Magnetic Particle Examination Procedure

CONTENTS
Para No. Title Page No.
1.0 Scope 03
2.0 Applicable Codes & Specifications 03
3.0 Personnel Qualification 03
4.0 Consumables 03
5.0 Magnetization Equipment 04
6.0 Surface Preparation 04
7.0 Examination Procedure 05
8.0 Interpretation 06
9.0 Lighting Intensity for Visual Magnetic Particle Examination 06
10.0 Magnetizing Field Strength Adequacy 06
11.0 Classification of Indications 06
12.0 Acceptance Criteria 07
13.0 Procedure Qualification 07
13.1 Essential variables 08
14.0 Reexamination of Repaired Areas 08
15.0 Post Examination Operation 09

16.0 Inspection Report 09

1.0 Scope
1.1 This procedure describes Wet, Visible Magnetic Particle Examination of Ferromagnetic
Welds/Components for detecting defects open to surface and whose geometry and sizes are
suitable for carrying out the above method of Examination, using AC Electromagnetic Yoke
(Y6) of 220 Volt / 50 Hz.

1.2 All Magnetic particle Examinations performed shall be done to a written procedure.
When Qualification of this procedure is required by the referencing code section it shall be
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Client inspector /Authorized inspector. Refer para
13.0 for details.

1.3 This Procedure is limited to WET Visible MPE with AC Yoke.

2.0 Applicable Codes & Specifications

2.1 ASME SEC V Article 1&7 Edition 2015
2.2 ASME SEC VIII, Division 1 Edition 2015
2.3 ASME SEC I Edition 2015
2.4 ASME B 31.1 Edition 2014
2.5 NBTCs Written practice (NBTC OP / TS 04 Revision 5.)
3.0 Personnel Qualifications.
3.1 All personnel performing Magnetic Particle Examination according to this procedure shall
be qualified as per the requirements of SNT-TC-1A 2006.
. Interpretations and evaluations shall be made by Level II or Level III
3.2 Level I personnel may perform MT examination only under instruction and supervision of
Level II or Level III personnel. Level I personnel shall not independently interpret the
results of the examinations.

4.0 Consumables.
4.1 Consumables for visual wet magnetic particle method shall be white colour contrast paint
and black magnetic ink from approved manufacturers.
4.2 The Wet particle including wet particle suspension vehicle and concentration shall be in
accordance with SE 709.
4.3 The following manufacturers consumables shall be used.

White contrast Black Magnetic

Technique Manufacturer
paint Ink
Visible Wet Magna Flux Magnavis WCP-2 Magnavis 7 HF

5.0 Magnetization Equipment

5.1 Magnetizing equipment shall be AC Electromagnetic Yoke.

5.2 Magnetic Yoke Strength

A.C. Electromagnetic yokes shall be capable of lifting a load of at least 4.5 Kg at the
maximum pole spacing that will be used.

5.3 Calibration / Verification Procedure:

 5.3.1 Calibration of Magnetic Particle Testing Lift Weights

The NDT Level III shall be responsible to get fabricated a carbon steel block weighing
nominal 4.5 Kg. The weight of this block shall be weighed with calibrated scale from a
reputed manufacturer and the actual weight shall be punch marked on the block. The
identification number of the lift weight shall also be punch marked on it. A weight need
only be verified again if damaged in a manner that could have caused potential loss of
material.

Documentation

The actual weight of the Magnetic Particle Testing lift weight shall be filled in - Magnetic
Particle Testing Lift Weight Calibration certificate -Form No. NBTC-FO/WS42 Rev.0.

5.3.2 Verification of Lifting power of Electromagnetic Yoke

The magnetizing power of yoke shall be verified prior to use each day the yoke is used.
Additionally, the magnetizing power of yokes shall be verified whenever the yoke has
been damaged or repaired. The verification shall be done using the Liftweight referred
in para 5.3.1. The pole spacing during verification of Lifting power will be that used
during the testing. Daily verification shall be recorded in a register kept in equipment
issue store for that purpose.

