3-01 MPI Wet Methods

Date: 05.
2024 Section: 3-01
Page: 1 of 22 Revision: 0
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STANDARD WORKING PROCEDURES MPI Wet Methods
Index
1.0 Scope
1.1 Preface
1.2 Reference
1.3 Responsibility and Qualification
1.4 Accident Control and Safety
1.5 Work Area
1.6 Terminology and Abbreviation
2.0 Equipments
2.1 Magnetization coils
2.1.1 longitudinal Magnetization
2.1.2 Circular Magnetization
2.2 AC Yoke
2.3 Permanent Magnets
2.4 UV Light
2.5 Gauss meters
2.6 Magnetic Field Indicator
2.7 Shim Discontinuity Standard
3.0 Preparation
3.1 Preface
3.2 Examination Medium
3.2.1 Wet Magnetic Particle (Fluorescent)
3.2.2 Wet Magnetic Particle (Non-Florescent)
3.2.3 Morphology of the Particles
3.3 Part Surface
Date: 05.2024 Section: 3-01
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4.0 Procedure
4.1 Magnetization Current
4.1.1 Alternating Current (AC)
4.1.2 Direct Current (DC) or Half Wave rectified AC (HWDC)
4.2 Requirements
4.3 Examined Area
4.4 Welding Area
5.0 Evaluation of Indication

5.1 During Application
5.2 Acceptance Criteria
6.0 Post Inspection

6.1 Cleaning
6.2 Demagnetization
6.2.1 Demagnetization Methods
6.2.2 Alternating Current Demagnetization
6.2.3 Reversing DC Demagnetization
6.2.4 AC Circular field Demagnetization
6.2.5 AC and DC Yoke Demagnetization
7.0 Attachments
7.1 Attachment 01 (Field indicator)
7.2 Attachment 02 (Shim)
7.3 Attachment 03 (UV Light Meter)
7.4 Attachment 04 (Centrifuge Tube)
7.5 Attachment 05 (Using AC Yoke for Welding Inspection)
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1.0 Scope
1.1 Preface
The scope of this procedure is to describe in detail the way wet magnetic
particle inspection performed in STC Company.
MPI wet fluorescent examination method used to detect cracks and other
discontinuities on or near the surfaces of ferromagnetic material. By
magnetizing an area to be examined and applying medium contain on
ferromagnetic particles (the examination's medium is water base or oil base)
to the surface.
1.2 Reference
The basic element of this procedure is written to the requirements of ASTM E

709 and references to the following for acceptance criteria.
1- ASTM E 709
2- AWS D 1.1
3- ASME 30.1
4- API
5- ASME 1X
6- API 7G
7- API Spec 7
1.3 Responsibility and Qualification

Personnel performing this inspection shall be qualified to NDT Level I/II as per
ASNT SNT-TC-1A and/or EN 473. Personnel performing prove-up and
reporting inspection results shall be qualified to a minimum NDT Level II.
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1.4 Accident Control and Safety

It is the duty of each operator and/or inspector, charged with responsibility
for per-forming inspection or cleaning, to adhere to all applicable Company
rules and regulations regarding health and safety. To accomplish this, each
operator and/or inspector must ensure safe working conditions and that the
necessary protective equipment has been provided for the task to be
performed. Personal protective equipment typically includes, yet is not
limited to, hard hats, goggles and hard toe shoes.
1.5 Work Area

The working area should be proper and large enough for cleaning and
inspection Methods and the safety rules should be considered as per
company HSE rules.
1.6 Terminology and Abbreviation

Most of the terms relating to the magnetism have been discussed in these
sections of the procedure are:
1- Ampere per Meter

The SI unit of magnetic field and magnetization is A/m.
2- Ampere Turn (magnetomotive force)

A unit of magnetomotive force in the metre-kilogram-second (M.K.S.) system
defined as the force of a closed loop of one turn when there is a current of 1
ampere flowing in the loop.
3- Gauss
Unit of magnetic induction in the electromagnetic and Gaussian system of
units, equal to 1 Maxwell per square centimeter, or 10–4 Weber per square
meter also known as Tesla gauss.
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4- Tesla
The international system unit of magnetic flux density equal to one Weber per
square meter symbolized by T.
5- Weber
The unit of magnetic flux in the M.K.S. system equal to the magnetic flux
which linking a circuit of one turn, produces in it an electromotive force of 1
volt as it is reduced to zero at a uniform rate.
2.0 Equipments
1- AC yoke (or Coil)

