magnetic particle examination

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is one of the most widely used non-destructive inspection methods for locating surface or near-surface defects or flaws in ferromagnetic materials. MPI is basically a combination of two NDT methods: Visual inspection and magnetic flux leakage testing. Developed in the USA, the magnetic particle inspection is extensively used to detect defects in casting, forging, and welding industry. MPI is simple, easy, fast, and very effective. This is the reason Magnetic particle test is used in a variety of industries like automotive, oil & gas construction, chemical, and petrochemical plant construction, structural steel, aerospace, offshore structures, power generation industries, and pipeline industries. This is also known as magnetic particle test or magnetic particle examination in NDT. Basic Principle of Magnetic Particle Inspection MPI uses magnetic fields and magnetic particles for detecting defects in ferromagnetic components. The basic principle of this inspection method is that the component specimen is magnetized to generate magnetic flux in the material which travels from north pole to south pole (magnetic flux exits at the north pole and enters at the south pole). Now if there is any discontinuity or flaws in the component, secondary magnetic poles are produced in the cracked faces. In this location, the magnetic field spreads out due to the air gap in the defect causing a magnetic flux leakage field. Such regions can be detected easily by using magnetic particles (iron powder), or a liquid suspension on the surface. Due to the magnetic effect, such particles are attracted to the flux leakage and make a cluster around the flaw making it visible. Refer to Fig. 1 showing the basic principle of magnetic particle inspection. Fig. 1: Principle of Magnetic Particle Inspection The magnetic particles can be dry or wet. Normally, dry particles can be used up to a temperature 316 Deg C wet particles can be used up to a temperature of 50 Deg C. Steps for Magnetic Particle Inspection The magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is performed in the below-mentioned six steps. 1. Surface Preparation: All surfaces and adjacent areas (within 1 inch) that will be examined must be free from rust, scale, sand, grease, paint, slag, oily films, or other interfering conditions. Unusually rough or non-uniform surfaces may interfere with magnetic particle cluster formation making interpretations of the magnetic particle inspection method's indications difficult. 2. Inducing a Magnetic Field: This is the most important step in the magnetic particle inspection procedure. In this step, place the equipment on the area to be tested and induce a magnetic field. Various types of magnetic particle inspection equipment are available. Widely used industrial equipment are Permanent magnet, Electromagnetic Yoke, Current flow probes, Magnetic Flow, Flexible coil, Threading Bar, Adjacent cable, etc. Magnetization technique can be Longitudinal, Circular, or Multidirectional Magnetization. Equipment spacing in the inspection area is normally kept in between 3 inches to 8 inches. An ASME Pie Gauge or Burmag Castrol strip can be used to verify adequate magnetization of the part. 3. Applying Magnetic Particles on the Test Surface: Both dry and wet magnetic particles can be either fluorescent or non-fluorescent (visible, color contrast) and are available in a variety of colors to contrast with the tested material. So accordingly choose the required particles for the magnetic particle inspection and apply on the surfaces when the specimen is in magnetized condition. 4. Examine the component surface for defects Remove the excess particles using light airflow and inspect the component for defects as per acceptable standards. 5. Repeat the test by changing the magnetic field Two separate examinations are carried out on each area to be tested. The second examination is performed with the lines of flux perpendicular to those used for the first examination in that area. Refer to Fig. 2 that shows the above 5 steps. An electromagnetic Yoke is used in the test to inspect welding of two plates. Fig. 2: Steps for Magnetic particle inspection 6. Demagnetization and Cleaning: The presence of Residual magnetism in the component may interfere with the subsequent usage. Hence, the demagnetization shall always be performed on the parts once the magnetic particle inspection is over. The presence of residual magnetism can be verified using a calibrated Gaussmeter, Magnetic Field Meter, or a hall Probe Gauss meter. Residual magnetism must not exceed (+/-) 2 gausses. After that, the parts shall be cleaned to remove all residual magnetic particle materials. If wet fluorescent MPI was performed, the part shall be scanned with the backlight to assure that the cleaning is adequate. Advantages of Magnetic Particle Inspection/Test The main advantages of magnetic particle inspection/testing are Find flaws on the surface and near surfacesFast examination method with an immediate resultAn easy method as compared to other NDT methodsPortable and low-cost equipment.Defects are visible directly on the surface.Relatively safe method.Hot testing can be performed using dry particles.The shape and size of the cracks are indicated.Less training