TAM / PSM 5 Panels

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

Sherwin Penetrant System Monitor Panels (PSM-5G and PSM-5P) are fabricated from chrome plated stainless steel for long service, and, while not easily damaged as a NiCr Sensitivity Panel or as subject to corrosion as a cracked aluminum block, PSM-5^TM Panels should be handled properly to avoid:

Scratching the chrome or grit blasted sections.
Excessive heat that might crack the chrome plating.
Excessive rubbing or brushing that might diminish the grit blasted roughness.
Over exposure to corrosive materials that might pit the chrome plating.
Contamination and clogging of cracks.

Common sense and careful handling will guide users in avoiding most risks to a panel’s utility. Cleaning requires a little more care.

POST-CLEANING IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Post-cleaning is essential in order to delay or prevent clogging of the small cracks which the PSM-5^TM Panel contains. The Panel should ne cleaned immediately after each test. Do not allow penetrants to dry or oxidize in the cracks.

Clean After Each Use – Extended soaking – at least 4 hours – in a volatile solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol (Sherwin DR 63 Cleaner/Remover), is recommended. Prior to soaking, it is advisable to remove developer particles from the panel surface with a weak detergent solution (e.g., ER-83A, 1-5% solution) and a soft bristle brush, followed by a plain water rinse. There is no need to dry the panel before alcohol immersion. (CAUTION: isopropyl alcohol is a flammable solvent.) Ultrasonic cleaning with a volatile solvent is a preferred post-cleaning method, provided the selected solvent meets safety and health requirements. (A water-based detergent solution used in an ultrasonic cleaner is also beneficial, but it should be followed by a soak in isopropyl alcohol, or similar solvent.)

Clogged Cracks – There is a tendency for the smallest crack (.015-.031” diameter by .003” deep) to clog with residues, such as developer particles and hard water minerals (calcium/magnesium) and become undetectable. This can be minimized if post-cleaning includes removing developer particles with a mild detergent solution, as recommended above and using de-ionized or distilled water when processing the final rinse.

One way to unclog cracks is to place a drop of a mild acidic material, such as a household mineral remover (e.g. “Lime Away”) directly on the crack for about three minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with water. Use de-ionized or distilled water if the next step is to dry the panel.

Dry Before Re-Use – Solvent or water in PSM-5^TM Panel cracks will interfere with tests and must be evaporated before using the Panel. Allow the Panel to dry completely before conducting any test. If dryness is doubted, oven dry the panel. Prevent cracking by allowing the Panel to cool before applying penetrant.

Periodic Thorough Cleaning – Despite routine post-cleaning, penetrant residue will accumulate in the cracks. Therefore, a more thorough cleaning followed by close inspection using a developer should be a periodic step in maintaining the PSM-5^TM Panel.

Allow the panel to soak overnight in solvent. After it is dry, apply a heavy coat of nonaqueous developer, such as Sherwin Incorporated Dubl-Check D-100. Next, place the panel in a 180ºF oven for ten minutes. The developer and heating will draw dissolved penetrant residue to the surface. Allow the panel to cool and without removing the developer, examine it under a black light. If the cracks are readable, continue applying developer, heating and examining the panel until the cracks are no longer readable. For especially contaminated panels, additional soaking as well as ultrasonic cleaning may be required.

Panel Life – Several factors affect the PSM-5^TM Panel’s life. Excessive thermal cracking, gouges, scratches and rough handling shorten the panel’s life. Also, the induced cracks propagate naturally with temperature cycling and general usage. Tight cracks may resist cleaning. The grit blasted section may become smooth with wiping and handling. Eventually, a panel wil have to be replaced.

Recalibration – One major company, which mandates the use of PSM-5^TM Panels, based on their experience, requires the recalibration of their own, in-house panels approximately every six months. Experience has shown that recalibration requirements will vary with how much a panel is used and with how well it is maintained. Sherwin Incorporated recommends that PSM-5^TM PSM-5^TM Panels be recalibrated, at least, annually.

Panels may be returned to the factory for through cleaning, re-grit blasting, and crack measurement. If a PSM-5^TM Panel can be restored to conform to the original Pratt-Whitney drawing, it will be certified. The fee for recalibrating and recertifying a PSM-5^TM Panel will be quoted on request. Allow approximately ten working days and processing.

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TAM / PSM-5 Panels

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