Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection Process for Non-Destructive Testing(NDT)

Parts that undergo the fluorescent penetrant inspection process are typically Safety-Critical Components in aerospace and automotive vehicles. Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection is a non-destructive testing method that is used to detect surface cracks, seams, or discontinuities in parts. These surface defects show up during the inspection process as ‘indications’ under black light. These parts are specifically used in airplanes, helicopters, automobiles, and medical implants.

Fluorescent penetrant inspection can be done on new products or parts that are in use and need to analyze for cracks that may have developed over time. Simplified Steps of Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection:

Step 1: Do make sure pre-cleaning process

By using PROMAG’s ultrasonic clean system station with a standard detergent as a cleaner to do part-preclean, it is a must to prepare a part surface that is cleaned and dried before going into the fluorescent penetrant station.

Step 2: Applying fluorescent penetrant

By using PROMAG’s penetrant station with an air-driven lifter, it can be automatically doing part-immersion process into a standard fluorescent penetrant, also to raise parts out of fluorescent penetrant consumable for next dwelling.

Step 3: Dwell for waiting fluorescent penetrant penetrate cracks

Moving parts forward to PROMAG’s dwell station to allow parts to dwell on the station regarding ASTM E1444 standard’s dwell request while the penetrant is ‘wetting’ on the surface part. PROMAG’s dwell station design also can collect fluorescent penetrant liquid during dwelling for future using to reduce consumable costs.

Step 3: To rinse parts

The importance of the rinse station will influence the next step dry powder developer. PROMAG rinse station has an automatic spraying system with a rotating table function that can remove excess fluorescent penetrant on a surface part easier than before. An operator must check incompletely removed fluorescent penetrant liquid of parts and manual rinsing under PROMAG overhead UV LED lamps(POB-A-365). In this way, PROMAG rinse station can help operators to save working time and energy, especially in the time that has a large volume of part fluorescent penetrant inspection.  

Step 4: Drying in oven

After parts rinsing, it is essential to dry parts before applying dry-powder developer on them. PROMAG dryer is designed and made according to ASTM E1417. Many dryers have been used in aerospace. 

Step 5: Applying Developer

Developers in the NDT process of fluorescent penetrant inspection enhance the visibility of fluorescent penetrant indications by pulling fluorescent penetrant from a discontinuity surface defect and spreading the fluorescent penetrant through the developer coating on the part surface. PROMAG developer station is not only engineered with the features of automatic powder-spraying, collection, and air-circulation also manufactured according to ASTM E1417 standard while doing “developer process” in order to make this process more efficiently.

Step 5: Inspection in darkroom

The part finally has to be transported and placed under a UV lamp(ultraviolet light) to look for fluorescent indications that may be cracks or other surface discontinuities. PROMAG’s inspection can tailor in detail for our clients. With PROMAG’s UV LED lamps and ventilation, the fluorescent penetrant inspection process will be going smoothly, conveniently, and efficiently for every NDT PT Level I, Level II, and even Level III.  

Step 6: LevelII and LevelIII Documentary record and indications confirmation.

Level II and Level III operators have to records, inspection, and examination to define and find defects that make safety parts and components secure regarding quality assurance specification, ASTM E1417, and NADCAP standard through control of all standard fluorescent penetrant inspection processes.

Step 7: Post-clean parts and dried in PROMAG’s dryer.

After the end of the inspection, some parts have to clean before packaging and delivery. PROMAG post-clean station divides into the standard cleaning station and the customization station. The station can be having the function of ultrasonic clean to help post-clean more easily.