Magnetic Particles:

Magnetic particles are finely divided ferromagnetic [Iron] material.

They must have,
High Permeability easily attracted to weak leakage fields.
Low retentivity, not attract each other outside magnetic field.
Non Toxic, relatively harmless to the user.
Fine particles are sensitive for surface breaking defects. Coarse
particles are superior for sub surface defects. Particles do not act as
single unit but clump together to form the indications when
magnetized. The particle size should be smaller than the width of
opening for detecting surface breaking cracks.
The two basic types of magnetic particles are,
Dry Particles, fine or course, applied as dry powder.
Wet particles, fine particles applied as suspended in a liquid.
Dry Particles : Dry particles are coarse and larger than wet
particles. The particles have a range of sizes and shapes and are
available in many colors such as yellow, gray, black, brown, red.
Fluorescent dry particles are also available, but are not in general
use mainly because of economic considerations. The color of the
particles used for testing is determined by the color of the surface
being examined and is selected for maximum contrast.
Dry particles are superior for detecting flaws lying wholly below the
surface because of its higher permeability and irregular shapes.
Large heavy particles are not likely to be arrested and held by a
weak leakage field when they are moving on the part surface.
Very fine dry particles behave like dust and easily adhere to any
damp or slightly oily surface to produce heavy dusty background.
Finer particles add mobility and sensitivity for fine surface cracks
while larger particles add sensitivity for detection of sub surface
defects and counteract the tendency of the finer ones to leave a
dusty back ground. Dry particles which are a mixture of coarse
and fine particles are mostly preferred.
Dry powder are primarily used on rough surfaces, such as un-
ground welds and castings, threaded parts and for detection of
defects below the surface. It does not have the tendency to drift
into the roughness of the surface as a wet suspension does. Dry
particles with half wave direct current and prods is the best
approach when inspecting lack of penetration in thinner welds and
hot tears and cracks in castings.
When used outdoors, breezes can cause the dry powders to blow
around. Dry particles are not affected by cold and can be used at
low temperatures. They are also heat resistant, and many powders
are usable at temperatures up to 6000 F.
Reclamation and reuse of dry particles is not recommended.
Application : Air is used to carry the particles to the examination
surface. Dry powder should be applied such that the particles Powder blower
approach the examination surface in a uniform cloud with minimum
of motion. In this way the particles reach the leakage field while
suspended in air and have three dimensional mobility. This
condition can be best achieved when the magnetized surface is
vertical or overhead. When particles are applied to a horizontal or
sloping surface, they settle directly to the surface and do not have
the same degree of mobility. Half wave rectified direct current is
recommended with dry particle inspection to impart the required
mobility. The magnetizing current must be initiated before the
application of the particles to the test surface and shall be
terminated after the excess particles have been blown off.
For Dry particle examination, the test surface must be dry, free
from grease and other adhering deposits. The particles themselves
must be free from moisture.
The relative merits of dry particles depend on the skill in
application. Dry powder can be applied by small rubber spray bulb,
squeeze bottles or specially designed powder blowers. The air
stream of these blowers is of low velocity so that a cloud of
powder is applied to the test area. These blowers can also deliver
a light stream of air for gentle removal of excess powder from the
examination surface. Excess dry particles around an indication, can
be removed by a regulated air supply, air bulb or gentle blowing
while the magnetizing field is present. The air stream should be of
sufficient force to remove the excess particles without disturbing
those particles that are evidence of indications.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent inhaling of dry particles.
Compiled by K. Chatterjee, 75643 Center for NDT P 00 Rv 03 Self study material.