S.A.E.P. - 1145

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-1145 12 October 2005

Liquid Penetrant Examination
Non-destructive Testing Standards Committee Members
Miller, S.D., Chairman
Al-Qadeeb, F.E., Vice Chairman
Al-Gahtani, M.S.
Carswell, R.J.
Jones, S.B.
Motairy, M.S.
Perez, J.P.
Scales, T.E.
Subaii, G.M.
Wescott, E.A.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Scope............................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations............................... 2
3 References.................................................... 2
4 General Requirements.................................. 3
5 Examination.................................................. 6
6 Evaluation..................................................... 9
7 Post Cleaning.............................................. 10
8 Safety........................................................... 10
Appendix I - Procedure A-1................................ 11

Appendix II - Procedure A-3............................... 12
Appendix III - Procedure B-1.............................. 13
Appendix IV - Procedure B-3.............................. 14
Appendix V - Approved Penetrant Materials...... 15
Appendix VI - Ultraviolet Light Utilization
Requirements.............................................. 17
Appendix VII Example Liquid Penetrant
Testing Acceptance Criteria........................ 19
Appendix VIII Liquid Penetrant Examination
Request & Report Form.............................. 20
Previous Issue: 30 September 2001 Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 20
Primary contact: Scott D. Miller on 872-0148
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Non-destructive Testing SAEP-1145
Issue Date: 12 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Liquid Penetrant Examination
1 Scope
1.1 This Engineering Procedure establishes the minimum requirements and

describes the techniques for performing Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) of welds
and components conducted in accordance with the requirements of the
referenced Codes and Standards.
1.2 This Engineering Procedure applies to Saudi Aramco NDT personnel and to
contracted NDT personnel seconded to Saudi Aramco who perform PT on
Company facilities and equipment.
1.3 This SAEP does not apply to NDT contractors performing PT for out-of-
kingdom vendors or on LSTK projects unless specifically stated in contract or
purchasing documents.
Detailed, written, PT procedures meeting the requirements of Appendices I

through IV shall be used during all examinations. PT examinations deviating
from these written procedures shall be submitted to the Inspection Department,
NDT Unit for approval prior to use.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this procedure and other Saudi Aramco Engineering
Standards (SAES's), Materials System Specifications (SAMSS's), Standard
Drawings (SASD's), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in
writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the Manager,
Inspection Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this procedure in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department.
3 References
Unless stated otherwise, all Codes and Standards referenced in this Procedure shall be
of the latest issue (including revisions, addenda, and supplements) and are considered a
part of this Procedure.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-1140 Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
Page 2 of 20

SAEP-1142 Qualification of Non Saudi Aramco NDT

Personnel
3.2 Industry Codes And Standards
American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B31.1 Power Piping
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME Section V Nondestructive Examination
ASME Sect. VIII, Div. 1 Pressure Vessels
ASME SE1209 Standard Test Method, Fluorescent Penetrant
Exam./Water Washable
ASME SE1219 Standard Test Method, Fluorescent Penetrant
Exam./Solvent Removable
ASME SE1220 Standard Test Method, Visible Penetrant
Exam./Solvent Removable
American Welding Society

AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel
American Petroleum Institute

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: Maintenance,
Inspection, Rating, Repair and Alteration
API 570 Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of
Inservice Piping Systems
API 620 Design and Construction. of Large Welded Low
Pressure Storage Tanks
API 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
4 General Requirements
4.1 Technique
The penetrant processes to be used with this procedure are Water Washable and
Solvent Removable. For specific application of penetrant testing processes,
refer to the attached technique sheets. Where special circumstances require
unique techniques not addressed in the attached technique sheets, contact the
Supervisor, NDT Unit, Inspection Department.
Page 3 of 20

4.2 Penetrant System Classification
Penetrant Materials shall meet all the requirements of the applicable Codes
listed in paragraph 3.0. Classification of Penetrant Inspection Methods and
Types are listed below. Detailed procedures for each method are shown in
Appendices I through IV.
4.2.1 Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection
Water-washable (Procedure A-1)

Solvent-removable (Procedure A-3)
4.2.2 Color Contrast (Visible) Penetrant Inspection
Water-washable (Procedure B-1)

