Magnetic Particle Testing

Introduction

Magnetic Particle Testing is a Surface NDT method

used to detect surface and near Surface

discontinuities in a ferromagnetic material.
The method is used to inspect a variety of product
forms including castings, forgings, and weldments.
Magnetic particle inspection can detect both

production discontinuities (seams, laps, grinding cracks

and quenching cracks)
in-service damage (fatigue and overload cracks).

Magnetic Particle Testing is relatively simple test

method that can be applied to finished articles ,
billets, rolled bars, castings forging.
Magnetic particle testing consists of Magnetization of
the article , application of the particles, and
interpretation of the patterns formed by the particles
as they are attracted by magnetic leakage fields.
.

MAGNETISM
Concept of dipole and
magnetic field
Source of magnetism

A magnetic field is produced

whenever an electrical charge
is in motion. The strength of
this field is called themagnetic
moment.

For any material the movement of electrons around

the nucleus will generate a magnetic field

Types of magnetic materials

Diamagnetic Materials:
They cannot be magnetized or
completely repelled.
E.g. Copper, Silver, Gold
Paramagnetic Materials:
They are slightly effected by magnetic
field.
e.g. Magnesium, Titanium, Tantalum.
Ferromagnetic Materials:
They are strongly affected by magnetic
field.
e.g. Iron, Cobalt, Nickel

Magnetic domains
Ferro magnetic materials are made up of small
regions called domains.
In each domain the atomic dipole are oriented in
one direction.
domains form during the solidification of the
material from the liquid state.

Theory of magnetism

An object is Magnetized when part or all of its

molecules have their north and south poles
oriented.

Magnetic field
It is the area surrounding a magnetic
material around which its magnetic effect is
felt.
It is imaginary lines of force passing from
north pole to south pole.
It is the force with which a unit north pole is
attracted towards south pole

Magnetic field around a

bar magnet

The
magnetic
field
surrounding a bar magnet can
be seen in the magnetograph .
The particles align
themselves with the lines of
magnetic force produced by
the magnet.
The magnetic lines of force
show where the magnetic field
exits the material at one pole
and reenters the material at
another pole along the length
of the magnet.

Magnetic field around a bar

magnet

The magnetic field can flow in a

loop with in a material

Flux Leakage

A flux leakage is a
break or a
discontinuity in a
magnetic circuit.
Any abrupt change
of permeability
within a magnetic
specimen will
change the
number of flux
lines.

Principle of Magnetic Particle Insp

ection
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.

Accumulation of
magnetic particles
at the field leakage
point that leads to
clear indication of
the presence of
defect

General Properties of Magnetic Lines of

Force
They seek the path of least resistance between
opposite magnetic poles.
They never cross one another.
They all have the same strength.
Their density decreases (they spread out) when
they move from an area of higher permeability to
an area of lower permeability.
Their density decreases with increasing distance
from the poles.
They are considered to have direction as if flowing,
though no actual movement occurs.
They flow from the south pole to the north pole
within a material and north pole to south pole in
air.

Electromagnetic fields

The current in the wire generates a

magnetic field
Magnetic field existed in circular form
around the wire and that the intensity
of the field was directly proportional
to the amount of current.
Magnetic field exist as long as the
current is flown inside the conductor.
Direction of the magnetic field
depends on the direction of the
current.
The direction of current is assumed to
be from negative terminal to positive
terminal.

Magnetic Field Produced by a

Coil
Magnetic field produced by
a coil will be longitudinal.
The strength of the coil
increases with amount
current and no of turns of
coil

A long, straight coil of wire is called a

solenoid and can be used to generate a
nearly uniform magnetic field similar to
that of a bar magnet.

Magnetic field strength is used to express the

intensity of magnetic field(H)
Unit: A/m

Magnetic flux density is the number of magnetic

flux lines passing through per unit area(B)
Units : N/(A/m)

Magnetic flux is the total number of magnetic

lines of force
Units : weber

Magnetic hysteresis loop(B-H Loop)

A hysteresis loop shows the relationship between the

induced magnetic flux density (B)and the magnetizing
force(H).

