This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E1210 − 16

Standard Practice for

Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Hydrophilic
Post-Emulsification Process1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1210; 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 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This practice covers procedures for fluorescent pen- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
etrant examination utilizing the hydrophilic post-emulsification bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
process. It is a nondestructive testing method for detecting 1.6 All areas of this practice may be open to agreement
discontinuities that are open to the surface such as cracks, between the cognizant engineering organization and the
seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations, isolated porosity, through supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering
leaks, or lack of fusion and is applicable to in-process, final, organization.
and maintenance examination. It can be effectively used in the
examination of nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and 2. Referenced Documents
nonferrous, and of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
fully densified ceramics and certain nonporous plastics and D129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
glass. eral High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
1.2 This practice also provides a reference: D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
1.2.1 By which a fluorescent penetrant examination hydro- D808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum
philic post-emulsification process recommended or required by Products (High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
individual organizations can be reviewed to ascertain their D1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by
applicability and completeness. High Temperature Combustion and IR Detection
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications E165/E165M Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for
dealing with the fluorescent penetrant examination of materials General Industry
and parts using the hydrophilic post-emulsification process. E433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspec-
Agreement by the purchaser and the manufacturer regarding tion
specific techniques is strongly recommended. E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and Testing
personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination. E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2297 Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and
1.3 This practice does not indicate or suggest standards for Meters used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle
evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be pointed out, Methods
however, that indications must be interpreted or classified and E3022 Practice for Measurement of Emission Characteris-
then evaluated. For this purpose there must be a separate code tics and Requirements for LED UV-A Lamps Used in
or specification or a specific agreement to define the type, size, Fluorescent Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing
location, and direction of indications considered acceptable,
and those considered unacceptable. 2.2 ASNT Documents:
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualifica-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are regarded as tion and Certification in Nondestructive Testing3
standard. SI units given in parentheses are for information only. ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel3
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the

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 E1210 - 10. DOI: Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O.
10.1520/E1210-16. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.

