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ASNT NDT LEVEL III

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING
Specification
1. SCOPE
This procedure describes the methods and requirements for the detection of surface or near
surface discontinuities, in ferromagnetic materials, when shapes and sizes are suitable for
magnetic particle examination, using the continuous wet Magnetic Particle Inspection method
for nuclear systems components and commercial components. The sensitivity is greatest for
surface discontinuities and diminishes rapidly with increasing depth of subsurface
discontinuities below the surface. Typical types of discontinuities that can be detected by this
method are cracks, laps, seams, cold shuts, and laminations.
2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
ASME Code Section III
ASME Code Section V
ASME Code Section VIII
ASME B31.1
ASME B31.3
ASME B16.34
3. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION

All personnel working to this procedure shall be qualified in accordance with ASME Code,
Section III, Paragraph NB-5500, and SNT-TC-1A. Records of all personnel qualification shall
be maintained by Quality Assurance Department.
4 COMPONENTS FOR INSPECTION
When practical, all suitable shapes and sizes of ferromagnetic materials may be inspected by
magnetic particle testing method. Acceptance examination shall be performed after final post
weld heat treatment, unless otherwise specified by Code or customer requirements.
5 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
All inspectors performing magnetic particle inspection in accordance with this procedure shall
assure themselves that contacts have been placed firmly on the surface to be inspected prior to
turning on the current and turning off the current before contact removal to prevent arc flashes.
6 EQUIPMENT/ QUALITY ASSURANCE
6.1 Magnetizing Equipment: The magnetizing equipment apparatus shall be capable of
inducing, in the item under examination, a magnetic field of suitable intensity in the desired
direction by either the circular or the longitudinal method. Direct current, three phase full-wave,
single phase half-wave rectified current or alternating current shall be used to induce the
magnetic field, the effectiveness of the equipment shall be checked prior to each days use by
complete Magnetic Particle Inspection of a test piece containing known defects or equivalent
performance and sensitivity indicators (i.e. Ketos Test Ring, Magnetic Field Indicator (PieGauge), Quantitative Quality Indicators (QQI's), or Magnetic Field Strength Meter (Hall Effect
Gauss Meter), etc.)
Each piece of magnetizing equipment shall be calibrated at a minimum of 6 months, and
whenever the equipment has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or
damage.