Solvent-removable (Procedure B-3)
4.3 Penetrant Material Selection
Penetrant materials used in conjunction with this SAEP shall be approved by the
Inspection Department. Appendix V contains a listing, by manufacturer, of the
approved penetrant families and groups. This list will be revised independent of
this SAEP and it is incumbent on the user of this SAEP to keep informed of
changes. Use of penetrant materials not specifically listed in Appendix V
requires prior approval of the NDT Unit Supervisor, Inspection Department who
maintains the current list of approved materials.
4.4 Restriction in Use of Penetrant Materials
4.4.1 Fluorescent penetrant examination shall never follow a color contrast

examination.
4.4.2 Intermixing of penetrant materials from different manufacturers is not

permitted. Manufacturer's recommendation for compatible penetrant
systems shall be followed. The only exception is if the systems used are
qualified effective to the satisfaction of the Inspection Department and
approval is given in writing prior to use.
4.5 Control of Penetrant Materials
Content of penetrant materials is necessary when testing nickel based alloys,

austenitic stainless steels, and titanium. Control shall be based on the
manufacturer's batch certification which shall include, as a minimum, the
manufacturer's name, batch, number, and chemical contaminant content as
determined in accordance with ASME Section V, paragraph T-641. Only
Page 4 of 20

penetrant materials having a batch number printed on the container and traceable
to a valid manufacturer's batch certification on file shall be used.
4.6 Personnel Qualification
4.6.1 Saudi Aramco personnel performing penetrant testing shall be qualified

and certified to the requirements of SAEP-1140. Individuals performing
interpretation of the results of the examination shall be certified to a
minimum PT Level II.
4.6.2 Contractor personnel performing penetrant testing shall be qualified and

certified to SAEP-1142. Individuals performing interpretation of the
results of the examination shall be certified to a minimum PT Level II.
4.7 Surface Preparation
4.7.1 In general, satisfactory results will be obtained when the surface to be

inspected is in the as-welded condition. Surface preparation by grinding,
machining, or other methods may be used when surface conditions could
mask indications of discontinuities. Caution must be exercised to avoid
smearing the metal and possibly masking discontinuities. In the event
that a mechanical method of cleaning (e.g., grinding, machining, wire
brushing and sanding) is necessary, it may be necessary to acid etch the
surface prior to penetrant examination. Refer to ASME SEC V, Article
24, SE-165.
4.7.2 Welds or areas to be examined, and 1 inch on either side of the weld or
area, shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding spatter,
welding flux, paint, oil and any other material that could obscure surface
openings or otherwise interfere with the examination.
4.7.3 Detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions and other paint

removers may be used as cleaning agents. Ultrasonic and degreasing
methods may also be used to clean surfaces prior to examination.
4.7.4 Penetrant testing of previously painted welds or components shall not be

performed until all paint has been completely removed.
4.8 Drying
Following pre-cleaning, evaporation time of cleaners shall be 5 minutes

minimum. Where indications of retained moisture exist, the evaporation time
shall be increased until no evidence of moisture in the area of test can be
detected.
Page 5 of 20

5 Examination
5.1 The minimum and maximum temperatures of the penetrant and surface to be
tested depends on the type of penetrant used. The permissible test surface
temperature for Penetrant Testing is 50 to 125F (10 to 52C). Other
temperature limitations and times may be used only after approval of an
Inspection Department PT Level III.
5.2 Penetrant may be applied by dipping, brushing or spraying. Filters shall be used
on the upstream side of the air inlet when using compressed air to apply
penetrant.
5.3 The length of time the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper
penetration shall be as recommended by the penetrant manufacturer. Table 1
provides a guide for dwell times for a variety of material, their forms, and types
of discontinuities. If manufacturer's recommendations are not available, Table 1
shall be used.
Table 1 - Recommended Dwell Times
Material Form Type of Dwell Times (min.)