6.0 Surface Preparation

6.1 Satisfactory results are usually obtained when the surface are in as welded, as rolled, as
cast or as forged condition. However, surface preparation by grinding, wire brushing or
machining may be necessary where surface irregularities could mask indications.

6.2 Prior to magnetic particle Inspection, the surfaces to be examined and the adjacent area
within at least 25 mm of the weld cap profile shall be dry, clean & free of all dirt, grease,
lint, scales, welding flux and spatter, oil or other extraneous matter that could interfere
with the examination.
6.3 If non magnetic coatings are left on the part in the area being examined, it shall be
demonstrated that indications can be detected through the existing maximum coating
thickness applied.

7.0 Examination Procedure

7.1 General requirements for Visual Wet Particle method
7.1.1. Pre-mixed aerosol cans of magnetic particles in a high flash point blend of oils shall be
used. The Aerosol Can shall be shaken well before each use to ensure dispersion of
magnetic particles in the distillate.
7.1.2 Magnetic Particles shall be used with the temperature range limitations ( 15.5 to 48.8C)
set by the manufacturer of the particles. Alternatively, particles may be used outside the
particle manufacturers recommendations provided the procedure is qualified at the
proposed temperature
7.1.3 Care shall be taken to minimize the risk of fire when using petroleum suspensions.
7.1.4 Continuous method of examination shall be used. During magnetizing the part under test,
the magnetic particle suspension shall be applied to precleaned surface to be tested by
spraying in controlled passes at a distance of 200-300 mm.
 7.1.5 The yoke leg spacing shall not be less than 75 mm nor greater than 150 mm.
7.1.6 Verify and ensure Lifting power of yoke meets paras 5.2 and 5.3.2 above.
7.1.7 Two separate examinations shall be carried out on each test area. The yoke shall be placed
so that magnetic field during one examination is approximately perpendicular to the field
during the other.
7.1.8 Magnetization Technique

White contrast paint will be applied to the cleaned surface being tested. If the contrast
paint coating exceeds the procedure qualified it shall be demonstrated that the indications
can still be detected through the excess coating applied. Generally 2 coats of white
contrast paint is sufficient.

7.2 The yoke poles shall be placed on the examination surface and the examination medium
is liberally applied to the test surface during magnetization. The flow / spray of ink must
be stopped before the magnetization current is switched off. Magnetizing field is held for
around 5 seconds.

If an indication is observed the area shall be cleaned and retested. During the retest, the
yoke legs shall be placed perpendicular to the major dimension of the indication. All
relevant indications shall be interpreted as to the cause and evaluated in accordance with
the appropriate acceptance criteria. Sufficient overlap shall be made (during Leg
positioning) to assure 100% coverage of the area requiring examination.

7.3 Removal of excess particles can be achieved by normal down ward flow. Where feasible
examination surface will be at vertical or slightly inclined position.

8.0 Interpretation.

Discontinuities and defects will be indicated by retention of the magnetic particles. Only
indications which have dimensions greater than 1.5 mm ( ASME SEC VIII DIV 1 or SEC I)
/ 2.0 mm ( ASME B 31.1) shall be considered relevant. Only qualified operators shall carry
out the examinations and interpretations.

9.0 Lighting Intensity for Visual Magnetic Particle Examination

Illumination ( natural or supplemental white light) of the examination surface is required
for the evaluation of indications. The minimum light intensity shall be 1000 lux. The
light intensity, natural or supplemental white light source, shall be measured with a
Calibrated white light meter prior to the evaluation of indications or a verified light source
shall be used. Verification of light sources is required to be demonstrated only one time,
documented, and maintained on a file.

A 100Watt lamp at maximum of 0.35 meter distance gives the required light intensity of
1000 Lux. This has been verified by demonstration using lux meter.

Light meter shall be calibrated atleast once a year or whenever the meter has been repaired.

10.0 Magnetizing Field Strength Adequacy

 When it is necessary to verify the adequacy or direction of the magnetic field a pie gauge
magnetic field indicator shall be used. The artificial flaw side of the pie gauge shall be
towards the inspected surface. A suitable field strength is indicated when clearly defined
lines of magnetic particles appear on the copper face when magnetic particles are applied
simultaneously with the magnetizing force.

