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Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing uses magnetic fields to detect surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. Finely divided magnetic particles are applied to a magnetized part, where they cluster at locations of discontinuities, making defects visible. The part is magnetized using various methods to produce longitudinal or circular magnetic fields oriented to maximize detection of defects. Both wet and dry particle application methods are used. Indications are then interpreted to identify relevant defects.

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81 views23 pages

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing uses magnetic fields to detect surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. Finely divided magnetic particles are applied to a magnetized part, where they cluster at locations of discontinuities, making defects visible. The part is magnetized using various methods to produce longitudinal or circular magnetic fields oriented to maximize detection of defects. Both wet and dry particle application methods are used. Indications are then interpreted to identify relevant defects.

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manafl salhl
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MAGNETIC PARTICLE

TESTING
Introduction

• Magnetic particle inspection can detect


both production discontinuities (seams,
laps, grinding cracks and quenching
cracks) and in-service damage (fatigue
and overload cracks).
Outline
• Magnetism and Ferromagnetic Materials
• Basic Procedure and Important Considerations
1. Component pre-cleaning
2. Introduction of magnetic field
3. Application of magnetic media
4. Interpretation of magnetic particle
indications
Introduction to Magnetism
¾Magnetism is the ability of matter to
attract other matter to itself.
¾Objects that possess the property of
magnetism are said to be magnetic or
magnetized and magnetic lines of force can
be found in and around the objects.
¾A magnetic pole is a point where the a
magnetic line of force exits or enters a
material.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
A ferromagnetic test specimen is magnetized with
a strong magnetic field created by a magnet or
special equipment. If the specimen has a
discontinuity, the discontinuity will interrupt the
magnetic field flowing through the specimen and a
leakage field will occur.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Finely milled iron particles coated with a dye
pigment are applied to the test specimen. These
particles are attracted to leakage fields and will
cluster to form an indication directly over the
discontinuity. This indication can be visually
detected under proper lighting conditions.
Basic Procedure
Basic steps involved:

1. Component pre-cleaning

2. Introduction of magnetic field

3. Application of magnetic media

4. Interpretation of magnetic particle indications


Magnetic Field
The required magnetic field can be introduced into a
component in a number of different ways.
1. Using a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that
contacts the test piece
2. Flowing an electrical current through the specimen
3. Flowing an electrical current through a coil of wire
around the part or through a central conductor
running near the part.
Direction of the Magnetic Field
Two general types of magnetic fields (longitudinal
and circular) may be established within the specimen.
The type of magnetic field established is determined
by the method used to magnetize the specimen.

• A longitudinal magnetic field has


magnetic lines of force that run
parallel to the long axis of the part.
• A circular magnetic field has
magnetic lines of force that run
circumferentially around the
perimeter of a part.
Direction of the Magnetic Field
Being able to magnetize the part in two Flux Leakage
directions is important because the best
detection of defects occurs when the lines
of magnetic force are established at right
angles to the longest dimension of the
defect.
This orientation creates the largest
disruption of the magnetic field within No Flux Leakage
the part and the greatest flux leakage at
the surface of the part. An orientation of
45 to 90 degrees between the magnetic
field and the defect is necessary to form
an indication.
Direction of the Magnetic Field

Since defects may occur in various


and unknown directions, each part is
normally magnetized in two
directions at right angles to each
other.
Longitudinal Magnetic Field
A longitudinal magnetic field is usually
established by placing the part near the
inside or a coil’s annulus. This
produces magnetic lines of force that
are parallel to the long axis of the test
part.

Coil
Longitudinal Magnetic Field

Permanent Magnets Electromagnetic Magnets


Longitudinal Magnetic Field
Permanent magnets and
electromagnetic yokes are also often
used to produce a longitudinal magnetic
field. The magnetic lines of force run
from one pole to the other, and the poles
are positioned such that any flaws
present run normal to these lines of
force.
Circular Magnetic Fields
•Circular magnetic fields are produced by passing
current through the part or by placing the part in
a strong circular magnet field.
•A headshot on a wet horizontal test unit and the
use of prods are several common methods of
injecting current in a part to produce a circular
magnetic field. Placing parts on a central
conductors carrying high current is another way
to produce the field.
Magnetic Field

Electric
Current
Application of Magnetic Media
(Wet Versus Dry)
Application of Magnetic Media
(Wet Versus Dry)
• MPI can be performed using either dry particles,
or particles suspended in a liquid. With the dry
method, the particles are lightly dusted on to the
surface.
• With the wet method, the part is flooded with a
solution carrying the particles.
• The dry method is more portable.
• The wet method is generally more sensitive since
the liquid carrier gives the magnetic particles
additional mobility.
Dry Magnetic Particles
Magnetic particles come in a variety of
colors. A color that produces a high level of
contrast against the background should be
used.
Interpretation of Indications
After applying the magnetic field, indications
that form must interpreted. This process
requires that the inspector distinguish between
relevant and non-relevant indications.
Demagnetization
• Parts inspected by the magnetic particle method
may sometimes have an objectionable residual
magnetic field that may interfere with subsequent
manufacturing operations or service of the
component.
• Possible reasons for demagnetization include:
– May interfere with welding and/or machining
operations
– Can effect gauges that are sensitive to magnetic
fields if placed in close proximity.
– Abrasive particles may adhere to components
surface and cause and increase in wear to
engines components, gears, bearings etc.
Demagnetization (Cont.)
• Demagnetization requires that the residual
magnetic field is reversed and reduced by the
inspector.
• This process will scramble the magnetic domains
and reduce the strength of the residual field to an
acceptable level.

Magnetized
Demagnetized
Advantages
• Can detect both surface and near sub-surface
defects.
• Can inspect parts with irregular shapes easily.
• Precleaning of components is not as critical as it is
for some other inspection methods. Most
contaminants within a flaw will not hinder flaw
detectability.
• Fast method of inspection and indications are visible
directly on the specimen surface.
• Considered low cost compared to many other NDT
methods.
• Is a very portable inspection method especially
when used with battery powered equipment.
Limitations
• Cannot inspect non-ferrous materials such as
aluminum, magnesium or most stainless steels.
• Inspection of large parts may require use of
equipment with special power requirements.
• Some parts may require removal of coating or
plating to achieve desired inspection sensitivity.
• Limited subsurface discontinuity detection
capabilities. Maximum depth sensitivity is
approximately 0.6” (under ideal conditions).
• Post cleaning, and post demagnetization is often
necessary.
• Alignment between magnetic flux and defect is
important

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