Designation: E1208 − 16

Standard Practice for

Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Lipophilic
Post-Emulsification Process1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1208; 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.

1. Scope 1.5 All areas of this document may be open to agreement

between the cognizant engineering organization and the
1.1 This practice covers procedures for fluorescent liquid
supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering
penetrant examination utilizing the lipophilic post- organization.
emulsification process. It is a nondestructive testing method for
detecting discontinuities that are open to the surface such as 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations, through leaks, or safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
lack of fusion and is applicable to in-process, final, and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
maintenance examination. It can be effectively used in the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
examination of nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and
of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or fully densified 2. Referenced Documents
ceramics and certain nonporous plastics and glass.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.2 This practice also provides a reference: D129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
1.2.1 By which a fluorescent liquid penetrant examination, eral High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
lipophilic post-emulsification process recommended or re- D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
quired by individual organizations can be reviewed to ascertain D808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum
its applicability and completeness. Products (High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications D1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by
dealing with the fluorescent penetrant examination of materials High Temperature Combustion and IR Detection
E165/E165M Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for
and parts using the lipophilic post-emulsification process.
General Industry
Agreement by the purchaser and the manufacturer regarding
E433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspec-
specific techniques is strongly recommended.
tion
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination. Testing
1.3 This practice does not indicate or suggest standards for E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be pointed out, E2297 Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and
however, that indications must be interpreted or classified and Meters used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle
then evaluated. For this purpose there must be a separate code Methods
E3022 Practice for Measurement of Emission Characteris-
or specification or a specific agreement to define the type, size,
tics and Requirements for LED UV-A Lamps Used in
location, and direction of indications considered acceptable,
Fluorescent Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing
and those considered unacceptable.
2.2 ASNT Documents:3
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are regarded as Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualifica-
standard. SI units given in parentheses are for information only. tion and Certification in Nondestructive Testing

1 2
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 service@astm.org. 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 June 1, 2016. Published June 2016. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E1208 - 10. DOI: Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O.
10.1520/E1208-16. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E1208 − 16
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Qualification and Certification of NDT materials used, the nature of the part under examination (that
Personnel is, size, shape, surface condition, alloy), type of discontinuities
2.3 AIA Standard:4 expected, etc.
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
Test Personnel 5. Significance and Use
2.4 ISO Standards5 5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the
ISO 9712 Nondestructive Testing—Qualification and Certi- presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and
fication of NDT Personnel—General Principles magnitude of the detected discontinuities. This practice is
2.5 Department of Defense (DoD) Contracts—Unless oth- normally used for production examination of critical compo-
erwise specified, the issue of the documents that are DoD nents or structures when (a) removal of excessive amounts of
adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS (Depart- penetrant from discontinuities using a water-washable process
ment of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards) cited can be a problem and (b) the use of a hydrophilic remover is
in the solicitation. impractical.
6. Reagents and Materials
2.6 Order of Precedence—In the event of conflict between
the text of this practice and the references cited herein, the text 6.1 Liquid Penetrant Testing Materials, for use in the
of this practice takes precedence. lipophilic post-emulsification process (see Note 2) consist of a
family of post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrant, lipophilic
emulsifier, and are classified as Type I Fluorescent, Method
3. Terminology B—Post-Emulsifiable, Lipophilic. Each penetrant and emulsi-
fier are approved together as a pair. Intermixing of materials
3.1 Definitions—The definitions relating to liquid penetrant from various manufacturers is not recommended. (Warning—
examination, which appear in Terminology E1316, shall apply While approved penetrant materials will not adversely affect
to the terms used in this practice. common metallic materials, some plastics or rubbers may be
Throughout this practice, the term “black light” has been swollen or stained by certain penetrants.)
changed to “UV-A” to conform with the latest terminology in
E1316. “Black light” can mean a broad range of ultraviolet NOTE 2—Refer to 8.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen, and
radiation; fluorescent penetrant inspection only uses the UV-A alkali metal content.
range. 6.2 Post-Emulsifiable Penetrants are designed to be in-
soluble in water and cannot be removed with water rinsing
4. Summary of Practice alone. They are designed to be selectively removed from the
4.1 A post-emulsifiable, liquid, fluorescent penetrant is ap- surface by the use of a separate emulsifier. The lipophilic
plied evenly over the surface being tested and allowed to enter emulsifier, properly applied and given a proper emulsification
open discontinuities. After a suitable dwell time, the excess time, combines with the excess surface penetrant to form a
surface penetrant is removed by applying the lipophilic emul- water-washable mixture, which can then be rinsed from the
sifier and the part is water-rinsed and dried. If an aqueous surface, leaving the surface free of fluorescent background.
developer is to be employed, the developer is applied prior to Proper emulsification time must be experimentally established
the drying step. A developer is applied to draw the entrapped and maintained to assure that over emulsification does not
penetrant out of the discontinuity and stain the developer. The occur, resulting in loss of indications.
test surface is then examined visually using a UV-A source in 6.3 Lipophilic Emulsifiers are oil-base liquids used to emul-
a darkened area to determine the presence or absence of sify the oily penetrant on the surface of the part, rendering it
indications. (Warning—Fluorescent penetrant examination water washable. The rate of diffusion establishes the emulsion
shall not follow a visible penetrant examination unless the time. They are either slow- or fast-acting, depending on both
procedure has been qualified in accordance with 9.2, because their viscosity and chemical composition, and the surface
visible dyes may cause deterioration or quenching of fluores- roughness of the area being examined (see 7.1.5.1).
cent dyes.) 6.4 Developers—Development of penetrant indications is
NOTE 1—The developer may be omitted by agreement between the process of bringing the penetrant out of open discontinui-
purchaser and supplier. ties through blotting action of the applied developer, thus
4.2 Processing parameters, such as precleaning, penetration increasing the visibility of the penetrant indications. Several
time, emulsification time, etc., are determined by the specific types of developers are suitable for use with the lipophilic
penetrant process. (Warning—Aqueous developers may cause
stripping of indications if not properly applied and controlled.
4
Available from the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 The procedure should be qualified in accordance with 9.2.)
Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
5 6.4.1 Dry Powder Developers are used as supplied (that is,
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, free-flowing, noncaking powder) in accordance with
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. 7.1.8.1(a). Care should be taken not to contaminate the

