Met-L-Chek ®

PENETRANT PROFESSOR APPROVED

©2007

BUYERS GUIDE
for
PENETRANT
INSPECTION MATERIALS
9/07

Met-L-Chek Company
1639 Euclid Street, Santa Monica, California, 90404, U.S.A.
Phone: 310-450-1111 Fax: 310-452-4046 Email: [email protected]
 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MET-L-CHEK COMPANY

Loy Sockman was issued the first U. S. patent for dye penetrants. Sockman founded the Met-L-Chek
Company about 1950, becoming the first company in the U. S. to exclusively manufacture penetrant materials.
Present day Met-L-Chek Company personnel continue this tradition of innovation. Three chapters in the latest
edition of the ASNT penetrant handbook were authored by Met-L-Chek Company personnel. Bill Mooz,
president, and Michael White, general manager, are U. S. patent holders; together they have over 70 years of
experience in the penetrant field.
The company manufactures a full line of penetrant inspection materials approved under AMS-2644 and
by all major prime contractors. Met-L-Chek Company products are sold under the Met-L-Chek® and Pen-
Chek® brand names, through a global network of distributors. Several Met-L-Chek Company products are the
standards for AMS-2644, and every batch conforms to the requirements of the military and civilian
specifications. These penetrants are used globally by industry and the military. Met-L-Chek Company also
sells visible and fluorescent magnetic particle inspection materials. The Met-L-Chek Company laboratory
provides Pen-Chek® service, for the periodic recertification of in-use penetrant materials, with 24 hour turn
around, with results faxed or emailed to the customer.
Who uses Met-L-Chek Company products? Aerospace companies, such as GE, Boeing, Lockheed,
Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce; nuclear fabricators, such as Westinghouse, Velan and GE; nuclear power
plants and nuclear submarine bases; large and small forge shops and foundries; welders and machine shops;
test laboratories and boiler inspectors; as well as the U. S. Air Force.
Met-L-Chek Company manufactures in California, U.S.A. and in The Netherlands through its ISO-
9000 approved licensee, NDT Europa, under the direction of René Pijnappel. Both facilities take pride in
providing Quality, Expertise, Service, & Value - our mission for over 57 years!

PENETRANT INSPECTION MATERIALS DEFINITIONS

AMS-2644D and ASTM E-1417-05 ISO-3452-2:2005(E)

TYPE I – Fluorescent Dye TYPE I – Fluorescent Penetrant:

Sensitivity levels 1/2 – 4. Sensitivity levels 1/2 – 4.
TYPE II- Visible Dye TYPE II- Color Contrast Penetrant
No sensitivity levels. Sensitivity levels 1-2.
TYPE III – Dual. fluorescent & visible
Sensitivity per visible levels

METHOD A – Water washable. METHOD A – Water washable.

METHOD B – Post-emulsifiable,lipophilic. METHOD B – Lipophilic emulsifier.
METHOD C – Solvent-removable METHOD C – Solvent.
Class 1 – Halogenated. Class 1 – Halogenated
Class 2 –Non-halogenated. Class 2 –Non-halogenated.
Class 3 – Special application Class 3 – Special application
METHOD D –Post-emulsifiable, hydrophilic METHOD D – Hydrophilic emulsifier.
METHOD E – Water and solvent
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AMS-2644D and ASTM E-1417-05 ISO-3452-2:2005(E)

Developer Forms Developer Forms

“a” – dry powder. “a” – dry powder.
“b” – water soluble. “b” – water soluble.
“c” – water suspendible. “c” – water suspendible.
“d” – non-aqueous (solvent) for Type I penetrants. “d” – non-aqueous for Type I.
“e” – non-aqueous (solvent) for Type II penetrants. “e” – non-aqueous for Type II & III.
“f” – special application. “f” – special application.

