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

What can be a result of improper use of developers in penetrant testing?

1. Indications may be easier to see

2. Indications may be obscured

3. Indications will always improve

4. Developers will have no effect on results

The correct answer is: Indications may be obscured

Improper use of developers in penetrant testing can lead to indications being obscured. In liquid penetrant testing, the developer plays a critical role by drawing the penetrant out of the defect and onto the surface, which makes the indications visible. If the developer is applied incorrectly—whether it be too thick of a layer, the wrong type for the penetrant, or applied at an incorrect time—it can prevent the penetrant from being fully drawn out of the flaw, making those indications difficult or impossible to see. For example, if a developer is too absorbent or if it dries too quickly, it may trap the penetrant inside the defect, thus obstructing the visibility of the flaw that needs to be inspected. The goal of the developer is to enhance the visibility of any indications, but improper application can nullify that effect, leading to obscured indications that could ultimately result in missed defects during inspection. This highlights the importance of following proper procedures and guidelines when using developers in penetrant testing to achieve the best results in identifying surface discontinuities.