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

What method can be used to remove oil from the surface of a test specimen?

1. Water spray rinse

2. Vapor degreasing

3. Soap and water

4. Mechanical scrubbing

The correct answer is: Vapor degreasing

Vapor degreasing is an effective method for removing oil from the surface of a test specimen. This process involves using a solvent that is vaporized and then condensed onto the surface of the object being cleaned. The solvent evaporates any contaminants, such as oil or grease, leaving the surface clean. This method is particularly advantageous because it can reach areas that might be difficult to clean using more direct methods. Vapor degreasing minimizes the risk of surface damage that might occur with physical scrubbing or the use of harsh chemical agents. Additionally, it is an efficient technique that typically requires less manual labor and produces consistent cleaning results, making it ideal for preparing materials in non-destructive testing applications like liquid penetrant testing. In contrast, other methods may not provide the same level of thoroughness or might risk contaminating the surface further or damaging it. For instance, while soap and water can clean surfaces, it is often less effective for heavy oils or residues, and may require more aggressive scrubbing than vapor degreasing does.