Liquid Penetrant Testing Level 2 (PT-2) Practice Exam

Surface conditions play a critical role in the effectiveness of liquid penetrant testing (PT). Each listed factor can significantly impede the ability of the penetrant to properly infiltrate, reveal, or be interpreted for indications of flaws in the material.

Excessive roughness can create voids and shadowed areas that may trap penetrant, potentially leading to false indications or masking actual defects. A smooth surface is ideal as it allows the penetrant to uniformly spread and enter any cracks or fissures.

The presence of oils or contaminants on the surface can create a barrier that prevents the penetrant from making contact with the substrate. Such barriers may lead to poor wetting of the surface and can significantly reduce the sensitivity of the test, as the penetrant may not reach the defect or may produce unreliable results.

High levels of oxidation also pose a challenge because the oxidized layer can prevent the penetrant from effectively entering any surface defects. This layer can act as another physical barrier, diminishing the test's detection capability.

Given that all three factors can limit the performance of liquid penetrant testing, acknowledging that any of them—individually or in combination—can degrade testing results highlights the importance of ensuring optimal surface conditions prior to conducting the test. Thus, the most