Specialized NDT Service · ASTM E165 Certified
A trusted, cost-effective non-destructive testing method to detect surface-breaking discontinuities in critical components — from welds and castings to aerospace structures and pressure vessels. Our certified inspectors deliver reliable results in the field and in-shop, with full documentation and compliance to international standards.
| Scope Item | Details | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Detect and characterize surface-breaking cracks, laps, seams, cold shuts, and porosity in non-porous materials | All DPT work |
| Material Types | Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminium, titanium, copper alloys, ceramics, glass, and non-porous composites | All metals & ceramics |
| Component Types | Welds, castings, forgings, machined parts, turbine blades, pipelines, pressure vessels, structural members, fasteners | Per job scope |
| Dye Type Offered | Type I – Fluorescent (UV) for highest sensitivity; Type II – Visible red dye for field and general inspections | Client selected |
| Removal Method | Method A (water-washable) for production volumes; Method D (solvent-removable) for spot checks and precision surfaces | Surface dependent |
| Developer Type | Dry powder (Da), non-aqueous wet (Dc) for fluorescent; aqueous wet (Db) for high-volume lines | Per procedure |
| Temperature Range | Standard: 10°C – 52°C. High-temp and low-temp formulations available on request | Special conditions |
| Governing Standards | ASTM E165, ASME Sec. V Art. 6, EN ISO 3452-1, MIL-STD-6866, SNT-TC-1A / NAS 410 personnel | All work orders |
| Exclusions | Porous materials (wood, concrete, uncoated ceramics), subsurface defects, painted or coated surfaces without prior stripping | Not covered |
| Deliverables | Inspection report, defect maps/sketches, photographic records, accept/reject disposition per applicable code | Every inspection |
Degrease and clean with solvent or alkaline cleaner. Remove scale, paint, rust, and coatings. Surface must be dry before penetrant application.
Apply dye by spray, brush, or immersion. Ensure full coverage of the test area. Do not allow penetrant to dry during dwell.
Allow 5–60 minutes for penetrant to seep into discontinuities. Dwell time depends on material, temperature, and defect type.
Remove surface penetrant by water rinse (Method A) or solvent wipe (Method D). Avoid over-washing — excess removal can mask fine cracks.
Apply dry or wet developer to draw trapped dye to the surface, forming visible indications against the white developer background.
Inspect under UV (fluorescent) or white light (visible). Record, interpret, and classify all indications. Issue formal report with accept/reject.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Post-cleaning | All penetrant and developer residues removed by solvent or water wash to prevent corrosion or contamination of the component |
| Indication Evaluation | All indications evaluated against the applicable acceptance criteria (ASME, AWS, API, or client specification) |
| Documentation | Signed inspection report with component ID, procedure reference, personnel certification level, findings, and disposition |
| Re-inspection | Available after repair or rework; prior records retained for traceability and audit purposes |