2- Permanent yoke
3- DC (Battery) yoke (or coil)
4- Wire Brush
5- Spray Can
6- UV light meter See The attachment
7- UV light
8- Field Indicator – Castrol Strip See The attachment
9- Centrifuge for checking MP concentration See The attachment
2.1 Magnetization coils

Coils are pre-wound of multi-turn wires to produce longitudinal magnetizing
field through the part.
The longitudinal magnetic field shall be 1200 to 4500 ampere-turns.
Ampere turns (NI) = 3500/(L/D +2) (10%)
Where
L/D is the length to diameter ratio of the part.
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The conditions for the above relation to be strictly true are:

 The cross-sectional area of the part is not more than 1/10 the of the coil.
 The part is placed at the bottom of the coil.
 The permeability of the part is greater than (500 gauss/oersted) or 628.3
10-6 Henry (H)/metre (m).
 L/D ratio equal to or greater than 3.
2.1.1 longitudinal Magnetization

Magnetic field wherein the lines of force traverse the part in a
direction essentially parallel with its major axis. All such means of
magnetization of the test parts which result in the longitudinal fields
are called methods of longitudinal magnetization. Some of such
means are electromagnetic yokes (AC and DC), coil magnetization
(flexible and rigid) and magnetic flow techniques.
When a longitudinally magnetized object contains a transverse

discontinuity, a leakage field is produced that attracts magnetic
particles and forms an indication.
2.1.2 Circular Magnetization

The circular magnetization in a part results from current passed
directly through the part or through a central conductor. The lines of
magnetic flux are fully contained within the material and emerge as
leakage fields only at surface breaks or discontinuity site.
2.2 AC Yoke
The AC Yoke equipment either alternating (AC) or direct (DC HW or FW
rectified) current.
AC yoke shall lift weight of at least 10 Ibs (4.5 kg). At the maximum pole
spacing that will be used. And for the DC yoke shall lift weight of at least 40
Ibs (18 kg). At the maximum pole spacing that will be used.
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The yoke shall also be tested for lifting capacity every time it is used.
When yoke lifting capacity is tested the yoke shall be able to lift the weight
slightly above the ground (4” to 6”) with maximum leg spacing as mentioned
above. There is no need to lift it very high above the ground.
2.3 Permanent Magnets

Magnetic materials such as hard steel and some alloys, offer high resistance
to magnetization due to their low permeability but all the same possess
inherent characteristic of retaining the magnetism for some times to come.
Permanent magnet in the form of horse shoe is used to inspect the material.
The field induced in the test object is longitudinal. Discontinuity with major
axis lying perpendicular or up to about 45 degrees to the direction of field
shall be detected.
The actual strength of the field at any point depends on the strength of
magnet and the distance between the poles. In case of inspection using
permanent magnets the distance between their poles cannot be varied nor
the actual strength of the magnet.
For these facts their use is very limited and is made for the inspection of
active high pressure gas pipelines.
2.4 UV Light
The black light intensity shall be no less than that use in the qualification test;
the black light intensity shall be measured with black light meter. A minimum
of 1000 µw/cm2 on the surface to be examined is required.
The black light intensity shall be verified at least once every 4 hr, whenever
the work station is changed, or whenever the bulb is changed.
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2.5 Gauss meters

Hall-effect probe gaussmeters used to verify magnetizing field strength, the
calibration shall be done at least once a year or whenever the equipment has
been subjected to major repair, periodic overhaul, or damage. If equipment
has not been in use for a year or more, calibration shall be done prior to first
use.
2.6 Magnetic Field Indicator

To be sure that a sufficient and well oriented magnetic field has been formed
on the area to be inspected, the field can be measured with a special device
when current magnetization is used.
A magnetic particle field indicator as shown in index is used to establish the

adequacy of the magnetic field. The magnetization current has to be
sufficient to develop the pattern in the indicator clearly. The field indicator is
used by positioning the indicator on the sample while applying current and
ferromagnetic particles. The production of a pattern (usually a cross) of
discernible ferromagnetic particles indicates that adequate field strength has
been generated in the test object.
2.7 Shim Discontinuity Standard