Discontinuity for Methods A-1, A-3, B-1, B-3
Penetrant Developer
Aluminum, Castings and Welds Cold Shuts, Porosity, Lack 10 7
Magnesium, Steel, of Fusion, Cracks (all
Brass and Bronze, forms)
Titanium and High Wrought Extrusions, Laps, Cracks (all forms) 20 7
Temperature Alloys forgings, plate
Carbide-tipped tools Lack of Fusion, Porosity, 10 7

Cracks
Plastics all forms cracks 10 7

Glass all forms cracks 10 7
Ceramic all forms cracks 10 7
Note: Select dwell times carefully. Although Table 1 lists various recommended dwell times, some circumstances may exist
where the required dwell times are significantly greater. For example, one manufacturer recommends a dwell time of 240
minutes for detection of stress corrosion cracking. Where dwell times exceed 20 minutes, additional penetrant must be
applied at least every 20 minutes or as needed to keep the surface wet. If the penetrant is allowed to dry during the
examination the part must be recleaned and the entire examination repeated.
5.4 Excess Penetrant Removal
5.4.1 After the specified dwell time has elapsed, remaining surface penetrant
shall be removed. Care should be taken to minimize removal of
penetrant from discontinuities. FLUSHING THE SURFACE WITH
SOLVENT IS PROHIBITED.
Page 6 of 20

5.4.2 SOLVENT REMOVABLE - Remove excess penetrant by wiping the

surface with clean lint free material, until most traces of penetrant have
been removed. Then lightly moisten a lint-free material with solvent and
wipe the surface until all remaining traces of excess penetrant have been
removed. FLUSHING THE SURFACE WITH SOLVENT IS
PROHIBITED.
5.4.3 WATER WASHABLE: Excess penetrant can be removed by a coarse

water spray. Pressure shall not exceed 50 psi and water temperature
shall not exceed 110F. A nozzle specifically designed for penetrant
testing (droplet sprayer) should be used in lieu of the typical garden
nozzles.
5.5 Drying After Penetrant Removal
5.5.1 When drying the surface after excess penetrant removal, ensure that the
shortest amount of time possible occurs between the penetrant removal
and developer application steps, but not to exceed 30 minutes.
5.5.2 SOLVENT REMOVABLE: Surfaces may be dried by normal

evaporation, blotting, wiping.
5.5.3 WATER WASHABLE: Surfaces may be dried by blotting or circulating

air.
5.5.4 HEATING - Surfaces may be dried with hot air provided surface
temperatures do not exceed the standard surface temperatures of this
SAEP.
5.6 Developing
5.6.1 When using color contrast penetrant only a wet developer shall be used.
Wet or dry developers may be used with fluorescent penetrant.
5.6.2 Dry Powder Developers may be applied to the surface by brushing,

powderbulb, hand applicator or other means making sure the entire
surface is dusted evenly.
5.6.3 Wet Developers must be thoroughly agitated prior to application.
5.6.3.1 Nonaqueous (solvent based) Developer shall be applied only to

a dry surface. Drying shall be by normal evaporation.
Flooding of the surface being examined with nonaqueous
developers is prohibited as it can flush the penetrant from
within the discontinuities.
Page 7 of 20

5.6.3.2 Aqueous (water based) Developer may be applied to either a

wet or dry surface and may be applied by dipping, spraying,
tank dipping, etc. Drying time may be accelerated with warm
air provided surface temperature does not exceed the standard
temperatures as stated in this SAEP.
5.6.4 Developers should be applied lightly. It is permissible to add additional

developer to aide in interpretation, if necessary. If it is necessary to
remove developer which was determined to be excessive, the test shall
be restarted at the pre-cleaning step.
5.7 Lighting Requirements
5.7.1 Color Contrast Penetrant Testing
Visible penetrant indications can be examined in either natural or

artificial white light. Adequate illumination is required to ensure no loss
of sensitivity of the examination. It is recommended that, wherever
possible, white light intensity levels be maintained at 100 ftc (1076 lux)
or greater. The minimum permissible light intensity at the examination
site is 32.5 ftc (350 lux).
5.7.2 Fluorescent Penetrant Testing
5.7.2.1 A minimum ultraviolet (UV) light intensity of 3000 W/cm is

required for field inspections in areas of ambient white light
which exceed 2 ftc (22 lux) as measured at the examination
surface. A minimum value of 1000 W/cm is required for
work in a darkened area of 2 ftc (22 lux) or less. UV light
utilization requirements are performed in accordance with
Appendix VI.
5.7.2.2 Fluorescent Penetrant Testing is to be performed in a darkened

area. Ambient light (natural or artificial white light) shall not
exceed 2 ftc (22 lux). With the specific approval of the
Inspection Department, special "Day-light" black lights may be
used in areas where ambient light cannot be reduced to 2 ftc
(22 lux). Even with a "Day Light" ultraviolet light, the site
ambient lighting shall be reduced as much as possible.
5.7.2.3 Visual inspection of the filter lens is mandatory prior to

switching the light on. Lights with broken, cracked or chipped
filters shall be repaired or replaced. Eye damage may result if
unfiltered UV light is used.
Page 8 of 20