GUIDE to CHOOSING a FLUORESCENT PENETRANT

Met-L-Chek Company manufactures a complete line of post emulsifiable and water washable fluorescent (Type
I) penetrants designed to meet the requirements of virtually every inspection application. Fluorescent penetrants
are used to highlight surface discontinuities and through leaks under UVA illumination. Products are available
in sensitivity levels, 1/2 to 4, with 4 being the highest. All the penetrants are listed on the Qualified Products
List, QPL-4 of AMS-2644D. They meet the requirements of AMS-2647, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code, ASTM E-165, ASTM E-1417, BAC 5423, G E, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and other major
OEM's, for penetrant inspection materials. All have flash points > 93.3˚C (>200˚F). They are low in Sulfur,
Chlorine, and other Halogens, making them safe for use on Titanium and high Nickel alloys. In view of the fact
that not all part surfaces are the same, environmental restrictions vary from one area to another, and inspection
criteria are not uniform; Met-L-Chek Company has designed different penetrants to address many of the
variables. The Met-L-Chek Company philosophy of cost control has been built into every formula.

Post emulsifiable penetrants and emulsifiers are qualified to the AMS-2644D specification together and must be
used as a family of materials. Method B (Lipophilic) employs E-57 as the emulsifier, which is used as supplied.
Method D (hydrophilic) uses E-58D, which is used diluted in water to a concentration of 17-20 % for
immersion applications and < 5 % for spray. Most aerospace engine OEM's use, or recommend the use of
Method D. Met-L-Chek Company’s level 2, 3, & 4 Method D materials are approved by GE, Pratt & Whitney,
and Rolls-Royce turbine engine groups. Met-L-Chek Company offers sensitivity levels 1-4, but for most
applications requiring level 1 and 2 sensitivity, water washable Method A penetrants are generally used rather
than the post emulsifiable. Even level 3 water washable is recommended over Methods B & D for everything
except critical high stress or rotating hot section turbine engine components.

Method B Systems Method D Systems

Sensitivity Level 2 - FP-93A(M) with E-57 Sensitivity Level 2 - FP-93A(M) with E-58D
Sensitivity Level 3 - FP-95A(M) with E-57 Sensitivity Level 3 - FP-95A(M) with E-58D
Sensitivity Level 4 - FP-97A(M) with E-57 Sensitivity Level 4 - FP-97A(M) with E-58D

The key processing differences between the two approaches are in the emulsification techniques. When using
Method B the penetrant covered part is immersed in the emulsifier, removed, and allowed to drain for a
specified time before the part is washed. For Method D the penetrant covered part is given a short water pre-
rinse, then immersed in the diluted emulsifier for a specified time, removed and washed. The Method D
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emulsifier bath is generally under gentle agitation during the immersion step. The Method D emulsifier may
also be applied as a spray remover.

Water washable Method A penetrants have the emulsifier built into them or are composed of water washable
ingredients. The penetrant covered part is simply washed after the prescribed penetration dwell time. Being
water washable, excessive wash time or pressure must be avoided with Method A penetrants to avoid washing
the penetrant from shallow open discontinuities.

The FBP-911, FBP-912, FBP-913 and FBP-914 series covers sensitivity levels 1-4 and was designed to be the
most environmentally friendly possible. This series does not contain fats, oils, or greases (FOG's), and is free of
any volatile organic compounds (VOC's). The constituents are considered biodegradable. This series is smooth
washing, non-gel forming and will wash cleanly from rough surfaces.

The FP-921, FP-922 and FP-923 series is the newest series from the Met-L-Chek Company and covers
sensitivity levels 1-3. These materials are bright yellow green fluorescent penetrants that are smooth washing,
with controlled removal without gelling. They have low viscosities, which aids in spraying and reduced drag out
in immersion applications. The materials use biodegradable surfactants. They are approved by GE, Pratt &
Whitney, and Rolls-Royce for turbine engine component inspection.

