Liquid Penetrant Testing Level 1 (PT-1) Practice Exam

How long should a part be kept wet with penetrant before starting the removal process?

1. Always for 10 minutes

2. It varies based on multiple factors

3. Exactly 5 minutes

4. Until the surface feels dry

The correct answer is: It varies based on multiple factors

The correct answer reflects the fact that the duration for keeping a part wet with penetrant before beginning the removal process is not a fixed time but rather depends on multiple factors. These factors include the type of penetrant used (e.g., water-soluble, solvent-removable), the surface conditions of the part, the temperature, and the specific material being tested. For example, some penetrants require longer dwell times to allow adequate penetration into surface flaws, while others can be removed more quickly. Additionally, environmental conditions such as humidity and air flow can influence the effectiveness of the penetrant and dictate how long it should remain on the surface. Understanding that the time is variable allows for proper application of the penetrant based on the specific testing scenario, ultimately leading to more accurate and reliable results in Liquid Penetrant Testing.