Retentivity
Residual MagnetismorResidual Flux
Coercive Force
Permeability
Reluctance

Definitions
Flux Density:
The number of
magnetic flux lines per Magnetizing force/
unit area of cross
Field Strength:
section
The total force tending to
Symbol= B
set up a magnetic flux in
SI Unit = Tesla = T
a magnetic circuit.
Previous unit is Gauss
Symbol = H
1 Tesla = 10000
SI unit = ampere per
Gauss
meter = A /meter

Definitions
Permeability:
The ease with which
a magnetic field or
flux can be set up in
a magnetic circuit.
Symbol= (mu)
= B/H
Where,
is the absolute magnetic
permeability in Henry/meter
B is the flux density
H is the magnetizing force.

Reluctance:
A measure of the
degree of difficulty
with which a
component can be
magnetized that is
similar to resistance in
a electric circuit. It is
reciprocal of
permeability.
High Permeability Low
Reluctance
Low Permeability- High
Reluctance

Definitions
Saturation:
The stage at which
any increase in the
Coercive force:
magnetizing force
The
H applied to a
reverse/negative
specimen,
magnetizing force
produces no
required to remove
significant gain in
residual
flux
density B
Retentivity:
magnetism from a
The property to retain material.
residual magnetic
field in a material

Definitions
Remanence:
The magnetic flux
density remaining
in a material after
the magnetizing
force has been
reduced.

Residual Magnetic
field:
The magnetic field
remaining in a
material after the
magnetizing force
has been reduced to
zero.

Magnetic Field Orientation and

Flaw Detectability

Defect is to be oriented perpendicular to the

magnetic field of lines.

Defects present at the interior of the material

cannot be identified.
An orientation of atleast 45 to 90 degrees
between defect and magnetic field essential.

direction of magnetic field on defect detection.m

ov

Effect of depth of defects from

the surface

Defects that can disturb magnetic lines of

force to form leakage field can only be
detected

Methods of Magnetization

Longitudinal
magnetization

Circular
magnetization

Magnetization of ferromagnetic materials

Magnetization using direct induction

Current is passed directly through the
specimen.

Magnetization using indirect induction

using a strong external magnetic field to establish a
magnetic field within the component.

Magnetization technique by
induction

Magnetizing Current

AC and DC Currents are commonly used for

magnetization of the material.
Direct current (DC) flows continuously in
one direction at a constant voltage.
The magnetic field produced by DC
generally penetrates the entire crosssection of the component.
alternating current (AC) The current
changes its amplitude every half cycle.
the magnetic field will be limited to
narrow region at the surface of the
component (skin effect)
A device used to convert AC to DC is the
rectifier which permits current to flow in
one direction only.
AC and DC.mov

Rectified currents
Half Wave Rectified
Alternating Current
(HWAC)
This removes the negative
cycle from the alternating
current
The HWDC does not
produce skin effect
Its main advantage is it can
locate deeper lying
discontinuities than AC
generated fields.
HWDC also experiences as
a pulsating effect that
agitates the magnetic

Full Wave Rectified Alternating Current

(FWAC) (Single Phase)
Full wave rectification inverts the negative
current to positive current rather than blocking it
out.

Three Phase Full Wave Rectified

Alternating Current
full wave rectification inverts the negative current
to positive current.
when it is rectified and filtered, the resulting
current very closely resembles direct current.
Stationary magnetic particle equipment wired with
three phase AC will usually have the ability to
magnetize with AC or DC (three phase full wave
rectified).