FLP-1 is a special water based leak detector penetrant which may be used as supplied or diluted with water for
special applications in through leak detection, use on plastics and other chemically sensitive materials.

GUIDE to CHOOSING a VISIBLE PENETRANT

Met-L-Chek Company manufactures a complete line of visible (Type II) dye penetrant inspection materials.
Materials have been qualified to AMS-2644D . They meet the requirements of ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code, ASTM E-165, and ASTM E-1417 for penetrant inspection. They are low in Sulfur, Chlorine, and
other Halogens, making them safe for use on Titanium and high Nickel alloys in nuclear applications. They are
certified to NAVSEA 250-1500-1. Visible inspection penetrants are used primarily for field applications where
darkening the inspection area and the use of a black light (UVA) is impractical, such as maintenance weld
repair and safety checks. They are used to locate repair work areas on large rough castings and for through
leak testing of heat exchangers and tanks where penetrant is applied to one side and developer to the other. As a
general rule of thumb visible penetrant inspection is roughly equal to level 1 sensitivity fluorescent penetrant
inspection. Discontinuities in the range of 50µ are routinely detectable and under the right conditions and
processing 30µ discontinuities can be highlighted. Special high temperature visible penetrant materials are
available which permit inspection of surfaces at temperatures up to 177˚C (350˚F). The majority of the
applications use the solvent wipe off (Method C) technique of processing because most applications are spot or
localized inspections. Production or full part inspection may be performed with visible penetrants using
Methods A, B or D.

VP-30 -Water washable, low viscosity, true red colored penetrant, meets EdF, RCC-M nuclear specifications.
VBP 300 - Water washable, high viscosity, biodegradable, free of fats, oils, greases and solvents.
VP-31A - Post emulsifiable, low viscosity, purple colored, meets nuclear specification requirements.
VP-302 - Special high temperature penetrant used with R-502 remover and D-702 developer
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 GUIDE to CHOOSING a SOLVENT CLEANER/REMOVER

Evaporation rate should be considered when choosing a cleaner remover. When wiping the penetrant residue
from a rough surface the slower evaporating remover will keep the wiping media moist and more effective at
helping the removal of the penetrant. In the case of verifying a fluorescent indication by wiping the indication
with a cotton swab or brush moistened with the remover, the slow evaporating material will make the
indications blurry and bleed excessively. In this case a very fast drying cleaner is the right choice. When used as
cleaners for pre-cleaning the inspection surface the slow material will not evaporate readily from the part and
could interfere with penetration of the discontinuity by the penetrant. The faster drying cleaners are also better
solvents for oils and greases improving their removal from the part. Tam Panel or starburst indication cleaning
is best achieved with the directional spray tube applicators used on R-503 and R-504. All of the cleaners are
flammable and should not be used in confined areas without proper ventilation. They should not be used near
open flames or sparks. Nonflammable solvents, have been used in past years, but have been found to be
carcinogens or are banned as Ozone Layer Depleting Substances. Flammable materials have been used for years
and can safely be used with common sense and good industrial practice.

E-59 - Slow evaporating used as a penetrant remover.

E-59A - Moderate evaporation rate, residue free, petroleum solvent cleaner/remover.
R-502- Special high temperature penetrant (VP-302) remover.
R-503 - Moderate rate, residue free, non-petroleum solvent cleaner/remover.
R-504 - Fast evaporating, residue free, solvent cleaner/remover.

GUIDE to CHOOSING a DEVELOPER

Met-L-Chek Company manufactures a complete line of developers used in the fluorescent (Type I) and visible
(Type II) dye penetrant inspection process. All Met-L-Chek Company developers are qualified to AMS-
2644D . The use of a developer is required by most testing specifications. The developer draws the penetrant
from the flaw site and creates a uniform surface on which to view the penetrant indication.