5.7.2.4 The UV light must be allowed to warm-up a minimum of 5

minutes prior to use. In the event power is lost, many lights
require 20 minutes before they will restart. Regardless, if the
power is lost, an additional warm-up time of 10 minutes is
required to assure proper performance of the UV light. Output
shall be checked with a calibrated UV light meter. Refer to
Appendix VI.
5.7.2.5 The inspector should be in the darkened examination area for at

least 5 minutes prior to examination to allow the eyes to adapt
to the dark viewing.
5.8 Interpretation
5.8.1 Final interpretation shall be made within 7 to 30 minutes of applying the

developer. For wet developer, timing shall begin once the developer is
dry and for dry developer, timing shall begin immediately after
application. To aid in interpretation, formation of indications shall be
closely observed during application of the developer. This may assist in
characterizing and determining the extent of the indication.
5.8.2 Color Contrast Penetrants
Indications with a light pink color may indicate excessive penetrant

removal. Inadequate penetrant removal may leave a pinkish splotchy
background which will make interpretation difficult. If interpretation of
the indication is difficult for any reason, the examination shall be
repeated from the beginning. Recleaning is then required.
5.8.3 Fluorescent Penetrants
The examiner shall not use photosensitive glasses or lenses and shall be
in the darkened area for a minimum of 5 min. prior to evaluation.
6 Evaluation
6.1 All indications shall be evaluated in accordance with the referencing Code or
Specification. Sample acceptance criteria for specific codes are listed in
Appendix VII. Any conflicts between this document and the applicable Code
Section shall be resolved by an Inspection Department PT Level III.
6.2 Any indication which is believed to be nonrelevant shall be regarded as relevant

until reexamined to verify whether or not an actual discontinuity is present.
Machining marks, surface roughness, mechanical conditions and other surface
conditions could cause or produce false indications.
Page 9 of 20

6.3 Broad areas of pigmentation which could mask indications of discontinuities are
unacceptable and require corrective action by cleaning or other suitable means
of surface preparation as described herein. The area must then be retested.
6.4 Interpretation of indications found and determined to be rejectable shall be

based on the apparent size of the indication. Linear indications are those having
a length greater than three times the width. Rounded indications are those that
have a circular or elliptical shape with the length equal to or less than three
times the width.
6.5 All examinations shall be reported on the Saudi Aramco form 4719 (Appendix
VIII).
7 Post Cleaning
Post cleaning shall be performed on all components that have been PT tested. Suitable
cleaning techniques include machine wash, vapor degreasing, solvent soak and
ultrasonic cleaning. Caution should be exercised to remove all developer prior to vapor
degreasing as vapor degreasing can bake the developer on parts.
8 Safety
8.1 Penetrant materials are highly volatile, relatively toxic and the liquid may cause
skin irritation. Use adequate ventilation at all times and avoid prolonged skin
contact.
8.2 Penetrant materials shall not be heated above 130F (54C) or exposed to open
flames.
8.3 The inspector shall be responsible for compliance with applicable safety rules in
the use of liquid penetrant materials.
8.4 Keep aerosol cans containing penetrant materials out of direct sunlight and
storage areas in excess of 130F (54C); as excessive heat may cause aerosol
cans to explode.
Revision Summary
12 October 2005 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with minor changes.
Page 10 of 20

Appendix I - Procedure A-1

Water Washable Fluorescent Penetrant Examination
Temperature Limits 50 to 125F (10 to 52C)

