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ABSTRACT
Magnetic particle testing is one of the oldest non-destructive testing (NDT) methods used to detect and localize surface and near-to-surface/subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. It is based on the behavior of these materials when subjected to an external magnetic field. This paper deals with its theoretical aspects, relevant health, safety and environmental regulations, and training, qualification and personnel certification.
Read this article from a comprehensive knowledge base, updated and supplemented with articles reviewed by scientific committees.
Read the articleAUTHORS
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Stéphane GRAVELEAU: Graduate engineer from Ecole Supérieure d'Électronique de l'Ouest - Technical Director and Contromag Product Manager, SREM Technologies, La Flèche, France
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Pierre CHEMIN: European graduate engineer from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie, de Biologie et de Physique in Bordeaux, France - Bachelor of Science - Former penetrant and magnetic particle testing Product Manager, Société française d'électrophysique (Sofranel), Sartrouville, France
INTRODUCTION
Introduced in 1922, magnetic particle testing is constantly being developed to increase the probability of detecting discontinuities, and to improve health, safety and environmental protection conditions. Magnetic particle testing detection media, accessories and equipment are constantly being improved to achieve the highest levels of performance, while taking into account operators' concerns in terms of ergonomics.
Magnetic particle testing (MT) is the best practice non-destructive testing (NDT), used to detect and locate surface and underlying (near-surface) discontinuities in ferromagnetic alloys.
It is used in all industrial sectors, virtually anywhere, including underwater, on site or in the workshop, in manufacturing or maintenance. Like all NDT methods, MT has its own limitations.
Despite its undeniable advantages, MT does not always enjoy a very good image. It suffers in comparison with other, more recent NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing, which are often complementary to it, but which give a more noble image and are less painful for operators. Two of the criticisms often levelled at MT are the use of chemicals and the exposure of operators to ultraviolet (UV-A) radiation (or actinic blue light) and magnetic fields. However, if regulations on conditions of use and effluent treatment are followed, operators' health and the environment are protected, and MT is still a reliable, fast and cost-effective NDT method for inspecting parts and structures for safety.
This article deals with the theoretical and regulatory aspects of magnetic particle testing. It is particularly aimed at experienced users and designers of checking fixtures.
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KEYWORDS
Non destructive Testing | Magnetic field | discontinuities
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Magnetic particle testing: definition and principle
Bibliography
- (1) - Software package Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) - http://www.femm.info/wiki/HomePage.
- (2) - NIKOLAYEVICH ZATSEPIN (N.) - Calculation of the magnetostatic field of surface...
Websites
NDT Resource Center, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA. Introduction to Magnetic Particle testing:
https://www.nde-ed.org/NDETechniques/MagParticle/index.xhtml
CHEMIN Pierre and DUBOSC Patrick – 190 articles on penetrant testing and magnetic...
Events
COFREND Days (French Confederation for Non-Destructive Testing) take place every three years in a French city chosen by COFREND. Those celebrating COFREND's 50th anniversary took place from May 30 to 1 er June 2017 at the Palais des Congrès in Strasbourg. The COFREND 2020 Days were cancelled due to the health and economic context, which had a strong impact on event activities in France....
Standards and norms
- Non-destructive testing – Terminology – Part 1: List of general terms - EN 1330-1 - 2015
- Non-destructive testing – Terminology – Part 2: Terms common to the non-destructive testing methods - EN 1330-2 - 1999
- Non-destructive testing – Magnetic particle testing – Vocabulary - ISO 12707 - 2016
- Non-destructive testing – Magnetic particle testing – Part 1: General principles - ISO 9934-1 - 2017 ...
Regulations
Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (Official Journal of the European Union 167 of August 16, 1967).
Directive 2004/42/EC of April 21, 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain...
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Manufacturers – Suppliers – Distributors (non-exhaustive list)
Carmelec:
Sofranel:
Srem Technologies:
Statistical, economic and human data
1. COFREND certification (COFREND sources – https://www.cofrend.com )
Magnetic particle testing is the third NDT method (behind penetrant testing and ultrasonic testing) with the highest number of certified agents. The results for 2020 are as follows.
The statistics...
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