What is Penetrant testing?
Penetrant Testing involves applying a visible or fluorescent dye to the surface. The dye enters the discontinuities via capillary action. The method can be applied to any non-absorbent material with uncoated surfaces.
What are the responsibilities of a individual who is certified to Penetrant Level 3?
An individual certified to Level 3 has demonstrated:
- The competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing standards, codes, and specifications;
- Sufficient practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication, process, and product technology to select NDT methods, establish NDT techniques, and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available;
- A general familiarity with other NDT methods
Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 3 personnel may be authorised to:
- Assume full responsibility for a test facility or examination centre and staff;
- Establish, review for editorial and technical correctness and validate NDT instructions and procedures;
- Interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures;
- Designate the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used;
- Within the scope and limitations of any certification held, carry out all tasks at all levels;
- Provide guidance for NDT personnel at all Levels.
Level 3 certificated personnel may be authorised to carry out, manage and supervise PCN qualification examinations on behalf of the British Institute of NDT.
Where Level 3 duties require the individual to apply routine NDT by a method or methods within a particular product or industry sector, the British Institute of NDT strongly recommends that industry demand that this person should hold and maintain Level 2 certification in the applicable method(s) and sector(s).
The range and scope of PCN certification available at each level is defined in the relevant appendix to these general requirements.
