Purpose

This specification establishes the classification, technical requirements, tests, and test procedures for the qualification, approval, and quality verification of all materials used in the liquid penetrant methods of inspection with the exception of those excluded in the application section.

The qualifying agency for direct U.S. Military procurement is the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/MLSA, 2179 12th Street, Rm 122, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, 45433-7718, (937) 656-9151. AFRL/MLSA will maintain the qualified products list for military procurement of penetrant materials, replacing QPL-25135, and will audit and approve other testing facilities to perform all or portions of the tests contained herein.

Application

This specification is applicable to penetrant materials used in manufacturing and maintenance operations. It is intended to be used by prime contractors in establishing an approved products list (QPL) for use by themselves and their suppliers. It does not cover such special application products as liquid oxygen compatible, high or low temperatures, thixotropic, reverse fluorescent, and dye precipitation penetrant systems.

Safety - Hazardous Materials

While the materials, methods, applications, and processes described or referenced in this specification may involve the use of hazardous materials, this specification does not address the hazards which may be involved in such use. It is the sole responsibility of the user to ensure familiarity with the safe and proper use of any hazardous materials and to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of all personnel involved.

Classification

Penetrant systems covered by this specification are to be classified as follows:

Penetrants shall be of the following types, methods, and sensitivity levels:

Type 1 Fluorescent Dye

Type 2 Visible Dye

Method A Water washable

Method B Post emulsifiable, lipophilic

Method C Solvent removable

Method D Post emulsifiable, hydrophilic

Sensitivity level 1/2 Ultra low

Sensitivity level 1 Low

Sensitivity level 2 Medium

Sensitivity level 3 High

Sensitivity level 4 Ultra high

Sensitivity level 1/2 applies to Type 1, Method A penetrants only. There is no sensitivity level classification for Type 2 penetrant systems.

Developers shall be of the following forms:

Form a Dry powder

Form b Water soluble

Form c Water suspendible

Form d Nonaqueous Type 1 Fluorescent (solvent based)

Form e Nonaqueous Type 2 Visible Dye (solvent based)

Form f Special Application

Solvent Removers shall be of the following classes:

Class 1 Halogenated

Class 2 Nonhalogenated

Class 3 Special application