As a nondestructive testing technician, there are a number of different inspections you may have to perform on any given day. One of the most commonly used methods of inspection is Magnetic Particle Testing. Here is everything you should know about this important procedure.
Magnetic Particle Testing (or MPT) functions a bit like the methods of everyone’s favorite sleuth.
If you’ve ever seen a detective film, like Sherlock Holmes, you might have watched the investigator walk near a wall or floorboard and blow smoke at it. When the smoke disappears into a crack or seam, Holmes knows that that is where the wall is hollow.
In a similar way, MPT can be used to solve the mysteries of why some of your assets may not be functioning properly.
MPT has two variants: Wet Magnetic Particle Testing and Dry Magnetic Particle Testing. In either case, this method is a fairly simple two-step process.
The process begins by running a magnetic current through the component. If there are any cracks or flaws in the asset, this will cause a disruption in the flow of the magnetic current. The magnetic flow that stems from these imperfections is known as a flux leakage field.
The second step is to spread metal particles over the component. Since there is a flux leakage field, particles will be attracted to the site of the imperfection, providing a visible indication of the flaw’s location, size and shape for expedient mitigation.
There are a number of reasons why using MPT is preferable to some other methods.
Generally, MT is highly portable, inexpensive and does not require the complex pre-cleaning procedures that some other forms of nondestructive testing require. It is also a method that can be conducted on many different components, regardless of size or shape, quickly and efficiently.
While there are many benefits to MPT, it does require that the component is ferromagnetic and it will only detect flaws near the surface of assets. To inspect flaws deeper within a component, other methods of testing will be required.
At TXNDT we offer both Level I and Level II nondestructive testing courses for Magnetic Particle Testing. Through these courses, you can begin and develop your understanding of this important NDT skill and get the hands-on experience you need in various methods of testing.
While Magnetic Particle Testing is a popular method and a vital part of every NDT technician’s education, it is certainly not the only form of nondestructive testing that a good technician needs to be familiar with.
Technicians should also seek out training in
Liquid Penetrant Testing, Ultrasonic Testing and Visual Inspection to become a well-rounded and highly-skilled NDT professional. Technicians looking for training in these types of nondestructive training can get crucial hours of hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals with NDT training from TXNDT. Check out the 2020 Course Catalog for more details on NDT course offerings!
If you’re an engineer looking for ways to develop your skills and broaden your horizons, NDT school is the perfect place to start.
From introductory NDT courses to NDT level 3 certification, we ensure that personnel are qualified and equipped to best serve their job functions and stay aware of any and all compliance needs and specifications.
If you or your staff are looking for ways to expand your skills and broaden your career opportunities through nondestructive testing courses, give us a call today at (281) 231-0001 or check out our website for more information.
