Penetrant Testing
HELLING GmbH
Since 1863
Penetrant Testing
Penetrant Testing
Penetrant testing (PT) is an easy-to-use non-destructive testing method. Penetrants with low surface tension and high capillary effect are used. This allows them to easily penetrate openings in the test part surface such as surface pores or fine cracks with gap widths in the µm range (≥ 25 µm).
Colour contrast penetrant testing of a bearing ring
Fluorescent penetrant testing of a bearing ring
Typical indications that can be detected with the penetrant testing are:
- Cold cracks
- Hot cracks
- Grinding cracks
- Gas pores and clustered porosities
- Spongy texture
- Stress corrosion cracking
Depending on which penetrant is used, a distinction is made between three methods according to EN ISO 3452 Part 2:
- TYPE I Fluorescent Penetrant Testing
- TYPE II Colour Contrast Penetrant Testing
- TYPE III Fluorescent Colour Contrast Penetrant Testing
The basic standard for penetrant testing EN ISO 3452 Part 1 describes in detail how to perform penetrant testing with the various testing products systems.
Process steps of the colour contrast penetrant testing
In the following, the essential steps in performing colour contrast penetrant testing using the red-white method are presented. A solvent-based wet developer (form e) is used.
(1) Precleaning
Mechanical pre-cleaning -
Brushing, grinding, blasting
Precleaning ensures that the surface of the test object is free of contaminants. Impurities can be e.g.: rust, grease or scale. Any indications that may be present are thus made accessible for penetration by the penetrant. Precleaning can be performed:
- mechanically - e.g. brushing, grinding, blasting
- chemical - by means of cleaning agents, whereby these must be removed from the surface after the cleaning process
(2) Application of the penetrant (penetration)
Penetrate -
Uniform application of the coloured (or fluorescent) penetrant
The penetrant is sprayed onto the dry surface to be tested. The penetrant can also be applied with a brush. Or the test object is poured over with or immersed into the penetrant. The penetration time can be 5 minutes - 60 minutes. This depends on the test conditions (e.g. temperature) and the test object material .
(3) Excess penetrant removal
Removal of excess penetrant, e.g. with a sponge
During excess penetrant removal, the excess penetrant is carefully removed from the test object surface after the specified penetration time. A lint-free cloth or sponge is used for this purpose. The test surface is carefully inspected for residues.
(4) Drying
Drying the test object surface with moving air
Before the developer can be applied, the test object surface must be dry (except when using a water-based developer, form b and c). This is achieved by:
- Wiping with a dry lint-free cloth
- Evaporation
- Forced ventilation (e.g. hair dryer, compressed air)
(5) Application of the developer
Uniform spraying of the white developer
The developer is applied evenly to the test object surface. A thin, homogeneous, white layer is formed. This ensures that the penetrant remaining in the surface openings is bleeding out.
(6) Inspection
Inspection of the test object surface, indications "bleed" out
Immediately after application of the developer, the test object surface is inspected according to the given inspection intervals. The required viewing conditions (see EN ISO 3059, ASTM E1417 or customer specification) are observed.
The test result and the test conditions are recorded by the NDT personnel in the test report. Depending on the test instruction or specification, documentation by fotos or video recordings are made.
Classification of penetration systems according to EN ISO 3452 Part 2
Testing products for penetrant testing are classified by
- Type of penetrant
- Method of excess penetrant removal
- Form of development
(see EN ISO 3452-2 Table 1 above)
Fluorescent penetration systems are classified according to sensitivity levels starting with ½ (very low) to 4 (ultra-high sensitivity).
There are two sensitivity classes for color contrast penetration systems and fluorescent color contrast penetration systems:
| Sensitivity class 1 | normal |
| Sensitivity class 2 | high |
NORD-TEST
NORD-TEST testing products are used in areas such as
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive industry
- Shipbuilding
- Vessel construction
- Metalworking
- Welding technology
Temperature range from -5°C to +50°C.
At low temperatures (from -5 °C to +10 °C), the penetration times must be extended accordingly to achieve the same test sensitivity.
The special specifications in EN ISO 3452-6 "Non-destructive testing - Penetrant testing - Part 6: Penetrant testing at temperatures below 10 °C" shall be taken into account.
For tests at higher temperatures (from +65 °C to +180 °C), the SUPER-CHEK colour penetration system was developed.
The NORD-TEST Penetration System is tested and approved according to
- EN ISO 3452-2
- KTA (Kerntechnischer Ausschuss - Nuclear Safety Standards Commission)
and meets the requirements of
- Lloyd's Register of Shipping
- Bureau Veritas
- Bureau Central Hollandais
- Germanischer Lloyd
- MIL-I-25135 / QPL-25135
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
- AMS 2644
- ASTM E165
- ASTM E1417
Freedom from halogens and sulfur is tested and certified according to
- ASTM E165-02
- ASTM D516-02
- KWU
- EN ISO 3452-2
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NORD-TEST Reiniger U 87
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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NORD-TEST Kontrastrot U 88NORD-TEST Kontrastrot U 88 is a red penetrant for colour contrast penetrant testing TYPE II class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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NORD-TEST Entwickler U 89NORD-TEST Entwickler U 89 is a white developer
FORM
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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NORD-TEST ROT 3000NORD-TEST Rot 3000 is a red fluorescent penetrant TYPE III class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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NORD-TEST Set1 set consists of:
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NORD-TEST Penetrant FP 90 Blau NNORD-TEST Penetrant FP 90 Blau N is a blue fluorescent penetrant TYPE I class 2
For special applications to prevent discolouration of sensitive surfaces. METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Bottle - 200 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L |
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NORD-TEST Food PenetrantFood-safe colour contrast penetrant TYPE III - corresponds to class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L |
Standard-Chek
Standard-Chek ist ein Prüfmittelsystem für die Farb-Eindrinprüfung (Rot-Weiß-Verfahren)
The Standard-Chek testing product system is preferably used in the following areas:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive industry
- Shipbuilding
- Vessel construction
- Metalworking
- Welding technology
Temperature range from -5°C to +50°C.
For tests at higher temperatures (from +65 °C to +180 °C), the SUPER-CHEK colour penetration system was developed.
The Standard Chek testing products are tested and approved according to
- EN ISO 3452-2
- KTA (Kerntechnischer Ausschuss - Nuclear Safety Standards Commission)
and meet the requirements of
- Lloyd's Register of Shipping
- Bureau Veritas
- Bureau Central Hollandais
- Germanischer Lloyd
- MIL-I-25135 / QPL-25135
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
- AMS 2644H
- ASTM E165/E165M
- ASTM E1417/E1417M
Freedom from halogens and sulfur is tested and certified according to
- ASTM E165/E165M
- ASTM D516
- KWU
- EN ISO 3452-2
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Standard-Chek Reiniger Nr. 1Remover for the penetrant testing system Standard-Chek
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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Standard-Chek Kontrastrot Nr. 2Standard-Chek Kontrastrot Nr. 2 is a red penetrant of high contrast for colour contrast penetrant testing Type II, class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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Standard-Chek Entwickler Nr. 3Standard-Chek Entwickler Nr.3 is a white developer for penetrant testing
FORM
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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Standard-Chek Rot 2003Red fluorescent penetrant for fluorescent colour contrast penetrant testing Type III, class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Met-L-CHEK
MET-L-CHEK testing products marked with *** are QPL-AMS2644H listed products.
MET-L-CHEK testing products are used in the following areas:
- General metalworking
- Atomic Energetics
- Welding technology
Temperature range from -5°C to +50°C.
As a special testing products system for high temperatures (52°С - 177° С), the VP 302 penetrant was developed in combination with the D 702 special developer and the R 502 special cleaner.
MET-L-CHEK penetrant testing systems meet the requirements of
- AMS 2644H
- AMS 2647F
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Section V
- ASTM E165/E165M
- ASTM E1417/E1417M
- EN ISO 3452-2
- NAVSEA-T9074-AS-GIB-010/271
Freedom from halogens and sulfur is tested and certified according to ASTM E165/E165M and ASTM D516 as well as the requirements of KWU and EN ISO 3452.
Penetrant Type I - A,C
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP-90MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP-90 is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant. TYPE I Level 1/2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 91MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 91 is a water washable fluorescent penetrant.