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 E1210 − 16
2.3 Other Standards: normally used for production examination of critical
ISO 9712 Nondestructive Testing–Qualification and vertifi- components, where reproducibility is essential. More proce-
caiton of NDT Personnel4 dural controls and processing steps are required than with other
AMS 2644 Inspection Material Penetrant5 processes.
2.4 AIA Standard:
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive 6. Reagents and Materials
Testing Personnel6 6.1 Liquid Fluorescent Penetrant Testing Materials, for use
2.5 DoD Contracts—Unless otherwise specified, the issue of in the hydrophilic post-emulsification process, (see Note 1)
the documents that are DoD adopted are those listed in the consist of a family of post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrant,
issue of the DoDISS (Department of Defense Index of hydrophilic remover, and appropriate developer and are clas-
Specifications and Standards) cited in the solicitation. sified as Type I Fluorescent, Method D—Post-Emulsifiable,
2.6 Order of Precedence—In the event of conflict between Hydrophilic. Penetrant materials shall conform to AMS 2644
this practice and the references cited herein, this practice unless approved by the contract or Level III. Each penetrant
takes precedence. and emulsifier are approved together as a pair. Intermixing of
3. Terminology materials from various manufacturers is not recommended.
3.1 Definitions—definitions relating to liquid penetrant NOTE 1—Refer to 8.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen, and
examination, which appear in Terminology E1316, shall apply alkali metal content. (Warning—While approved penetrant materials will
not adversely affect common metallic materials, some plastics or rubbers
to the terms used in this practice. may be swollen or stained by certain penetrants.)
Throughout this practice, the term “black light” has been
changed to “UV-A” to conform with the latest terminology in 6.2 Post-Emulsifiable Penetrants are designed to be in-
E1316. “Black light” can mean a broad range of ultraviolet soluble in water and cannot be removed with water rinsing
radiation; fluorescent penetrant inspection only uses the UV-A alone. They are designed to be selectively removed from the
range. surface by the use of a separate hydrophilic emulsifier. The
hydrophilic emulsifier, at the proper concentration, properly
4. Summary of Practice applied, and given a proper emulsification time, combines with
4.1 A post-emulsifiable, liquid, fluorescent penetrant is ap- the excess surface penetrant to form a water-washable mixture,
plied evenly over the surface being tested and allowed to enter which can then be rinsed from the surface leaving the surface
open discontinuities. After a suitable dwell time and prerinse, free of fluorescent background. Proper concentration and
the excess surface penetrant is removed by applying a hydro- hydrophilic emulsification time must be experimentally estab-
philic emulsifier and the surface is rinsed and dried. A lished and maintained to assure that over-emulsification does
developer is then applied drawing the entrapped penetrant out not occur, resulting in loss of indications.
of the discontinuity and staining the developer. If an aqueous 6.3 Hydrophilic Emulsifiers are liquids used to emulsify the
developer is to be employed, the developer is applied prior to excess oily fluorescent penetrant on the surface of the part,
the drying step. The test surface is then examined visually rendering it water-washable (see 7.1.6). They are water-base
under UV-A radiation in a darkened area to determine the emulsifiers (detergent-type removers) that are supplied as
presence or absence of indications. (Warning—Fluorescent concentrates to be diluted with water and used as a dip or spray.
penetrant examination shall not follow a visible penetrant The concentration, use, and maintenance shall be in accordance
examination unless the procedure has been qualified in accor- with manufacturer’s recommendations.
dance with 9.2, because visible dyes may cause deterioration or 6.3.1 Hydrophilic emulsifiers function by displacing the
quenching of fluorescent dyes.) excess penetrant film from the surface of the part through
4.2 Processing parameters such as precleaning, penetration detergent action. The force of the water spray or air/mechanical
time, prerinsing, hydrophilic emulsifier concentration, etc., are agitation in an open dip tank provides the scrubbing action
determined by the specific materials used, the nature of the part while the detergent displaces the film of penetrant from the part
under examination (that is, size, shape, surface condition, surface. The emulsification time will vary, depending on its
alloy), type of discontinuities expected, etc. concentration. Its concentration can be monitored by the use of
a suitable refractometer.
5. Significance and Use
6.4 Developers—Development of penetrant indications is
5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the the process of bringing the penetrant out of discontinuities
presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and through blotting action of the applied developer, thus increas-
magnitude of the detected discontinuities. This practice is ing the visibility of the penetrant indications. Several types of
developers are suitable for use with the hydrophilic penetrant
4
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
process.
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, 6.4.1 Dry Powder Developers are used as supplied (that is,
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
5
free-flowing, noncaking powder) in accordance with
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
7.1.9.1(a). Care should be taken not to contaminate the
PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
6
Available from the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 developer with fluorescent penetrant, as the penetrant specks
Eye St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005. can appear as indications.

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 E1210 − 16
6.4.2 Aqueous Developers are normally supplied as dry surface of the part. Certain types of film developer may be
powder particles to be either suspended or dissolved (soluble) stripped from the part and retained for record purposes (see
in water. The concentration, use, and maintenance shall be in 7.1.9.1(d).
accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations (see
7.1.9.1(b). (Warning—Aqueous developers may cause strip- 7. Procedure
ping of indications if not properly applied and controlled. The 7.1 The following general procedure applies to the fluores-
procedure should be qualified in accordance with 9.2. ) cent penetrant examination hydrophilic post-emulsification
6.4.3 Nonaqueous, Wet Developers are supplied as suspen- method (see Fig. 1).
sions of developer particles in a nonaqueous, solvent carrier 7.1.1 Temperature Limits—The temperature of the penetrant
ready for use as supplied. Nonaqueous, wet developers form a materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be
coating on the surface of the part when dried, which serves as between 40 and 125°F (4 and 52°C). Where it is not practical
the developing medium for fluorescent penetrants (see to comply with these temperature limitations, qualify the
7.1.9.1(c). (Warning—This type of developer is intended for procedure at the temperature of intended use as described in
application by spray only.) 9.2.
6.4.4 Liquid Film Developers are solutions or colloidal 7.1.2 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Inspection—
suspensions of resins/polymer in a suitable carrier. These Satisfactory results may be obtained on surfaces in the as-
developers will form a transparent or translucent coating on the welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions or for

