This paper describes how Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) was used in the past, how it is used now and how it will be used in the future. The United States Air Force (USAF) and Pratt & Whitney (P&W) now use a fully-automated FPI process with manual visual inspection. With direction and funding provided by the USAF/Aeronautical System Center (ASC), these fully-automated FPI processors, located at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas were developed, manufactured, installed, qualified and put into operation by Pratt & Whitney. This paper will cover the following: the Qualification and Acceptance Tests which include test objectives, test articles, test facility, test equipment, test results, and training.
This technology is affordable (lower processing cost resulting from increased throughput, reduced maintenance man-hours and reduced material consumption), adaptable (multiple industry applications, flexible layout accommodates simple, complex, large and small geometries), and accurate (improved reliability and detection capability through consistent processing). In addition, the FPI system is environmentally clean. P&W can design, manufacture, and install a customized FPI system for its customers. P&W is continually improving today's technologies and techniques to assure global readiness for the 21st century.