2
 E1208 − 16
developer with fluorescent penetrant, as the penetrant specks 7. Procedure
can appear as indications.
7.1 The following general procedure applies to the fluores-
6.4.2 Aqueous Developers are normally supplied as dry
cent liquid penetrant examination, lipophilic post-
powder particles to be either suspended or dissolved (soluble)
emulsification process method (see Fig. 1).
in water. The concentration, use, and maintenance shall be in
accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations (see 7.1.1 Temperature Limits—The temperature of the penetrant
7.1.8.1(b)). materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be
6.4.3 Nonaqueous, Wet Developers are supplied as suspen- between 40 and 125°F (4 and 52°C). Where it is not practical
sions of developer particles in a nonaqueous solvent carrier to comply with these temperature limitations, qualify the
ready for use as supplied. Nonaqueous, wet developers form a procedure at the temperature of intended use as described in
coating on the surface of the part when dried, which serves as 9.2.
the developing medium for fluorescent penetrants (see 7.1.2 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Inspection—
7.1.8.1(c)). (Warning—This type of developer is intended for Satisfactory results may be obtained on surfaces in the as-
application by spray only.) welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions or for
6.4.4 Liquid Film Developers are solutions or colloidal ceramics in the densified condition. These sensitive penetrants
suspensions of resins/polymer in a suitable carrier. These are generally less easily rinsed away and are therefore less
developers will form a transparent or translucent coating on the suitable for rougher surfaces. When only loose surface residu-
surface of the part. Certain types of film developer may be als are present, these may be removed by wiping the surface
stripped from the part and retained for record purposes (see with clean lint-free cloths. However, precleaning of metals to
7.1.8.1(d)). remove processing residuals such as oil, graphite, scale,

Incoming Parts

PRECLEAN Alkaline Steam Vapor Solvent Acid

(See 7.1.3.1) Degrease Wash Etch

Mechanical Paint Ultrasonic Detergent

Stripper
DRY
(See 7.1.3.2)
Dry

PENETRANT Apply Post-

APPLICATION Emulsifiable
(See 7.1.4) Penetrant

LIPOPHILIC Apply
EMULSIFIER Lipophilic
(See 7.1.5) Emulsifier

FINAL RINSE Water

(See 7.1.6) Wash

DRY Dry Developer

(See 7.1.7) (Aqueous)
DEVELOP
(See 7.1.8)

DEVELOP Developer Dry, Dry

(See 7.1.8) Nonaqueous
DRY or Liquid Film
(See 7.1.7)

EXAMINE Examine
(See 7.1.9)

Water Detergent Mechanical

Rinse Wash

POST CLEAN Dry

(See 7.1.11 and Practice
E165/E165M,
Annex on Post Cleaning.)

