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

How does excess penetrant affect the overall test results?

1. It enhances testing accuracy

2. It can obscure indications

3. It improves developer performance

4. It reduces testing time

The correct answer is: It can obscure indications

Excess penetrant can obscure indications, which can lead to misinterpretation of the results of the liquid penetrant test. When too much penetrant is used, it may spread over the surface of the test object, hiding or blending in with any flaws or discontinuities present. This makes it difficult to accurately identify and evaluate the indications of defects that the test is designed to reveal. Additionally, the presence of excess penetrant can make it harder for the developer to draw out the penetrant trapped in discontinuities effectively, further complicating the analysis. In contrast, having excess penetrant does not enhance testing accuracy, improve developer performance, or reduce testing time. Instead, proper application and control of the amount of penetrant are crucial for achieving clear and reliable indications of defects. Hence, managing the amount of penetrant used is vital to maintain the integrity of the test results.