QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING PROCEDURE

JUNE 1, 2021
ZAMIL STEEL VIET NAM
 QCP19(R00)
MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING
Dated: 01/06/21
PROCEDURE
Issued by:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE:...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. SCOPE:.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3. PROCEDURE:................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

4. PREPARATION OF TEST OBJECT:..................................................................................................................................................... 4

5. MAGNETIZING EQUIPMENT:.......................................................................................................................................................... 5

6. EXAMINATION MEDIUM:.............................................................................................................................................................. 5

7. DRY METHOD:............................................................................................................................................................................... 7

8. MAGNETIZING METHOD:............................................................................................................................................................... 7

9. EXAMINATION PROCEDURE:......................................................................................................................................................... 8

10. VERIFICATION OF ADEQUATE FIELD STRENGTH:........................................................................................................................... 9

11. INTERPRETATION AND EVALUATION OF INDICATION:.................................................................................................................. 9

12. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:............................................................................................................................................................. 10

13. DEFECT REMOVAL:.................................................................................................................................................................... 13

14. POST TEST DEMAGNETIZATION:................................................................................................................................................ 13

15. CLEANING AND CARE AFTER TESTING:....................................................................................................................................... 13

16. REPORTING:.............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

APPENDIX 1: MAGNETIC PARTICLE FIELD INDICATOR........................................................................................................................ 14

APPENDIX 2 - MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION REPORT.............................................................................................................. 15

APPENDIX 3 - MAGNETIC YOKE DAILY CAPACITY CHECK.................................................................................................................... 16

 1. Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to describe the general procedure of Magnetic Particle
examination using visible wet particles and the acceptance criteria for ferrous materials and weld
joints in structural in accordance with AWS D1.1 and ASTM E-709.
.

2. Scope:
This procedure applies to the Magnetic Particle Examination methods use to detect cracks and
other discontinuities on surface and subsurface of ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic particle
examination may be applied to raw material, semi-finished material (billets, blooms, castings, and
forgings), finished material and welds, regardless of heat treatment or lack thereof. Magnetic
Particle Examination shall also be carried out for edge preparation and finished weld, after
removal of weld defect by gouging in all welds to fittings, fillet, plate and pipe joints and other
permanent attachment where required MPI may be applied to fabrication of lifting aids and other
erection and/or installation aids where deemed necessary.

References:
• ASTM E-709: Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination.
• AWS D1.1M 2015: Structural Welding Code – Steel
• ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A 2016 edition:
Personnel
Qualifications
Definition:
• AWS: American Welding Society
• ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials
• ASNT: American Society for Testing and Materials
• MT/MPI: Magnetic particle testing/ inspection
• NDT: Non-destructive testing
.

3. Procedure:
3.1 - Personnel performing MT shall be qualified as Level I and Level II in conforming with the latest
edition of American Society for Nondestructive Testing Recommended practice No. ASNT-
SNT-TC-1A 2016 Edition.
- MT level I shall work under the MT level II.
 - Certification of MT level I and level II individual shall be performed by a Level III
individual who has been certified by
(1) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, or
(2) Has the education, training, experience, and has successfully passed the written
examination described in SNT-TC-1A.

3.2 The magnetic particle testing method consists of magnetizing the area to be inspected, and then
applying magnetic particles to the surface of the test area. Magnetic field leakages cause by
cracks and the discontinuities will attract the magnetic particles, and the resulting pattern will be
characterized on the type of discontinuity present. Sensitivity of the magnetic particle test method
is greatest at the surface and diminished rapidly with increasing depth.

3.3 Drawing and purchase orders should specify the extent of magnetic particles inspection required
for each item and acceptance standard to be met.

4. Preparation of Test Object:

4.1 Pre-testing demagnetization:

The test object shall be demagnetized before testing if prior operation or conditions have produced a residual
magnetic field, which will interfere with the test.

4.2 Pre-cleaning:

4.2.1 The surface to be tested may be ground, brushed or as welded condition.

4.2.2 Testing with yokes and fluorescent suspensions is increasingly required for welds that
are ground smooth.

4.2.3 Prior to magnetic particle examination, the surface to be examined and the adjacent areas
within at least 25 mm shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, cloth lint, scale, welding
flux, weld spatter, oil and other extraneous matter that could interfere with the
examination.

4.2.4 Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, organic solvents, vapor degreasing etc.
 4.2.5 In order to improve the background contrast it is best to apply on the surface a thin layer
of white lacquer materials.

4.2.6 The following lacquers can be used:

Manufacture Colo Brand-

r r Name

Magnaflu Whit WCP-

x e 2
ATIC Whit WP-
A e 1
GG Whit V-
M e 42
NAMICO Whit 3110 -
N e S

5. Magnetizing Equipment:

5.1 Yoke method:

This magnetizing technique shall be applied when the surface to be tested allows a correct coupling of
magnetic poles by using adjustable dectromagnetic yoke. The following equipment can be
used:

5.1.1 AC/DC Yoke Magnaflux Co. Model Y6.

5.1.2 AC/DC Yoke Parker model DA 400S.

5.1.3 Equivalent Equipment.

6. Examination Medium:

6.1 The examination medium shall consist of finely divided ferromagnetic particles, which generally have
high permeability to allow ease of magnetizing and attraction to the discontinuity.
They generally afford a very low hazard potential with regards to flammability and toxicity. They shall be
of suitable size and shapes to readily produce magnetic particle indications.