11.0 Classification of Indications

11.1 Non-relevant Indications:

Non-relevant indications are those indications that cannot be associated with discontinuities,
eg, localized surface imperfections, scratches or machining marks, etc. Any indication with
a maximum dimension of 1.5 mm or 2.0 as defined by the relevant code ( Refer para 8.0 /
Appendix 2) is considered to be non-relevant. Any larger indication which is believed to
be non-relevant shall be re-examined to determine whether or not actual defects are present.

11.2 Relevant Indications:

Only indication which have dimension greater than 1.5 mm shall be considered relevant.

11.3 Linear indication

A linear indication is the one having length greater than 3 times the width.

11.4 Rounded indication:

A linear indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with the length equal to or less
than 3 times the width.

12.0 Acceptance Criteria

12.1 The indication of a discontinuity may be larger than the actual discontinuity that causes
it, however, the size of the indication and not the size of the discontinuity is the basis for
acceptance or rejection.

12.2 Acceptance criteria for examinations performed to ASME B31.1; ASME SECTION VIII,
Division 1; ASME Section I; are given in Appendix 2.

12.3 Selection of acceptance criteria is not included in this procedure. Acceptance criteria for
special applications shall be pre-approved by the client representative.

13.0 Procedure Qualification

When a referencing Code Section requires magnetic particle examination to be performed

using a Qualified procedure in accordance with the requirements of Article 1 of ASME
Sec V it shall be done as detailed below.

a. Qualification of the written examination procedure shall be by performing a

demonstration examination.
b. It shall be under the control and supervision of a Level III Examiner who is qualified and
certified for performing the examination method and technique specified by the
procedure, and shall be witnessed by Authorized Inspector. The supervising Level III may
be an employee of the qualifying organization or a subcontractor organization.
 c. A minimum of one test specimen having flaws whose size, location, orientation, quantity,
and characterization have been determined prior to the demonstration and are known only
by the supervising Level III Examiner shall be used.
d. The maximum acceptable flaw size, required flaw orientation, and minimum number of
flaws shall be as specified by the referencing Code Section.
e. Natural flaws are preferred over artificial flaws whenever possible.
f. Demonstration shall be by a Level II or Level III Examiner (other than the supervising
Level III) who is qualified and certified to perform the examination method and technique
specified by the written procedure.

The procedure shall be considered qualified when the supervising Level III and Authorized
Inspector are satisfied that indications produced by the demonstrated procedure effectively
reveal the size, location, orientation, quantity, and characterization of the flaws known to be
present in the examined test specimen.

The qualification demonstration shall be documented to indicate qualification of the written

procedure, and identify the examined test specimen.
The name and/or identity and signature of the supervising Level III and the witnessing
Inspector shall be added.

13.1 Essential Variables

A re-qualification of the procedure is required, when there are any changes in the following:

a) Magnetizing technique.
b) Magnetizing current.
c) Surface preparation.
d) Magnetic particles (fluorescent/visible, color, particle size, wet/dry)

e) Method of particle Application

f) Method of excess particle removal

g) Minimum light intensity.

h) Coatings

i) Usage of non-magnetic surface contrast enhancement

j) Examination part temperature greater than 48.8C.( outside the temperature range
recommended by the manufacturer)

The variables qualified and demonstrated using this procedure are attached.

14.0 Re-examination of Repair Areas:

After repairs have been made, the repaired area shall be blended smoothly into the
surrounding area and reexamined by Magnetic Particle Method and by all other approved
 methods of examination that were originally required for the affected area except that when
the depth of repair is less than the radiographic sensitivity required, reradiography may be
omitted.

15.0 Post Examination operation:

15.1 Demagnetization

Demagnetization shall be carried out when residual magnetism in the part could interfere
with subsequent processing or usage. eg. welding or when required by quality plan.
Technique shall be specified when demagnetization is required.

15.2 Post Cleaning:

Following magnetic particle examination, the part being examined shall be cleaned to
remove all magnetic particles. Any method which removes residual magnetic particles
without harming the part is considered acceptable.

