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

Which of the following discontinuities is most likely to be missed due to improper rinse technique?

1. Deep cracks

2. Shallow and broad discontinuities

3. Pinhole leaks

4. Crazing

The correct answer is: Shallow and broad discontinuities

Shallow and broad discontinuities can be particularly difficult to detect due to improper rinse technique. During the Liquid Penetrant Testing process, the rinsing step is crucial for removing excess penetrant from the surface of the material after it has been allowed to penetrate into any discontinuities. If the rinse is not done properly, residual penetrant may remain on the surface, obscuring or masking shallow and broad discontinuities. This could lead to a false impression of the integrity of the part being tested, as these types of discontinuities do not always present themselves as obvious defects and require careful examination to detect. Deep cracks, pinhole leaks, and crazing, in contrast, can often be identified through visual inspections even if some surface penetrant remains, as they tend to create more distinct indications that are easier to differentiate from surface contamination. Therefore, the improper rinse technique particularly risks the detection of shallow and broad discontinuities, making them the most likely to be missed in such scenarios.