ASTM E1418-21

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1418 − 16 E1418 − 21
Standard Practice for
Visible Penetrant Testing Using the Water-Washable
Process
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1418; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes procedures for visible liquid penetrant examination utilizing the water-washable process. It is a
nondestructive practice for detecting discontinuities that are open to the surface such as cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations,
isolated porosity, through leaks or lack of fusion and is applicable to in-process, final, and maintenance examination. This practice
can be effectively used in the examination of nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and nonferrous, and of nonmetallic
materials such as glazed or fully densified ceramics, and certain nonporous plastics, and glass.
1.2 This practice also provides the following references:
1.2.1 A reference by which visible penetrant examination procedures using the water-washable process can be reviewed to
ascertain their applicability and completeness.
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications dealing with the visible, water-washable liquid penetrant examination of
materials and parts. Agreement between the user and the supplier regarding specific techniques is strongly recommended.
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination.
1.3 This practice does not indicate or suggest criteria for evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be noted, however, that
after indications have been produced, they must be interpreted or classified and then evaluated. For this purpose there must be a
separate code, specification, or a specific agreement to define the type, size, location, and orientation of indications considered
acceptable, and those considered unacceptable.
1.3.1 The user is encouraged to use materials and processing parameters necessary to detect conditions of a type or severity which
could affect the evaluation of the product.
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. SI unitsThe values given in parentheses are for
information only.mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 Basis of Application—There are areas in this practice that may require agreement between the cognizant engineering
organization and the supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering organization. These areas are identified as
follows:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.03 on Liquid Penetrant
and Magnetic Particle Methods.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2016July 1, 2021. Published August 2016August 2021. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
E1418 - 10.E1418 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E1418-16.10.1520/E1418-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1418 − 21
1.5.1 Penetrant type, method and sensitivity,
1.5.2 Accept/reject criteria,
1.5.3 Personnel qualification requirements,
1.5.4 Grit blasting,
1.5.5 Etching,
1.5.6 Indication/discontinuity sizing,
1.5.7 Total processing time, and
1.5.8 Marking of parts.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (General High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
D808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum Products (High Pressure Decomposition Device Method)
D1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by High Temperature Combustion and Infrared (IR) Detection or Thermal
Conductivity Detection (TCD)
E165/E165M Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing for General Industry
E433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspection
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E1219 Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Solvent-Removable Process
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 ASNT Standards:
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
2.3 Other Standards:
ISO 9712 Non-destructive Testing—Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel—General Principles
AMS 2644 Inspection Material, Penetrant
2.4 AIA Standard:
NAS-410NAS410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Test Personnel
2.5 DoD ContractsContracts—
Unless otherwise specified, the issue of the documents that are DoD adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS
(Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards) cited in the solicitation.Unless otherwise specified, the issue
of the documents that are DoD adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS (Department of Defense Index of
Specifications and Standards) cited in the solicitation.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Available from the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
E1418 − 21
2.6 Order of PrecedencePrecedence—
In the event of conflict between the text of this practice and the references cited herein, the text of this practice takes
precedence.In the event of conflict between the text of this practice and the references cited herein, the text of this practice
takes precedence.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 The definitions relating to liquid penetrant examination that appear in Terminology E1316, shall apply to the terms used in
this practice.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 A liquid penetrant is applied evenly over the surface being examined and allowed to enter open discontinuities. After a suitable
dwell time, the excess surface penetrant is removed with water and the surface is dried prior to the application of a developer. A
developer is then applied, drawing the entrapped penetrant out of the discontinuities and staining the developer. If an aqueous
developer is to be employed, the developer is applied prior to the drying step. After application of the developer, a suitable
development time is allowed to permit the entrapped penetrant to exit from the discontinuities. The test surface is then examined
visually under adequate illumination to determine the presence or absence of indications.
4.2 The selection of specific water-washable penetrant process parameters depends upon the nature of the application, conditions
under which the examination is to be performed, availability of processing equipment, and type of materials to perform the
examination. (Warning—A controlled method for applying water and disposing of the water is essential.)
4.3 Processing parameters, such as precleaning, penetration time and wash times, are determined by the specific materials used,
the nature of the part under examination (that is, size, shape, surface condition, alloy) and type of discontinuities expected.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and magnitude of
the detected discontinuities. This practice is normally used for production examination of large volumes of parts or structures,
where emphasis is on productivity. This practice offers a wide latitude in applicability when extensive and controlled conditions
are available.
6. Reagents and Materials
6.1 Visible, Water-Washable Liquid Penetrant Testing Materials, consisting of applicable visible penetrants as recommended by
the manufacturer, and are classified as Type II Visible Method A—Water-Washable (see Note 1). Penetrant materials shall conform
to AMS 2644 unless approved by the contract or Level III. (Warning—While approved penetrant materials will not adversely
affect common metallic materials, some plastics or rubber may be swollen or stained by certain penetrants.)
NOTE 1—Refer to 8.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen, and alkali metal content.
6.2 Water-Washable Penetrants, designed to be directly water-washable from the surface of the part, after a suitable penetrant
dwell time. Because the emulsifier is “built-in” to the water-washable penetrant, it is extremely important to exercise proper
process control in removing excess penetrant to ensure against overwashing. Water-washable penetrants can be washed out of
discontinuities if the washing step is too long or too vigorous. Some penetrants are less resistant to overwashing than others.
