Liquid Penetrant Examination (LPE), also referred to as penetrant testing (PT), liquid penetrant testing (LP), and dye penetrant testing (DP), is a nondestructive examination (NDE) method that utilizes fluorescent dye to reveal surface flaws on parts and equipment which might not otherwise be visible. The technique works via the principle of “capillary action,” a process where a liquid flows into a narrow space without help from gravity. Because it is one of the easiest and least expensive NDE techniques to perform, LPE is one of the most commonly used inspection techniques in many industries, including oil and gas.
While this method is effective due to its simplicity and accuracy, it does have its share of disadvantages as well. It can only detect flaws on the surface. So for subsurface flaws, a technique like magnetic particle testing (MPT) is more appropriate. It also only works on smooth surfaces, which can make it unsuitable for some parts.
Is this definition incomplete? You can help by contributing to it.
|
Blog
September 13, 2018 By Berg Engineering
Nondestructive testing (NDT) careers are on the rise in today’s economy. These fields are constantly advancing, and there is an ever-growing need for technicians, quality assurance specialists and inspectors as infrastructure in the United States continues to age. |
|
September/October 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By Kimberley Hayes at Olympus
Detecting, quantifying, and sizing indications characterized as a “crack” in critical equipment have long been the global benchmark of asset integrity programs. Therefore, the increased precision that inspection programs obtain using advanced technologies can dynamically improve the overall assessment. |
|
Blog
June 1, 2015 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) makes up the majority of testing performed in our industry. There many different types of nondestructive testing techniques. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages; each can detect different types of flaws. Some are simple to perform, others are difficult. Some are used on several different types of equipment, others are more restricted. |
