What is the function of a solvent remover?

The function of a solvent remover is to clean the surface prior to testing and remove non-emulsified excess penetrant. In liquid penetrant testing, it is crucial to ensure that the surface being evaluated is free of contaminants, as these can obscure flaws or indications in the material. After the penetrant is applied and allowed to penetrate into defects, the surface must be cleaned to remove any excess penetrant that hasn't been absorbed into the flaws.

Using a solvent remover serves this purpose effectively; it ensures that only the penetrant trapped in the defects remains, enhancing the clarity of indications when a developer is applied. This step is vital for achieving accurate inspection results, as it helps highlight discontinuities without interference from leftover penetrant material.

While enhancing visibility of indications is critical in the overall testing process, that is primarily the role of the developer, not the solvent remover. Similarly, preparing surfaces for welding and increasing adhesion of coatings are tasks unrelated to the primary function of solvent removers in the context of liquid penetrant testing.