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

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a cleaning solvent used before penetrant testing?

1. The cleaner must be water-based

2. The cleaner must be non-flammable

3. The cleaner must evaporate quickly

4. The cleaner must be effective on various surfaces

The correct answer is: The cleaner must be non-flammable

The correct response highlights that it is not a requirement for the cleaning solvent used before penetrant testing to be non-flammable. Cleaning solvents are often classified based on their volatility and flammability, and while it is generally advisable to use non-flammable solvents for safety, it is not an absolute necessity dictated by the standards for penetrant testing. In practice, it is vital to choose a cleaner that effectively removes contaminants from the test surface without leaving residues that could interfere with the penetrant. While non-flammability enhances safety, particularly in environments where ignition sources may be present, the primary focus is on the cleaning solvent's capability to thoroughly clean various surfaces without introducing potential issues during the penetrant testing themselves. The effectiveness on various surfaces, the ability to evaporate quickly to avoid leaving residues, and the suitability for use with the specific materials involved in the testing process tend to be more important considerations in the selection of a cleaning solvent prior to a penetrant test. Thus, these characteristics are emphasized more than the flammability aspect.