MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

REV. 01
1.0.

DATE: APRIL 2014

SCOPE

This document provides a procedure for Magnetic Particle examination of the steels
The magnetic particle examination method is an effective means for detecting
discontinuities which are open or next to the surface of the ferromagnetic materials.
Typical discontinuities detectable by this method are cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts,
laminations and porosity in components, with ferrous materials, in as-rolled, as-cast,
as-forged, as-weld condition. This procedure does not have limitation in the shapes or
sizes. If the sizes are too large, the examination shall be performed in sections with the
properly overlap between sections
2.0. TECHNIQUE
For this procedure the technique correspond to yoke technique, with wet particles,
fluorescent color. Shall be used water-based suspension. Nonmagnetic surface
contrast is not used for this procedure.
3.0. REFERENCES
ASTM E 1444 Stndar practice for Magnetic Particle examination
ENDE QCM 01 2002 REV. 9 Trainning, Qualification and Certification personnel of
NDE Procedure
ASME V Nondestructive Examination Article 7
4.0. PERSONNEL
Personnel shall be certified in accordance with ENDE QCM-01-2001-REV. 9
Procedure. These test shall be conducted by certified personnel Level II. Only
personnel Level II O level III shall be the responsibilities by the evaluate and report the
results of the examination.
5.0 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Alternating current electromagnetic yoke
Ketos ring
100 mL pear shape centrifuge tube
Magnetic Field Indicator type pie
100 W minimum pressure mercury-vapor ultraviolet light
UV-A Inspection Flashlights OPTI LUX 365 Series
Black light intensity meter
Magnetic particles fluorescent wet
Mi-Glow 218X
Properties
Particle Color: Fluorescent Yellow-Green
Specific Gravity: 1.1 g/ml Particle Size: Not less than 98% passage through US
Standard No. 150 (106 m) sieve.
Temperature Limits: 32-120F (0-49C).

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Directions for Use

Preparation: Mi-Glow 218X should be used a concentration of 32 oz. av. (2.4
grams/liter) per 100 gallons of water. For best results, add a small amount of water to
the mixture to form a slurry prior to addition to the bath.
6.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS
6.1. Magnetizing Technique: Magnetizing Technique( Continuous, residual)
6.2. Method Used: Magnetic Particle method (Dry, Wet, Fluorescent, etc.)
7.0 MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Surface Conditioning
7.1.1. Preparation
a) The surface preparation shall be mean grinding
b)Prior to magnetic particle examination, the surface to be examined and all
adjacent areas within at least 1 in. (25mm) shall be dry and free of all dirt,
grease, lint, scale, welding flux and spatter, oil, or other extraneous matter that
could interfere with examination

.7.2. LIFTING POWER OF YOKES

a) Prior to use, the magnetizing power of electromagnetic yokes shall have been
checked within the past year. The magnetizing power of permanent yokes shall be
checked daily prior to use. The magnetizing power of all yokes shall be checked
whenever the yoke has been damaged or repaired.
b) Each alternating current electromagnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at
least 10 lb. (4, 5 Kg.) at the maximum pole spacing that will be used.
c) Each weight shall be weighed with a scale from a reputable manufacturer and
stenciled with the applicable nominal weight prior to first use. A weight need only
be verified again if damaged in a manner that could have caused potential loss of
material.
7.3. MAGNETIC FIELD ADEQUACY AND DIRECTION
7.3.1. Magnetic Field Adequacy
The applied magnetic field shall have sufficient strength to produce satisfactory
indications, but shall not be so strong that it causes masking of relevant indications by
nonrelevant accumulations of magnetic particles. Factors that influence the required
field strength include the size, shape, and material permeability of the part; the
technique of magnetization; coatings; the method of particle application; and the type
and location of discontinuities to be detected. When it is necessary to verify the
adequacy of magnetic field strength, it shall be verified by using.

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(a) Pie-Shaped Magnetic Particle Field Indicator Shown in Fig. 7.3.1(a), shall be
positioned on the surface to be examined, such that the copper-plated side is away
from the inspected surface. A suitable field strength is indicated when a clearly defined
line (or lines) of magnetic particles form(s) across the copper face of the indicator when
the magnetic particles are applied simultaneously with the magnetizing force. When a
clearly defined line of particles is not formed, the magnetizing technique shall be
changed as needed.

