable,
suitable for local application. (Warning—Not all penetrant fluorescent penetrants by spray application can be accom-
materials are suitable for electrostatic spray applications.) plished by either manual or automatic water spray rinsing of
(Warning—With spray applications, it is important that there the parts.
be proper ventilation. This is generally accomplished through (a) Rinse time—Maximum should be specified by part or
the use of a properly designed spray booth and exhaust material specification.
system.) (b) The temperature of the water should be relatively
NOTE 5—For some specific applications in structural ceramics (for constant and should be maintained within the range of 50° to
example, detecting parting lines in slip-cast material), the required 100°F (10° to 38°C).
penetrant dwell time should be determined experimentally and may be (c) Spray rinse water pressure should not be greater than 40
longer than that shown in Table 1 and its notes.
psi (275 kPa).
7.1.4.2 Penetrant Dwell Time—After application, allow ex- 7.1.5.2 Removal by Wiping—In special applications, pen-
cess penetrant to drain from the part (care should be taken to etrant removal may be performed by wiping the surface with a

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clean, absorbent material dampened with water until the excess (c) Nonaqueous, Wet Developers—Nonaqueous, wet devel-
surface penetrant is removed, as determined by examination oper carriers evaporate very rapidly at normal room tempera-
under black light. ture and do not, therefore, require the use of a dryer. After the
7.1.6 Drying—During the preparation of parts for examina- excess penetrant has been removed and the surface has been
tion, drying is necessary following the application of the dried, apply these developers to the surface by spraying in such
aqueous, wet developer or prior to applying dry or nonaqueous a manner as to ensure complete coverage with a thin, even film
developers. Drying time will vary with the size, nature, and of developer. Application of excessive developer should be
number of parts under examination. avoided. Dipping or flooding parts with nonaqueous, wet
7.1.6.1 Modes of Drying—Parts can be dried by using a developers is prohibited, since it will flush (dissolve) the
hot-air recirculating oven, a hot- or cold-air blast, or by penetrant from within the discontinuities because of the solvent
exposure to ambient temperature. Drying is best done in a action of these types of developers. (Warning—The vapors
thermostatically controlled recirculating hot-air dryer. from the evaporating, volatile, solvent developer carrier may
(Warning—Drying oven temperature should not exceed 160°F be hazardous. Proper ventilation should be provided in all
(71°C).) cases, but especially when the surface to be examined is inside
7.1.6.2 Drying Time Limits—Do not allow parts to remain a closed volume such as a process drum or a small storage
in the drying oven any longer than is necessary to dry the part. tank.)
Excessive time in the dryer may impair the sensitivity of the (d) Liquid Film Developers—Apply by spraying or dipping
examination. as recommended by the manufacturer. Spray parts in such a
7.1.7 Developer Application: manner as to ensure complete coverage of the area being
7.1.7.1 There are various modes of effective application of examined with a thin, even film of developer.
the various types of developers such as dusting, immersing, (e) No Developer—For certain applications, it is permis-
flooding, or spraying. The size, configuration, surface condi-
sible, and may be appropriate, to conduct this examination
tion, number of parts to be processed, etc., will influence the
without the use of developer.
choice of developer application.
(a) Dry Powder Developer—Apply dry powder developers 7.1.7.2 Developer Time—The minimum and maximum pen-
immediately after drying in such a manner as to assure etrant bleedout time with no developer shall be 10 min and 2
complete coverage. Parts can be immersed into a container of h respectively. Developing time for dry developer begins
dry developer or into a fluid bed of dry developer. They can immediately after the application of the dry developer and
also be dusted with the powder developer using a hand powder begins when the developer coating has dried for wet developers
bulb or a conventional or electrostatic powder gun. It is quite (aqueous and nonaqueous). The minimum developer dwell
common and most effective to apply dry powder in an enclosed time shall be 10 min for all types of developer. The maximum
dust chamber, which creates an effective and controlled dust developer dwell time shall be 1 h for nonaqueous developer, 2
cloud. Other means suited to the size and geometry of the h for aqueous developer and 4 h for dry developers.
specimen may be used provided the powder is dusted evenly 7.1.8 Examination—Perform examination of parts after the
over the entire surface being examined. Excess powder may be applicable development time as specified in 7.1.7.2 to allow for
removed by gently shaking or tapping the part, or by blowing bleedout of penetrant from discontinuities onto the developer
with low-pressure not exceeding (5 psi (34 kPa)) dry, clean coating. It is good practice to observe the surface while
compressed air. (Warning—The air stream intensity should be applying the developer as an aid in evaluating indications.
established experimentally for each application.) 7.1.8.1 Visible Ambient Light Level—Examine fluorescent
(b) Aqueous Developers—Apply aqueous developers to the penetrant indications under black light in a darkened area.
part immediately after the excess penetrant has been removed Visible ambient light should not exceed 2 fc (20 lux). The
from the part and prior to drying. The dried developer coating measurement should be made with a suitable photographic-
appears as a translucent or white coating on the part. Prepare
type visible-light meter on the surface being examined.