Incoming Parts

PRECLEAN Alkaline Steam Vapor Degrease Solvent Wash Acid

(See 7.1.3.1) Etch

Mechanical Paint Stripper Ultrasonic Detergent

DRY
Dry
(See 7.1.3.2)

PENETRANT Apply Post-

APPLICATION Emulsifiable
(See 7.1.4) Penetrant

PRERINSE
Prerinse
(See 7.1.5)

HYDROPHILIC Apply
EMULSIFIER Hydrophilic
(See 7.1.6) Emulsifier

Spray Immersion

FINAL RINSE Water

(See 7.1.7) Wash

DRY
(See 7.1.8) Developer
Dry
DEVELOP (Aqueous)
(See 7.1.9)

DEVELOP
Developer Dry,
(See 7.1.9)
Nonaqueous or Dry
DRY
Liquid Film
(See 7.1.8)

EXAMINE
Examine
(See 7.1.10)

Water Rinse Detergent Mechanical Wash

POST CLEAN
(See 7.1.12 and Prac-
tice E165/E165M, Annex Dry
on
Post Cleaning)

Vapor Degrease Solvent Soak Ultrasonic Clean

Outgoing Parts

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

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 E1210 − 16
ceramics in the densified condition. These sensitive penetrants flooding, or spraying. Small parts are quite often placed in
are generally less easily rinsed away and are therefore less suitable baskets and dipped into a tank of penetrant. On larger
suitable for rougher surfaces. When only loose surface residu- parts, and those with complex geometries, penetrant can be
als are present, these may be removed by wiping the surface applied effectively by brushing or spraying. Both conventional
with clean lint-free cloths. However, precleaning of metals to and electrostatic spray guns are effective means of applying
remove processing residuals such as oil, graphite, scale, liquid penetrants to the part surfaces. Electrostatic spray
insulating materials, coatings, and so forth, should be done application can eliminate excess liquid buildup of penetrant on
using cleaning solvents, vapor degreasing or chemical remov- the part, minimize overspray, and minimize the amount of
ing processes. Surface conditioning by grinding, machining, penetrant entering hollow-cored passages which might serve as
polishing or etching shall follow shot, sand, grit and vapor penetrant reservoirs, causing severe bleedout problems during
blasting to remove the peened skin and when penetrant examination. Aerosol sprays are conveniently portable and
entrapment in surface irregularities might mask the indications suitable for local application. (Warning—Not all penetrant
of unacceptable discontinuities or otherwise interfere with the materials are suitable for electrostatic spray applications.)
effectiveness of the examination. For metals, unless otherwise (Warning—With spray applications, it is important that there
specified, etching shall be performed when evidence exists that be proper ventilation. This is generally accomplished through
previous cleaning, surface treatments or service usage have the use of a properly designed spray booth and exhaust
produced a surface condition that degrades the effectiveness of system.)
the examination. (See Annex on Cleaning Parts and Materials 7.1.4.2 Penetrant Dwell Time—After application, allow ex-
in Practice E165/E165M for general precautions relative to cess penetrant to drain from the part (care should be taken to
surface preparation.) prevent pools of penetrant on the part), while allowing for
proper penetrant dwell time (see Table 1). The length of time
NOTE 2—When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting
without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method. the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper penetra-
(Warning—Sand or shot blasting may possibly close indications and tion should be as recommended by the penetrant manufacturer.