Surface Conditioning Prior As welded, cast, rolled, forged condition unless otherwise instructed.
to Penetrant Inspection
Pre-clean Approved solvent cleaner. Allow to dry minimum 5 minutes prior to
proceeding with the test.
Penetrant Materials PENETRANT DEVELOPER
(Appendix V) Water Washable Fluorescent Dry Developer
Aqueous Developer
Non-Aqueous Developer
Penetrant Application Depending on whether penetrant is supplied in bulk containers or aerosol
cans, application can be by dipping, brushing, flooding, or spraying.
Penetrant Dwell Time 10 to 20 minutes depending on defect sought per Table 1.
Excess Penetrant Removal Removal with a coarse water sprayed on the surface of the part. Water
pressure not to exceed 50 psi and should be applied with a droplet type
sprayer specifically designed for penetrant removal. Caution must be taken
not to over wash the part or area under test. The test surface must be dry
prior to the application of Nonaqueous and Dry Developers.
Developer Application Standard Saudi Aramco Developer is Non-Aqueous in an aerosol can.
Spray at 25cm to 30cm (10" to 12") from the surface. If Aqueous (water
based) developer is used, flood the surface and allow to dry.
Inspection Lighting UV Light - 1000 W/cm2 - 3000 W/cm2
White Light - Maximum = 2 ftc
Post Cleaning Wipe surface clean with dry cloth. Flush surface with an approved solvent
cleaner. Wipe as required with a clean cloth and/or absorbent paper towel.
Page 11 of 20

Appendix II - Procedure A-3

Solvent-Removable Fluorescent Penetrant Examination
Temperature Limit 50 to 125F (10 to 52C)

Surface Conditioning Prior to As welded, cast, rolled, forged condition unless otherwise instructed.
Penetrant Inspection
Preclean Approved solvent cleaner. Allow to dry minimum 5 minutes prior to
(Appendix V) Solvent Removable Fluorescent Dry Developer
Aqueous Developer
Excess Penetrant Removal Remove penetrant with a dry, clean, lint free cloth or paper towel, followed
by moistened clean, lint free, white cloth or paper towel. For final removal of
excess penetrant use a dry, lint free white cloth or paper towel.
Inspection Lighting Black Light - 1000 W/cm2 - 3000 W/cm2
White Light - Maximum = 2 ftc
Page 12 of 20

Appendix III - Procedure B-1

Water Washable Color Contrast (Visible Dye) Penetrant Examination

(Appendix V) Water Washable Visible Dry Developer
Aqueous Developer
Excess Penetrant Removal Removal with a coarse water sprayed on the surface to be examined.
Water pressure not to exceed 50 psi and should be applied with a droplet
type sprayer specifically designed for penetrant removal. Caution must be
taken not to over wash the part or area under test. The test surface must be
dry prior to the application of Nonaqueous and Dry Developers.
Inspection Lighting White Light Min 32.5 ftc (350 lux). Recommended 100 ftc ( 1076 lux)
Page 13 of 20

Appendix IV - Procedure B-3

Solvent-Removable Color Contrast (Visible Dye) Penetrant Examination

(Appendix V) Solvent Removable Visible Dry Developer
Aqueous Developer
cans, application can be by dipping, brushing, flooding, spraying or by rag.
Excess Penetrant Removal Removal with a dry, clean, lint free cloth or paper towel, followed by
moistened clean, lint free, white cloth or paper towel with final removal to
assure sufficient removal with a dry, lint free white cloth or paper towel.
Inspection Lighting White Light Min 32.5 ftc (350 lux), recommended 100 ftc ( 1076 lux)
Page 14 of 20

Appendix V - Approved Penetrant Materials
Permissible Penetrant, Removers and Developers
The following manufacturers and their product designations are only examples of
typical product combinations. The user is not limited from selecting other
manufacturers and their products.
Water Washable, Fluorescent Penetrant System - Procedure A-1
Manufacturer Penetrant Remover Developer

Sherwin HM-440, HM-430 Water D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox P133D, P134D, P135D Water 9D1B
Magnaflux ZL-60C Water SKD-LT or ZP-9F
Solvent-Removable, Fluorescent Penetrant System - Procedure A-3

Sherwin RC-50, RC-65 DR-60, DR-61 D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox 985-P12, 985-P13 9PR50 9D1B
Magnaflux ZL-27A SKC-NF SKD-LT or ZP-9F
Water Washable, Color Contrast Penetrant System - Procedure B-1

Sherwin DP-51 Water D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox 906/303A Water 9D1B
Magnaflux SKL-WP Water SKD-NF, SKD-S, ZP-9B
Turco DY-CHEK WW-1A Water DY-CHEK NAD
Page 15 of 20