Shim indicators are thin foils of high permeability material containing well-
controlled notch discontinuities. Frequently, multiple shims are used at different
locations and different orientations on the test object to examine the magnetic
field distribution. One popular version of the shim indicator is a strip of high
permeability magnetic material containing three slots of different widths. The
strip is placed in contact with the testing surface and shares flux with the test
object. For the purposes of producing test indications, the slots in the strip act as
if they were cracks in the test object. A principal limitation of this standard is
that a 50 mm (2 in.) gauge length is needed.
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Another type of shim (sometimes called a block) has been used in Japan since
the 1960s. As described in Japanese Industrial Standard G 05665, these
indicators are used for examining the performance of the apparatus, magnetic
particles and suspension, and the strength and direction of effective magnetic
field on the surface of the test article. The blocks are available in a variety of
thicknesses and slot depths. Linear and circular slots are available. Circular slots
are particularly effective when the direction of the magnetic flux is not known.
The shims are taped to the test object (slotted side in close contact with the
part), in areas where the strength and direction of the magnetic field are in
question. The slots share magnetic flux with the test object and simulate slightly
subsurface discontinuities.
3.0 Preparation
3.1 Preface
Personnel performing work to this procedure shall be trained and certified to
SNT-TC-1A 2006. The training and certification shall be as per company
documented procedure.
Prior to the magnetic particle examination, the surface to be examined and all
adjacent areas within at least 1 in (25mm) shall be dry and free of all dirt,
grease, lint, scale, welding flux and spatter, oil, or other extraneous matter
that could interfere with the examination.
Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, vapor degreasing, sand or

grit blasting, or ultrasonic cleaning methods.
3.2 Examination Medium

The finely divided ferromagnetic particles used for the examination shall be
treated to impart color (fluorescent, no fluorescent or both) in order to make
them highly visible (contrasting) against the background of the surface being
examined.
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When wet particles are used the carrier medium shall be oil base or
petroleum base and shall not be water (should be with agents) base
particles.
3.2.1 Wet Magnetic Particle (Fluorescent)

The examination is performed using an ultraviolet light called "black light".
Premixed suspensions in aerosol cans shall be used strictly in accordance
with manufacturer's recommendation.
Fluorescent particle examination shall be performed in a darkened area. The

intensity of ambient visible light in the darkened area, where fluorescent
magnetic particles examination is performed should not exceed 2 foot
candles (20 lux).
The examiner shall be in the darkened area for at least 5 minutes prior
to performing the examination to enable his eyes to adapt to the dark
viewing. If the examiner wears glasses or lenses, they shall not be
photosensitive or permanently tinted.
The black light shall be allowed to warm up for a minimum of 5 minutes

prior to use for measurement of the intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted.
The black light intensity shall be measured with a black light meter. A
minimum of 1000 μW/cm² on the surface of the part being examined shall
be required. The black light intensity shall be measured at the beginning of
each shift, but at least once every 8 hours and whenever the work station is
changed.
In the field the AC yoke shall be tested by placing a test piece or the Castrol
strip. The Castrol strip shall be placed at right angles to the flow magnetic
lines.
The method of inspection shall be True Continuous Method, where the

magnetization, application of particles and inspection shall be done at the
same time.
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3.2.2 Wet Magnetic Particle (Non-Florescent)

The method incorporates the use of fluorescent or non-fluorescent
magnetic particles suspended in a vehicle (carrier fluid) at a recommended
concentration applied either by spraying or flowing over the areas to be
inspected during the application of the magnetization current (continuous
method) or after turning off the field current (residual technique). The
bath concentration for fluorescent particles should be 0.1 to 0.5 mL and
1.2 mL to 2.4 mL of vehicle (per 100 cc) as recommended by ASME code
for non-fluorescent particles unless otherwise specified by the particle
manufacturer.
The suspension vehicles are low viscosity oil or conditioned water. Oil
vehicles to be used in wet magnetic particle examinations should have the
following characteristics:
 Low viscosity, in order not to impede particle mobility.
 Minimum flash point of 140oF (60oC) in order to minimize fire
hazards.
 Low inherent fluorescence if used with fluorescent particles, that
is, it should not interfere significantly with the fluorescent particles.
 Odorless to be not objectionable to the user.
 Non-reactive, that is it should not degrade suspended particles.
Water may be used as a vehicle (carrier fluid) for wet magnetic particles
provided suitable conditioning agents are added which provide proper wet
dispersing, in addition to corrosion protection for the parts being tested
and equipment in use. The following are recommended properties for
water vehicles containing conditioning agents for use with wet magnetic
particle examination:
 Impart good wetting characteristics.
 Impart good dispersability; it should thoroughly disperse the
magnetic particles without the evidence of particle agglomeration
(lumping of powder).
 Minimize foaming; it should not produce excessive foam which
would interfere with indication formation or cause particles to form
scum on the foam.
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 Noncorrosive; it should not corrode parts to be tested or the

equipment in use.
 Low viscosity; the conditioned water should not exceed a
maximum viscosity of 5 cSt (5centi Stokes) at 100F (37.8C).
 Non-fluorescent; the conditioned water should not fluoresce if
intended for use with fluorescent particles.
3.2.3 Morphology of Particles

