What is Method A(W)?


Posted By: Steve Published: 08/31/2021 Times Read: 3026


Defining Method A(W)

Method A(W) is a separate category for Method A penetrants and defined by AMS 2644 as a “Water Washable penetrant that contains 20% or more water by volume in its formula.” This category was added to the G revision of AMS 2644 and issued in April 2019. The current revision of AMS 2644 is H, which was issued in July 2020.



Differences between Method A & Method A(W)

For in-use penetrant testing, Method A(W) has a different testing method and frequency for water content than Method A penetrant. The water content test is a quick weekly check for Method A(W) penetrants with the use of a refractometer. If necessary, adjustments may be made by adding water or the Method A(W) penetrant to the tank.


Features of Water-based Penetrants

Reliably Speed Up Inspection and Wash Processes

  • Identify bright indications with superior sensitivity and low fluorescent background interference.
  • Increase throughput and reduce costs by eliminating the developer step of inspection processes depending on procedures and requirements.
  • Rapid rinse and post inspection washing of parts thanks to excellent washability properties.

Reduce Waste-Water Pollutants and Environmental Footprint

  • Reduce water treatment costs and discharge waste process water directly into the sewage system (depending on local regulations) due to minimal water-based contaminants.
  • Meet or exceed local discharge regulations with low Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels.
  • Support a healthy environment with water-based penetrants that have minimal environmental, occupational health and safety impact.


Industry approvals

  • QPL Approval
  • ZL-425 and ZL-440 are approved and qualified to AMS 2644.


Things to Know About Water-based Penetrants

More frequent testing

  • Method A requires a monthly concentration test by sending it into a lab or Magnaflux's PeneCert program, while Method AW requires a weekly concentration test with a refractometer.

Approvals Met

  • If listed on QPL it meets the specifications for AMS 2644 as a Level I or 2 penetrant, depending on the classification.

QPL Approval

  • ZL-425 and ZL-440 are approved and qualified to AMS 2644.

Lower Water Treatment Costs

  • Disposal is a benefit for water-based or a deterrent for oil-based.
  • Maintenance due to the concentration of the water-base.
  • Wastewater treatments costs can be lowered.

Application Method

  • Water-based is not suited for spray application.
  • Only referring to ZL-425 & ZL-440.
  • Typically used in emersion tanks.



ZL-425ZL-440

Water-based, water washable level 1 fluorescent penetrant; contains no petroleum distillates allowing direct drain disposal

Water-based, water washable level 2 fluorescent penetrant; contains no petroleum distillates allowing direct drain disposal.

Product ID: 01-3425-45Product ID: 01-3440-45


Do you have questions?  Would you like to talk to someone to see if Method A(W) would be right for you?  We'd love to help figure that out with you! Please reach out to us at...


Source:

"What is Method A(W)?" Magnaflux.com, https://www.magnaflux.com/Magnaflux/Resources/Blog/Method-AW

Tags: NDT, non, destructive, testing, Magnaflux, LPI, liquid, penetrant, inspection, cleaning, clean, preclean, refractometer, kern, hydrometer, method, a, aw, a(w), ams, 2644,

Products related to this post

See available options

Starting at $4,099.00

Related Posts