and maintain aqueous, wet developers in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and apply them in such a manner 7.1.8.2 Black Light Level—Black light intensity, (recom-
as to assure complete, even coverage. Exercise caution when mended minimum of 1000 µW/cm2) should be measured on the
using a wet developer with water-washable penetrants to avoid surface being examined with a suitable black light meter. The
possible stripping of indications. Aqueous developers may be black light shall have a wavelength in the range from 320 to
applied by spraying, flowing, or immersing the part. Atomized 380 nm. The intensity should be checked daily to assure the
spraying is not recommended since a spotty film may result. It required output. Since a drop in line voltage can cause
is most common to immerse the parts in the prepared developer decreased black light output with consequent inconsistent
bath. Immerse parts only long enough to coat all of the part performance, a constant voltage transformer should be used
surfaces with the developer, since if parts are left in bath too when there is evidence of voltage fluctuation. (Warning—
long, indications may leach out. Then remove parts from the Certain high-intensity black lights may emit unacceptable
developer bath immediately and allow to drain. Drain all amounts of visible light, which will cause fluorescent indica-
excess developer from recesses and trapped sections to elimi- tions to disappear. Care should be taken to use only bulbs
nate pooling of developer, which can obscure discontinuities. certified by the supplier to be suitable for such examination
Dry the parts in accordance with 7.1.6. purposes.)
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7.1.8.3 Black Light Warm-Up—Allow the black light to Test Method D129 decomposition followed by Test Methods
warm up for a minimum of 10 min prior to its use or D516, Method B (Turbidimetric Method) for sulfur. The
measurement of the intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted. residue may also be analyzed by Test Methods D808 or E165,
7.1.8.4 Visual Adaptation—The examiner should be in the Annex on Methods for Measuring Total Chlorine Content in
darkened area for at least 1 min before examining parts. Longer Combustible Liquid Penetrant Materials (for halogens other
times may be necessary for more complete adaptation under than fluorine) and Test Method E165, Annex on Method for
some circumstances. (Warning—Photochromic or darkened Measuring Total Fluorine Content in Combustible Liquid
lenses shall not be worn during examination.) Penetrant Materials (for fluorine). The Annex on Determina-
7.1.8.5 Housekeeping—Keep the examination area free of tion of Anions and Cations by Ion Chromatography in Test
interfering debris or fluorescent objects. Practice good house- Method E165 can be used as an alternate procedure. Alkali
keeping at all times. metals in the residue are determined by flame photometry or
7.1.9 Evaluation—Unless otherwise agreed upon, it is nor- atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
mal practice to interpret and evaluate the discontinuity indica- NOTE 6—Some current standards indicate that impurity levels of sulfur
tion based on the size of the penetrant indication created by the and halogens exceeding 1 % of any one suspect element are considered
developer’s absorption of the penetrant (see Reference Photo- excessive. However, this high a level may be unacceptable in some cases,
graphs E433). so the actual maximum acceptable impurity level must be decided
7.1.10 Post Cleaning—Post cleaning is necessary in those between supplier and user on a case by case basis.
cases where residual penetrant or developer could interfere 8.2 Elevated Temperature Examination—Where penetrant
with subsequent processing or with service requirements. It is examination is performed on parts that must be maintained at
particularly important where residual penetrant examination elevated temperature during examination, special materials and
materials might combine with other factors in service to processing techniques may be required. Such examination
produce corrosion. A suitable technique, such as a simple water requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturer’s
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rinse, water spray, machine wash, vapor degreasing, solvent recommendations should be observed.
soak, or ultrasonic cleaning may be employed (see Test Method
E165, Annex on Post Cleaning). It is recommended that if 9. Qualification and Requalification
developer removal is necessary, it shall be carried out as
promptly as possible after examination so that it does not fix on 9.1 Personnel Qualification—Unless otherwise specified by
the part. Water spray rinsing is generally adequate. client/supplier agreement, all examination personnel shall be
(Warning—Developers should be removed prior to vapor qualified/certified in accordance with a written practice con-
degreasing. Vapor degreasing can bake developer on parts.) forming to the applicable edition of Recommended Practice
SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, NAS-410 or MIL-STD-
8. Special Requirements 410.
8.1 Impurities: 9.2 Procedure Qualification—Qualification of procedure
8.1.1 When using penetrant materials on austenitic stainless using conditions or times differing from those specified or for
steels, titanium, nickel-base, or other high-temperature alloys, new materials may be performed by any of several methods
the need to restrict impurities such as sulfur, halogens, and and should be agreed upon by the contracting parties. A test
alkali metals must be considered. These impurities may cause piece containing one or more discontinuities of the smallest
embrittlement or corrosion, particularly at elevated tempera- relevant size is used. The test piece may contain real or
tures. Any such evaluation should also include consideration of simulated discontinuities, providing it displays the character-
the form in which the impurities are present. Some penetrant istics of the discontinuities encountered in production exami-
materials contain significant amounts of these impurities in the nations.
form of volatile organic solvents. These normally evaporate 9.3 Nondestructive Testing Agency Qualification—If a non-
quickly and usually do not cause problems. Other materials destructive testing agency as described in Practice E543 is used
may contain impurities that are not volatile and may react with to perform the examination, the agency shall meet the require-
the part, particularly in the presence of moisture or elevated ments of Practice E543.
temperatures. 9.4 Requalification—may be required when a change or
8.1.2 Because volatile solvents leave the tested surface substitution is made in the type of penetrant materials or in the
quickly without reaction under normal inspection procedures, procedure (see 9.2).
penetrant materials are normally subjected to an evaporation
procedure to remove the solvents before the materials are 10. Keywords
analyzed for impurities. The residue from this procedure is 10.1 fluorescent liquid penetrant testing; nondestructive
then analyzed by Test Method D129, Test Method D1552, or testing; water-washable method

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 E1209 – 10
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Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS under license with ASTM
7Licensee=NOV Unspecified Sites/5909681129, User=Quintero Carvallido, Sergio
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 01/13/2015 09:39:11 MST