Fig. 7.3.1(a). PIE-SHAPED MAGNETIC PARTICLE FIELD INDICATOR

7.3.2. Magnetic Field Direction. The direction(s) of magnetization shall be determined
by particle indications obtained using an indicator or shims as shown in
Fig. 7.3.1(a). When a clearly defined line of particles are not formed in the desired
direction the magnetizing technique shall be changed as needed.

7.4. WET PARTICLE CONCENTRATION AND CONTAMINATION

When used wet particles the bath concentration and bath contamination shall be
determined by measuring its settling volume. This is accomplished through the use of
an ASTM Test Method D96 pear-shaped centrifuge tube with a 1-mL stem (0.05-mL
divisions) for fluorescent Particle suspensions or a 1.5 mL stem (0.1-mL divisions) for
non-fluorescent suspensions. Before sampling the suspension should be run through

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the recirculating system for at least 30 min to ensure thorough mixing of all particles
which could have settled on the sump screen and along the sides or bottom of the tank.
a) Concentration. Take a 100-mL portion of the suspension from the hose or nozzle,
demagnetize and allow it to settle for approximately 30 min with water-based
suspension before Reading. The volume settling out at the bottom of the tube is
indicative of the particle concentration in the bath
b) Settling Volumes. For fluorescent particles, the required settling volume is from
0.1 to 0.4 mL in a 100 mL bath simple and from 1.2 to 2.4 mL per 100 mL of
vehicle for nonfluorescent particles unless otherwise specified by the particle
manufacturer. Concentration checks shall be made at least every eight hours.
c) Contamination. For this procedure is not applicable the check to the particles to
contamination because the bath or suspension is no reused
8.0 EXAMINATION
8.1 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
Before the Magnetic Particle examination is conducted, a check of the examination
surface shall be conducted to locate any discontinuity surface openings which may not
attract and hold magnetic particles because of their width.
8.2 DIRECTION OF MAGNETIZATION
At least two separate examination shall be performed on each area. During the second
examination, the lines of magnetic flux shall be approximately perpendicular to those
used during the first examination.
8.3. METHOD OF EXAMINATION
The method of particle application shall be mean aerosol spray cans. Examination shall
be done by the continuous method.
(a) Wet Particles. The magnetizing current shall be turned on after the particles
have been applied. Flow of particles shall stop with the application of current.
Wet particles applied from aerosol spray cans may be applied before and/or
after magnetizing current is applied. Wet particles may be applied during the
application of magnetizing current if they are not applied directly to the
examination area and are allowed to flow over the examination area or are
applied directly to the examination area with low velocities insufficient to
remove accumulated particles.

8.4. EXAMINATION COVERAGE

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All examinations shall be conducted with sufficient field overlap to ensure 100%
coverage at the required sensitivity.
8.5. EXCESS PARTICLE REMOVAL
Accumulations of excess dry particles in examinations shall be removed with a light air
stream from a bulb or syringe or other source of low pressure dry air. The examination
current or power shall be maintained while removing the excess particles.
8.6. INTERPRETATION
The interpretation shall identify if an indication as false, nonrelevant, or relevant. False
and nonrelevant indications shall be proven as false or nonrelevant. Interpretation shall
be carried out to identify the locations of indications and the character of the indication.
8.6.1. Fluorescent magnetic particles with black light
Surface discontinuities are indicated by accumulations of magnetic particles which
should contrast with the examination surface. The color of the magnetic particle shall
be fluorescent. A minimum light intensity of 1000 W/cm2 is required. The examination
shall be performed as follows:
(a) It shall be performed in a darkened area.
(b) Examiners shall be in a darkened area for at last 5 min prior to performing
examinations to enable their eyes to adapt to dark viewing. Glasses or lenses
worn by examiners shall not be photochromic or exhibit any fluorescence.
(c) Black light shall achieve a minimum of 1000 W/cm2 on the surface of the part
being examined throughout the examination.
(d) Reflectors, filters, glasses, and lenses should be checked and, if necessary,
cleaned prior to use. Cracked or broken reflectors, filters, glasses, or lenses
shall be replaced immediately.
(e) The black light intensity shall be measured with a black light meter prior to use,
whenever the lights power source is interrupted or changed, and at the
completion of the examination or series of examinations.