Work Methods
Remnant field
Continuous field
used to hard magnetic
Used for soft
materials
magnetic materials
Inspection is done
Inspection is done
after the magnetic
while the material is
material is being
being magnetized.
magnetized.
The residual method employed for highly retentive
materials is not as sensitive as continuous method

Dry method of inspection

Inspection medium is in the

form
of
dry
magnetic
particles as fluorescent or
non-fluorescent.
Dry magnetic powders are
normally applied with the
continuous magnetizing
techniques

Dry powders should be applied in such a manner that a light

uniform dust-like coating settles upon the surface of the test
part while the part is being magnetized.
Usually specially designed powder blowers and hand powder
applicators are employed.
The dry magnetic particles technique is excellent for surface
and near surface discontinuities.
The dry powders are heat resistant

wet method of inspection

It uses fluorescent or nonfluorescent magnetic

particles suspended in a
vehicle (carrier fluid)
It can be applied either by
spraying or flowing

The bath concentration for fluorescent particles should

be 0.1 to 0.5 mL and 1.2 mL to 2.4 mL of vehicle (per 100
cc) as recommended by ASME code for non-fluorescent
particles unless otherwise
specified by the particle manufacturer. The suspension
vehicles are low viscosity oil or conditioned water.

Circular Magnetic Fields

Distribution and Intensity

Magnetic field distribution for a solid conductor of

a non magnetic material and magnetic material
carrying direct current.

Magnetic field distribution for a solid conductor of

a magnetic material carrying alternating current.

Magnetic field distribution for a solid

conductor of a hollow non magnetic
and magnetic conductor carrying direct
current.

Magnetic field distribution for a non magnetic

central conductor carrying DC Current inside a
hollow conductor of a magnetic material

EQUIPMENTS

PORTABLE
EQUIPMENT

STATIONARY
EQUIPMENT

Equipment flow chart

T y p e s o f M P I E q u ip m e n t s
P o r ta b le

M o b ile

S t a t io n a r y

P e rm a n e n t m a g n e t

F ix e d B e n c h U n it s

E le c t o M a g n e t

T h r e a d in g b a r

P ro d s

M a g n e t ic flo w

C o ils

R ig id c o il

F le x ib le c a b le &
C lo s e d lo o p

In d u c e d c u rre n t

C u r r e n t flo w

PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

Permanent magnets
Prods

Portable Coils and Conductive Cables

Portable power suppli
es

Permanent magnets

Permanent magnets are sometimes

used for magnetic particle
inspection as the source of
magnetism.
The two primary types of
permanent magnets are bar
magnets and horseshoe (yoke)
magnets.
These industrial magnets are
usually very strong and may require
significant strength to remove them
from a piece of metal.
permanent magnets are
sometimes used by divers for
inspection in underwater
environments or other areas, such

Electromagnets
Unlike permanent
magnets
electromagnets can
vary the magnetic
fields.
removal of magnet
from the material is
easy.

Portable magnetic yokes

prods

The current passing between the

prods creates a circular magnetic
field
If proper contact is not maintained
between the prods and the
component surface, electrical
arcing can occur and cause
damage to the component .
The resultant magnetic field
roughly depicts the patterns
expected from an magnetic
particle inspection of an unflawed
surface.
Prods can be manipulated to orient
the magnetic field to "cut across"
suspected defects.

Portable coils and

conductive cables
Coils and conductive cables
are used to establish a
longitudinal magnetic field
within a component.
The number of wraps is
determined by the
magnetizing force needed
and of course, the length of
the cable. Normally, the
wraps are kept as close
together as possible.

Portable Coils and

Conductive Cables

Portable power source

portable power supplies are used to provide the

necessary electricity to the prods, coils or
cables.
Small power supplies generally provide up to
1,500A of half-wave direct current or alternating
current when used with a 4.5 meter cable.
They are small and light enough to be carried
and operate on either 120V or 240V electrical
service.
When more power is necessary, mobile power
supplies can be used. These units come with
wheels so that they can be rolled where
needed.
These units also operate on 120V or 240V
electrical service and can provide up to 6,000A
of AC or half-wave DC when 9 meters or less of
cable is used.

Portable power supplies

Stationary equipment
Fixed bench units

Producing a Longitudinal
Magnetic Field Using a Coil

A longitudinal magnetic
field is usually established
by placing the part near
the inside or a coils
annulus. This produces
magnetic lines of force
that are parallel to the
long axis of the test part.

