Abstract: Water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection of parts for locating cracks and flaws therein, consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye in the form of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and glycol monobutyl ether for thinning the dye penetrant solution substantially without affecting the sensitivity of the penetrant or its biodegradability, and facilitating application of the liquid dye penetrant composition by spraying to the surface of an object or part to be inspected.

Abstract: Liquid oxygen-compatible water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition having excellent sensitivity and high stability, for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection particularly of parts or mechanical components which are later placed in contact with liquid oxygen, and which are compatible with a wide variety of metals including steel alloys, such composition consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye, in the form of certain oxyalkylated alcohols, preferably ethoxylated linear alcohols,particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and a nonhalogenated solvent which is volatile at room temperature, e.g. a ketone such as methyl ethyl ketone or acetone, or a suitable alcohol such as ethyl alcohol.

Abstract: Water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection of parts for locating cracks and flaws therein, consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye in the form of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and glycol monobutyl ether for thinning the dye penetrant solution substantially without affecting the sensitivity of the penetrant or its biodegradability, and facilitating application of the liquid dye penetrant composition by spraying to the surface of an object or part to be inspected.

Abstract: A water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition having excellent sensitivity and high stability, for use in non-destructive testing of objects to locate voids and defects therein, said composition consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, and a carrier or solvent for said dye, in the form of a mixture of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly a combination of biodegradable nonionic surfactants each comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, one of which contains an average of 5 moles of ethylene oxide, and another of which contains an average of 9 moles of ethylene oxide.