8.7. DEMAGNETIZATION
When residual magnetism in the part could interfere with subsequent processing or
usage, the part shall be demagnetized any time after completion of the examination.
The demagnetization shall be carried out moving the yoke away from the inspected
item and shall be verified using gauss meter.

8.8. POST-EXAMINATION CLEANING

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When post-examination cleaning is required, it should be conducted as soon as

practical using a process that does not adversely affect the part. Shall be made using
soap clot.
9.0. EVALUATION
(a) All indications shall be evaluated in terms of the acceptance standards of the
referencing Code Section.
(b) Discontinuities on or near the surface are indicated by retention of the
examination medium. However, localized surface irregularities due to
machining
marks or other surface conditions may produce false indications.
(c) Broad areas of particle accumulation, which might mask indications from
discontinuities, are prohibited, and such areas shall be cleaned and
reexamined.
10.0. DOCUMENTATION
10.1. RECORDING OF INDICATIONS
10.1.1. NONREJECTABLE INDICATIONS
Nonrejectable indications shall be recorded as specified by the referencing Code
Section.
10.1.2. Rejectable indications
Rejectable indications shall be recorded. As a minimum, the type of indications (linear
or rounded), location and extent (length or diameter or aligned) shall be recorded.
10.2. EXAMINATION RECORDS
For each examination, the following information shall be recorded.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)

Procedure identification and revision.

Magnetic particle equipment and type of current.
Magnetic particles (visible or fluorescent, wet or dry).
Examination personnel identity and if required by referencing Code Section,
qualification level.
Map or record of indications per 10.1
Material and thickness.
Lighting equipment.
Date of examination.

10.3 RECORDS
10.3.1. The form ENDE-MT-1 (ANEX 1) shall be used for recording the
examination.

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10.3.2. All records of Magnetic Particle Examination shall be completed by ENDE

personnel and submitted to the customers designated representative for
acceptance.
11.0. EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS
Indications will be revealed by retention of magnetic particles. All such indications are
not necessarily imperfections, however, since excessive surface roughness, magnetic
permeability variations (such as at the edge of heat affected zones), etc., may produce
similar indications.
An indication of an imperfection may be larger than the imperfection that causes it;
however, the size of the indication is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only
Indications which have any dimension greater than 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) shall be
considered relevant.
(a) A linear indication is one having a length greater than three times the width.
(b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with a length equal to
or less than three times its width.
(c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be reexamined to determine
whether or not they are relevant.
12.0. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS
These acceptance standards shall apply unless other more restrictive standards are
specified for specific materials or applications within this Division.
All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:

(a) relevant linear indications;

(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 in.
(5 mm);
(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in.
(1.5 mm) or less, edge to edge.

13.0. REPAIR REQUIREMENTS

The defect shall be removed or reduced to an imperfection of acceptable size.
Whenever an imperfection is removed by chipping or grinding and subsequent repair
by welding is not required, the excavated area shall be blended into the surrounding
surface so as to avoid sharp notches, crevices, or corners. Where welding is required
after removal of an imperfection, the area shall be cleaned and welding performed in
accordance with a qualified welding procedure.

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(a) Treatment of Indications Believed Nonrelevant. Any indication which is believed

to be nonrelevant shall be regarded as an imperfection unless it is shown by
reexamination by the same method or by the use of other nondestructive
methods and/or by surface conditioning that no unacceptable imperfection is
present.
(b) Examination of Areas from Which Imperfections Have Been Removed. After a
defect is thought to have been removed and prior to making weld repairs, the
area shall be examined by suitable methods to ensure it has been removed or
reduced to an acceptably sized imperfection.
(c) Reexamination of Repair Areas. After repairs have been made, the repaired
area shall be blended into the surrounding surface so as to avoid sharp
notches, crevices or corners and reexamined by the magnetic particle method
and by all other methods of examination that were originally required for the
affected area, except that, when the depth of repair is less than the radiographic
sensitivity required, radiography may be omitted.
14.0 PERFORMANCE DEMOSTRATION
This procedure shall be demonstrated to the AI Authorized Inspector
accordance with requirements of T-150 upon request.