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The accuracy of the unit's ammeter shall be verified at a minimum of 6 months by equipment
traceable to a national standard. Comparative readings shall be taken at least three different
current output levels encompassing the usable range. The unit's meter reading shall not deviate
by more than 10% of full scale, relative to the actual current value as shown by the test meter.
6.1.3 Electromagnetic Yoke
6.1.3.1 ASME Section V, Article 7
A. The magnetizing force of yokes shall be checked at least once every six months or whenever
a yoke has been subject to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or damaged. If a yoke has not
been in use for six months or more, a check shall be performed prior to first use.
B. Alternating current electromagnetic yokes shall be checked by lifting a 10 lb. weight at the
maximum pole spacing at which it will be used.
C. Direct current electromagnetic yokes shall be checked by lifting a 40 lb. weight at the
maximum pole spacing at which it will be used.
D. Each weight shall be weighed with a scale from a reputable manufacturer and stenciled with
the applicable nominal weight prior to first use. A weight need only be verified again if damaged
in a manner that could have caused potential loss of material.
6.1.3.2 ASTM E709 - Pole Spacing
AC - 10 lb. 2 to 4 inch
DC - 30 lb. 2 to 4 inch
- 50 lb. 4 to 6 inch
6.1.4 Materials
A. Magnetic Particles
1. A Magnaglo Powder (MagnaFlux) Fluorescent or equivalent.
2. Glonetic (SC925) Fluorescent Particles Oil Dispersion Premix or 14 or equivalent.
B. Suspension Vehicles
1. Magnaglo Carrier II, oil based (MagnaFlux) or equivalent.
6.1.5 Equipment
Magnaflux Wet Horizontal
Parker Mini Contour Probe
Parker Contour Probe
Magnaflux Black Light
Cables, contact clamps, split coils, contact block or equivalent operating accessories.
6.1.6 Meters and Testing Equipment
Magnetic Field Indicator (pie gauge)
Digital Light Meter
Digital Magnetic Field Strength Meter (Gauss Meter - Gould - Bass)
Ketos Test Ring
Quantitative Quality Indicators (QQI Shims)
Magnetic Field Indicator (10 Gauss Calibrated Indicator)
6.2. Particles: The fluorescent particles shall be suspended in a suitable liquid vehicle. The
particles shall have a high permeability and low retentivity. Particles shall be compatible with
the particular vehicle to be used. Particles shall be in accordance with SE-709.
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6.3 The oil shall be a light, well refined petroleum distillate having a minimal natural
fluorescence and having approximately the following characteristics:
A. Viscosity should not exceed 3 centistokes at 100 F and not more than 5 centistokes at the
lowest temperature at which the vehicle will be used.
B. Minimum flash point should be 200F.
6.4 Particle Concentration - The concentration of magnetic particles in the liquid vehicle shall
be as follows unless otherwise specified by the particle manufacturer:
Fluorescent Particles 0.1 to 0.4 ml per 100 ml sample
6.5 Suspension Test. The suspension tests of concentration, contamination and brilliance shall
be determined upon start up, every 8 hours or shift change, and whenever the bath is replaced or
adjusted as per the following:
6.6 Black Lights: Filtered ultraviolet radiation shall be used in a darkened area when
performing examinations using fluorescent particles.
Black lights shall be allowed to warm up for at least five minutes prior to use or measurement of
the intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted. Reflectors and filters should be checked and cleaned
daily when in use. Cracked or broken filters shall be replaced immediately.
Black light intensity at the surface under examination shall be checked at least once every eight
hours, and whenever the work location is changed, or whenever the bulb is changed. A
minimum of 1000 microwatts per square centimeter (1000 W/cm2) shall be required.
6.6.3 Ambient white light intensities. The ambient white light intensity shall be determined
upon start up each week and whenever any change is suspected. The intensity of the ambient
white light shall be measured at the inspection surface. The intensity shall be a maximum of 20
lx (2 foot-candles). If the intensity is more than specified, check for light leaks in curtains, etc.
6.7 Strength of magnetic field: The applied magnetic field shall have sufficient strength to
produce satisfactory indications, but must not be strong enough to cause masking of relevant
indications by non-relevant accumulations of magnetic particles.
6.7.1 Known or artificial defects: Adequate magnetic field strength may be determined by
testing parts having known or artificial defects of the type, size, and location specified in the
acceptance requirements. Artificial flaws may be used to establish magnetic field strength,
examples of these are, Magnetic Field Indicator (Pie gauge), Quantitative Quality Indicators
(QQI shims) or equivalent.
Magnetic Field Indicator (Pie Gauge): When using this indicator, a suitable field strength is
indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines) of magnetic particles form(s) across the copper
face of the indicator (the slots are against the piece) when the magnetic particles are applied
simultaneously with the magnetizing force. When a clearly defined line of particles is not
formed, or is not formed in the desired direction, the magnetizing technique shall be changed or
adjusted.