extreme care should be used with grinding and machining operations.) Table 1, however, provides a guide for selection of penetrant
NOTE 3—For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by dwell times for a variety of materials, forms, and types of
grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not
discontinuity. Unless otherwise specified the dwell time shall
recommended because of the potential for damage.
not exceed the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
7.1.3 Removal of Surface Contaminants:
7.1.3.1 Precleaning—The success of any penetrant exami- NOTE 4—For some specific applications in structural ceramics (for
example, detecting parting lines in slip-cast material), the required
nation procedure is greatly dependent upon the surface and penetrant dwell time should be determined experimentally and may be
discontinuity being free of any contaminant (solid or liquid) longer than that shown in Table 1 and its notes.
that might interfere with the penetrant process. All parts or 7.1.5 Prerinsing—Directly after the required penetration
areas of parts to be inspected must be clean and dry before the time, it is recommended that the parts be prerinsed (7.1.5.1)
penetrant is applied. If only a section of a part, such as a weld, prior to emulsification (7.1.6). This step allows for the removal
including the heat-affected zone is to be examined, all con- of excess surface penetrant from the parts prior to emulsifica-
taminants shall be removed from the area being examined as tion so as to minimize the degree of penetrant contamination in
defined by the contracting parties. “Clean” is intended to mean
that the surface must be free of any rust, scale, welding flux,
spatter, grease, paint, oily films, dirt, etc., that might interfere TABLE 1 Recommended Minimum Dwell Times
with penetration. All of these contaminants can prevent the
Dwell TimesA
penetrant from entering discontinuities. (See Annex on Clean- Type of (minutes)
ing of Parts and Materials in Practice E165/E165M for more Material Form
Discontinuity Pene- Devel-
detailed cleaning methods.) (Warning—Residues from clean- trantB operC
ing processes, such as strong alkalies, pickling solutions and Aluminum, castings and cold shuts, 5 10
magnesium, steel, welds porosity,
chromates in particular, may adversely react with the penetrant brass and bronze, lack of fusion,
and reduce its sensitivity and performance.) titanium and cracks (all forms)
7.1.3.2 Drying After Cleaning—It is essential that the sur- high-temperature
alloys
face be thoroughly dry after cleaning, since any liquid residue wrought laps, cracks (all 10 10
will hinder the entrance of the penetrant. Drying may be materials— forms)
accomplished by warming the parts in drying ovens, with extrusions,
forgings, plate
infrared lamps, forced hot or cold air, or exposure to ambient Carbide-tipped tools lack of fusion, 5 10
temperature. porosity, cracks
7.1.4 Penetrant Application—After the part has been Plastic all forms cracks 5 10
Glass all forms cracks 5 10
cleaned, dried, and is within the specified temperature range, Ceramic all forms cracks, porosity 5 10
apply the penetrant to the surface to be inspected so that the A
For temperature range from 40 to 120 °F (4 to 49 °C).
entire part or area under examination is completely covered B
Maximum penetrant dwell time 60 min in accordance with 7.1.4.2.
C
with penetrant. Development time begins as soon as wet developer coating has dried on surface
of parts (recommended minimum). Maximum development time in accordance
7.1.4.1 Modes of Application—There are various modes of with 7.1.9.2.
effective application of penetrant such as dipping, brushing,