Solvent-Removable, Color Contrast Penetrant System - Procedure B-3

Sherwin DP-40 DR-60, DR-61 D-100, D-100NF
Ardrox 996/P300A 9PR50 9D1B
Magnaflux SKL-HF SKC-NF, SKC-S SKD-NF, SKD-S, ZP-9B
Turco DY-CHEK DY-CHEK DY-CHEK NAD
REMOVER #3
Note: The latest list of approved materials shall be held by the Supervisor, NDT Unit, Dhahran.
Phone 874-6605.
Page 16 of 20

Appendix VI - Ultraviolet Light Utilization Requirements
1 Examinations requiring the use of ultraviolet light shall be conducted in a

darkened area of 22 lux (lx) [ 2 foot candles (ftc)] or less of white light intensity
as measured at the surface to be tested. Every attempt shall be made to darken
the area as much as possible prior to conducting a fluorescent penetrant
examination through the use of a blanket, hood, or portable booth.
2 The ultraviolet light intensity at the examination surface shall be measured:
2.1 At least every 4 hours.
2.2 Whenever the work location is changed.
2.3 After changing a component of the unit such as a filter or bulb.
2.4 After a UV light unit failure.
3 The ultraviolet light intensity shall be determined using a UVP Model J-221
Long Wave UV Meter, Spectroline DSE-100X, DME-365, or equivalent. The
light meters shall be calibrated every 6 months and bear an authentic seal which
presents the date calibration was accomplished and the next due date.
4 A minimum of 3000 W/cm is required for field inspections in areas of ambient

white light which exceed 2 ftc as measured at the examination surface. A
minimum value of 1000 W/cm is required for work in a darkened area of 2 ftc
or less.
5 Ultraviolet light intensity shall be measured at the examination surface prior to

the fluorescent PT examination. The light sensor shall be placed on the surface
to be tested. The black light should be centered perpendicular (90) to the light
sensor at a distance of 15 inches (38.1 cm). The light should be placed to
achieve the highest intensity light meter reading. The reading shall be recorded
on the PT Inspection Report and the Light Intensity Log Sheet.
6 A UV Light Intensity Log Sheet shall be kept with the UV light unit at all times
and the UV light unit intensity monitored for fading trends (decreased output)
before each usage.
Page 17 of 20

Appendix VI (Con't)
Ultraviolet (Uv) Light Intensity Log
UV LIGHT MFG: _________________________ UV LIGHT MODEL #:_______________________

UV LIGHT S/N:___________________ LOCATION:___________________________________
Employee Employee
Date Intensity @ 15 Inches Badge Date Intensity @ 15 Inches Badge
(38.1 Cm) Number (38.1cm) Number
NOTES:
Ambient white light 2 ftc or less.
If UV meter reads lower than 1000 W/cm, clean the filter and reflector as required and re-measure. If still below
1000 W/cm, replace bulb.
UV light intensity should be minimum 1000 W/cm @ 15 inches in a darkened area and 3000 W/cm @ 15 inches in
all other areas.
Appendix VII Example Liquid Penetrant Testing Acceptance Criteria
Page 18 of 20

Code Rejection Criteria

API STD 1104 1. Linear Indications
Indications > 1/16" (1.6 mm) shall be considered as relevant. Relevant
indications are rejectable if:
Evaluated as crater cracks or star cracks and >5/32" (4 mm) in length.
Evaluated as cracks other than crater cracks or star cracks.
Evaluated as IF and >1" (25.4 mm) in total length in a continuous 12" (305
mm) weld or >8% of the weld length.
2. Rounded Indications.
For evaluation, the maximum dimension of rounded indications shall be
considered. Indications are rejectable defects if:
Individual indication >1/8" (3.2 mm) or 25% of the thickness of the thinner
member, whichever is less.
Distribution of scattered rounded indications exceed the concentration of API
STD 1104, Figures 18 or 19.
Clustered rounded indications >" (12.7 mm) are present.
Combined length of clustered indications > " in any 12" (305 mm) of weld.
Any individual indication in a cluster >1/16" (1.6 mm).
ANSI/ASME B31.1 Indications > 1/16" ( 1.6 mm) shall be considered as relevant
& 1. Linear Indication: Any Crack or linear indication
ANSI/ASME B31.3 2. Rounded Indications
Indications with dimensions > 3/16" (4.8 mm)
Four or more rounded indication in a line separated by 1/16" (1.6 mm) or less
edge to edge.
Ten or more rounded indication in any 6 in (3870 mm) of surface with the
major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 in. (150 mm).
ASME SEC VIII, Indications > 1/16" ( 1.6 mm) shall be considered as relevant
Div 1 The following Indications shall be rejectable:
1. Relevant linear indication > 1/16" (1.6 mm)
2. Relevant rounded indications > 3/16" (4.8 mm)
3. Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16" (1.6 mm) or less
(edge to edge).
AWS D1.1 Acceptance/Rejection criteria is dependent on service condition. Refer to the
relevant project engineer or the Inspection Department.
Note: The examiner must verify actual acceptance criteria per the applicable code or purchase specifications.
Page 19 of 20