Vapor Solvent Ultrasonic

Degrease Soak Clean
Outgoing Parts

FIG. 1 General Procedure Flowsheet for Fluorescent Penetrant Examination Using the Lipophilic Post-Emulsification Process

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 E1208 − 16
insulating materials, coatings, and so forth, should be done residue will hinder the entrance of the penetrant. Drying may
using cleaning solvents, vapor degreasing or chemical remov- be accomplished by warming the parts in drying ovens, with
ing processes. Surface conditioning by grinding, machining, infrared lamps, forced hot or cold air, or exposure to ambient
polishing or etching shall follow shot, sand, grit and vapor temperature.
blasting to remove the peened skin and when penetrant 7.1.4 Penetrant Application—After the part has been
entrapment in surface irregularities might mask the indications cleaned, dried, and is within the specified temperature range,
of unacceptable discontinuities or otherwise interfere with the apply the penetrant to the surface to be inspected so that the
effectiveness of the examination. For metals, unless otherwise entire part or area under examination is completely covered
specified, etching shall be performed when evidence exists that with penetrant.
previous cleaning, surface treatments, or service usage have 7.1.4.1 Modes of Application—There are various modes of
produced a surface condition that degrades the effectiveness of effective application of penetrant such as dipping, brushing,
the examination. (See Annex on Cleaning Parts and Materials flooding, or spraying. Small parts are quite often placed in
in Practice E165/E165M for general precautions relative to suitable baskets and dipped into a tank of penetrant. On larger
surface preparation.) (Warning—Sand or shot blasting may parts, and those with complex geometries, penetrant can be
possibly close indications. Extreme care should be used with applied effectively by brushing or spraying. Both conventional
grinding and machining operations.) and electrostatic spray guns are effective means of applying
NOTE 3—When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting
liquid penetrants to the part surfaces. Electrostatic spray
without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method. application can eliminate excess liquid buildup of penetrant on
NOTE 4—For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by the part, minimize overspray, and minimize the amount of
grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not penetrant entering hollow-cored passages which might serve as
recommended because of the potential for damage. penetrant reservoirs, causing severe bleedout problems during
7.1.3 Removal of Surface Contaminants: examination. Aerosol sprays are conveniently portable and
7.1.3.1 Precleaning—The success of any penetrant exami- suitable for local application. (Warning—Not all penetrant
nation procedure is greatly dependent upon the surface and materials are suitable for electrostatic spray applications.)
discontinuity being free of any contaminant (solid or liquid) (Warning—With spray applications, it is important that there
that might interfere with the penetrant process. All parts or be proper ventilation. This is generally accomplished through
areas of parts to be inspected must be clean and dry before the the use of a properly designed spray booth and exhaust
penetrant is applied. If only a section of a part, such as a weld system.)
including the heat-affected zone, is to be examined, all con- 7.1.4.2 Penetrant Dwell Time—After application, allow ex-
taminants shall be removed from the area being examined as cess penetrant to drain from the part (care should be taken to
defined by the contracting parties. “Clean” is intended to mean prevent pools of penetrant on the part), while allowing for
that the surface must be free of any rust, scale, welding flux, proper penetrant dwell time (see Table 1). The length of time
spatter, grease, paint, oily films, dirt, etc., that might interfere the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper penetra-
with penetration. All of these contaminants can prevent the tion should be as recommended by the penetrant manufacturer.
penetrant from entering discontinuities (see Annex on Cleaning Table 1, however, provides a guide for selection of penetrant
of Parts and Materials in Practice E165/E165M for more dwell times for a variety of materials, forms, and types of
detailed cleaning methods). (Warning—Residues from clean- discontinuity. Unless otherwise specified, the dwell time shall
ing processes such as strong alkalies, pickling solutions, and not exceed the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
chromates, in particular, may adversely react with the penetrant
NOTE 5—For some specific applications in structural ceramics (for
and reduce its sensitivity and performance.) example, detecting parting lines in slip-cast material), the required
7.1.3.2 Drying after Cleaning—It is essential that the sur- penetrant dwell time should be determined experimentally and may be
face parts be thoroughly dry after cleaning, since any liquid longer than that shown in Table 1 and its notes.

