Automated Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) System Is Triple A

摘要

This paper describes how Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) was used in thepast, how it is used now and how it will be used in the future. The United StatesAir Force (USAF) and Pratt & Whitney (P&W) now use a fully-automated FPI processwith manual visual inspection. With direction and funding provided by theUSAF/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 whichinclude test objectives, test articles, test facility, test equipment, testresults, and training.This technology is affordablaffordable (lower processing cost resulting from increasedthroughput, 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 anddetection capability through consistent processing). In addition, the FPI systemis environmentally clean. P&W can design, manufacture, and install a customizedFPI system for its customers. P&W is continually improving today's technologiesand techniques to assure global readiness for the 21st century.