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Quantitative Quality Indicators (QQI Shims): To be effective, the shim must be in intimate
contact with the part surface and placed flaw-side-down. Be sure, that the surface opposite the
Flaw is not covered and that no air gap exists between the shim and the part. A suitable field
strength is indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines) of magnetic particles, representing the
30% depth flaw, appear(s) on the shim face when magnetic particles are applied simultaneously
with the magnetizing force.
Hall-effect probe gaussmeter: Adequate magnetic field strength may be determined by using a
hall-effect probe gaussmeter capable of measuring the peak values of the tangential field.
Tangential applied field strengths in the range of 30 to 60 gauss are adequate field strengths for
magnetic particle inspection.
Formulas: Adequate magnetic field strength may be determined by use of the formulas given in
the following paragraphs 6.7.4 through 6.7.6.4. If the formulas are utilized, they shall be verified
through the use of known or artificial defects as specified in paragraph 6.7.1 or through the use
of the hall-effect probe gaussmeter as specified in paragraph 6.7.2.
Direct circular magnetization: When magnetizing by passing current directly through the part
(i.e. using "head shots"), the current shall be from 800 A per inch of part diameter to 1000 A per
inch of part diameter. The diameter of the part shall be taken as the largest distance between any
two points, 180 degrees apart on the outside circumference of the part.
6.7.4.1 Parts with geometric shapes other than round, the greatest cross-sectional diagonal in a
plane at right angles to the current flow shall determine the inches to be used in 6.7.4 above.
6.7.4.2 If the current levels required for 6.7.4 cannot be obtained, the maximum current
obtainable shall be used and the field adequacy shall be demonstrated in accordance with one
more of the following reference 6.7, 6.7.1 and 6.7.2.
6.7.5 Central conductor circular magnetization: Circular magnetization may be provided by
passing current through a conductor which passes through the inside of the part. If only the
inside of the part is to be inspected, the diameter shall be the largest distance between two
points, 180 degrees apart on the inside circumference of the part. Otherwise, the diameter is
determined as in paragraph 6.7.4.
Centrally located conductor: When the axis of the central conductor is located near the central
axis of the part, the same current levels as given in paragraph 6.7.4 ("Direct circular
magnetization") shall apply.
Offset central conductor: When the conductor passing through the inside of the part is placed
against an inside wall of the part, the current levels as given in paragraph 6.7.4 ("Direct circular
magnetization") shall apply except that the diameter shall be considered the sum of the diameter
of the central conductor and twice the wall thickness of the part. The distance along the part
circumference (interior or exterior) which is effectively magnetized shall be taken as four times
the diameter of the central conductor. The entire circumference shall be inspected by rotating the
part on the conductor, allowing for approximately a 10 percent magnetic field overlap.
6.7.6 Longitudinal magnetization coils (ASTM E709): Longitudinal magnetization is often
accomplished by passing current through a coil encircling the part, or section of the part, to be
tested ( i.e. by using a "coil shot"). For low or intermediate fill factor coils, the effective field
extends a distance on either side of the coil center approximately equal to the radius of the coil.
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For cable wrap or high fill factor coils, the effective distance of magnetization is 9 inches on
either side of the coil center. For parts longer than these effective distances, the entire length
shall be inspected by repositioning the part within the coil, allowing for approximately 10
percent effective magnetic field overlap. The formulas are included for historical continuity
only. If used, its use should be limited to simple shaped parts.
6.7.6.1 Longitudinal magnetization with low fill factor coils
When the cross sectional area of the coil is 10 or more times the cross sectional area (including
hollow portions) of the part being inspected, then the product of the number of coil turns, N, and
the current in amperes through the coil, I, shall be:
a) For parts positioned in the center of the coil:
N I = 43000 R / [(6L / D) 5] ( 10%)
Where: R = radius of the coil in inches L = length of the part in inches D = diameter of the part
in inches

b) For parts positioned to the side of the coil:

N I = 45000 / (L / D) ( 10%)
where:
L = length of the part in inches
D = diameter of the part in inches
6.8 System Performance of Horizontal Units. The Ketos (Betz) ring shall be used to evaluate
and compare the overall performance and sensitivity of the wet Fluorescent magnetic particle
technique using a central conductor magnetization technique. This test shall be run at least once
per week (or prior to use) if not run the week before.
The test ring is circularly magnetized with full-wave rectified Ac passing through a central
conductor with a 1 to 1.25 in. diameter hole located in the ring center. The conductor should
have a length greater than 16 in. The currents used shall be 1400, 2500 and 3400 amps. The
minimum number of holes shown shall be three, five and six, respectively. The ring edge should
be examined with the black light. This test shall be run at the three amperages if the unit will be
used at these or higher amperages. The amperage values stated shall not be exceeded in the test.
If the test does not reveal the required number of holes, the equipment shall be taken out of
service and the cause of loss of sensitivity determined and corrected.
7.0 PROCESS
7.1 Temperature During Test: Wet magnetic particle examinations shall not be performed when
the temperature of the wet particle suspension and/or the surface of the part exceeds 135 F.
7.2 Surface Preparation
Surfaces may be in the as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged condition. However, surface
preparation by grinding or machining may be necessary in some cases where surface
irregularities would otherwise mask the indication of discontinuities.

