Demagnetization :

After the magnetic particle test, there may be some residual magnetism
remaining in the part. The amount of this residual magnetism depends
upon the retentivity and the level of the applied magnetizing field strength
for the purpose of examination. It is necessary to demagnetize the
component if residual magnetism is detected. Residual magnetic field can:
* Affect machining by causing cuttings to cling to the surface.
* Interfare with nearby magnetic and electric equipments such as a
magnetic compass.
* Can create a condition known as ‘arc blow’ in the welding process. Arc
blow may cause the weld arc to wander or filler metal to be repelled from
the weld. This condition is especially a problem when an automatic welding
machine is used.
* Magnetism in engine and rotating parts can attract metal particles into
bearings and increase wear.
Removal of residual field may be accomplished in many ways. When steel
is heated above its curie temperature, it will become austenitic [ non
magnetic state ] and loose its magnetic properties. The curie temperature
for a low carbon steel is 7700 C.
It is often inconvenient to heat a material above its curie temperature to
demagnetize, so other methods that returns the material to a nearly
demagnetized state is commonly used.
Subjecting the component to a reversing and decreasing continuous
magnetic field, will effectively demagnetize the part.
The most common method of demagnetization uses an energized AC coil
through which the part is passed. On large parts, the coil is moved away
from the part while the power is still on or the part remains in the coil
while the current is gradually reduced to zero. The reducing current can be
passed directly through the part on relatively large parts. Residual
DC that is reversed in polarity by special switching devices and by Field
diminishing the applied current in each reversal, demagnetization can be Meter.
achieved more thoroughly. This multiple step down reversing and
decreasing DC demagnetizer works similarly to the AC step down system.
Because of the difficulty in reverse switching of DC, the equipment is
much more complicated than for AC and therefore, more expensive. A
commonly used frequency is one reversal per second. The reversing DC
provides deeper penetration than does AC and thus has advantage in
application on thicker parts that are difficult to demagnetize. The reversing
DC may use a coil or the current can be passed directly through the part.
It is desirable to start demagnetization using a stronger field than that
was used to magnetize the part during the examination.
Yokes can be used in the AC mode to reduce the magnetism from
surface of large components. More than one yokes can be used
together to strengthen the demagnetizing field.
Magnetic particle Inspection with AC has the advantage of not leaving a
strong residual field in the part so that, in a sense, it is self demagnetizing.
Many stationary horizontal inspection units provides demagnetization feature
that slowly reduce the alternating field in a coil in which the component is
placed.
A calibrated field meter, known as Gaussmeter, is often used to verify
that the residual field has been removed from the component. When using,
it is only necessary to touch the lower edge of the meter to the part and
read the pointer position on the dial. These center zero meters are
available in many ranges, +/- 10 gauss range is the one most often used
for machine shop and tool room work. Since magnetic leakage fields are
strongest at an edge or corner of a part, this is the best place to
measure the residual field. Industry standards usually require that the
residual magnetic field be reduced to less than 3 gauss after completing
the inspection. 10 gauss field is less likely to cause problem in welding.
Demagnetization techniques :
50 cycle AC coil -- small parts up to 2 inch dia.
50 cycle AC, current flow -- relatively large size and retentive parts.
Reversing DC coil -- suitable for small parts.
Reversing DC, current flow -- best for large parts.
Wrapping cable, full length -- long parts. [ pipes, bars etc. ]
AC yoke -- small parts, local near surface area of large parts.
Prod, reversing DC -- local area of large parts by reversing prod
position, and reducing current in each step by 20 to 40 amps.

Compiled by K. Chatterjee, 75643 Center for NDT P 00 Rv 03 Self study material.