Nondestructive Testing

Methods
Magnetic Particle
Liquid Penetrant
Eddy Current
Radiography
Ultrasonic
Acoustic Emission

Magnetic
Particle
Testing

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle inspection is a
method that can be used to find
surface and near surface flaws in
ferromagnetic materials such as
steel and iron.

Magnetic Particle Testing

The technique uses the principle that
magnetic lines of force (flux) will be
distorted by the presence of a flaw in a
manner that will reveal it's presence.
IRON POWDER

N S

N
CRACK

Magnetic Particle Testing

IRON POWDER
CRACK

COIL
(COMPLETELY
CLOSED MAGNET)

Magnetic Particle Testing

The flaw (for example, a crack) is located
from the "flux leakage", following the
application of fine iron particles, to the area
under examination. There are variations in
the way the magnetic field is applied.
IRON POWDER

IRON POWDER
CRACK

N S

N
CRACK

Magnetic Particle Testing

The iron particles can be applied dry or
wet; suspended in a liquid, colored or
fluorescent. While magnetic particle
inspection is primarily used to find
surface breaking flaws, it can also be
used to locate sub-surface flaws. But it's
effectiveness quickly diminishes
depending on the flaw depth and type.

Magnetic Particle Testing

Surface irregularities and scratches can
give misleading indications. Therefore it
is necessary to ensure careful
preparation of the surface before
magnetic particle testing is undertaken.

Liquid
Penetrant
Testing

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Liquid penetrant inspection is a
method that is used to reveal
surface breaking flaws by bleedout
of a colored or fluorescent dye
from the flaw.

Liquid Penetrant Testing

The technique is based on the ability of a
liquid to be drawn into a "clean" surface
breaking flaw by capillary action.

Penetration

Penetrant
Fluorescent
penetrant on surface
seeps into the crack.

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Emulsifies is applied to the penetrant. Emulsifier
mixes with penetrant on the surface, but
penetrant in the crack is not emulsified.
Emulsifier makes the mixture washable .

Emulsification
Emulsifier and
penetrant
Penetrant only

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Water spray removes the emulsified
penetrant. Water removes the surface film
as well.

Rinse
water

Penetrant only

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Developer draws the penetrant out of the
crack.

Development
developer
Penetrant

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Black light causes the penetrant to glow in
dark.

Inspection

Black Light

Developer
Penetrant

Ultrasonic
Testing

Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic inspection uses sound
waves of short wavelength and high
frequency to detect flaws or
measure material thickness. It is
used on aircraft, the power stations
generating plant, or welds in
pressure vessels at an oil refinery or
paper mill.

Ultrasonic Testing
Usually pulsed
beams of high
frequency
ultrasound are
used via a handheld transducer
which is placed on
the specimen.

Ultrasonic Testing
Any sound from that pulse that returns to the
transducer like an echo is shown on a screen
which gives the amplitude of the pulse and
the time taken to return to the transducer.
Defects anywhere through the specimen
thickness reflect the sound, back to the
transducer. Flaw size, distance and
reflectivity can be interpreted. Because of its
complexity considerable technician training
and skill is required.

Eddie
Current
Testing

Eddie Current Testing

Eddy current testing is an electromagnetic
technique and can only be used on conductive
materials. It's applications range from crack
detection, to the rapid sorting of small
components for either flaws, size variations,
or material variation. Commonly it is used in
the aerospace, automotive, marine and
manufacturinq industries.

Eddie Current Testing

When an energized coil is brought near to the
surface of a metal component, eddy currents
are induced into the specimen. These currents
set-up magnetic field that tend to oppose the
original magnetic field. The impedance of coil
in close proximity to the specimen is effected
by the presence of the induced eddy currents
in the specimen.

Eddie Current Testing

When the eddy currents in the specimen are
distorted by the presence of the flaws or
material variations, the impedance in the coil
is altered. This change is measured and
displayed in a manner that indicates the type
of flaw or material condition.

Acoustic
Emission
Testing

Acoustic Emission Testing

Acoustic emission monitoring (AE) involves
listening to the sounds (which are usually
inaudible to the human ear) made by a
material, structure or machine in use or under
load and drawing conclusions about it's "state
of health" from what is heard, just as a Doctor
would listen to your heart and lungs.

Acoustic Emission Testing

The technique involves attaching one or more
ultrasonic microphones to the object and
analyzing the sounds using computer based
instruments.
The noises may arise
from friction (including
bearing wear), crack
growth, turbulence
(including leakage) and
material changes such
as corrosion.

Acoustic Emission Testing

The advantages of AE are that a whole structure
can be monitored from a few locations, the
structure can be tested in use (without taking it
out of service) and continuous monitoring with
alarms is possible. Microscopic changes can be
detected if sufficient energy is released and
source location is also possible using multiple
sensors.

Acoustic Emission Testing

Applications include testing pipelines and
storage tanks (above and below the
ground), fibreglass structures, rotating
machinery, weld monitoring and biological
and chemical changes.

Radiography
(X-Ray
Inspection)

Radiography(X-Ray Inspection)
X-rays are produced by high voltage x ray
machines whereas gamma rays are
produced from radioactive isotopes such as
Iridium 192 .The x-ray or gamma rays are
placed close to the material to be inspected
and they pass through the material and are
then captured on film. This film is then
processed and the image is obtained as a
series of gray shades between black and
white.

Radiography(X-Ray Inspection)
The choice of which type of radiation is
used (x ray or gamma ) depends on the
thickness of the material to be tested.
Gamma sources have the advantage of
portability which makes them ideal for use
in construction site working.

Radiography(X-Ray Inspection)
X-rays and gamma rays are very
hazardous. Special precautions must be
taken when performing radiography.
Therefore the operator will use these inside
a protective enclosure or with appropriate
barriers and warning signals to ensure
there are no hazards to personnel.

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