16.0 Inspection Report:

The result of the examination shall be reported in the Form No. ASME / 29 Revison 3 is
attached.
 Appendix 1
FORMAT FOR QUALIFICATION RECORD OF VARIABLES FOR
MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION
Variable
SL. #. Variable PARA No. RANGE / VALUE QUALIFIED
Type
1 Magnetizing technique E 1.1;7.1;7.1.7

2 Magnetizing Current type E 5.1

3 Surface preparation E 6.0

4 Magnetic particle E 4.0

5 Method of particle application E 7.1.1

6 Method of excess particle removal E 7.4

7 Minimum light intensity E 9.0

8 Coating thickness E 6.3

Non Magnetic Surface contrast
9 E 7.2
enhancement, (Thickness / no. of coats)
10 Performance demonstration E 13.0
Surface temperature(Outside of specified
11 E 7.1.2
by manufacturer)
12 Shape and size of examination object N -

13 Equipment of same type N 5.0

Temperature(within those specified by
14 N 7.1.2
manufacturer or as previously qualified)
15 Demagnetizing technique N 15.1

16 Post examination cleaning N 15.2

17 Personnel qualification N 3.0

Legend: E : Essential Variable.

N: Non essential variable.

Certificate of Qualification & Demonstration

This is to certify that this procedure has been qualified and demonstrated for the variables
mentioned above and found satisfactory.

APPENDIX 2 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

ASME B31.1 Power Piping Para no. 136.4.3

The following relevant indications ( major dimension greater than 2.0 mm) are
unacceptable:
1. Any cracks or linear indications.
2. Rounded indications with dimensions greater than5.0mm.
3. Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 2.0 mm or less edge to edge
4. Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 in.2 (3870mm2) of surface with the major
dimension of this area not to exceed 6 inches (150mm)with the area taken in the most
unfavourable location relative to the indications being evaluated.

ASME Section VIII, Division 1Appendix 6.

Indications with any major dimension greater than 1.5mm shall be considered relevant. All
surfaces to be examined shall be free of:

1. Relevant linear indications

2. Relevant rounded indications greater than 5mm.
3. Four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by1.5 mm or less edge to
edge.

ASME Section I, ParaA-260.4

Acceptance Standards. All surfaces to be examined shall be free of

(a) relevant linear indications

(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 5 mm.
(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1.5 mm or less, edge to
edge
 Annexure 1

Magnetic Particle Testing LIFT WEIGHT CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE

Certificate No. : CAL/MTLW-

Manufacturer :
ID No. : MTLW-
Calibration Procedure :
Standard Instrument :

MTLW WEIGHT MEASURED BY STANDARD

MTLW NOMINAL WEIGHT
INSTRUMENT

Kgs. Kgs.

Date of Calibration :
This Calibration remains valid as long as no physical
Calibration Due : damage causing potential weight loss of the lift weight
occurs.
Calibrated By :

Signature :
 Annexure 2

MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION REPORT

Report no.: Date:
Project No.: Job Description :
Job No. : Material :
W.O. No. : Item Inspected :
Client : No. of Items :
Surface Condition : Drawing No. :
Surface temperature :
Test Instrument : Procedure No& Rev. No. :
Make / Model , Sl.no. : Acceptance Standard :
Examination Method : Wet / Visible Stage of examination :
Method of Magnetization : AC Yoke Magnetizing current type / amperage : AC
Pole spacing : Lifting Capacity 4.5 Kg
Magnetic Particles make & Type (colour), Batch no.: Method of Particles application:Aerosol Spray

Nonmagnettic surface contrast : Thick / no. of coats Method of excess particle removal:
Use of Pie gauge : Yes / No Demagnetization:
Illumination Type / Level : / white light / 1000Lx using LED light at cms
Post Cleaning : Done L: Linear ; R:Round; A: Aligned
Sl. Identification of Joint / Size Result
Location Observations
No. Item being tested (Thick) (Accept /Reject)
Size L /R /A

Part Sketch / Defect details if any

Remarks:
Tested By Level: I / II Reviewed ByLevel: II / III

Name: Name:
Date: Date: