4.1 This practice establishes the basic parameters for controlling the application of the liquid penetrant method. This practice is written so it can be specified on the engineering drawing, specification, or contract. It is not a detailed how-to procedure to be used by the inspector and, therefore, must be supplemented by a detailed procedure that conforms to the requirements of this practice. Specification E165 contains information to help develop detailed requirements.
1.1 This practice establishes the minimum requirements for conducting liquid penetrant examination of nonporous metal, and nonmetal components.
1.2 The penetrant examination processes described in this practice are applicable to in-process, final, and maintenance (in-service) examinations. These processes are applicable for the detection of discontinuities, such as lack of fusion, corrosion, cracks, laps, cold shuts, and porosity, that are open or connected to the surface of the component under examination.
1.3 Caution must be exercised in the usage of elevated temperature with components manufactured from thermoplastic materials. Also, some cleaners, penetrants, and developers can have a deleterious effect on nonmetallic materials such as plastics. Prior to examination, tests should be conducted to ensure that none of the cleaning or examination materials are harmful to the components to be examined.
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.