requirements. Disadvantages of Magnetic Particle Inspection The major drawbacks of magnetic particle inspection/examination are MPI is limited only for ferromagnetic materials like steels, cast irons, etc. Non-ferrous materials, cannot be inspected.The inspection is limited to small sections only. The examination of large parts may require the use of special equipment.Equipment must be calibrated, with no permanent record of the result.Before inspection thick paints (>0.005") shall be removed.Post cleaning and demagnetization are normally required.Magnetic flux and indications must be aligned for proper results.Access may be a problem for the magnetizing equipment.Testing in two perpendicular directions required. Codes and Standards for Magnetic Particle Inspection Normally ASME Section V: Nondestructive Examination governs the magnetic particle inspection/examination methods for most of the organizations. However, there are various other codes and standards that provide guidance rules for magnetic particle test procedures as listed below ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standards for MPI The following ISO standards govern the inspection by MPI. ISO 3059, Non-destructive testing - Penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing - Viewing conditionsISO 9934, Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3- Non-destructive testing - Magnetic particle testing - Part 1: General principles, Part 2: Detection media, Part 3: EquipmentISO 10893-5-Non-destructive testing of steel tubes. Magnetic particle inspection of seamless and welded ferromagnetic steel tubes for the detection of surface imperfectionsISO 17638, Non-destructive testing of welds - Magnetic particle testingISO 23278, Non-destructive testing of welds - Magnetic particle testing of welds - Acceptance levels European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Standards for MPI EN 1330-7, Non-destructive testing - Terminology - Part 7: Terms used in magnetic particle testingEN 10246-12, Non-destructive testing of steel tubes - Part 12: Magnetic particle inspection of seamless and welded ferromagnetic steel tubes for the detection of surface imperfectionsEN 1290, Surface Crack TestingEN 1369, Founding - Magnetic particle inspectionEN 10228-1, Non-destructive testing of steel forgings - Part 1: Magnetic particle inspectionEN 10246-18, Non-destructive testing of steel tubes - Part 18: Magnetic particle inspection of the tube ends of seamless and welded ferromagnetic steel tubes for the detection of laminar imperfections ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) Standards for magnetic particle inspection ASTM E1444/E1444M Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle TestingASTM E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive ExaminationsASTM A 275/A 275M Test Method for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel ForgingsASTM E543 Practice Standard Specification for Evaluating Agencies that Performing Nondestructive TestingASTM E 709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing ExaminationASTM A456 Specification for Magnetic Particle Inspection of Large Crankshaft ForgingsASTM E 2297 Standard Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and Meters used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods The United States Military Standard: A-A-59230 Fluid, Magnetic Particle Inspection, SuspensionCSA (Canadian Standards Association) Standards: CSA W59 Welded steel construction MPI Standards of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) widely used MPI standards from society of Automotive Engineers are listed below: AMS 3040 Magnetic Particles, Nonfluorescent, Dry MethodAMS 2641 Magnetic Particle Inspection VehicleAMS 3045 Magnetic Particles, Fluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Ready-To-UseAMS 5355 Investment CastingsAMS 3041 Magnetic Particles, Nonfluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Ready-To-UseAMS 3043 Magnetic Particles, Nonfluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Aerosol PackagedAMS 3042 Magnetic Particles, Nonfluorescent, Wet Method, Dry PowderAMS 3044 Magnetic Particles, Fluorescent, Wet Method, Dry Powder Magnetic Particle Inspection Equipment During magnetic particle examination various kinds of equipment are required as listed below: Electromagnetic YokesMagnetic BenchesPower Packs & Mobile Test UnitsDemagnetising Units These magnetic particle inspection equipment should be designed to be durable, fast, and reliable. Refer to Fig. 3 which shows few of the magnetic particle test equipment. Fig. 3: Magnetic Particle Inspection Equipment Code Acceptance Criteria for Magnetic Particle Inspection As per ASME Sec VIII Div 1 and Div 2, all surfaces examined by magnetic particle inspection shall be free from Linear indicationRounded indication with size greater than 3/16 inches.Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 inches or less.Crack-like indications, irrespective of surface condition. As per ASME B 31.3 any cracks or linear indications are unacceptable. Magnetic Particle Inspection/Testing Questions The following pdf link provides a few sample questions for examinations for level 1 and level 2. Go to page no 46 directly to prepare answers for magnetic particle testing questions. Click here to open the pdf and start preparing.