6.2 Wet method with colored particle (non-fluorescent):

6.2.1 The magnetic particle having color and for wet, non-fluorescent are the following:

Manufacture Colo Brand-

r r Name

Magnaflu Blac 7
x k HF
ATIC Blac WC
A k 6
GG Blac LK
M k 35
NAMICO Blac 3101 -
N k Z

6.2.2 The vehicle used in preparing the suspension will be light well refined petroleum distillate or water.
The particle shall be suspended in petroleum or water in concentration recommended
by supplier or checked according to ASTM E-709.

6.2.3 The temperature of the wet particle suspension and the surface of the part shall not exceed 57 0C
(135°F).

6.2.4 When suspension is prepared by the manufacturer (ready for use suspension) the periodic check
of concentration is not required.

6.3 Fluorescent particle:

6.3.1 With fluorescent particles the examination is performed using an ultraviolet light, called black
light. The examination shall be performed as follows:

7.3.1.1 It shall be performed in a darkened area.

 7.3.1.2 The examiner shall be in the darkened area for at least 5 min. prior to performing the
examination to enable his eyes to adapt to dark viewing.

7.3.1.3 The black light shall be allowed to warm-up for a minimum of 5 min. prior to use or
measurement of the intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted.

6.3.2 The most common light source for fluorescent magnetic particle testing is a mercury arc bulb
rated at 100w.

6.3.3 The ultraviolet light source for fluorescent magnetic particle tests emits light with an average
wave length of around 320 to 400 nm.

6.3.4 The black light intensity shall be measured with combination of radiometer and photometer or
with long wave ultraviolet meter. The black light intensity shall be measured at least,
once every 8 hour and whenever the work station is changed.

6.3.5 The ultraviolet irradiance level of 1000 w/cm² on the surface of the part being examined shall
be required.

7. Dry Method:
7.1 The color of the dry powder particles shall be selected so as to provide adequate contrast with the
surface being tested.

7.2 Magnetic particle examination shall not be performed if the surface temperature of the part
exceeds 600°F or 315oC.

7.3 The magnetic particles that may be used are the following:

Magnaflux Co. 1A grey, temperature range 57° C - 316° C

Magnaflux Co. 3A black, temperature 57° C - 230° C
Magnaflux Co. 8A red, temperature 57° C - 175° C
C.G.M H.36-P.410 grey
C.G.M H.36-P-414 red
C.G.M H.36-P-412 blue
 8. Magnetizing Method:

8.1 Yoke method:

8.1.1 AC adjustable electromagnetic yoke.

8.1.2 AC yokes shall have a lifting force of at least 10 lbs (4.5kg) with maximum pole spacing of which it
will be used.

8.1.3 Direct current yoke.

81.4 Direct current yokes and permanent magnets yokes shall have a lifting force of 40 lbs (18.1 kg) at the
maximum pole spacing of which it will be used.

8.1.5 Permanent magnetic yoke shall not be used except when it is not possible to get the power supply.

8.1.6 If the surface to be examined is in final machined condition or in final heat treated condition, the yoke
method will be used rather than prod method.

9. Examination Procedure:

9.1 The examination shall be carried out by the “Continuous magnetizing method”. The magnetizing current
shall remain during the application of magnetic particle.

9.2 The examination shall be conducted with sufficient overlap to assure 100% coverage at the established
sensitivity.

9.3 The wet magnetic particle (both fluorescent and non-fluorescent) application shall be performed by
spraying, providing to cover entirely the surface between the prods or poles of yoke, and shall
be done for each direction of magnetization.

9.4 Dry magnetic powders are normally applied with the “continuous magnetizing” techniques with yoke
magnetization. It should be noted that AC and HW magnetizing currents impart better particle
mobility to the powder than DC. Dry magnetic powders are widely used for magnetic
particle examination of large parts as well as localized areas such as weldments.
9.5 Dry powders should be applied in such a manner that a light uniform, dust like coating settles down the
surface of the test part. The preferred application techniques is to suspends the particle in air
so they reach the parts surface being magnetized in a uniform cloud with a minimum force.
Specially designed powder blowers and hand powder applicators are usually employed.

9.6 Care is needed in both the application and removal of excess dry powder. While the magnetizing
current is present, care must be exercised to prevent the removal of particles attracted by a
leakage field that may prove to be a relevant indication of a discontinuity. After application
and before turning-off the current for interpretation, removal of excess dry powder shall be
done by gently blowing dry air across the part.

