Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection
Enhance the reliability and efficiency of your assets and equipment with our industry leading service!
Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) is a Non-destructive Testing (NDT) method that uses dye, and in some situations, a fluorescent penetrant, to find surface-breaking flaws, ensuring the safety, integrity, and long-term reliability of your operations.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) is also known as Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI), Penetrant Testing (PT), or Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI).
Embrace the power of Liquid (dye) Penetrant Inspection
Our LPI services meticulously scrutinise the surface of your materials, employing a dye penetrant that seeps into even the tiniest cracks and voids, rendering them visible under a developer's illumination.
This transformative process uncovers hidden imperfections that could jeopardise the integrity of your components.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection’s versatility extends far beyond castings and welds. We expertly apply this NDT method to a wide spectrum of non-porous materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and even glass. Whether you’re inspecting intricate parts or large circumference structures, LPI seamlessly adapts to your specific needs.
A process that unravels the mysteries of material integrity
1. Surface preparation
The surface of the material to be inspected must be clean and free of dirt, grease, and other contaminants. Our team carry this step out to ensure that the dye can properly penetrate the surface and reveal any hidden flaws.
2. Dye penetrant application
The dye penetrant, a coloured liquid, is applied to the surface of the material, where it will seep into any cracks or flaws in the material.
3. Excess removal
The excess dye penetrant is removed from the surface of the material to prevent it from obscuring any flaws that may be present.
4. Developer application
The developer is applied to the surface of the material. The developer is a powder that will react with the penetrant that has seeped into any cracks or flaws, causing a reaction that causes the dye to become visible, making it easier to identify any flaws. Colour contrast penetrant requires good white light while fluorescents need to be used in darkened conditions with an ultraviolet light (also known as Black Light).
5. Visual inspection
Finally, the surface of the material will then be visually inspected for any flaws. Any cracks or flaws that are present will show as areas of colorant.
Contact us to learn more about our safe and reliable LPI testing services!
Get in touch today! Get in touch today! Get in touch today!Key benefits of Liquid Penetrant Inspection
High sensitivity
LPI possesses an exceptional ability to detect flaws that may be too small or subtle for the naked eye.
Material versatility
Its adaptability extends to a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and glass.
Portability
LPI can be performed on-site, facilitating the inspection of large and intricate components.
High sensitivity
LPI possesses an exceptional ability to detect flaws that may be too small or subtle for the naked eye.
Material versatility
Its adaptability extends to a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and glass.
Portability
LPI can be performed on-site, facilitating the inspection of large and intricate components.
Hear what our customers have to say
We care about the journey we take our customers on, but it’s not our word you should be taking, see what our customers think of the service we provided!
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We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.
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Customer
Global Technical Services Manager
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The BES inspectors are way more technically competent and diligent compared to other providers. BES definitely stands out due to their strong technical competence and strong back office support.
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Customer
Project Operations Manager
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BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.
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Industry competitor
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The industry requires competence to be demonstrated, typically through UKAS accreditation, which is a prerequisite for many major clients. BES is type A accredited, which is preferred, they can provide highly objective opinions.
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Customer
Senior Project Manager
FAQs
What types of issues can LPI detect?
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Liquid (Dye) Penetrant Inspections are most often used for surface examinations and defect indications in non-ferromagnetic materials. This method also detects surface defects in non-magnetic material, including:
- Surface cracks
- Toe cracks
- Crater cracks
- Surface porosity
- Geometric discontinuities
- Delaminations
- Inclusions
What types of materials can be inspected with LPI?
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LPI can be used to inspect a wide range of materials including, but not limited to:
- Glass
- Composites
- Plastics
- Metals
- Ceramics
What are the limitations of LPI?
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It can only be used to detect flaws that are on the material surface or ones near to the surface. Dye Penetrant will only show flaws on the surface.
It’s not a sensitive as other NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing.
Unless you are an expert, it can be difficult to interpret the results of the testing
Why choose us
NDT expertise
BES Group has a team of experienced and qualified NDT inspectors who can use our complete suite of NDT techniques to inspect a wide variety of equipment and assets.
Qualified service
Our team are qualified to PCN Level 3 and ASNT NDT, and adhere to the BS EN ISO 9712 standard.
Trusted reliability
BES Group is a trusted and reliable provider of NDT services. We're proud to have a proven track record of providing high-quality services that meet the needs of our customers.
Our sectors
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