What could lead to contamination during a penetrant test?

Handling the test specimen with bare hands can lead to contamination during a penetrant test because oils, dirt, or other contaminants from the skin can transfer to the surface of the test specimen. These foreign substances can interfere with the ability of the penetrant to effectively enter any surface cracks or flaws, which is essential for accurate testing results. Proper handling techniques, such as wearing gloves or using tools, are important to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that the testing process is reliable and effective.

In contrast, using a new cleaning cloth typically helps maintain cleanliness and reduce contamination, while applying the penetrant at an appropriate speed should not inherently cause contamination if done correctly. Using a dedicated rinsing tank is designed to avoid contamination by keeping the rinse solutions clean and separate from other materials. Each of these choices promotes good practice in penetrant testing and is less likely to contribute to issues of contamination.