U p d a t e s a b o u t t h e P r o d u c t s a n d S e r v i c e s o f M a g n a f l u x

September 2006

Monthly Edition

MAGNETIC PARTICLE BREAKDOWN

IN THE WET METHOD APPLICATION
by Kevin Walker
materialsPRODUCTMANAGER
In general to function properly, the particles composing the
medium in both the wet and dry method should fit the following
criteria:
Nontoxic
Correct particle size for the application
Ferromagnetic
Free of contaminants
Possess high permeability
Possess low retentivity
Provide high visibility
The one factor not listed above, but very important, is durability.
The particle must be able to withstand constant circulation within the pump of the magnetic inspection bench or mechanical
agitation and still maintain its integrity. The success of magnetic
particle testing is dependent upon the selection of the proper
material and method to conduct the test. When the wet method
is used, the medium concentrate is mixed with a liquid (light oil,
kerosene or water) to make a bath which is then applied onto the
surface of the part either while the magnetizing current is flowing for the continuous method or the medium is applied after the
magnetizing current is shut off for the residual method.

Particle Shape
If the particle has a spherical shape it will have excellent mobility but will not be strongly attracted to the leakage field. On the
other hand, a long, slender particle may be strongly attracted to
the leakage field due to its pronounced north and south poles
but will have lower mobility. These two opposing characteristics
are overcome by blending particles of different shapes. In actual
use, particles never act as individuals. Due to the fact that they
are magnetized in use and the material has some retentivity, they
become actual tiny magnets. These particles are drawn together
as a result of their retained magnetism to form clumps or aggre-

gates of particles. The particles tend to act as a unit when applied

to the surface of a part for magnetic particle testing. The speed
and extent to which this process takes place increases with the
rententivity of the particle material. Agitating the suspension
breaks up the aggregates, but they begin to form again as soon as
agitation ceases.

Causes of particle breakdown

The particle used in magnetic inspection is a combination of
fusing iron oxide, a unique resin, and pigment (fluorescent or
visible). Particles used in a magnetic inspection bench, in most
cases, are re-circulated using an impeller driven pump. Over
a period of time this action will cause the pigment to detach
from the iron oxide material. The lack of both bath and equipment maintenance will cause possible problems within the bath.
Defective pumps will cause an increase of particle breakdown.
One common mistake is to replace a defective pump with one
that has a higher rpm rating. This naturally will cause the particles to break down faster. It is advised that you call Magnaflux
or an authorized service center when replacing any part on one
of our units. Bath contamination with acid or alkali from a precleaning step or process will cause degradation of the particles.
Also, processing hot parts may raise the bath temperature above
acceptable levels (100 to 120) which will soften the resin.

The Results of Particle Breakdown

When the bond of the iron oxide particle and pigment has deteriorated, increased background will be observed. This increase
background could mask indications and some discontinuities could be missed. Also, frequent bath replacement causes
increased material and labor costs which will affect revenue
margins.
(continued on next page)

w w w. m a g n a f l u x . c o m

Preventative Measures
Contamination can be minimized by keeping the bath covered
when not in use and monitoring the bath concentration using the
correct centrifuge tube. Using a durable material will also help in
preventing problems in the magnetic particle inspection process.
Magnaflux offers the most reliable materials on the market for wet
method inspection, for both fluorescent and visible applications.
Extensive testing has proven that Magnaflux particles are the
most durable in the industry. Here is a list of these materials, with
the special characteristics of each.

Fluorescent

Visible

14A Fluorescent Powder Concentrate. This is the

most widely used of the fluorescent materials. It fluoresces a bright
yellow-green and features high sensitivity, high brightness, and
easy handling properties. It is designed for suspension in oil, but
can be used in water when combined with the proper water conditioners, WA-2B powder which contains wetting agent, corrosion inhibitor, antifoam and WA-4 liquid which contains wetting
agent and corrosion inhibitor. You can also use AX-52 corrosion
inhibitor as an additive.

7C Black Powder Concentrate. This is an oil-suspendable powder. It is especially suited for finding fine cracks on polished surfaces, such as bearings and crankshafts. It can be used in
a water bath with the proper proportion of water-conditioners.

14A Redi-Bath Pre-measured Liquid

Concentrate. Contains 14A powder, wetting
agent, anti-foaming agent and rust inhibitors in a
graduated plastic bottle which holds 27oz (800ml),
enough to make up a 10 gallon water bath.
20B Fluorescent Powder Concentrate.
This powder is identical to 14A but includes the
proper amount of water conditioners. It is for water
baths only.
MG-410 Fluorescent Powder. Larger particles
than the 14A but brighter. Used for larger discontinuities, especially in the steel industry. Used in both oil
and water baths
MG-3410 Fluorescent Powder. The powder
contains MG-410 and water conditioners. Used in
water baths only.

9C Red Powder Concentrate. This is a reddish brown

oil-suspendable powder. It is similar to 7C but gives improved
contrast on gray, black or dark surfaces.