A New Models of Barrier Discherge Excilamps for Liquid Penetrant Inspection

Dielectric barrier discharge XeCl-excilamps can be used for detecting of surface defects in case of the luminescent liquid penetrant inspection method (LLPI). In case of LLPI, surface defects are detected by brightly glowing indications formed on the developing coating (developing agent) in the locations of discontinuities. This method differs from the color one that the inspection is performed under darkening conditions and requires ultraviolet irradiation, so it is more sensitive, since the visual luminescence of the display is detected better than the color contrast. This article experimentally compares the results of LLPI using different UV-light sources (two barrier discharge excilamps (portable and front-mounted), a mercury UV lamp and an led UV lantern). It is shown that the XeCl-excilamp gives a good detection and fixation of indicator traces in comparison with other sources of UV radiation.