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Prior to magnetic particle examination, the surface to be examined and any adjacent area within
at least 1 inch of the area to be examined shall be dry and free of any dirt, grease, lint, scale,
welding flux, spatter, oil, or other extraneous matter that would interfere with the examination.
Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions, paint
removers, vapor degreasing, sand or grit blasting, or ultrasonic cleaning, customer approval of
the cleaning method may be required.
If non-magnetic coatings are left on the part in the area being examined, it must be demonstrated
that indications can be detected through the maximum coating thickness applied, but they must
be removed at all points where electrical contact is to be made for direct magnetization. When
Ac yoke technique is used, the demonstration must be in accordance with Mandatory Appendix
"I", of Article 7 in Section V.
When nonmagnetic coatings are applied temporarily to uncoated surfaces only in amounts
sufficient to enhance particle contrast, it must be demonstrated that indications can be detected
through the enhancement coating.
7.3 Preliminary Examination
Before the magnetic particle examination is conducted, a check of the examination surface shall
be conducted to locate any discontinuity surface openings which may not attract and hold
magnetic particles because of their width.
The Continuous Method: The magnetizing current shall be turned on after the particles have
been applied. Flow of the particles shall stop with the application of current. Wet particles
applied from aerosol spray cans may be applied before and/or after magnetizing current is
applied. Wet particles may be applied during the application of magnetizing current if they are
not applied directly to the examination area and are allowed to flow over the examination area or
are applied directly to the examination area with low velocities insufficient to remove
accumulated particles.
Direction of Magnetization: At least two separate examinations shall be carried out on each area.
The second examination shall be with the lines of magnetic flux approximately perpendicular to
those used for the first examination in that area. A different means of magnetizing may be used
for the second examination. The direction of magnetization shall be determined by particle
indications obtained using an indicator or shim reference 6.7.1.
Examination Coverage: Examinations shall be conducted with sufficient overlap to assure 100%
coverage at the required sensitivity. Surfaces not *readily accessible by MT shall be examined
by liquid penetrant using CCI NDE-102. *Definition of "readily accessible": Any inside or
external surface that can be magnetic particle examined by hand, that is, without the use of
special equipment not listed in this procedure.
7.7 Magnetizing Current/Magnetic Field Indicators (ASME Section V, Article 7)
7.7.1 The field adequacy shall be demonstrated using one of the magnetic field indicators per
6.7.1 for the following conditions.
A. If the current levels required for 6.7.4 cannot be obtained, the maximum current obtainable
shall be used and the field adequacy shall be demonstrated in accordance with, 6.7.1.1, and/or
6.7.1.2.

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B. When the central conductor technique is used.

