Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
Magnetic particle testing or Magnetic particle inspection – called MPI inspection or magnetic crack detection – MPT / MT in short is one the most widely used Nondestructive testing method for inspection of ferro magnetic materials, components and structures made of Iron, Nickel and Cobalt alloys. As majority of engineering materials are predominantly made of Steel alloys this method is considered important in testing of materials in raw material, during manufacturing and in-service inspection stages. MPI testing is one of the predominantly used NDE method considering the operating cost of equipment, consumables and certified Level I / II inspectors.
Magnetic particle testing method detects surface and subsurface discontinuities. The depth of detection varies considerably from material to material based on magnetic permeability, strength of magnetic flux generated, magnetic particle properties, sensitivity desired and orientation of discontinuity with respect to the direction of magnetic field induced. Although test method can prove sensitivity up to approximately around 14mm under ideal conditions, but in actual practice the detectability or sensitivity is much lesser.
MPI inspection method is used for testing Automobile components, railway components, precision engineering components, shafts, gears, forgings, castings, plates, bars, rods, rolled products, cylinders, pistons, hydraulic components, pressure vessel and boiler components, welded joints, structures, Aerospace components, components for ships, mining equipments, oil and gas pipe line construction, storage tanks, bridges and other engineering components. Also this method detects fatigue cracks and other in-service discontinuities effectively. MPI equipments such as Permanent magnets, electromagnetic yokes, bench type MPI equipments with head shot technique, central conductor and coil techniques and prod technique are commonly used. This method also can be suitable for automation to test mass production components for detecting cracks and other anomalies.
The test results depends largely on skill and proficiency of the magnetic particle testing MT Level I / II technician and it is essential to engage only qualified and certified professionals to carry out MPI testing. Employer based Certification program such ASNTSNT TC 1A Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 in Magnetic particle testing MPI Testing or EN479 or ISO9712 Level I and Level 2 or IS 13805 are some of the important training and certification courses available to get the individual to get certified in MPI testing.
The quality and course outline for each NDEtraining course is precisely designed NDT Level III, monitored delivered by experienced expert trainers. Hands on practical sessions are part of the course. At the end of the training course examinations are held to asses each candidate for the performance.Examination results are evaluated by NDT Level III in magnetic particle testing and results are announced.
