MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION (MPI) PROCEDURE

SCOPE

To find out if there are any internal defects in the weld joints of the specimen.

PRINCIPLE OF MPI

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 the North Pole to the 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.

Schematic of flux lines flowing past both a perpendicular and parallel defect, and flux leakage occurring
around the perpendicular flaw.

PROCEDURE

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 magnets,
Electromagnetic Yokes, Current flow probes, Magnetic Flow, Flexible coils, Threading bars, Adjacent
cables, etc. The 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 them 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.

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 Gauss meter, Magnetic Field Meter,
or a hall Probe Gauss meter. Residual magnetism must not exceed (+/-) 2 gausses.