Question 4 (Answer)

 For the inspection of the large bolt, the basic procedures of conducting magnetic particle
inspection include the pre-cleaning of the bolt, introduction of magnetic field, application of
magnetic media or particles and finally the interpretation of magnetic particle indications.
During pre-cleaning step, any contaminants like oil, grease, or scale need to be removed from
the bolt’s surface in order for magnetic particles to be attracted to the leakage fields and to
reduce interference towards the interpretation of indications.
 Then an appropriate type of magnetization technique is applied to introduce the magnetic field
into the large bolt. In this case, longitudinal magnetization technique with indirect induction is
being utilized with a wire coil (cables) or solenoid for carrying out the magnetic particle
inspection of the large bolt due to its cylindrical structure. While applying this technique,
magnetization is achieved by flowing an electrical current through a multi-turn fixed wire coil
or cables which is wrapped around the bolt part or section to be inspected. In detailed
explanation, this magnetization is achieved with the use of a powerful external magnetic field
in order to form a magnetic field within a particular magnetic component. This technique
results in the generation of a longitudinal magnetic field with magnetic force lines running
parallel to the coil axis. It is also significant to place the bolt near the inside or a coil’s annulus
while a fixed coil with larger coil opening is utilized for the inspection.
 In addition, the utilization of coils and solenoids is considered as indirect magnetization in
which it enables the longitudinal magnetic field to be generated in the large bolt with its larger
L/D ratio. The bolt is inserted longitudinally into the center of a coil or solenoid with highly
focused magnetic field. In other words, this magnetization technique is usually introduced as
a “coil shot”.
 The type of magnetizing current suitable for the longitudinal magnetization technique is the
direct or rectified current. The required field strength can be tabulated in terms of length L and
diameter D of the bolt accordingly with respect to the different L/D ratios. By dividing the
ampere-turns tabulated by the number of coil turns, the magnitude of the magnetizing current,
which is sufficient for producing desired magnetizing field strength, can be identified.
 In order to conduct magnetic particle inspection under dark light, fluorescent particles, one of
the wet magnetic particles, are chosen as the type of magnetic particles for such inspection.
The utilization of fluorescent particles allows the inspection to be performed using an
 ultraviolet light which is also known as black light. Such inspection is usually carried out in a
darkened area and the inspector is required to stay in the darkened area for some times before
conducting the inspection so that the inspector can get use to the dark surrounding through
dark viewing. The ultraviolet light is lighted up for a period of time before usage or black light
intensity measurement.
 The main reason for the application of longitudinal indirect magnetization technique is because
of the presence of fine transverse crack on the bolt surface. This can be justified in such a way
that the best defect detection can be attained when the magnetic force lines are being generated
perpendicularly towards the defect with longest dimension. In this orientation, the maximum
magnetic field disruption and flux leakage can be resulted within the bolt as well as its surface
respectively. In contrast, there is little disruption in the magnetic field together with the absence
of flux leakage when the magnetic fields flow in parallel direction towards the defect. It is
essential for the introduced magnetic field to flow in the orientation of 45 to 90 degrees with
the defect in order to produce an indication. (Any orientation between magnetic field and defect
which is less than 60 degrees will result in weak defect indication.)
 In short deduction, the longitudinal indirect magnetization technique with the use of coil or
solenoid is chosen to conduct the magnetic particle inspection of the large bolt due to its
cylindrical structure, large L/D ratio and transverse defect as the targeted defect detection.
Throughout the magnetic inspection, direct or rectified magnetizing current is being supplied
with the appropriate magnitude for the generation of the desired magnetizing field strength.
The fluorescent particles, which are categorized as wet magnetic particles, are being utilized
due to its viewing capability under dark light (ultraviolet light) for fine discontinuities.