How to remove NDT Testing Dye Penetrants?
Non-Destructive Test (NDT) teams utilize vapor degreasing as a valuable part of the inspection process first to pre-clean the surface of the part, and post inspection to remove the penetrant fluid after testing.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a vital aspect of analytical part testing that ensures the integrity of parts. In this blog, we will show the power and efficiency of using vapor cleaning as a part of the NDT process.
Benefits of Using Vapor Degreasing for NDT Testing
Many industries from aerospace to metal part manufacturing use Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) as an inspection method to detect surface or sub-surface defects and flaws in components (like turbines) to ensure safety and quality of parts. There are several NDT evaluation techniques. In this blog, we will focus on two dye penetrant techniques, fluorescent dye penetrant and magnetic particle penetrants that enable inspectors to identify defects with greater confidence. These inspection processes rely on cleaning systems like the ULTRA vapor degreaser and AeroTron Solvents to prepare the surface prior to application of the dye penetrant testing material and to remove the dye-penetrant test material once testing is complete. The two testing processes:
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Involves applying a visible or fluorescent dye to detect surface-breaking flaws.
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): Detects surface and shallow subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials using magnetic fields.
Vapor Cleaning & Degreasing Is Essential for NDT in two key aspects of the process:
1 . Pre-Cleaning of Part: Before Dye Penetrant or Magnetic Particle Application
Vapor Degreasing is excellent for removing hydrocarbon contaminants such as Hydraulic fluids, turbine oils, jet fuel residues, greases, lubricants and other contaminants that are on the parts prior to NDT processing to ensure a completely clean surface.
2 . Post Testing Cleaning: After testing, the part is cleaned to ensure no test material is left as residue prior to returning the part back into service.
Because, many components are complex and contain blind holes, threads, channels and cavities, the low surface tension of the solvents used in vapor degreasing can easily penetrate difficult to clean areas of parts to ensure all dye penetrant & magnetic particle test material is removed.
REMOVAL OF FLUORESCENT LIQUID DYE PENETRANT
Fluorescent penetrant inspection uses a special dye that glows under ultraviolet (UV) light to highlight tiny, invisible cracks and defects on the surface of the part. The black light shows the dye as bright, neon-green to reveal the exact shape and size of the cracks.
Note: the neon-green fluorescent liquid is visible on the part (picture on left) and then completely removed after cleaning as shown in the picture on the right (the blue hue is from the black light reflecting on the part)
CASE STUDY
An Aerospace MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) company asked Reliance to conduct a removal of the fluorescent dye penetrant using AeroTron-AV-5408 Boeing approved solvent. Read the full case study here: NDT CASE STUDY LINK
Once inspection is completed, the fluorescent penetrant needs to be completely removed. A vapor degreaser is exceptional at removing the dye penetrant as demonstrated in the video.
The part is being cleaned in the ULTRA 2012LE vapor degreasing system.
Removal of Magnetic Particle Fluid
Magnetic Particles are suspended in an oil based carrier and applied to the surface of parts to be tested. These magnetic particles help to find defects or cracks near the surface of the part. When the metal part is magnetized, any crack breaks the magnetic field and forces a magnetic leak. The tiny iron particles stick to this leak spot and show a clear, visible outline of the flaw.
In the case of the part cleaning (note the “green” hue of the particle fluid on the part in the left most picture), the magnetic particle fluid is removed by immersion cleaning in the in the ULTRA 2012LE vapor degreasing system using AeroTron-AV-5408 Boeing approved solvent.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Vapor degreasing provides MRO NDT teams:
Residue-free surfaces before and after testing
Inspection-ready components
Reliable dye penetrant removal
Fast processing times
Verifiably clean surfaces post test inspection
Few cleaning technologies can simultaneously meet all of these requirements as effectively as vapor degreasing.
How Reliance Specialty Products Helps NDT Testing Teams
Reliance Specialty Products works with aerospace manufacturers and MRO facilities to optimize the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Process by providing a complete turn-key cleaning system.
With our Comprehensive Vapor Degreasing Package you will get a every thing you need for your NDT cleaning operation:
Equipment - ultrasonic, low-emission, vapor degreasing systems
Solvent - powerful cleaning with excellent health and safety profile
Training - start-up and system maintenance
Accessories - parts basket
Consultation - part processing optimization and validation
On-Going Technical Support
contact us at Reliance Specialty Products today to discuss your NDT cleaning needs and request a complimentary cleaning evaluation.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. Reliance Technical Support Department at 847-640-8923. We are glad to be of assistance.