The present invention relates to a process for inspecting a part to detect
defects in the part. The process comprises the steps of placing a part to
be inspected in an immersion tank, introducing a mixture of a penetrant
dye and a supercritical carbon dioxide solvent into the immersion tank,
maintaining the part immersed in the mixture for a time sufficient for the
penetrant dye to penetrate any defects in the part, removing the part from
the immersion tank, and inspecting the part for the presence of any
defects. A system for carrying out the process is also described.