Coil on Wet Horizontal Inspection Unit

Portable Coil

Current Requirement
Longitudinal Magnetic Field
Using a Coil
NI = 45000 / (L/D)
N Number of Turns of the Coil
I Current in Amperes
L-Length of the Part
D-Diameter of the part

Flexible coil
In this technique
the current
carrying cable is
wound tightly
around the
component.
It is a longitudinal
magnetization and
find defects lying
parallel to the
cable

Electro Magnets
Electromagnets are
made from soft
iron laminates to
reduce eddy
current losses, if
powered by AC
fields.
The legs of the
equipment are
articulated.

Producing a Longitudinal Field Using

Permanent or Electromagnetic Magnets
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

Magnetic Field

Electric
Current

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.
51

Prods
Prods induce a circular magnetic
field by sending a high amperage
current through test piece
The high Amps can cause arcing
on the test piece surface
Up to 19mm thickness-100A/inch
of Prod Spacing
Greater than 19mm- 125 A/inch of
Prod Spacing.
Minimum 2 Max -8
General- 4-6

Prod Set Up

Current flow
The component is
fixed firmly between
contact heads which
have a soft conductive
surface, such as
copper braiding. A low
voltage high current is
passed through the
component and create
circular magnetic field.
Current = 800 to 1000 A
per inch dia of cross
section.

HEAD SHOT METHOD

Threading Bar or Central

Conductor

An offset central conductor

When the conductor passing through the inside of
the part is placed against an inside wall of the
part, the diameter will be considered the sum of
the diameter of the central conductor and twice
the wall thickness.
The distance along the part
circumference (interior or exterior)
that is effectively magnetized will
be taken as four times the diameter
of the central conductor.
The entire circumference will be
inspected by rotating the part on
the conductor, allowing for
approximately a 10% magnetic field
overlap.

Threading Bar/Offset
Method

Magnetization by
the threading bar
technique is
induced by passing
current through an
insulated nonmagnetic
conductor (Al, Cu
or Brass)

Mobile Equipment
As the name implies, mobile equipment is
too bulky and heavy to carry and yet
needs to be moved to the work. Some
mobile units are capable of supplying
output currents up to 20,000A, although
5000A is a more normal figure.
In addition to the normal portable unit, the
mobile is likely to have better current
control and a step control to allowing
demagnetizing.

Bench Units

Bench Units are

fixed installations
used to test large
numbers of
manufactured
specimens. They
range in size and
output.

Magnetic Flow

Energized solenoids in
the bench heads
create a longitudinal
magnetic field in a
component, which is
clamped between the
heads, completing the
magnetic circle.
Defect where the
major axis lie
transverse to a line
joining the heads, are
found best.

Rigid Coil

The component is
placed in a current
carrying rigid coil with
its longitudinal axis at
90 to the direction of
the windings on the
coil. 4 to 8 turns are
usual the specimen is
placed in the bottom
of the coil wherever
possible.

Inspection Using Magnetic

Rubber

The techniques uses a liquid

(uncured) rubber containing
suspended magnetic
particles.
The rubber compound is
applied to the area to be
inspected on a magnetized
component.
A dam of modeling clay is
often used to contain the
compound in the region of
interest.
The magnetic particles
migrate to the leakage field
caused by a discontinuity. As
the rubber cures,
discontinuity indications
remain in place on the rubber.

Flux Indicators
Field strength meters are the best way of
ascertaining adequate field strength at the
surface of the test component. However
they are expensive and the probes used
tend to be fragile.
Portable flux indicators are an acceptable
alternative, They are simple to use
a. segment type -Berthold flux indicator
/Pie Gauge
b. foil type - Burma Castrol flux indicator

Gauss Meter or Hall Effect

Gage

A Gauss meter with a Hall Effect probe is

commonly used to measure the
tangential field strength on the surface of
the part.
The meters measure the intensity of the
field in the air adjacent to the component
when a magnetic field is applied.
The advantages of Hall effect devices
are:
they provide a quantitative measure of
the strength of magnetizing force
tangential to the surface of a test
Measuring magnetic fields
piece, they can be used for
measurement of residual magnetic
fields, and they can be used
repetitively.
Their main disadvantages are that they
must be periodically calibrated and