TABLE 1 Recommended Minimum Dwell Times

Dwell Times,
Type of minutesA
Material Form
Discontinuity
PenetrantB DeveloperC
Aluminum, magnesium, steel, castings and welds cold shuts, porosity, lack of 5 10
brass and bronze, titanium and fusion, cracks (all forms)
high-temperature alloys
wrought materials— laps, cracks (all forms) 10 10
extrusions, forgings, plate
Carbide-tipped tools lack of fusion, porosity, cracks 5 10
Plastic all forms cracks 5 10
Glass all forms cracks 5 10
Ceramic all forms cracks, porosity 5 10
A
For temperature range from 40 to 120°F (4 to 49°C).
B
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 surface of parts (recommended minimum). Maximum development time in accordance with
7.1.8.2.

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 E1208 − 16
7.1.5 Application of Emulsifier—After the required penetra- controlled recirculating hot-air dryer. (Warning—Drying oven
tion time, emulsify the excess penetrant on the part by temperature should not exceed 160°F (71°C).)
immersing, flooding, or spraying the parts with the required 7.1.7.3 Do not allow parts to remain in the drying oven any
emulsifier (the emulsifier combines with the excess surface longer than is necessary to dry the part. Excessive time in the
penetrant and makes the mixture removable with water rins- dryer may impair the sensitivity of the examination.
ing). After application with the emulsifier, drain the parts in a
7.1.8 Developer Application:
manner that prevents the emulsifier from pooling on the part.
7.1.8.1 Modes of Application—There are various modes of
7.1.5.1 Emulsification Dwell Time begins as soon as the
emulsifier has been applied. The length of time that the effective application of the various types of developers such as
emulsifier is allowed to remain on the part and in contact with dusting, immersing, flooding, or spraying. The size,
the penetrant is dependent on the type of emulsifier employed configuration, surface condition, number of parts to be
and the surface condition (smooth or rough). Nominal emulsi- processed, etc., will influence the choice of developer applica-
fication time should be as recommended by the manufacturer. tion.
Determine experimentally the actual emulsification time for (a) Dry Powder Developers—Apply immediately after
each specific application. The surface finish (roughness) of the drying in such a manner as to assure complete part coverage.
part is a significant factor in the selection of and in the Parts can be immersed into a container of dry developer or into
emulsification time of an emulsifier. Contact time should be a fluid bed of dry developer; they can also be dusted with the
kept to the least possible time consistent with an acceptable powder developer through a hand powder bulb or a powder
background and should not exceed the maximum time speci- gun. It is quite common and most effective to apply dry powder
fied for the part or material. in an enclosed dust chamber, which creates an effective and
7.1.6 Post Rinsing of Emulsified Parts—Effective post rins- controlled dust cloud. Other means suited to the size and
ing of the emulsified penetrant from the surface can be geometry of the specimen may be used, provided the powder is
accomplished using either manual, semiautomatic, or auto- dusted evenly over the entire surface being examined. Excess
matic water spray or immersion equipment or combinations powder may be removed by shaking or rapping the part gently,
thereof. or by blowing with low-pressure (5 to 10 psi (34 to 70 kPa))
7.1.6.1 Immersion—For immersion post rinsing, parts are dry, clean, compressed air.
completely immersed in the water bath with air or mechanical (b) Aqueous Developers—Apply to the surface immedi-
agitation. The time and temperature should be kept constant. ately after the excess penetrant has been removed and prior to
(a) The maximum dip rinse time should not exceed 120 s drying. The dried developer coating appears as a translucent or
unless otherwise specified by part or material specification. white coating on the part. Prepare and maintain aqueous
(b) The temperature of the water should be relatively developers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
constant and should be maintained within the range of 50 to and apply them in such a manner as to assure complete, even
100°F (10 to 38°C). coverage. Aqueous developers may be applied by spraying,
7.1.6.2 Spray Post Rinsing—Effective post rinsing follow- flowing or immersing the part. It is most common to immerse
ing emulsification can also be accomplished by either manual the parts in a prepared developer bath. Immerse parts only long
or automatic water spray rinsing of the parts as follows: enough to coat all of the surfaces with the developer. Then
(a) The maximum spray rinse time should not exceed 180 remove parts from the developer bath and allow to drain. Drain
s unless otherwise specified by part or materials specification. all excess developer from recesses and trapped sections to
(b) Control rinse water temperature within the range from eliminate pooling of developer, which can obscure discontinui-
50 to 100°F (10 to 38°C). ties. Dry the parts in accordance with 7.1.7. (Warning—
(c) Spray rinse water pressure should be 40 psi max (275 Atomized spraying is not recommended since a spotting film
kPa max) or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc- may result.) (Warning— If parts are left in the bath too long,
tions. indications may leach out.)
7.1.6.3 Rinse Effectiveness—If the emulsification and final (c) Nonaqueous, Wet Developers—After the excess pen-
rinse steps are not effective as evidenced by excessive residual etrant has been removed and the surface has been dried, apply
surface penetrant after emulsification and rinsing, dry (see developer by spraying in such a manner as to assure complete
7.1.7) and reclean the part and reapply the penetrant for the coverage with a thin, even film of developer. These types of
prescribed dwell time. developer carrier evaporate very rapidly at normal room
7.1.7 Drying: temperature and do not, therefore, require the use of a dryer.
7.1.7.1 During the preparation of parts for examination, Dipping or flooding parts with nonaqueous developers is
drying is necessary either following the application of the prohibited, since it will flush (dissolve) the penetrant from
aqueous, wet developer or prior to applying dry or nonaqueous within the discontinuities because of the solvent action of these
developers. Drying time will vary with the size, nature, and types of developers. (Warning—The vapors from the
number of parts under examination. evaporating, volatile, solvent developer carrier may be hazard-
7.1.7.2 Drying Modes—Parts can be dried by using a hot-air ous. Proper ventilation should be provided in all cases, but
recirculating oven, a hot- or cold-air blast, or by exposure to especially when the surface to be examined is inside a closed
ambient temperature. Drying is best done in a thermostatically volume, such as a process drum or a small storage tank.)

