Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and magnitude of the detected discontinuities. This test method is normally used for production examination of critical components or structures when (a) removal of excessive amounts of penetrant from discontinuities using a water-washable process can be a problem and (b) the use of a hydrophilic remover is impractical.

Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and magnitude of the detected discontinuities. This practice is normally used for production examination of critical components or structures when (a) removal of excessive amounts of penetrant from discontinuities using a water-washable process can be a problem and (b) the use of a hydrophilic remover is impractical.