Appendix VIII Liquid Penetrant Examination Request & Report Form
Log No. B.I. No. J.O. No. Plant No. Plant Name Contractor
Location/Kilometer Reference Saudi Aramco Rep. Unit Requested by: Phone: Date:
Technician Level Code / Acceptance Criteria Material Type Material Form Sch. / Thickness
Liquid Penetrant System: Penetrant Mfg Penetrant Batch No. Penetrant P/N Remover P/N. Developer P/N.
A-1______ A-3______
B-1______ B-3______
Surface Temperature White Light Intensity UV Light Intensity UV Light Model No. UV Meter Material Form
Model No.
Surface Condition / Part Description
Item Drawing No. Equipment P/N Weld Welder Exam Results REPAIR DEFECT
No. Line Reference No. Symbol ACC REJ LOCATION TYPE & SIZE
Interpretation by: (print) Badge No. Signature: Date:

______________________________________
PT Level II / PT Level III
NOTES:
1. All blanks are to be filled in or marked N/A (not applicable).
2. Examination performed by Level I require a sign-off by Level II or Level III.
Page 20 of 20

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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-1145 12 October 2005

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Appendix I - Procedure A-1................................ 11

Previous Issue: 30 September 2001 Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010

CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

1.1 This Engineering Procedure establishes the minimum requirements and

Detailed, written, PT procedures meeting the requirements of Appendices I

2 Conflicts and Deviations

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

SAEP-1142 Qualification of Non Saudi Aramco NDT

3.2 Industry Codes And Standards

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

American Welding Society

American Petroleum Institute

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4.2 Penetrant System Classification

4.2.1 Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

Water-washable (Procedure A-1)

4.2.2 Color Contrast (Visible) Penetrant Inspection

Water-washable (Procedure B-1)

4.3 Penetrant Material Selection

4.4 Restriction in Use of Penetrant Materials

4.4.1 Fluorescent penetrant examination shall never follow a color contrast

4.4.2 Intermixing of penetrant materials from different manufacturers is not

4.5 Control of Penetrant Materials

Content of penetrant materials is necessary when testing nickel based alloys,

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4.6 Personnel Qualification

4.6.1 Saudi Aramco personnel performing penetrant testing shall be qualified

4.6.2 Contractor personnel performing penetrant testing shall be qualified and

4.7 Surface Preparation

4.7.1 In general, satisfactory results will be obtained when the surface to be

4.7.3 Detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions and other paint

4.7.4 Penetrant testing of previously painted welds or components shall not be

Following pre-cleaning, evaporation time of cleaners shall be 5 minutes

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Table 1 - Recommended Dwell Times

Material Form Type of Dwell Times (min.)

Carbide-tipped tools Lack of Fusion, Porosity, 10 7

Plastics all forms cracks 10 7

5.4 Excess Penetrant Removal

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5.4.2 SOLVENT REMOVABLE - Remove excess penetrant by wiping the

5.4.3 WATER WASHABLE: Excess penetrant can be removed by a coarse

5.5 Drying After Penetrant Removal

5.5.2 SOLVENT REMOVABLE: Surfaces may be dried by normal

5.5.3 WATER WASHABLE: Surfaces may be dried by blotting or circulating

5.6.2 Dry Powder Developers may be applied to the surface by brushing,

5.6.3 Wet Developers must be thoroughly agitated prior to application.

5.6.3.1 Nonaqueous (solvent based) Developer shall be applied only to

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5.6.3.2 Aqueous (water based) Developer may be applied to either a

5.6.4 Developers should be applied lightly. It is permissible to add additional

5.7 Lighting Requirements

5.7.1 Color Contrast Penetrant Testing

Visible penetrant indications can be examined in either natural or

UV LIGHT MFG: ___ UV LIGHT MODEL #:_