April 5, 2013

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-SP2 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.