The morphology of the particles is the study of different forms of the
particles regarding their shape, size, color (visible and fluorescent),
magnetic behavior and applicability etc. The magnetic particles generally
have high permeability to allow the ease of magnetizing and attraction to
the discontinuity and low retentivity so they will not be attracted
(magnetic agglomeration) to each other. These particles are designed for
use either as a free flowing dry powder, or for suspension at a given
concentration in a suitable liquid medium.
The indicative power of magnetic powders is mainly determined by the

following properties of the powder:
 Magnetic properties.
 Visibility properties.
 Mobility properties.
 Geometric properties.
3.3 Part surface

Part surface condition has an influence on the sensitivity of the magnetic
particle testing method. Surface conditions such as being rough, smooth and
painted ask for relevant measures to obtain best conditions before starting a
particular method.
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4.0 Procedure
4.1 Magnetization Current
4.1.1 Alternating Current (AC)
The use of magnetizing (AC) current is made for surface open
discontinuities. The alternating current and its magnetic field
produced, tend to remain confined to the surface only due to the
phenomena known as skin effect. Thus use of alternating current is
not recommended for detection of sub-surface defects. The AC
induced fields help in better particles mobility and a better indication
of discontinuities.
4.1.2 Direct Current (DC) or Half Wave rectified AC (HWDC)

Direct current produce mores deep penetrating fields than AC and
thus is more sensitive for sub-surface discontinuities. Half wave
rectified AC single phase current produces fields for 233 maximum
sensitivity of inspection. This is so because the pulsating field
increases the particle mobility and enables particles to line up more
readily in the leakage fields. The pulse peaks produce a stronger
magnetizing force.
4.2 Requirements
In case wet Fluorescent particles the required settling volume is from 0.2 to 0.5
mL /100 mL, if the medium is water the settling time required 30 minute or 60
minute with petroleum distillate suspension.
Pie type indicator see index, shall be positioned on the surface to be examined,
such that the copper-plated side is away from the inspected surface. A suitable
field strength is indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines) of magnetic
particles form(s) across the copper face of the indicator when the magnetic
particles are applied simultaneously with the magnetizing force. When a clearly
defined line of particles is not formed, the magnetizing technique shall be
changed as needed. Pie type indicators are best used with dry particle
procedures.
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The shim (Castrol Strip) see attachment, shall be attached to the surface to be
examined, such that the artificial flaw side of the shim is toward the inspected
surface. A suitable field strength is indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines)
of magnetic particles, representing the 30% depth flaw, appear(s) on the shim
face when magnetic particles are applied simultaneously with the magnetizing
force. When a clearly defined line of particles is not formed, the magnetizing
technique shall be changed as needed. Shim type indicators are best used with
wet particle procedures.
The ferromagnetic particles used in an examination medium can be either wet

fluorescent or non-fluorescent. Examination(s) shall be done by the continuous
method.
4.3 Examined Area

Wet Particles. The magnetizing current shall be turned on during the particles
have been applied. Flow of particles shall stop before swatch off the
application of current. Wet particles applied from aerosol spray cans may be
applied before and/or after magnetizing current is applied. Wet particles may
be applied during the application of magnetizing current if they are not
applied directly to the examination area and are allowed to flow over the
examination area or are applied directly to the examination area with low
velocities insufficient to remove accumulated particles.
4.4 Welding Area

The surface to test shall be devoid of weld spatter, rust, oil, mud and any
extraneous matter that can interfere with inspection.
Where there is painted surface the paint shall be removed by using paint
remover, but when using paint remover, care should be taken to wash off the
paint remover after few minutes after application and make sure to use non
acidic paint remover liquid.
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After the paint remover is applied then use a wire brush off the paint and
then a power brush to clean the surface.
Check the welding area accordance with the attachment.
5.0 Evaluation of Indication

5.1 During Application
Evaluation of indications shall only be carried out during application of the
magnetic field to the area of surface under examination and contained within
the area spanned by the yoke.
5.2 Acceptance Criteria

All indications shall be evaluated in accordance with the acceptance criteria
as detailed on the relevant attachment. All indications where the length is
equal to or greater than three times the width shall be classified as linear. All
others shall be classified as rounded.
6.0 Post Inspection