C. If the area to be magnetized in accordance with 7.7.3 extends beyond 9 inches on either side
of the coil.
D. For large parts magnetized in accordance with 7.7.3.
7.7.2 Circular Magnetization produced by direct contact or by a central conductor placed
through the test piece shall be determined by requirements in paragraphs 6.7.4, 6.7.4.1, 6.7.4.2,
6.7.5, 6.7.5.1, 6.7.5.2 and 7.7.1 (A).
8.0 EXAMINATION SEQUENCE
Examination shall be accomplished under proper lighting conditions for the type of particles
used. When fluorescent particles are used, the examination shall be accomplished in a darkened
area. The examiner shall be in the darkened area for at least 5 minutes prior to performing an
examination using fluorescent particles to enable his eyes to adapt to dark viewing. If the
examiner wears glasses or lenses, they shall not be photo sensitive.
8.1 Direct Contact Method (Circular Field)
A. Firm electrical contact shall be made to the test piece, for example; either contact heads,
clamps or magnetic leeches may be used.
B. The correct magnetizing current shall be determined.
C. The liquid vehicle containing the particles (suspension) shall be applied to the entire area D.
under examination, by spraying or flowing.
D. While the suspension is still running on the test piece, the magnetizing current shall be
switched on for a minimum of 0.5 second with two or more shots given to the part.
E. The test piece shall then be examined for indications.
8.2 Central Conductor Method (Circular Field)
A. Where large diameter cylinders are to be examined, the conductor shall be positioned close
to the internal surface of the cylinder. When the conductor is not centered, the circumference of
the cylinder shall be examined in increments and a magnetic particle field strength indicator
shall be used to determine the extent of the arc that may be examined for each conductor
position. Bars, or cables passed through the bore of a cylinder, may be used to induce circular
magnetization.
B. The field of strength required shall be equal to that determined for a single turn central
conductor. The magnetic field will increase in proportion to the number of times the central
conductor cable passes through the hollow part. For example, if 6000 amperes are required to
examine a part using a single central conductor, 3000 amps are required when 2 turns of the
through cable are used, and 1200 amps are required if 5 turns are used.
C. Firm electrical contact shall be made to the central conductor.
D. The suspension shall be applied to the entire area under examination, by spraying or flowing.
E. While the suspension is still running on the test piece, the magnetizing current shall be
switched on for a minimum of 0.5 second with two or more shots given to the part.
F. The test piece shall then be examined for indications.

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8.3 Multi-turn Fixed Coil/Cables (Longitudinal Field)

A. Small parts shall be placed inside the coil close to one side. Large parts shall be centered in
the coil, cable wrap when used should be 3 to 5 turns.
B. The correct magnetizing current shall be determined.
C. The suspension shall be applied to the entire area under examination.
D. While the suspension is still running on the test piece, the magnetizing current shall be
passed through the coil for a minimum of 0.5 second, with two or more shots given to the part.
E. The test piece shall then be examined for indications.
F. For test pieces over 18 inches in length, repeat steps (A) through (E) with coil successively
placed at intervals not to exceed 18 inches until the entire length of the test piece has been
covered.
8.4 Yoke Method (Longitudinal Field)
Each separate application of the examination shall overlap a preceding application until the
extent of the area under examination has been completely covered.
9.0 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
All indications revealed by magnetic particle inspection are not necessarily defective since nonrelevant indications are sometimes encountered. Non-relevant or false indications are quite
common but may be easily identified. Examples of such indications are as follows:
9.1 Magnetic Writing
The indication is fuzzy and will be destroyed by demagnetization. These indications are caused
by contact with other steel or magnets while magnetized.
9.2 Change in Section
The distribution of magnetic field in an area of change in section of the piece being tested is
such that the test pattern is broad and fuzzy.
9.3 Flow Lines
These are large groups of parallel indications that occur in some forgings when magnetized with
high currents.
10.0 EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS
All indications believed to be non-relevant shall be evaluated by removing the surface roughness
or shall be re-inspected by other nondestructive test methods. If re-inspection reveals any
indications, these indications shall be considered as relevant and shall be treated as defects and
removed.
Linear indications are indications in which the length is greater than three times the width.
Rounded indications are indications which are circular or elliptical with the length less than
three times the width.
11.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
11.1 All indications shall be evaluated with the applicable acceptance standards.
11.2 All repairs shall be re-inspected in accordance with this procedure.

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12.0 POST INSPECTION OPERATIONS

