What is the main disadvantage of solvent removable penetrants?

The main disadvantage of solvent removable penetrants lies in their potential environmental hazards. These penetrants usually contain solvents that can contribute to air and water pollution if not handled properly. The organic solvents used can be volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. This concern has led to stricter regulations surrounding their use, which can complicate the liquid penetrant testing process.

While other factors such as cost, sensitivity, and drying time may also impact the choice of penetrants used, they do not hold as significant a drawback in terms of regulatory and health considerations as the environmental hazards associated with solvent removable penetrants. Therefore, this concern stands out as a primary disadvantage when evaluating the overall suitability of these materials for penetrant testing applications.