6.1 Cleaning
When post-examination cleaning is required, it should be conducted as soon
as practical using a process that does not adversely affect the part.
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6.2 Demagnetization
When residual magnetism in the part could interfere with subsequent
processing or usage, the part shall be demagnetized any time after
completion of the examination.
6.2.1 Demagnetization Methods

The basis of all demagnetization processes is subjecting the
magnetized article to the influence of a continuously reversing
magnetic field that gradually reduces in magnitude causing a
corresponding reversal and reduction of the field in the article.
6.2.2 Alternating Current Demagnetization

An A.C. coil is the most common method of demagnetization. The coil
is usually designed to operate at line voltage and frequency (usually
50 c.p.s). When the part is placed in the coil, it is subjected to a
reversing field due to the cyclic action of the current. The magnitude
of the field can be gradually reduced by slowly withdrawing the part
from the coil, or the part can be held stationary while the coil is being
withdrawn. The coil should not be de-energized until the part has
been withdrawn to a position beyond the influence of the coil. The
method is advantageous for high production rates.
6.2.3 Reversing DC Demagnetization

In demagnetization with reversed direct current, the desired magnetic field
is obtained by means of a coil or passage of current through the part itself.
The direct current is alternately reversed in direction and reduced in
amplitude. If a coil is used, the part is left in the coil until the
demagnetization cycle has been completed. The method is very effective
and usually employed on articles which are difficult to demagnetize.
Approximately 30 reversals and reduction in current values help in
achieving reliably demagnetization of the articles.
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6.2.4 AC Circular field Demagnetization

This method is similar to A.C. demagnetization except the current is
passed directly into the parts. The magnitude of the current is
systematically reduced to zero by some suitable device. This method is
used for large parts.
6.2.5 AC and DC Yoke Demagnetization

Yokes are usually used for demagnetizing small parts having very high
coercive forces. They are C-shaped and are usually designed for
demagnetization of a specific type of a part. Some AC yokes are similar in
operation to the AC coil method whereby the part is passed between the
pole faces (max. field intensity) and then withdrawn. Direct current yokes
are usually based upon the reversing DC method. Some designs utilize
damped oscillations to obtain the required reversing and diminishing
fields.
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Attachment 01
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Attachment 02
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Attachment 03
UV light meter
Analogue
Digital
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Attachment 04
Filed indicator
Centrifuge for checking magnetic particle

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Attachment 05
Using ac yoke for weld inspection
A B’
C’ C
B A’

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3-01 MPI Wet Methods

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Date: 05.

2024 Section: 3-01

5.0 Evaluation of Indication

6.0 Post Inspection

The basic element of this procedure is written to the requirements of ASTM E

1.3 Responsibility and Qualification

1.4 Accident Control and Safety

1.5 Work Area

1.6 Terminology and Abbreviation

1- Ampere per Meter

2- Ampere Turn (magnetomotive force)

1- AC yoke (or Coil)

2.1 Magnetization coils

The longitudinal magnetic field shall be 1200 to 4500 ampere-turns.

Ampere turns (NI) = 3500/(L/D +2) (10%)

The conditions for the above relation to be strictly true are:

2.1.1 longitudinal Magnetization

When a longitudinally magnetized object contains a transverse

2.1.2 Circular Magnetization

2.3 Permanent Magnets

2.5 Gauss meters

2.6 Magnetic Field Indicator

A magnetic particle field indicator as shown in index is used to establish the

2.7 Shim Discontinuity Standard

Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, vapor degreasing, sand or

3.2 Examination Medium

3.2.1 Wet Magnetic Particle (Fluorescent)

Fluorescent particle examination shall be performed in a darkened area. The

The black light shall be allowed to warm up for a minimum of 5 minutes

The method of inspection shall be True Continuous Method, where the

3.2.2 Wet Magnetic Particle (Non-Florescent)

 Noncorrosive; it should not corrode parts to be tested or the

3.2.3 Morphology of Particles

The indicative power of magnetic powders is mainly determined by the

3.3 Part surface

4.1.2 Direct Current (DC) or Half Wave rectified AC (HWDC)

The ferromagnetic particles used in an examination medium can be either wet

4.3 Examined Area

4.4 Welding Area

Check the welding area accordance with the attachment.

5.0 Evaluation of Indication

5.2 Acceptance Criteria

6.0 Post Inspection

6.2.1 Demagnetization Methods

6.2.2 Alternating Current Demagnetization

6.2.3 Reversing DC Demagnetization

6.2.4 AC Circular field Demagnetization

6.2.5 AC and DC Yoke Demagnetization

Centrifuge for checking magnetic particle

Using ac yoke for weld inspection

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