6.3 Developers—Development of penetrant indications is the process of bringing the penetrant out of open discontinuities through
the blotting action of the applied developer, thus increasing the visibility of the penetrant indications. The developer used shall
provide a contrasting white background. Several types of developers are suitable for use in the visible penetrant water-washable
process.
6.3.1 Aqueous Developers, normally supplied as dry powder particles to be either suspended or dissolved (soluble) in water. The
concentration, use, and maintenance shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (see 7.1.7.1). (Warning—
Aqueous developers may cause stripping of indications, if not properly applied and controlled. The procedure should be qualified
in accordance with 9.2.)
E1418 − 21
6.3.2 Nonaqueous, Wet Developers, normally supplied as suspensions of developer particles in a volatile solvent carrier and are
ready for use as supplied. They are applied to the surface by spraying after the excess penetrant has been removed and the surface
has dried. Nonaqueous wet developers form a white coating on the surface of the part when dried and serve as a contrasting
background for visible penetrants (see 7.1.7.2). (Warning—This type of developer is intended for application by spray only.)
6.3.3 Liquid Film Developers, solutions or colloidal suspensions of resins/polymer in a suitable carrier. These developers will form
a transparent or translucent coating on the surface of the part. Certain types of film developers will fix indications and may be
stripped from the part and retained for record purposes (see section 7.1.7.3).
7. Procedure
7.1 The following general procedures applies to the water-washable, visible penetrant examination method (see Fig. 1).
7.1.1 Temperature Limits—The temperature of the penetrant materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be from
40 to 125°F125 °F (4 to 52°C).52 °C). When it is not practical to comply with these temperature limitations, the procedure must
be qualified at the temperature of intended use as described in 9.2.
7.1.2 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Examination—Satisfactory results can usually be obtained on surfaces in the
as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions (or for ceramics in the densified condition). When only loose surface residuals
are present, these may be removed by wiping with a clean lint-free cloth. However, pre-cleaning of metals to remove processing
residuals such as oil, graphite, scale, insulating materials, coatings, etc. should be done using cleaning solvents, vapor degreasing,
or chemical removing processes. Surface conditioning by grinding, machining, polishing, or etching shall follow shot, sand, grit,
and vapor blasting to remove the peened skin, and when penetrant entrapment in surface irregularities might mask the indications
of unacceptable discontinuities or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of the examination. For metals unless otherwise
Incoming Parts
PRECLEAN Alkaline Steam Vapor Degrease Solvent Wash Acid Etch
(See 7.1.3.1)
Mechanical Paint Stripper Ultrasonic Detergent
DRY
(See 7.1.3.2) Dry
PENETRANT Apply Water-
APPLICATION Washable
(See 7.1.4) Penetrant
FINAL RINSE
(See 7.1.5) Water Wash
Spray Dip
Developer
DRY DEVELOP
Dry (Aqueous)
(See 7.1.6) (See 7.1.7)
Developer,
Nonaqueous or
Developer,
DEVELOP DRY Liquid Film
NonaqueousDry
(See 7.1.7) (See 7.1.6)
EXAMINE
Visible (See 7.1.8) Examine
Mechanical
Water Rinse Detergent
Wash
POST CLEAN
(See 7.1.10 and Prac-
tice E165/E165M, An-
nex
on Post Cleaning.)
Dry
Vapor Ultrasonic
Solvent Soak
Degrease Clean
Outgoing Parts
FIG. 1 General Procedure Flowsheet for Visible Penetrant Examination Using the Water-Washable Process
E1418 − 21
specified, perform etching when evidence exists that previous cleaning, surface treatments, or service usage have produced a
surface condition that degrades the effectiveness of penetrant examination. (See Annex A1.1.1.8 in Practice E165/E165M for
precautions).
NOTE 2—When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method. (Warning—Sand
or shot blasting may possibly close indications and extreme care should be used with grinding and machining operations.)
NOTE 3—For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not recommended
because of the potential for damage.
7.1.3 Removal of Surface Contaminants:
7.1.3.1 Precleaning—The success of any penetrant examination procedure is greatly dependent upon the surface and discontinuity
being free of any contaminant (solid or liquid) that might interfere with the penetrant process. All parts or areas of parts to be
examined must be clean and dry before the penetrant is applied. If only a section of a part, such as weld, including the heat affected
zone is to be examined, remove all contaminants from the area being examined as defined by the contracting parties.“
Clean”parties. “Clean” is intended to mean that the surface must be free of rust, scale, welding flux, spatter, grease, paint, oily
films, dirt, etc., that might interfere with penetration. All of these contaminants can prevent the penetrant from entering
discontinuities. (See the annex on Cleaning of Parts and Materials in Practice E165/E165M for more detailed cleaning methods.)
(Warning—Residues from cleaning processes such as strong alkalies, pickling solutions, and chromates, in particular, may
adversely react with the penetrant and reduce its sensitivity and performance.)
7.1.3.2 Drying After Cleaning—It is essential that the surfaces be thoroughly dr
...