Liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), or dye penetrant inspection, is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for detecting surface flaws of welds, castings, and other components that cannot be destroyed. LPI is a portable surface inspection method, allowing our Engaged Experts to conduct comprehensive onsite penetrant inspection.

Liquid penetrant inspection is a valuable tool for evaluating non-ferromagnetic and non-metallic materials. In addition to checking for defects and cracks, it can also be used to determine other surface characteristics, such as porosity.

Parts must go through a pre-cleaning process (etch, alkaline or solvent-cleaning) before the liquid penetrant is applied. After allowing proper dwell time, excess penetrant is removed from the surface (but not from any possible defects), and the part is dried. Then a developing powder is applied; this developer pulls up the dye that has seeped into cracks or pores, resulting in visible marks or indications that identify surface flaws. Based on the results, an inspector then provides a report with the type, number and size of defects on a component.

Our non-destructive testing (NDT) experts are well-trained in liquid penetrant inspection and hold Level II and III certifications from ASNT, among other qualifications. Element provides Type II non-fluorescent NDT services to all of the various commercial and nuclear codes, as well as Type I fluorescent inspection to aerospace, government, nuclear, and after-market applications.