TYPE I Level 1/2
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 91 BMET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 91 B is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 1/2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 911*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 911 is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant. TYPE I Level 1
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 921*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 921 is approved for
Water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 1
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 912*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 912 is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 2+
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 922*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 922 is approved for
Water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 2+
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 913*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 913 is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 3+
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 923*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 923 is approved for
Water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 3+
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 914*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FBP 914 is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 4
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Penetrant Type I - B,C,D
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 93 A (M)*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP-93 A (M) is approved for
Post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 2
METHODS to be applied for excess penetrant removal are:
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 95 A (M)*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK FP 95 A (M) is approved for
Post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 3
METHODS of excess penetrant removal to be applied are respectively:
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 97 A (M)*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant FP 97 A (M) is approved for
Post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrant TYPE I Level 4
METHODS of excess penetrant removal to be applied are respectively:
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Penetrant Type II - A,C
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant Dye VP 30*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant Dye VP-30 Spray and MET-L-CHEK Penetrant Dye VP-30 are red testing agents for dye penetrant testing TYPE II class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant VBP 300*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Penetrant VBP 300 is a biodegradable colour contrast penetrant TYPE II class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Penetrant Type II - C
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MET-L-CHEK Penetrant VP 302*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed Special high-sensitivity colour contrast penetrant for high temperatures TYPE II class 2
Application together with
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 25 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Penetrant Type III - A,C
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MET-L-CHEK Rot 1001* Corresponds to AMS 2644E MET-L-CHEK Rot 1001 Spray and MET-L-CHEK Rot1001 are red fluorescent colour contrast penetrants. Type III Class 2
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Cleaner
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MET-L-CHEK Spezialreiniger NPU* The remover MET-L-CHEK Special Cleaner NPU meets the requirements of AMS 2644E.
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Remover E 59 A*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Remover E 59 A is a moderately drying remover with mild cleaning action.
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Reiniger R 502MET-L-CHEK Reiniger R 502 for temperatures from +52 °C to +177 °C
Application together with
Packaging: Canister - 25 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Remover R 503*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Remover R 503 is a fast drying remover
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Cleaner & Remover R 504 Spray*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Cleaner & Remover R 504 Spray is a very fast drying cleaner.
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Emulsifier B
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MET-L-CHEK Emulgator E 57*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Emulgator E 57 is a ready-to-use lipophilic emulsifier for all post-emulsifiable penetrants
Application
METHOD of excess penetrant removal
Packaging: Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Emulsifier D
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MET-L-CHEK Emulgator E 58 D*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Emulsifier E 58 D is a hydrophilic emulsifier concentrate
Dilution
METHOD
Packaging: Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
Developer
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MET-L-CHEK Developer D70*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Developer D70 is a white developer
FORM
Packaging: Aerosol can - 400 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Developer D702MET-L-CHEK Developer D702 is a developer for high temperatures from +52 °C to +177 °C FORM
Application together with
Packaging: Canister - 25 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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MET-L-CHEK Developer D 78 B*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed
FORM
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MET-L-CHEK Developer D 72 A*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Developer D 72 A is a dry developer for fluorescent penetrant testing. Suitable for
FORM
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MET-L-CHEK Developer D 76 B*** Qualified according to AMS 2644E and QPL-2644 listed MET-L-CHEK Developer D 76 B is a water-soluble developer for post-emulsifiable fluorescent penetrants.
FORM
Packaging: 10 kg ⋅ 20 kg |
TORNIA
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TORNIA TRES-CHECK PREMIUM Typ 4103 Penetrant-rot-visible-TGLRed colour contrast penetrant for penetrant testing Technical data
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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TORNIA TRES-CHECK PREMIUM Typ 436 - removerRemover for penetrant testing Technical data
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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TORNIA TRES-CHECK PREMIUM Typ 437 - developerWhite developer for penetrant testing Technical data
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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TORNIA TRES-CHECK PREMIUM Typ 4811 Penetrant - fluorescentYellowish fluorescent penetrant for penetrant testing Technical data
Packaging: Aerosol can - 500 mL ⋅ Canister - 1 L ⋅ Canister - 10 L ⋅ Barrel - 200 L |
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