During which stage of Liquid Penetrant Testing is excess penetrant removed?

The stage during which excess penetrant is removed occurs after the dwell time and during the rinse process. This phase is critical to ensure that only penetrant that has entered surface defects remains on the test specimen. The rinsing process helps eliminate any excess penetrant from the surface, allowing for clearer visibility of indications that may reveal discontinuities or flaws during the subsequent inspection phase.

In Liquid Penetrant Testing, the removal of excess penetrant is crucial because if not properly rinsed, it can obscure defects and lead to false readings or missed indications. This careful handling post-dwell time ensures that only the penetrant that is retained within cracks or voids is revealed during the developing stage, enhancing the effectiveness of the overall testing process.