9.7 In order to recognize the broad, fuzzy, lightly held powder patterns produced by the near surface
discontinuities, it is necessary to carefully observe the formation of indications while the
powder is being applied and also while the excess is being removed. Sufficient time for
indication
formation and examination should be allowed between successive magnetizing cycle. The
yoke or the prod is placed on the test object and energized. Magnetic particles are applied
between and adjacent ends of the yoke or prod. A magnetic field lines up between the poles
(leg) of the yoke or prod. To find discontinuities in at least two directions, the yoke or prod is
rotated 90 and the operation is repeated to achieve part magnetization.

9.8 The intensity of visible light at the surface of the work piece undergoing examination should be a
minimum of 100 foot candle illumination for adequate evaluation of visible magnetic particle.

10.Verification of adequate field strength:

10.1 The field strength adequacy detection of magnetic field shall be verified before performing the test. It
can be verified using one or more of the following:

10.1.1 Tangential field strength meter (Hall effect or gauge meter).

10.1.2 An artificial discontinuity standard.
10.1.3 Pie-gauge magnetic field indicator.

10.2 It should be noted that a field strength value measured at one point on a test object is not indicative of
the field strength elsewhere, particularly if the test object has a complex shape. Therefore the
 field strength shall be measured at several locations on the test object and particularly in
corners and grooves.

10.3 When tangential field meter is used the field strength should be in the range of 2.4 to 4.8 kAM-

(30 to 60 G).

10.4 If an artificial discontinuity standard or pie gauge field indicator is used, the artificial discontinuities
must be detectable in all tested areas at any one shot.

10.5 It is typical to use the minimum current required to produce 2.4 to 4.8kAM -1 (30 to 60 G) readings or to
produce indications at the artificial discontinuities to avoid excess magnetization or
overheating.

11.Interpretation and Evaluation of Indication:

AWS D1.1 C6.10 – states: “Acceptance shall be based on a direct visual measurement of the
actual discontinuity. Where the discontinuity cannot be visually seen (with magnification if
required)
 after removal of the indicating medium, evaluation shall be based on the size and
nature of the magnetic particle indication. For subsurface discontinuities, the
evaluation must be based on the size of the discontinuity indication because the
discontinuity is not accessible.”

11.1 Non-relevant indication.

Non-relevant indications are those true indications that are not or cannot be associated with
discontinuities, for example, localized surface imperfections may occur such as
from machining marks.

Any indication beyond the acceptance standards which is believed to be non-

relevant shall be re-examined to verify whether the actual defects are present.

11.2 Relevant indications:

.
Relevant indications are those, which result from mechanical discontinuities and are produced
by flux leakage and magnetic medium accumulation.

11.3 Linear indications:

Linear indications are those in which the length is more three times the width.

11.4 Rounded indications:

Rounded indications are indications, which are circular or elliptical in shape with the length
equal or less than three times its width.

11.5 All indications shall be evaluated according to the acceptance criteria

specified in the written procedure.

11.6 Relevant indications which have been evaluated and determined to be unacceptable shall
be described in detail on the rejection form for appropriate disposition. The
location of the indications shall be marked on the test object. For recording
purposes the location, direction and frequency of indications may be illustrated in
free hand sketch or a tabular form in the NCR form.

12.Acceptance criteria:
Acceptance criteria shall be based on AWS D1.1 2015 edition table 6.1 if non
tubular and Table 9.16 (if tubular) as below:
 13.Defect Removal:

13.1 The indications or discontinuities exceeding the acceptance standards shall be removed by
suitable means and if necessary repaired by welding.

13.2 The repaired area shall be re-examined according to this procedure.

14.Post Test Demagnetization:

14.1 The test part shall be demagnetized only if the residual magnetism may
interfere with subsequent operations.

14.2 The field strength levels after demagnetization shall not be greater than ± 0.2 mT or ± 0.2
gauss anywhere on the test object.

15.Cleaning and Care after Testing:

15.1 All traces of magnetic particles and magnetic particle test materials which might interfere
with subsequent use of the test object shall be removed.

15.2 Cleaning shall be done with a suitable solvent air blower or by other means.

16.Reporting:
A Magnetic Particle Examination report will be generated and will contain the following
minimum information as applicable:
i) Clients Name ii)
Date of Examination
iii) Report Number iv) Detail
of Item and Quantity
Examined v) Material vi)
Temperature
vii) Surface Preparation viii) Cleaning
Method ix) Serial Number of
Equipment x) Technique xi)
Procedure Number xii) Results of
Examination xiii) Sizes, Sketch and
Location of Defect xiv) NDE
Examiner, Signature and
Qualification xv) Consumables batch
numbers and Expiry date.

Appendix 1: MAGNETIC PARTICLE FIELD

INDICATOR
Appendix 2 - MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION REPORT
Appendix 3 - MAGNETIC YOKE DAILY CAPACITY
CHECK
Prepared by: REVISION STATUS Approved by:
Revision # Rev. Date Nature of Revision

0 01.06.2021 First issue

ASNT:
ASNT NDT LEVEL III