5
 E1208 − 16
(d) Liquid Film Developers—Apply by spraying as recom- 7.1.10 Evaluation—Unless otherwise agreed upon, it is
mended by the manufacturer. Spray parts in such a manner as normal practice to interpret and evaluate the discontinuity
to ensure complete coverage of the area being examined with indication based on the size of the penetrant indication created
a thin, even film of developer. by the developer’s absorption of the penetrant (see Reference
7.1.8.2 Developer Time—The minimum and maximum pen- Photographs E433).
etrant bleedout time with no developer shall be 10 min and 2 7.1.11 Post Cleaning—Post cleaning is necessary in those
h respectively. Developing time for dry developer begins cases where residual penetrant or developer could interfere
immediately after the application of the dry developer and with subsequent processing or with service requirements. It is
begins when the developer coating has dried for wet developers particularly important where residual penetrant examination
(aqueous and nonaqueous). The minimum developer dwell materials might combine with other factors in service to
time shall be 10 min for all types of developer. The maximum produce corrosion. A suitable technique, such as a simple water
developer dwell time shall be 1 h for nonaqueous developer, 2 rinse, water spray, machine wash, vapor degreasing, solvent
h for aqueous developer and 4 h for dry developers. soak, or ultrasonic cleaning may be employed (see Test Method
7.1.9 Examination—Perform examination of parts after the E165/E165M, Annex on Post Cleaning). It is recommended
applicable development time as specified in 7.1.8.2 to allow for that if developer removal is necessary, it shall be carried out as
bleedout of penetrant from discontinuities onto the developer promptly as possible after examination so that it does not fix on
coating. It is good practice to observe the surface while the part. Water-spray rinsing is generally adequate.
applying the developer as an aid in evaluating indications. (Warning—Developers should be removed prior to vapor
7.1.9.1 UV-A Irradiation—Examine fluorescent penetrant degreasing. Vapor degreasing can bake developer on parts.)
indications under UV-A radiation in a darkened area. UV-A
irradiance shall be measured with a UV-A radiometer on the 8. Special Requirements
surface being examined. A minimum of 1000 µW/cm2 is
8.1 Impurities:
recommended. The UV-A source shall have a peak wavelength
in the range of 360 to 370 nm. The UV-A irradiance shall be 8.1.1 When using penetrant materials on austenitic stainless
checked daily to assure the required output. Since a drop in line steels, titanium, nickel-base, or other high-temperature alloys,
voltage can cause decreased UV-A irradiation with consequent the need to restrict impurities such as sulfur, halogens, and
inconsistent performance, a constant voltage transformer shall alkali metals must be considered. These impurities may cause
be used when there is evidence of voltage fluctuation. embrittlement or corrosion, particularly at elevated tempera-
(Warning—Certain high-intensity UV-A sources may emit tures. Any such evaluation should also include consideration of
unacceptable amounts of visible light, which may cause the form in which the impurities are present. Some penetrant
fluorescent indications to disappear. Care should be taken to materials contain significant amounts of these impurities in the
use only bulbs certified by the supplier to be suitable for such form of volatile organic solvents. These normally evaporate
examination purposes.) quickly and usually do not cause problems. Other materials
may contain impurities that are not volatile and may react with
NOTE 6—The recommended minimum in 7.1.9.1 is intended for general the part, particularly in the presence of moisture or elevated
usage. For critical examinations, higher UV-A irradiance may be required.
temperatures.
7.1.9.1.1 LED UV-A Sources—LED UV-A sources shall
meet the requirements of E3022. 8.1.2 Because volatile solvents leave the tested surface
quickly without reaction under normal inspection procedures,
7.1.9.2 UV-A Source Warm-Up—For all UV-A sources ex- penetrant materials are normally subjected to an evaporation
cept LED UV-A sources, allow the UV-A source to warm up procedure to remove the solvents before the materials are
for a minimum of 10 min prior to its use or the measurement analyzed for impurities. The residue from this procedure is
of UV-A irradiation. then analyzed in accordance with Test Method D129, Test
(1) LED UV-A sources are at full intensity at power-on, Method D1552, or Test Method D129 decomposition followed
and the intensity may decrease as the lamp warms up. If UV-A by Test Methods D516, Method B (Turbidimetric Method) for
measurement is made at power-on, then a minimum of 1500 sulfur. The residue may also be analyzed by Test Methods
µW/cm2 is recommended. D808 and Practice E165/E165M, Annex on Method for Mea-
7.1.9.3 Visible Ambient Light—Visible ambient light shall suring Total Fluorine Content in Combustible Liquid Penetrant
not exceed 2 fc (21.5 lux). The measurement should be made Materials (for fluorine). The Annex on Determination of
with a visible light meter on the surface being examined. Anions and Cations by Ion Chromatography in Practice E165/
NOTE 7—More information on UV-A and visible lamps, UV-A E165M can be used as an alternate procedure. Alkali metals in
radiometers, and visible light meters can be found in E2297. the residue are determined by flame photometry or atomic
7.1.9.4 Visual Adaptation—The examiner should be in the absorption spectrophotometry.
darkened area for at least 1 min before examining parts. Longer NOTE 8—Some current standards indicate that impurity levels of sulfur
times may be necessary for more complete adaptation under and halogens exceeding 1 % of any one suspect element may be
some circumstances. (Warning—Photochromic or darkened considered excessive. However, this high a level may be unacceptable in
lenses shall not be worn during examination.) some cases, so the actual maximum acceptable impurity level must be
7.1.9.5 Housekeeping—Keep the examination area free of decided between supplier and user on a case by case basis.
interfering debris or fluorescent objects. Practice good house- 8.2 Elevated Temperature Examination—Where penetrant
keeping at all times. examination is performed on parts that must be maintained at

