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ABC INSPECTION
MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

CONTROLLED COPY NO. XXX ISSUE DATE: Month Day Year ISSUED TO: ABC Welding Company

THIS MANUAL IS CONSIDERED TO BE PROPRIETY IN NATURE AND MAY NOT BE COPIED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ABC INSPECTION.

Effective: July 30, 2011

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REVISIONS

Rev No 0

Section No. All

Page All

Revised By Original Issue

Date 07/30/11

Prepared By

Approved by

Richard Lee

AK Wong

Revised by:

Richard Lee
Richard Lee, AScT CGSB / ACCP Level 3

Date: July 30, 2011

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CONTENTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

SCOPE REFERENCES RESPONSIBILITY PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION. TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS SURFACE PREPARATION MAGNETIZATION

4 4 4 5 5 6 6 9 10 10 13 14 14 15 16

10. EXAMINATION 11. DEMAGNETIZATION 12. POST EXAMINATION CLEANING 13. EVALUATION 14. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS 15. RECORDS

FIGURE 1 - MAGNETIZING FIELD ADEQUACY

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1.0

SCOPE 1.1. This procedure describes the requirements to be implemented by ABC Inspection or contract examination personnel performing magnetic particle examinations on ferromagnetic materials. 1.2. This procedure may be used for the detection of surface and near surface discontinuities, in ferromagnetic materials, equipment, components and welds as applicable to client specifications, and/or applicable codes. The size and shapes of examination objects is unrestricted, provided all applicable field strength and direction requirements are achieved.

2.0

REFERENCES 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. ABC Inspection Written Practice ABC Inspection Quality Assurance Manual ASME Section V Non-destructive Examination, latest Edition

3.0

RESPONSIBILITY 3.1. NDE Level III An NDE Level III individual shall be capable of establishing techniques and procedures; interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures; and designating the particular test methods, techniques, and procedures to be used. The NDE Level III shall be responsible for the NDE operations for which qualified and to which assigned, and shall be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications. The NDE Level III shall have sufficient practical background in applicable materials, fabrication, and product technology to establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available. The NDE Level III shall have general familiarity with other appropriate NDE methods, and shall be qualified to train and examine NDE Level I and Level II personnel for certification. 3.2. NDE Level II An NDE Level II individual shall be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. The NDE Level II shall be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the methods for which the individual is qualified and shall exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDE Level I personnel. The NDE Level II shall be able to prepare written instructions, and to organize and report the results of non-destructive tests. 3.3. NDE Level I An NDE Level I individual shall be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific tests, and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and to record results. The NDE Level I shall receive the necessary instructions or supervision from a certified NDE Level II or Level III individual.

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3.4.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the preparation, review, approval and control of this procedure. The level III is responsible for the technical review and approval of this procedure. Level III, II, and level I examiners are responsible for implementing the requirements of this procedure. Level III and II examiners are responsible for the supervision of level I examiners.

3.5.

4.0

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 4.1. Personnel performing magnetic particle examinations shall be qualified and certified in accordance with ABC Inspection Written Practice which is in compliance with the guidelines provided in American Society for Non-Destructive Testing recommended practice SNT-TC-1A (2006 Edition). Personnel performing evaluations and/or reporting results in accordance with this procedure shall be certified level II as a minimum.

4.2.

5.0

EQUIPMENT 5.1. The magnetizing equipment shall be capable of inducing into the examined material or weld a magnetic field of sufficient intensity to reveal surface and near surface discontinuities. The power source may be direct current for sub-surface discontinuities, or rectified alternating current for detection of surface discontinuities. Except for the "yoke" technique, an ammeter shall be located in the magnetization circuit and shall be visible and readable by the operator when performing the examination. (For the preferred test and selection see Table1 of this procedure). The magnetizing equipment may be either stationary or portable. If the examination is performed with portable equipment or on a remote control from the stationary equipment, the operator should be provided with a remote control magnetizing switch. However, when the "prod" technique is being used the remote control switch shall be provided to permit the current to be turned on after the prods have been properly positioned, and to be turned off before they are removed. This is to avoid arcing. NOTE: If arc burns occur on the examined material or weld during Magnetic Particle Examination, they shall be removed and the affected area re-examined in accordance with the referencing Code or customers specification.

5.2.

5.3.

The magnetizing equipment shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the applicable equipment manufacturer's requirements, and shall be in good working order such that an optimum examination is possible and personnel safety requirements are met. The following equipment or their equivalents are authorized under this procedure to perform Magnetic Particle Testing. 5.4.1. 5.4.2. 5.4.3. 5.4.4. Magnaflux TAX-524 (4000 AMP) Magnaflux M-500 (4000 AMP) Magnaflux P-90 (1000 AMP) Uresco - Magnetech 1510 (1000 AMP)

5.4.

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Parker Probe DA-200 Yoke Magnaflux Y-6 Yoke Spectronics DM-365N Ultraviolet Meters Magnaflux Black Light ZB-28 Heavy Current Cable 4/0 Parker Probe DA-400 Yoke

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5.4.5. 5.4.6. 5.4.7. 5.4.8. 5.4.9. 5.4.10.