Typical design of flux Indicator

The pie gage is a disk of highly permeable material

divided into four, six, or eight sections by non
ferromagnetic material.
The diameter of the gage is 3/4 to 1 inch. The
divisions between the low carbon steel pie sections
are to be no greater than 1/32 inch.
The pie gage is not recommended for precision parts
with complex shapes, for wet-method applications,
or for proving field magnitude. The gage should be
demagnetized between readings.
advantages of the pie gage are that it is easy to use
and it can be used indefinitely without deterioration.
disadvantages, which include:
it retains some residual magnetism so indications
will prevail after removal of the source of
magnetization,
it can only be used in relatively flat areas, and
it cannot be reliably used for determination of
balanced fields in ultidirectional magnetization.

Pie gau
ge

Foil Type
Slotted strips, also known as Burmah-Castrol Strips, are pieces of
highly permeable ferromagnetic material with slots of different
widths.
Advantages
They are relatively easily applied to
the component,
they can be used successfully with
either the wet or dry method when
using the continuous magnetization,
they are repeatable as long as
orientation to the magnetic field is
maintained
they can be used repetitively.

Disadvantages
they cannot be bent to complex
configuration
they are not suitable for
multidirectional field applications
since they indicate defects in only
one direction.

Quality Indicators
KETOS/BETZ RING

LIFTING BAR

Quality Indicators

MTU Block
The MTU Test Block is used
to check the sensitivity of
magnetic particle materials.
This two sided block has a
variety of indications ranging
in size from small to large.

Use the MTU-3 to compare:

New and used materials
Different brands of materials
Different types of materials
(visible, dual sensitivity and
fluorescent, etc.)

Quantitative Quality Indicator (QQI)

QQIs are nominally 3/4 inch square, but

miniature shims are also available.
QQIs must be in intimate contact with the
part being evaluated.

When a multidirectional technique is used, a

balance of the fields is noted when all areas of
the QQI produce indications.

Advantages
QQI
it can be quantified and related to other parameters,
it can accommodate virtually any configuration with suitable
selection
It can be reused with careful application and removal practices.
Disadvantages
the application process is somewhat slow
the parts must be clean and dry, shims cannot be used as a residua
magnetism
they can be easily damaged with improper handling
they will corrode if not cleaned and properly stored.

Quality Indicators

Application of Magnetic Media (Wet Versus Dry)

With the dry method, the particles

are lightly dusted on to the
surface.
The dry method is more portable.
With the wet method, the part is
flooded with a solution carrying
the particles.
The wet method is generally more
sensitive since the liquid carrier
gives the magnetic particles
additional mobility.

Particles

The particles that are used for magnetic particle

inspection are a key ingredient as they form the indications
that alert the inspector to defects.
Particles start out as tiny milled (a machining process)
pieces of metal that can vary in size from 0.000005 inch to
0.0025 inch.
After these particles are milled, a pigment (somewhat
like paint) is bonded to their surfaces to give the particles
color.
Particles may come in a dry form or in a wet
suspension such as water or oil.
Colors that dry particles can typically be purchased in
are red, black gray, yellow etc.

Dry powders
Dry powders are dispersed on to the test
component either through a puffer or a
dry spray can. The chosen color is the one
which gives the best contrast against the
specimen background.
Powders are usually applicable to site work
such as welds and castings, often as an
initial check on a weld root pass, where
wet materials would cause contamination

Morphology of particles
Magnetic properties
High permeability and low retenvity
Visibility properties
Colour contrast and good lightning
Mobility properties
Geometric properties
Grain size, shape

Dry Powders

Wet Magnetic Particles

Wet particles are typically supplied as

visible or fluorescent.
Visible particles are viewed under normal
white light and fluorescent particles are
viewed under black light.
Size of particles in the range of 20-30
microns.

Magnetic Inks
Magnetic Inks are subdivided into
1. Contrast and fluorescent
2. Kerosene and water based

Magnetic Ink concentration in %

Non fluoroscent-1.2 -2.4%
Fluorescent-0.1 0.7%

Colour Contrast Paint

If

the background surface & the Magnetic

Particle could not provide a contrast a quick
drying white paint is applied over the part
such that it provides a better contrast in
detecting indications.

