Coil Magnetization :

Components in which length predominates, can be readily

magnetized in the longitudinal direction by an encircling coil.
For this technique, the magnetic field is produced in the part by
wrapping cable around it or placing it within a multi turn fixed coil.
Passing current through a coil encircling a section of the test part
or encircling the part produces a magnetic field parallel to the axis
of the coil. Strongest indications are produced when the length of
the discontinuities are at right angles to the axis of the coil. The
magnetic field strength of a coil is maximum near the inside wall
and zero at the center of the coil.
Portable magnetizing coils are available that can be plugged
directly into a standard electrical outlet. This coils are suitable for
bar shaped parts.
For a bar shaped part, the effective overall distance that can be
inspected is 6 to 9 inches on either side of the coil opening. In
testing longer parts, either the part must be moved at regular
intervals through the coil or the coil must be moved along the
length of the part.
When the cross sectional area of the coil is 10 or more times
the cross sectional area of the test part, the required magnetizing
current, for object positioned near the inside wall of the coil is,
I = 45000 D / N L

For parts positioned at the center of the coil [ larger parts ],

I = 43000 R / N {( 6 L / D ) - 5 }

If the cross sectional area of the coil is less than twice the
cross sectional area [ including hollow portions ] of the test part,
I = 35000 / N {( L / D ) + 2 }

Where : L = length of the test part

D = diameter of the test part
N = number of turns in the coil
R = radius of the coil
These equations hold only if the L / D ratio is between 3 and 15.
The ease with which a part can be longitudinally magnetized in
a coil is significantly related to the length to diameter [ L / D ] ratio
of the part. This is due to the demagnetizing effect of the
magnetic poles setup at the ends of the part. This demagnetizing
effect is very significant for L / D ratios of 3 or less. In such
cases, pole pieces of similar cross-sectional area can be attached
to both the ends to increase the length of the part and thus
improve the L / D ratio.
Artificial discontinuity standards [ such as QQI ] shall be used to
ensure proper current levels along the entire axis of the test
length.
For complex shapes, alternating current is recommended. When
testing tubes in conjunction with alternating current, only the outside
surface is magnetized. When testing flange-type parts, the magnetic
field lines at the plane surfaces enter the material at right
angles so that the sensitivity to circular cracks on the flange sides
is reduced.

Compiled by KALYAN PRASAD CHATTERJEE/ K. SHIVAKUMAR – INTERNATIONAL TRAINERS