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 E1210 − 16
the hydrophilic emulsifier bath, thereby extending its life. In (e) If over-removal is suspected, dry (see 7.1.8) and
addition, prerinsing of penetrated parts allows for the minimi- reclean the part and reapply the penetrant for the prescribed
zation of possible oily penetrant pollution in the final rinse step dwell time.
of this process This is accomplished by collecting the prerins- 7.1.7 Post-Rinsing of Hydrophilic Emulsified Parts—
ings in a hold tank, separating the penetrant from water. Effective post-rinsing of emulsified penetrant from the surface
NOTE 5—Prerinse is not necessary for a spray application of hydrophilic
can be accomplished using either manual, semiautomatic, or
emulsifier. automatic water spray or immersion equipment or combina-
tions thereof.
7.1.5.1 Prerinsing Controls—Effective prerinsing is accom-
7.1.7.1 Immersion Post-Rinsing—Parts are to be completely
plished by either manual or automatic water spray rinsing of
immersed in the water bath with air or mechanical agitation.
the parts as follows:
(a) The maximum immersion time should not exceed 120
(a) Control water temperature within the range of 50 to
s unless otherwise specified by part or material specification.
100 °F (10 to 38 °C).
(b) The temperature of the water should be relatively
(b) Spray rinse at water pressure of 25 to 40 psi (172 to
constant and should be maintained within the range of 50 to
275 kPa).
100 °F (10 to 38 °C).
(c) Prerinse time should be maintained at the least pos-
sible time to provide a consistent residue of penetrant on parts, 7.1.7.2 Spray Post-Rinsing—Following emulsification parts
nominally 60 s maximum wash time to be as specified by the can be post-rinsed by either manual or automatic water spray
part or material specification. rinsing as follows:
(d) Remove water trapped in cavities using filtered shop (a) Spray rinse water pressure shall not exceed 40 psi
air at a nominal pressure of 25 psi (175 kPa) or a suction device (275 kPa) when manual, automated, or hydro-air spray guns
to remove water from pooled areas. are used. When hydro-air pressure spray guns are used, the air
(e) Water should be free of contaminants that could clog pressure shall not exceed 25 psi (172 kPa).
spray nozzles or leave a residue on parts. (b) The maximum spray rinse time should not exceed 120
7.1.6 Application of Emulsifier—After the required penetra- s unless otherwise specified by part or materials specification.
tion time and following the prerinse, the residual surface (c) Control rinse water temperature within the range of 50
penetrant on parts is emulsified by immersing the parts in a to 100 °F (10 to 38 °C).
hydrophilic emulsifier bath (7.1.6.1) or by spraying the parts 7.1.8 Drying—During the preparation of parts for
with the emulsifier (7.1.6.2) thereby rendering the remaining examination, drying is necessary either following the applica-
residual surface penetrant water-washable in the final rinse tion of the aqueous, wet developer or prior to applying dry or
station (7.1.7). nonaqueous developers. Drying time will vary with the size,
7.1.6.1 Immersion—For immersion application of hydro- nature, and number of parts under examination.
philic emulsifier, parts are completely immersed in the emul- 7.1.8.1 Drying Modes—Parts can be dried by using a hot-air
sifier bath. The hydrophilic emulsifier is gently air agitated recirculating oven, a hot- or cold-air blast, or by exposure to
throughout the contact cycle. ambient temperature. Drying is best done in a thermostatically
(a) The concentration, percent volume, shall be no higher controlled recirculating hot-air dryer. (Warning—Drying oven
than specified by the penetrant system supplier, and shall not temperature should not exceed 160°F (71°C).)
exceed that for which the system was qualified. 7.1.8.2 Drying Time Limits—Do not allow parts to remain in
(b) Immersion contact time should be kept to the mini- the drying oven any longer than is necessary to dry the part.
mum time consistent with an acceptable background and Excessive time in the dryer may impair the sensitivity of the
should not exceed 120 s or the maximum time stipulated by the examination.
part or material specification. 7.1.9 Developer Application:
(c) Emulsifier drain time begins immediately after parts 7.1.9.1 Modes of Application—There are various modes of
have been withdrawn from the emulsifier tank and continues effective application of the various types of developers such as
until the parts are washed in the final rinse station (7.1.7). dusting, immersing, flooding, or spraying. The size,
7.1.6.2 Spray Application—All part surfaces should be configuration, surface condition, number of parts to be
evenly and uniformly sprayed to effectively emulsify the processed, etc., will influence the choice of developer applica-
residual penetrant on part surfaces to render it water-washable. tion.
(a) The concentration of the emulsifier for spray applica- (a) Dry Powder Developers—Apply immediately after
tion should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s drying in such a manner as to assure complete coverage. Parts
recommendations, but should not exceed 5 %. can be immersed into a container of dry developer or dipped
(b) The spray pressure should not exceed 40 psi (275 into a fluid bed of dry developer; they can also be dusted with
kPa). the powder developer through a hand powder bulb or a powder
(c) Temperature to be maintained at 50 to 100 °F (10 to gun. It is quite common and most effective to apply dry powder
38 °C). in an enclosed dust chamber, which creates an effective and
(d) Contact time should be kept to the least possible time controlled dust cloud. Other means suited to the size and
consistent with an acceptable background and should not geometry of the specimen may be used provided the powder is
exceed 120 s or the maximum time specified by the part or dusted evenly over the entire surface being examined. Excess
material specification. powder may be removed by shaking or tapping the part gently,

