Inspection Penetrant

Inspection penetrants, also known as penetrant testing or liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), are a type of chemical used in non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect surface defects or discontinuities in materials. They are part of the supply class Miscellaneous Chemical Specialties in the supply group Chemicals And Chemical Products.

Inspection penetrants are typically used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and oil and gas. They are applied to the surface of a material, such as metal, plastic, or ceramics, and are designed to penetrate into any surface cracks, pores, or other defects. The penetrant is then allowed to dwell on the surface for a specific period of time to ensure proper penetration.

After the dwell time, the excess penetrant is removed from the surface, leaving behind a thin layer of penetrant trapped in any surface defects. A developer is then applied to the surface, which draws out the trapped penetrant and makes it visible. This allows inspectors to easily identify and evaluate any defects or discontinuities present on the surface.

Inspection penetrants come in various forms, including liquid, aerosol, or even as a powder that can be mixed with a liquid carrier. They are available in different sensitivity levels, depending on the size and type of defects being inspected. Some penetrants are also designed for specific materials or applications, such as high-temperature penetrants or penetrants for use in underwater inspections.

Overall, inspection penetrants are an essential tool in non-destructive testing, allowing for the detection and evaluation of surface defects in a wide range of materials.