6
 E1208 − 16
elevated temperature during examination, special materials and 9.2 Procedure Qualification—Qualification of procedure us-
processing techniques may be required. Such examination ing conditions or times differing from those specified or for
requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturer’s new materials may be performed by any of several methods
recommendations should be observed. and should be agreed upon by the contracting parties. A test
8.3 Reduced Temperature Examination—Where penetrant piece containing one or more discontinuities of the smallest
examination is performed on parts that shall be maintained at relevant size is used. The test piece may contain real or
a reduced temperature during examination, special materials simulated discontinuities, providing it displays the character-
and processing techniques may be required. Such examination istics of the discontinuities encountered in product examina-
requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturer’s tion.
recommendations should be observed. 9.3 Nondestructive Testing Agency Qualification—If a non-
destructive testing agency as described in Practice E543 is used
9. Qualification and Requalification
to perform the examination, the agency shall meet the require-
9.1 Personnel Qualification—Personnel performing exami- ments of Practice E543.
nations to this standard shall be qualified in accordance with a
nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel quali- 9.4 Requalification may be required when a change or
fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, substitution is made in the type of penetrant materials or in the
SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, ISO 9712, or a similar document and procedure (see 9.2).
certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable.
The practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall 10. Keywords
be identified in the contractual agreement between the using 10.1 fluorescent liquid penetrant testing; lipophilic post-
parties. emulsification method; nondestructive testing

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