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 E1210 − 16
or by blowing with low-pressure, (5 to 10 psi (34 to 70 kPa)), voltage can cause decreased UV-A irradiation with consequent
dry, clean, compressed air. inconsistent performance, a constant voltage transformer shall
(b) Aqueous Developers—Apply to the surface immedi- be used when there is evidence of voltage fluctuation.
ately after the excess penetrant has been removed from the part (Warning—Certain high-intensity UV-A sources may emit
and prior to drying. The dried developer coating appears as a unacceptable amounts of visible light, which may cause
translucent or white coating on the part. Prepare and maintain fluorescent indications to disappear. Care should be taken to
aqueous developers in accordance with the manufacturer’s use only bulbs certified by the supplier to be suitable for such
instructions and apply them in such a manner as to assure examination purposes.)
complete, even coverage. Aqueous developers may be applied NOTE 7—The recommended minimum in 7.1.10.1 is intended for
by spraying, flowing, or immersing the part. It is most common general usage. For critical examinations, higher UV-A irradiance may be
to immerse the parts in the prepared developer bath. Immerse required.
parts only long enough to coat all of the part surfaces with the 7.1.10.2 LED UV-A Sources—LED UV-A sources shall
developer. Then remove parts from the developer bath and meet the requirements of E3022.
allow to drain. Drain all excess developer from recesses and (1) UV-A Source Warm-Up—For all UV-A sources except
trapped sections to eliminate pooling of developer, which can LED UV-A sources, allow source to warm up for a minimum
obscure discontinuities. Dry the parts in accordance with 7.1.8. of 10 min prior to its use or the measurement of UV-A
(Warning—Atomized spraying is not recommended since a irradiation.
spotty film may result.) (Warning—If the parts are left in the (2) LED UV-A sources are at full intensity at power-on and
bath too long, indications may leach out.) may decrease as the lamp warms up. If UV-A measurement is
(c) Nonaqueous, Wet Developers—After the excess pen- made at power-on, then a minimum of 1500 µW/cm2 is
etrant has been removed and the surface has been dried, apply recommended.
developer by spraying in such a manner as to assure complete
NOTE 8—More information on UV-A and visible lamps, UV-A
coverage with a thin, even film of developer. These types of radiometers, and visible light meters can be found in E2297.
developer carrier evaporate very rapidly at normal room
7.1.10.3 Visible Ambient Light—Visible ambient light shall
temperature and do not, therefore, require the use of a dryer.
not exceed 2 fc (21.5 lux). The measurement should be made
Dipping or flooding parts with nonaqueous developers is
with a visible light meter on the surface being examined.
prohibited, since it will flush (dissolve) the penetrant from
within the discontinuities because of the solvent action of the NOTE 9—More information on UV-A and visible lamps, UV-A
types of developers. radiometers, and visible light meters can be found in E2297.
7.1.10.4 Visual Adaption—The examiner should be in the
NOTE 6—Warning: The vapors from the evaporating, volatile solvent darkened area for at least 1 min before examining parts. Longer
developer carrier may be hazardous. Proper ventilation should be provided
in all cases, but especially when the surface to be examined is inside a times may be necessary for more complete adaptation under
closed volume, such as a process drum or a small storage tank. some circumstances. (Warning—Photochromic or darkened
(d) Liquid Film Developers—Apply by spraying as recom- lenses shall not be worn during examination.)
mended by the manufacturer. Spray parts in such a manner as 7.1.10.5 Housekeeping—Keep the examination area free of
to insure complete coverage of the area being examined with a interfering debris or fluorescent objects. Practice good house-
thin, even film of developer. keeping at all times.
7.1.11 Evaluation—Unless otherwise agreed upon, it is
7.1.9.2 Developer Time—The minimum and maximum
normal practice to interpret and evaluate the discontinuity
bleedout time with no developer shall be 10 min and 2 h,
indication based on the size of the penetrant indication created
respectively. Developing time for dry developer begins imme-
by the developer’s absorption of the penetrant (see Reference
diately after application of the dry developer and begins when
Photographs E433).
the developer coating has dried for wet developers (aqueous
7.1.12 Post Cleaning—Post cleaning is necessary in those
and nonaqueous). The minimum developer dwell time shall be
cases where residual penetrant or developer could interfere
10 min for all types of developer. The maximum developer
with subsequent processing or with service requirements. It is
dwell time shall be 1 h for nonaqueous developer, 2 h for
particularly important where residual penetrant examination
aqueous developer, and 4 h for dry developers.
materials might combine with other factors in service to
7.1.10 Examination—Perform examination of parts after the produce corrosion. A suitable technique, such as a simple water
applicable development time as specified in 7.1.9.2 to allow for rinse, water spray, machine wash, vapor degreasing, solvent
bleedout of penetrant from discontinuities onto the developer soak, or ultrasonic cleaning may be employed (see Practice
coating. It is good practice to observe the surface while E165/E165M, Annex on Post Cleaning). It is recommended
applying the developer as an aid in evaluating indications. that if developer removal is necessary, it shall be carried out as
7.1.10.1 UV-A Irradiation—Examine fluorescent penetrant promptly as possible after examination so that it does not fix on
indications under UVA radiation in a darkened area. UV-A the part. Water spray rinsing is generally adequate.
irradiance shall be measured with a UV-A radiometer on the (Warning—Developers should be removed prior to vapor
surface to be examined. A minimum of 1000 µW/cm2 is degreasing. Vapor degreasing can bake developer on parts.)
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. Special Requirements
checked daily to assure the required output. Since a drop in line 8.1 Impurities:

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8.1.1 When using penetrant materials on austenitic stainless requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturer’s
steels, titanium, nickel-base or other high-temperature alloys, recommendations should be observed.
the need to restrict impurities such as sulfur, halogens, and 8.3 Reduced Temperature Examination—Where penetrant
alkali metals must be considered. These impurities may cause examination is performed on parts that must be maintained at
embrittlement or corrosion, particularly at elevated tempera- a reduced temperature during examination, special materials
tures. Any such evaluation should also include consideration of and processing techniques may be required. Such examination
the form in which the impurities are present. Some penetrant requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturer’s
materials contain significant amounts of these impurities in the recommendations should be observed.
form of volatile organic solvents. These normally evaporate
quickly and usually do not cause problems. Other materials 9. Qualification and Requalification
may contain impurities which are not volatile and may react 9.1 Personnel Qualification—Personnel performing exami-
with the part, particularly in the presence of moisture or nations to this standard shall be qualified in accordance with a
elevated temperatures. nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel quali-
8.1.2 Because volatile solvents leave the tested surface fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189,
quickly without reaction under normal inspection procedures, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, ISO 9712, or a similar document and
penetrant materials are normally subjected to an evaporation certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable.
procedure to remove the solvents before the materials are The practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall
analyzed for impurities. The residue from this procedure is be identified in the contractual agreement between the using
then analyzed in accordance with Test Method D129, Test parties..
Method D1552, or Test Method D129 decomposition followed 9.2 Procedure Qualification—Qualification of procedure us-
by Test Methods D516, Method B (Turbidimetric Method) for ing conditions or times differing from those specified or for
sulfur. The residue may also be analyzed in accordance with new materials may be performed by any of several methods
Test Method D808, Annex on Methods for Measuring Total and should be agreed upon by the contracting parties. A test
Chlorine Content in Combustible Liquid Penetrant Materials piece containing one or more discontinuities of the smallest
(for halogens other than fluorine) and Practice E165/E165M, relevant size is used. The test piece may contain real or
Annex on Method for Measuring Total Fluorine Content in simulated discontinuities, providing it displays the character-
Combustible Liquid Penetrant (for fluorine). The Annex on istics of the discontinuities encountered in production exami-
Determination of Anions and Cations by Ion Chromatography nations.
in Practice E165/E165M can be used as an alternate procedure.
Alkali metals in the residue are determined by flame photom- 9.3 Nondestructive Testing Agency Qualification—If a non-
etry or atomic absorption spectrophotometry. destructive testing agency as described in Practice E543 is used
to perform the examination, the agency shall meet the require-
NOTE 10—Some current standards indicate that impurity levels of sulfur ments of Practice E543.
and halogens exceeding 1 % of any one suspect element may be
considered excessive. However, this high a level may be unacceptable in 9.4 Requalification may be required when a change or
some cases, so the actual maximum acceptable impurity level must be substitution is made in the type of penetrant materials or in the
decided between supplier and user on a case by case basis. procedure (see 9.2).
8.2 Elevated Temperature Examination—Where penetrant
examination is performed on parts that must be maintained at 10. Keywords
elevated temperature during examination, special materials and 10.1 fluorescent liquid penetrant testing; hydrophilic post-
processing techniques may be required. Such examination emulsification method; nondestructive testing

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