In the aerospace industry, dependability and safety are critical to every aircraft part and so every critical turbine engine part must undergo rigorous testing to ensure integrity. At the heart of this testing lies Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI), a crucial non-destructive testing method that tests and confirms the structural integrity of critical parts.
But before FPI can work its magic, there’s a vital preliminary step: thorough cleaning. That’s where Brulin steps in, ensuring that components part surfaces are pristine and ready for inspection.
Turbines harness energy to serve both as the workhorses of the propulsive power of jet engines and the power generating capacity of land-based turbines. Whether they’re propelling planes through the sky or producing energy for cities, turbines rely on precision engineering to deliver optimal performance in an efficient manner.
Ensuring your turbine blades are clean and able to be properly inspected is incredibly important both for safety and efficiency.
Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) is a meticulous process that involves the application of a fluorescent dye to the surface of a part. This dye seeps into any cracks or defects, highlighting them under ultraviolet light.
FPI testing is essential for detecting flaws that may compromise the safety or efficiency of a component, making it a cornerstone of quality assurance in aerospace maintenance.
FPI testing is more than just a quality check; it’s a lifeline for safety. By revealing hidden flaws without causing damage to the part itself, FPI ensures that critical components meet rigorous standards for reliability and performance. Without FPI testing, the consequences of undetected defects could be catastrophic.
Before undergoing FPI testing, parts must be meticulously cleaned to remove any surface contaminants that could interfere with the inspection process. Inadequate cleaning can lead to any of the following problems:
Critically, residues or contaminants left behind in the cleaning process – incomplete rinsing of the detergent itself, due to a residue prone formulation – can mask the very cracks that the FPI process is meant to find.
All these issues could lead, in the best case, to prolonged testing cycles and delays in maintenance examinations.
We understand the pivotal role that cleanliness plays in the aerospace industry. That’s why we specialize in providing advanced cleaning solutions tailored to the unique needs of turbine maintenance.
Our products are designed to deliver maximum cleaning efficacy while minimizing residue and contaminants, ensuring that parts are primed for flawless FPI testing.
Two of our flagship products, AquaVantage® 815 GD and AquaVantage® 3887 GD, are specially formulated to tackle the toughest turbine overhaul cleaning challenges.
These exceptional chemistries get the hard to remove soils off. Our residue-free product formulation ensure that not only is cleaning efficient and effective but also leaves a pristine part surface ready for inspection.
With their superior cleaning power and residue-free formulas, our AquaVantage® products provide the perfect foundation for reliable FPI testing and enhanced safety via the in-aerospace maintenance process.
In addition to our cleaning products, Brulin offers expert guidance on extending your tank life and streamlining the cleaning processes. By implementing strategies to reduce cycle times without compromising cleaning results, we help aerospace maintenance professionals optimize their operations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
At Brulin, we’re dedicated to helping aerospace professionals and MRO operations achieve unparalleled levels of cleaning performance, part inspection and the resulting safety. By delivering superior cleaning solutions and expert support, we help our customers maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability in turbine maintenance.
To learn more about how Brulin can elevate your aerospace maintenance practices, contact our sales team today. Learn how one customer helped aerospace professionals maintain turbine components in this case study.
Contributors: Chris Jones (Global Business Development Manager, Brulin)
Last Updated: October 7, 2024 | Originally Published: June 12, 2024