D-70 nonaqeous developer (forms d & e) is developer powder suspended in a volatile solvent. This type of
developer is most commonly used in aerosol cans, but may also be bulk sprayed using a paint sprayer. It is used
with fluorescent penetrants as form d and with visible penetrants as form e. It is applied after the surface
penetrant has been removed and the inspection surface dried. The solvent action of this type of developer helps
bring the penetrant to the surface enhancing the detectability of the flaw. This type of developer uses flammable
solvents and should not be used in confined spaces or near open flames or sparks. It is approved by Boeing,
Edf, GE, Pratt & Whitney and is the qualification standard for AMS-2644D.

D-72A dry powder developer (form a) is the most commonly employed form with fluorescent penetrants. It is
not used with visible penetrants. It is applied by dusting it onto the part after the drying process. The dust is a
nuisance dust and can cause drying of the skin and irritation of the eyes and throat. Proper ventilation and
protective wear should be used. It is approved by Boeing, GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce.

D-76B water soluble developer (form b) is a powder that is dissolved in water and applied to the part after the
surface penetrant is removed and prior to drying. It is generally applied by immersion of the part into the
9/07
developer bath. It is used with post emulsifiable fluorescent penetrants. It produces a uniform film on the part
ensuring indication enhancement. It is easily removed by water spray after inspection. Concentration control is
important for optimum performance.

D-78B water suspendible developer (form c) is a powder that is mixed with water (does not dissolve) and
applied to the part after the surface penetrant is removed and prior to drying. It is generally applied by
immersion of the part into the developer bath. It is used with both fluorescent and visible penetrants. It
produces a uniform white coating on the part ensuring indication enhancement. Easily removed by water spray
after inspection. The developer must be continually mixed to prevent it from settling out of solution.
Concentration control is important for optimum performance.

D-702: high temperature developer (form f) used with VP-302 penetrant.

PRODUCT GUIDE AMS-2644D QPL-4

PRODUCT TYPE METHODS SENSITIVITY FORM CLASS

D-70 I & II A, B, C, & D 1/2 – 4 d&e NA

D-72A I A, B, C, & D 1/2 – 4 a NA
D-76B I B, C, & D 1/2 - 4 b NA
D-78B I & II A, B, C, D 1/2 – 4 c NA

E-50 II B NA NA NA
E-57 I & II B 1/2 – 4 NA NA
E-58D I D 1/2 – 4 NA NA
E-59 I & II C 1/2 – 4 NA 2
E-59A I & II C 1/2 – 4 NA 2
R-503 I & II C 1/2 – 4 NA 2
R-504 I & II C 1/2 – 4 NA 2

FP-93A(M) I B, C, & D 2 NA NA
FP-95A(M) I B, C, & D 3 NA NA
FP-97A(M) I B, C, & D 4 NA NA

FBP-911 I A&C 1 NA NA
FBP-912 I A&C 2 NA NA
FBP-913 I A&C 3 NA NA
FBP-914 I A&C 4 NA NA
FP-921 I A&C 1 NA NA
FP-922 I A&C 2 NA NA
FP-923 I A&C 3 NA NA

VP-30 II A&C NA NA NA
VP-31A II B&C NA NA NA
VBP-300 II A&C NA NA NA
9/07
 GUIDE to METHOD “A” (water washable) PROCESSING per ASTM E-1417-05

PRE-CLEAN SURFACE
Part must be clean, dry and at a temperature of 4.4˚ -52˚C (40˚ - 125˚F) before penetrant is applied.
Use Met-L-Chek ® # 210 or 300LF aqueous alkaline degreaser; immersion or spray application.
Use Met-L-Chek® E-59A, R-503 or R-504 solvent cleaners for spot inspection cleaning applications.

APPLY Met-L-Chek® TYPE I or TYPE II PENETRANTS (Method A)

Use spray, immersion, or wipe on application.

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes; 20 minutes if temperature is 4.4˚-10˚C (40-50˚F).
Reapply penetrant if dwell is over 2 hours to prevent drying out prior to removal.

