Liquid Penetrant Testing Services

At Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd., we deliver professional Liquid Penetrant Testing Services to detect surface-breaking defects with precision and efficiency. As part of our broader Asset Integrity offerings, LPT helps our clients maintain the safety, reliability, and compliance of critical equipment. Whether you’re operating in manufacturing, construction, energy, or industrial sectors, our certified inspectors apply proven penetrant testing techniques to uncover flaws that could compromise performance or lead to unexpected failures. With decades of hands-on field experience, we ensure accurate inspections that support better maintenance decisions, minimize unplanned downtime, and extend equipment life.

Expertise in Liquid Penetrant Testing Services

Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. provides Liquid Penetrant Testing Services performed by PT Level 2 certified inspectors with deep expertise in materials and surface flaw detection. Our team is trained to test a wide variety of nonporous materials—including metals, plastics, and ceramics—using both visible and fluorescent penetrants, depending on the application requirements.

We adhere to the highest industry standards, including CSA, ASME, API, ANSI, ISO, and NBC codes, ensuring every inspection meets full regulatory compliance. Our penetrant testing process is highly sensitive to minute discontinuities such as cracks, laps, seams, and porosity—delivering clear, reliable results for quality control, in-service inspections, and failure prevention.

By integrating LPT with engineering analysis and risk-based methodologies, we don’t just find flaws—we help you understand what they mean for your asset’s integrity. Whether in the field or in the shop, our Liquid Penetrant Testing Services are tailored to meet the demands of your operation and ensure long-term asset reliability.

Advantages of Liquid Penetrant Testing

Highly Versatile: Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) works effectively on a wide range of nonporous materials—including metals, plastics, and ceramics—making it suitable across many industries and applications.
Detects the Smallest Surface Defects: PT is exceptionally sensitive to fine surface flaws such as hairline cracks, pinholes, and porosity—imperfections that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Cost-Efficient Inspection: With minimal equipment and setup requirements, PT is one of the most economical non-destructive testing methods available, offering excellent value without compromising accuracy.
Clear, Visible Results: Once the process is complete, surface defects appear as high-contrast indications that are easy to identify and interpret, allowing for straightforward inspection and documentation.
Field-Ready and Portable: The compact nature of PT materials and tools allows for easy transportation and deployment in the field, supporting on-site inspections even in remote or confined environments.

Visible Water Washable

Visible Water Washable Penetrant Testing is one of the most common and straightforward LPT methods. It utilizes a red dye penetrant that can be easily removed from the surface using water. This method is typically chosen for its speed, simplicity, and effectiveness in detecting surface-breaking flaws in non-porous materials. The penetrant is applied to a clean, dry surface and allowed to dwell, allowing it to seep into surface discontinuities through capillary action. After the dwell period, the surface is rinsed with water, which removes the excess penetrant without disturbing the penetrant trapped in any defects. A developer is then applied to draw out the penetrant from the flaws, forming visible red indications against the contrasting white developer background.

This technique is especially useful in environments where access to water is convenient and where speed is a priority. It requires minimal specialized equipment, making it ideal for field inspections and in-shop quality checks. Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. employs PT Level 2 certified inspectors who are experienced in executing water washable LPT with high accuracy, ensuring that even fine surface flaws are reliably detected.

Visible Solvent Removable

Visible Solvent Removable Penetrant Testing is a versatile method used when water is unavailable or not ideal for the inspection environment. This technique uses a visible dye penetrant that must be removed from the test surface using a specially formulated solvent. After applying the penetrant and allowing the required dwell time, excess penetrant is wiped away with a clean, lint-free cloth moistened with solvent. Once cleaned, a developer is applied, which draws out the penetrant from surface defects to create clearly visible indications.

This method is particularly beneficial in field applications, aerospace, or electrical component inspections where moisture or water exposure could compromise the material or environment. It allows for more control during the cleaning phase, which is critical for delicate or complex geometries. Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd.’s PT Level 2 certified technicians are skilled in solvent removable LPT, ensuring thorough inspections without the risk of water-induced damage or contamination.

Fluorescent Water Washable

Fluorescent Water Washable Penetrant Testing is a highly sensitive method ideal for detecting fine surface-breaking defects under ultraviolet (UV-A) light. It uses a fluorescent dye that glows brightly under black light, enhancing flaw visibility beyond what the human eye can detect under visible lighting. After applying the penetrant and allowing it to dwell, the surface is gently rinsed with water to remove excess material. A developer is then applied to draw the penetrant back out of flaws, creating glowing indications visible under UV light.

This method is especially useful for high-precision applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors where detecting minute cracks or porosity is critical. Fluorescent water washable LPT offers superior detection capabilities and is typically performed in controlled environments, such as darkrooms, to maximize contrast and sensitivity. At Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd., PT Level 2 certified inspectors conduct these inspections using industry-standard lighting, materials, and techniques to ensure high fidelity in flaw detection.

Fluorescent Solvent Removable

Fluorescent Solvent Removable Penetrant Testing is designed for scenarios where water usage is restricted or could compromise the component. Like other fluorescent methods, it uses a dye that fluoresces under UV-A light, allowing for the detection of extremely fine flaws. The key distinction is the use of a solvent to remove the excess penetrant after the dwell period. This method provides better control over the removal process, especially for parts with complex geometries or sensitive surfaces.

This technique is particularly effective for on-site inspections or in environments where moisture must be avoided, such as electrical systems or high-performance machinery. The process involves applying the fluorescent penetrant, allowing it to dwell, then removing the surface excess using a lint-free cloth and solvent. A developer is then applied, and the part is examined under UV light. Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd.’s certified inspectors ensure accurate, clean application and interpretation, maintaining quality and safety standards for critical assets.

Get Started With Liquid Penetrant Testing Services

Ensure the integrity and reliability of your critical components with expert Liquid Penetrant Testing Services.
Contact us today to schedule your Liquid Penetrant Testing Services or to learn how we can support your Asset Integrity Management Program.

Get Started With Liquid Penetrant Testing Services

Why Choose Us for Liquid Penetrant Testing Services?

Over 30 years of hands-on experience providing Liquid Penetrant Testing Services across industrial sectors in Saskatchewan.
Our PT Level 2 inspectors are trained to detect even the most minute surface defects on metals, plastics, and ceramics.
Full alignment with CSA, ASME, API, ANSI, ISO, and NBC standards ensures your inspections meet all regulatory requirements.
We’ve built a strong reputation across Saskatchewan by delivering accurate, repeatable results that stand up to scrutiny.
We integrate inspection data with engineering analysis to provide recommendations that support safe, efficient operations.

For trusted liquid penetrant testing services, choose Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. – where quality and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.