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

Which factor can affect the performance of a liquid penetrant test?

1. Humidity levels

2. The time taken to inspect

3. The color of the penetrant

4. The type of developer used

The correct answer is: Humidity levels

Humidity levels can significantly impact the performance of a liquid penetrant test. High humidity can lead to the formation of moisture on the surface being tested, which can interfere with the penetrant's ability to adhere to the surface and properly penetrate any flaws. This can result in false indications or missed defects, ultimately compromising the reliability of the test results. While the time taken to inspect and the type of developer used are also important aspects of the testing process, they do not directly pertain to environmental conditions that can impede the testing itself. The color of the penetrant is primarily related to visibility and does not affect its performance in terms of defect detection. Thus, humidity is a critical environmental factor that needs to be controlled to ensure accurate and effective liquid penetrant testing.