Demagnetization following examination is required where residual magnetism can interfere with
subsequent processes or usage. Parts shall be demagnetized following the inspection. Following
demagnetization, the residual magnetic field shall be checked using a residual magnetic field
indicator. All parts shall be considered to be suitably demagnetized when after demagnetization
residual fields do not exceed 3G (gauss) anywhere in the piece, unless otherwise agreed upon or
as specified on the engineering drawing or in the contract, purchase order, or specification.
When post cleaning is required, it should be conducted as soon as practical using a process that
does not adversely affect the part.
13. REPORT REQUIREMENTS
13.1 All nondestructive inspection made to this procedure process specification shall be
recorded on the shop Traveler prior to the commencement of the next consecutive operation,
signed and dated by the NDE Inspector as required.
13.2 For each examination, the following information shall be recorded:
a. date and time examinations were performed
b. magnetic particle equipment and type of current
c. magnetic particles type used (fluorescent, wet)
d. map or record of indication per 13.4 or 14.0 as applicable
e. material and thickness
13.3 Records of reports shall be maintained in accordance with QAM-100/QAM-101.
Non-rejectable indications shall be recorded as specified by the referring Code Section.
14.0 REJECTS
14.1 All parts that do not meet the applicable acceptance standards shall be rejected and
reported on an NCMR or DR and processed in accordance with QAM-100/QAM-101.
Rejectable indications shall be recorded per paragraph 14.1. As a minimum, the type of
indication (linear or rounded), location and extent (length or diameter or aligned) shall be
recorded.
15.0 PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION
15.1 Performance demonstration, when required by the referencing Code Section, shall be
documented.

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1. According to the specification, which of the following reference documents is used for
qualification of testing personnel?
A. ASME Code, Section III, Paragraph NB-5500
B. SNT-TC-1A
C. MIL-STD-410E
D. ISO 9000
E. Both A and B
2. Adequate magnetic field strength may be determined by using
A. a pie gauge
B. shims
C. Ketos test ring
D. any of the above
3. According to the specification, the accepted minimum intensity of black at test surface is
_______ W/ cm2.
A. 500
B. 700
C. 1000
D. 1500
4. The concentration of fluorescent particles in the liquid vehicle shall be between
A. 0.1 mL and 0.4 mL per 10 mL.
B. 0.1 mL and 0.4 mL per100 mL.
C. 0.1 mL and 0.4 mL per 1000 mL.
D. none of the above
5. According to the specification, the intensity of ambient light shall be less than _______ lx.A.
2
B. 10
C. 20
D. 200
6. Magnetizing equipment shall be calibrated
A. at a minimum of 6 months
B. whenever the equipment has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or
damage
C. at a minimum of 12 months
D. both A and B
7. All parts shall be considered to be suitably demagnetized when:
A. its residual magnetic field measures less than 10 gauss
B. it no longer produces an indication
C. it's no longer attracted to a magnet
D. its residual magnetic field measures less than 3 gauss

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8. According to the specification, if surfaces not readily accessible by MT shall be examined by

A. RT
B. UT
C. PT
D. ET
9. The viscosity of carrier oil should
A. not exceed 3 mm/s2 (3 centistokes) at 100 F
B. not exceed 5 mm/ s2 (5 centistokes) at the lowest temperature at which the vehicle will be
used
2
C. be greater than 5 mm/s (5 centistokes) at room temperature
D. both A and B
10. To test a bar 38 cm (15 in.) long and 7.6 cm (3 in.) in diameter using a 3-turn coil. If the part
positioned in the center of the low fill factor coil, what amperage will be used for longitudinal
magnetization?
A. 3000
B. 2400
C. 574
D. 1720
11. The intensity of ultraviolet light at the surface under examination shall be checked ______.
A. at least once every eight hours
B. whenever the bulb is changed
C. whenever the work location is changed
D. whenever the filter is changed
E. any of the above
12. To test a bar 30.5 cm (12 in.) long and 5.1 cm (2 in.) in diameter using a 4-turn coil. If the
part positioned to side of the low fill factor coil, what amperage will be used for longitudinal
magnetization?
A. 7500 A
B. 875 A
C. 2000 A
D. 1875 A
13. When wet magnetic particle examination is performed, temperature of the wet particle
suspension or temperature of the surface shall not exceed
A. 100 F
B. 120 F
C. 135 F
D. 200 F

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Question No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Answer
E
D
C
B
C
D
D
C
D
C
E
D
C

Prepared by:
PRAVEEN INSTITUTE OF RADIATION TECHNOLOGY
(NDT TRAINING DIVISION)
CHENNAI- 600 063
INDIA

www.pirtchennai.com
Email: pirtndt@yahoo.in
Tel: +91-9789094060, 9940167870
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