Magnaflux SKC-S Spotcheck NDT Cleaner and Remover

Solvent cleaner for pre-cleaning and removing excess penetrant

Magnaflux SKC-S is an NDT solvent cleaner and remover. The manufacturer positions it for two jobs in penetrant testing: pre-cleaning a surface before inspection, and removing excess surface penetrant before the developer is applied. It is a non-halogenated solvent that removes oils, greases and other contaminants from a wide range of substrates, dries quickly and leaves no residue, which the sheet says meets the low-residue requirements for NDT and aerospace penetrant testing.

The data sheet adds a practical selling point: SKC-S cleans only the surface without flushing penetrant out of discontinuities and does not over clean, which reduces the risk of missing a flaw. It is also noted for use where chlorinated solvents are undesirable or prohibited.

Features listed by the manufacturer

• AMS 2644 Class 2 non-halogenated remover
• Fast drying and no residue (non-volatile residue below 50 ppm)
• Suitable for use at low temperatures
• Alloy compatibility
• Bulk or aerosol form, also supplied in kits
• Used for pre-cleaning, excess penetrant removal and post-inspection cleaning

Technical specification

The flash point of 14 C is far lower than the penetrants and particle liquids in this range, which is more than 93 C. Derived reading: SKC-S is the flammable item in a penetrant kit and needs ignition-source control that the higher flash point products do not.

Selection and ordering guide

SKC-S comes in aerosol and bulk packs. Part numbers printed in the data sheet:

Use the aerosol for field kits and the pail or drum for workshop supply with a refillable sprayer. The data sheet states the cleaner is also supplied as part of a kit; the kit contents are not listed on this sheet.

How to use it, per the data sheet

For pre-cleaning, spray the surface liberally and either wipe off or let it air dry, or soak a clean cloth and wipe the part clean. Allow the part to dry thoroughly before applying penetrant.

For removing excess surface penetrant, apply SKC-S to a cloth, wipe the test surface and repeat as needed. Do not spray SKC-S directly on the part, because penetrant indications may be removed. This is the single most important instruction on the sheet and it is worth repeating in site work instructions.

Typical uses in plant and workshop inspection

Because it is non-halogenated, SKC-S is widely relevant for stainless steel, nickel alloy and titanium components where halogen contamination is restricted in the written procedure. In oil, gas and petrochemical work it is used to prepare weld surfaces before PT and to clean up after inspection. In hot Gulf conditions the fast drying helps, but keep aerosols out of direct sun and away from heat sources, as the sheet gives 10 to 30 C as the storage range.

Comparing SKC-S with the other consumables in a PT kit

Cleaner, penetrant and developer behave differently on the shelf. SKC-S has the lowest printed flash point of the range at above 14 C, while Spotcheck penetrants and Zyglo penetrants are above 93 C, so storage and transport planning should treat the cleaner as the flammable component. The data sheet gives a single storage range of 10 to 30 C and refers users to the Safety Data Sheet for complete health and safety information.

The non-volatile residue limit of below 50 ppm is the printed measure of cleanliness after drying, and it is the reason the sheet recommends the product for NDT and aerospace work in place of general shop solvents. Whether a particular client accepts it for a given alloy remains a procedure and approval question.

Safe storage and transport planning

Because the printed flash point is above 14 C, SKC-S should be treated as a flammable liquid in storage, transport and use. Keep aerosol cases and drums in a cool, ventilated area within the 10 to 30 C storage range printed on the sheet, away from ignition sources and direct sun, and keep them separate from oxidising materials. Check the Safety Data Sheet for the hazard classification that applies to shipping and for the protective equipment recommended for operators.

Using the cleaner correctly on site

The most important rule on the sheet is that the remover is applied to a cloth and not sprayed directly on the part when removing excess penetrant, otherwise indications can be lost. Use clean, lint-free cloths, change them often, and let the surface dry before developer is applied. Record the product, batch and revision in the inspection file so that the cleaning step can be shown to follow the procedure.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the part number from the table, the quantity of aerosol cases, pails or drums and the delivery location in Oman or the GCC. If the Spotcheck penetrant and developer are needed as well, list them in the same request so that the full visible dye system is quoted and shipped together.

Related products

The Spotcheck family pairs SKC-S with SKL-SP2 visible red dye penetrant and SKD-S2 developer. See the rest of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) category for further consumables.

Documents and quotation

The manufacturer data sheet is available from this page. Verify pack type and any customer approval list before ordering; as an independent supplier in Muscat we quote against the part numbers shown above.