Important

caution to be observed is that the

paint should not be over coated as it would
reduce the leakage flux field strength

Demagnetization

Remnant field can

Affect machining
Interfere electronic equipment
During welding
Abrasive particles can cling to the
bearing materials

Methods of demagnetization
by heating the specimen
by hammering the material.
by subjecting the component to
reversing and decreasing magnetic
field

Inspection Requirements
Visible:
Minimum Light 1000 lux
Fluoroscent:
Black Light- 1000 microwatt/cm2
Warm up time-black light-5 minutes
Dark adoption time-5 minutes
Background light- 20 lux

Evaluation
The Evaluation of an MPI testing is purely
based on Operators skill such as vision,
experience etc.
Basically the Indications are classified into
False Indications
Non relevant Indications
Relevant Indications

Evaluation
False

Indication:
a. Powders stick due to gravity/Roughness
b. Magnetic Writing:
This phenomenon occurs due to accidental
pole formation where two magnetized parts
gets in contact with each other

Evaluation
Non Relevant Indication:

Excessive Magnetization

Variations of Permeability

Part Design
e.g: Keyways,heat treated chisel, bent nail,
rectangular part magnetized completely by
circular magnetization

Evaluation
Relevant

Indication
The Indications which are seen due to the
leakage flux from a artificial flaw or
discontinuities.
Relevant Indication are discontinuities which
you as an Inspector looking for!
Relevant Indication
1.Linear indication
Length greater than 3 times Width (L3W)
2.Rounded Indication
Length less than 3 times Width (L<3W)

The reasons for non-relevant indications appearing

with magnetic examination are commonly:
1. Difference in permeability between two areas of
material i.e. weld and HAZ.
2. Difference in hardness between two areas of
material.
3. Sharp changes in section i.e. corners or edges.
4. Magnetic writing.
4. Magnetic to non-magnetic material i.e. cs
welded to ss

Presentation and recording of

defects

A report has to be prepared with following

information:

Area to be examined.
Type of magnetic particle
Magnetic particle equipment.
Part surface preparation requirements.
magnetizing process.
Magnetizing current.
Means of establishing part magnetization.
Direction of magnetic field.
Magnetic field strength
Application of examination media.
Interpretation and evaluation of indications.
Type of records.
Demagnetizing techniques, if required, and
Post-examination cleaning, if required.

locate the indications within the

component
Location and identification with reference to the test piece
To record size, number and location of all linear and round
indications, use of sketches is made to show location, direction
and frequency of indications.
For the inspection of welds, any indication whose major
dimension is greater than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) is considered to be
relevant.
The following indications are unacceptable as per ASME code,
Section VIII, Division-1.
All linear relevant indications.
All round indications if their dimension exceeds 3/16 inch
4 or more round indications in line if the distance between
indications is less then 1/16 inch.
10 or more indications in any 6 sq. inch of surface, with the
major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 inch (150 mm)
with the area taken in the most unfavourable location relative to
the indication.

Location of the defects

It is determined by
two coordinates Land
W.
L is the distance
measured from the
reference mark of the
weld
W is measured from
weld center line.
Preservation of indications by photography.

Using transfer techniques

By lacquer transfer / transparent tape trasfer

techniques

Evaluation of Weldments

Indications from forging

Fluorescent MPI in casting

Crane Hook with

Service Induced Crack

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Fluorescent MPI in Crane

Hook

Gear with
Service Induced Crack

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Drive Shaft with

Heat Treatment Induced Cracks

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Splined Shaft with

Service Induced Cracks

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Threaded Shaft with

Service Induced Crack

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Large Bolt with

Service Induced Crack

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Crank Shaft with

Service Induced Crack Near Lube Hole

Fluorescent, Wet Particle Method

Lack of Fusion in SMAW

Weld
Indication

Visible, Dry Powder Method

Toe Crack in SMAW Weld

Visible, Dry Powder

Method

Throat and Toe Cracks in

Partially Ground Weld

Visible, Dry Powder Method

Evaluating the indications with

reference to Depth
Surface Discontinuities: Sharp & Tightly held (Distinct)
Sub Surface Discontinuities: Fuzzy & Loosely held
If the indication is obtained by DC retest with AC .If you
are getting the same indication then the discontinuity would
be surface else subsurface.