WASH
Water temperature 10˚-38˚C (50˚-100 ˚F). Water pressure < 275kPa (< 40 psi); if a hydro-air nozzle use limit
pressure to < 172kPa (<25 psi). Distance >30cm (>12 inches).
Time- only long enough to remove surface fluorescence under UV-A or color under bright visible light.

DRY APPLY AQUEOUS DEVELOPER (form c)

Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F) Immersion, flow on, or spray.
Time- only long enough to dry surface Met-L-Chek® D-78B

APPLY NONAQUEOUS (forms “d” or “e”) or DRY

DRY DEVELOPER (form “a” Type I only) Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F)
Met-L-Chek® D-70 or D-72A (Type I only) Time- only long enough to dry surface

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes before inspection. Maximum time is 1 hour for forms “d & e” (nonaqueous),
maximum 2 hours for form “c” (aqueous), and maximum 4 hours for form “a” (dry powder).
If times are exceeded, clean part and reprocess.

INSPECT
For fluorescent Type I penetrants use UV-A illumination of >1000 µw/cm2 @ 15inches (38.1 cm) in a
darkened area of <21 lux visible light (<2 foot candles).
For visible Type II penetrants use lighting of 1100 lux/m2 (100 footcandles) minimum.
9/07
 GUIDE to METHOD “B” (lipophilic) PROCESSING per ASTM E-1417-05

PRE-CLEAN SURFACE
Part must be clean, dry and at a temperature of 4.4˚ -52˚C (40˚ - 125˚F) before penetrant is applied.
Use Met-L-Chek # 210 or 300LF aqueous alkaline degreaser; immersion or spray application.
Use Met-L-Chek® E-59A, R-503 or R-504 solvent cleaners for spot inspection cleaning applications.

APPLY PEN-CHEK® TYPE I or TYPE II PENETRANTS (Method B)

Use spray, immersion, or wipe on application.

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes; 20 minutes if temperature is 4.4˚-10˚C (40-50˚F).
Reapply penetrant if dwell is over 2 hours to prevent drying out prior to removal.

METHOD B EMULSIFIER
Immerse part in or flow on emulsifier, Drain. Time < 3 minutes Type I; < 30 seconds Type II
Met-L-Chek® E-57; Type I, Met-L-Chek® E-50; Type II

WASH
Water temperature 10˚-38˚C (50˚-100 ˚F). Water pressure < 275kPa (< 40 psi); if a hydro-air nozzle use limit
pressure to < 172kPa (<25 psi). Distance >30cm (>12 inches).
Time- only long enough to remove surface fluorescence under UV-A or color under bright visible light.

DRY APPLY AQUEOUS DEVELOPER (forms b & c)

Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F) Immersion, flow on, or spray.
Time- only long enough to dry surface Met-L-Chek® D-76B (Type 1 only) or D-78B

APPLY NONAQUEOUS (forms “d” or “e”) or DRY

DRY DEVELOPER (form “a” Type I only) Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F)
Met-L-Chek® D-70 or D-72A (Type I only) Time- only long enough to dry surface

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes before inspection. Maximum time is 1 hour for forms “d & e” (nonaqueous),
maximum 2 hours for form “c” (aqueous), and maximum 4 hours for form “a” (dry powder).
If times are exceeded, clean part and reprocess.

INSPECT
For fluorescent Type I penetrants use UV-A illumination of >1000 µw/cm2 @ 15inches (38.1 cm) in a
darkened area of <21 lux visible light (<2 foot candles).
For visible Type II penetrants use lighting of 1100 lux/m2 (100 footcandles) minimum.
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 GUIDE to METHOD “C” (solvent wipe) PROCESSING per ASTM E-1417-05

PRE-CLEAN SURFACE
Part must be clean, dry and at a temperature of 4.4˚ -52˚C (40˚ - 125˚F) before penetrant is applied.
Use Met-L-Chek® E-59A, R-503 or R-504 solvent cleaners for spot inspection cleaning applications.

APPLY Met-L-Chek® TYPE I or TYPE II PENETRANTS (Method A)

Use spray, immersion, or wipe on application.

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes; 20 minutes if temperature is 4.4˚-10˚C (40-50˚F).
Reapply penetrant if dwell is over 2 hours to prevent drying out prior to removal.

WIPE REMOVAL of SURFACE PENETRANT

Moisten cloth with remover and wipe penetrant from surface.
Do not spray remover on surface to remove penetrant, as sensitivity will be impaired.
A cloth moistened with water may be used with Method A penetrants but surface will need to be dried before
developer application.
Met-L-Chek® E-59, E-59A, R-503, R-504

APPLY NONAQUEOUS DEVELOPER (forms “d” or “e”)

Spray thin even film
Met-L-Chek® D-70

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes before inspection. Maximum time is 1 hour.
If times are exceeded, clean part and reprocess.

INSPECT
For fluorescent Type I penetrants use UV-A illumination of >1000 µw/cm2 @ 15inches (38.1 cm) in a
darkened area of <21 lux visible light (<2 footcandles).
For visible Type II penetrants use lighting of 1100 lux/m2 (100 footcandles) minimum.

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 GUIDE to METHOD “D” (hydrophilic) PROCESSING per ASTM E-1417-05

PRE-CLEAN SURFACE
Part must be clean, dry and at a temperature of 4.4˚ -52˚C (40˚ - 125˚F) before penetrant is applied.
Use Met-L-Chek ® # 210 or 300LF aqueous alkaline degreaser; immersion or spray application.
Use Met-L-Chek® E-59A, R-503 or R-504 solvent cleaners for spot inspection cleaning applications.

APPLY Met-L-Chek® TYPE I or TYPE II PENETRANTS (Method D)

Use spray, immersion, or wipe on application.

DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes; 20 minutes if temperature is 4.4˚-10˚C (40-50˚F).
Reapply penetrant if dwell is over 2 hours to prevent drying out prior to removal.

PRE-RINSE
Water temperature 10˚-38˚C (50˚-100 ˚F). Water pressure < 275kPa (< 40 psi);only long enough to remove bulk
of surface penetrant.

METHOD D EMULSIFIER
Agitated Dip : 17-20% concentration; < 2 minutes or Spray: 1- 5% concentration; < 2 minutes.
Met-L-Chek® E-58D

WASH
Water temperature 10˚-38˚C (50˚-100 ˚F). Water pressure < 275kPa (< 40 psi); if a hydro-air nozzle use limit
pressure to < 172kPa (<25 psi). Distance >30cm (>12 inches).
Time- only long enough to remove surface fluorescence under UV-A or color under bright visible light.

DRY APPLY AQUEOUS DEVELOPER (forms b & c)

Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F) Immersion, flow on, or spray.
Time- only long enough to dry surface Met-L-Chek® D-76B (Type 1 only) or D-78B

APPLY NONAQUEOUS (forms “d” or “e”) or DRY

DRY DEVELOPER (form “a” Type I only) Temperature <71 ˚C (<160 ˚F)
Met-L-Chek® D-70 or D-72A (Type I only) Time- only long enough to dry surface
DWELL
Wait a minimum of 10 minutes before inspection. Maximum time is 1 hour for forms “d & e” (nonaqueous),
maximum 2 hours for form “c” (aqueous), and maximum 4 hours for form “a” (dry powder).
If times are exceeded, clean part and reprocess.

INSPECT
For fluorescent Type I penetrants use UV-A illumination of >1000 µw/cm2 @ 15inches (38.1 cm) in a
darkened area of <21 lux visible light (<2 footcandles).
For visible Type II penetrants use lighting of 1100 lux/m2 (100 footcandles) minimum
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