Which type of discontinuities is most likely to be missed due to improper rinse techniques?

The type of discontinuities that is most likely to be missed due to improper rinse techniques is shallow and broad discontinuities. This can be attributed to how these types of discontinuities interact with surface treatments and rinsing processes.

Shallow and broad discontinuities, such as surface cracks or laps, may not have enough depth or distinctness to be effectively revealed during inspection if rinsing does not adequately remove excess penetrant or materials from their surfaces. If rinsing is insufficient, the remaining contaminants can obscure these shallow defects, making them difficult to detect with traditional inspection methods.

On the other hand, deep and narrow discontinuities are often more easily identified because their dimensions allow for better penetration and visibility of testing fluids. Weld cracks typically have significant characteristics that make them recognizable to inspectors, while pinholes, being small and discrete, may still be detected despite some rinsing imperfections. Therefore, shallow and broad discontinuities are particularly susceptible to being overlooked when rinsing techniques are not properly executed.