Measuring the Indication

1.Photograph with Scale
2. Transparent Adhesive Tape
3.Magnetic Rubber Inspection: Particularly in aerospace for
threaded holes of bolts.
4.Lacquer Transfer

Test Procedure
Generally the Test procedure is based on a
Published standard such as

BS 6072:1981

BSEN 1290:1998

ASTM E 709 / ASME Section V Article 7

Calibration-British
Standards
Yokes using Lifting block ( Before use)
Light Meters- Monthly/Ref-Yearly
Inspection Tools, rulers, Magnifiers
Ink Bath Concentration ( representative
sample from a batch)
Sensitivity of Ink Using Standard block
Lifting Blocks 2years

Calibration-American Standards
Yokes:
Lifting Capacity at least a year
AC Yoke 4.5 Kg (10 lbs)
DC Yoke-18.1 Kg(40 lbs)
Permanent magnet 18.1 kg ( 40lbs)
Equipments with Ammeter:
Ammeter calibrated every year

Acceptance Standards
BS 5135:1984
BSEN25817 (BS EN1291:1998)
ASME B 31.3
AWS D 1.1
Linear Indications , Rounded Indication.

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

Demagnetization (Cont.)
Types Of Demagnetization
General Procedure:
Reversing the field and reducing the current.
Use a current slightly higher than the one used for magnetization
AC Coil Demagnetization:
Because of the automatic current reversal either the part can
be moved away from an energizing coil or the part can be
stationary and the coil moved over the part. Even a AC Yoke
could be utilized for demagnetization.
DC Demagnetization:
Reverse switch the DC (which is slightly difficult) and reducing
the current.
Heating to Curie Point
Curie Point of a magnetic material is the temperature at which a
material loses its magnetic property. So heating the object to
the curie point temperature demagnetizes the part.

Demagnetization
Measuring Residual magnetism by Gauss
Meter

Advantages of
Magnetic Particle Inspection
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 of
Magnetic Particle Inspection
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

Glossary of Terms
Black Light:

ultraviolet light which is filtered

to produce a wavelength of approximately 365
nanometers. Black light will cause certain
materials to fluoresce.
Central conductor: an electrically
conductive bar usually made of copper used to
introduce a circular magnetic field in to a test
specimen.
Coil: an electrical conductor such a copper
wire or cable that is wrapped in several or
many loops that are brought close to one
another to form a strong longitudinal magnetic
field.

Glossary of Terms
Discontinuity:

an interruption in the structure of

the material such as a crack.
Ferromagnetic: a material such as iron, nickel and
cobalt or one of its alloys that is strongly attracted to
a magnetic field.
Heads: electrical contact pads on a wet horizontal
magnetic particle inspection machine. The part to be
inspected is clamped and held in place between the
heads and shot of current is sent through the part
from the heads to create a circular magnetic field in
the part.
Leakage field: a disruption in the magnetic field.
This disruption must extend to the surface of the part
for particles to be attracted.

Glossary of Terms
Non-relevant indications:

indications
produced due to some intended design feature
of a specimen such a keyways, splines or press
fits.
Prods: two electrodes usually made of
copper or aluminum that are used to introduce
current in to a test part. This current in turn
creates a circular magnetic field where each
prod touches the part. (Similar in principal to a
welding electrode and ground clamp).
Relevant indications: indications produced
from something other than a design feature of
a test specimen. Cracks, stringers, or laps are
examples of relevant indications.

Glossary of Terms
Suspension:

a bath created by mixing

particles with either oil or water.
Yoke: a horseshoe magnet used to create a
longitudinal magnetic field. Yokes may be
made from permanent magnets or
electromagnets.