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

When removing excess penetrant, what must be avoided during the operation?

1. Removing penetrant from the surface

2. Leaving penetrant on the surface

3. Using excessive pressure

4. Using incompatible cleaning agents

The correct answer is: Removing penetrant from the surface

When removing excess penetrant, it's essential to avoid certain practices to ensure that the testing process is effective and does not compromise the results. The correct focus here is on the method of removal. Using excessive pressure can potentially drive penetrant into flaws that are present on the surface, affecting the quality of the inspection. This is why it's essential to use a gentle approach to ensure integrity in the testing process. Moreover, it's crucial to handle the cleaning process delicately to avoid disturbing the penetrant that is meant to remain in any surface breaking defects or discontinuities. This is vital in ensuring that the test results accurately reflect the condition of the component being inspected. While it is necessary to remove excess penetrant, doing so without disturbing the substance that must highlight potential defects is key. The emphasis on removing penetrant from the surface requires careful technique to maintain the integrity of the inspection management process and to highlight any flaws accurately before proceeding to the developing stage.