6.0

CALIBRATION 6.1. Frequency of Calibration Each piece of magnetizing equipment including visible and UV (Black) light meters, shall be calibrated at least once a year, or whenever the equipment has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or damage. If equipment has not been in use for a year or more, calibration shall be done prior to first use. Calibration shall be performed in accordance with manufacturer requirements. 6.2. Equipment with Ammeters The accuracy of the unit's meter shall be verified annually by equipment traceable to a national standard. Comparative readings shall be taken for 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. NOTE: When measuring half-wave rectified current with a direct current test meter, readings shall be multiplied by two (2). 6.3. Yokes 6.3.1. 6.3.2. 6.3.3. The magnetizing force of yokes shall be calibrated by determining their lifting power. Each alternating current electromagnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least ten (10) lbs at the maximum pole spacing that will be used. Each direct current or permanent magnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least forty (40) lbs at the maximum pole spacing that will be used. The magnetizing power of permanent magnetic yokes shall be checked daily prior to use. Each weight used to determine lifting power shall be weighted with a scale from a reputable manufacturer and the weight shall be stencilled on the bar or by documentation if a serial number is present. Weight should be verified if damage such as metal loss could have occurred.

6.3.4.

6.4.

Performance checks 6.4.1. Whenever system performance is in doubt, the system performance shall be checked. This test shall be performed using all associated equipment and settings as to be encountered under actual use.

7.0

TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS 7.1. One or more of the following magnetization techniques shall be used:

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Prod Technique; Longitudinal Magnetization Technique; Circular Magnetization Technique; Yoke Technique;

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7.1.1 7.1.2 7.1.3 7.1.4 7.2

The magnetic particle medium used shall be either wet or dry, and may be visible or fluorescent. Dry Particles 7.3.1 Dry particles shall be of a color that will provide adequate contrast with the background of the surface being examined. Examination using a dry particle medium shall not be performed if the temperature of the examination surface exceeds 600 degrees F. Application of Dry Particles: The powder shall be applied using either a mechanical blower or hand squeezed particle applicator by lightly dusting a small quantity over the surface, and when necessary to aid in evaluation remove the excess with a gentle air stream from a bulb or syringe while the current remains on. The air stream shall be so controlled that it does not disturb or remove lightly held powder patterns. In order to recognize the broad, fuzzy, lightly held powder patterns produced by sub-surface discontinuities it is essential to observe carefully the formation of indications while the powders is being applied, and also while the excess is being removed. It is recommended that the nozzle size and air pressure shall be such that when operating in free air pressure of approximately one (1) inch of water will be produced when measured with a manometer (pressure gage) located at an axial distance of one (1) inch from the nozzle. Mechanical blowers may be necessary to apply dry particles to vertical or overhead surfaces. A minimum light intensity of one hundred foot-candles (100fc) is required on the surface to be examined to insure adequate sensitivity during examination and evaluation of indications. The following light sources are acceptable for use without further intensity verification: Light Source Sunlight (from 30 min. after sunrise to 30 min. before sunset) 300W Halogen Work light Mag Instrument Mag-Light (3 C or D cell) Pelican Super Saber Light (3 C cell) 2AA Cell Flashlight 2DCell Flashlight 60 Watt Reg Use Bulb 100 Watt Reg Use Bulb 100 Watt Rough Service Coated Bulb 7.3.6 Maximum Distance (inches) Unlimited 48 24 24 8 8 4 6 6 Intensity (fc) >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc >100 fc

7.3

7.3.2

7.3.3

7.3.4

7.3.5

Other light sources may be used if the 100 fc minimum light intensity is verified at the maximum working distance with a calibrated light meter, the results documented, and maintained on file.

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7.3.7

The light source technique and light level verification is required one time for demonstrated, documented one time and maintained and file the light meter is required to have been calibrated within one year (1) of use.

7.4 Wet Particles 7.4.1 Wet particles shall be of a color that will provide adequate contrast with the background of the surface being examined. Concentration - The particles shall be suspended in a bath concentration and mixed as recommended by the manufacturer, and should be checked by settling volume measurements on a daily basis. For fluorescent particles, the required settling volume is from 0.1 to 0.4 ml in a 100-ml bath sample and from 1.2 to 2.4 ml per 100 ml of vehicle for non-fluorescent particles unless otherwise specified by the particle manufacturer. Concentration checks shall be made at least every eight hours. Contamination - Both fluorescent and non-fluorescent suspensions shall be checked periodically for contaminants such as dirt, scale, oil, lint, water (in the case of oil suspensions), and particle agglomerates, which can adversely affect the performance of the magnetic particle examination process. The test for contamination shall be performed at least once per week. (a) Carrier Contamination. For fluorescent baths, the liquid directly above the precipitate should be examined with black light. The liquid will have a little fluorescence. Its color can be compared with a freshly made-up sample using the same materials or with an unused sample from the original bath that was retained for this purpose. If the "used" sample is noticeably more fluorescent than the comparison standard, the bath shall be replaced. (b) Particle Contamination. The graduated portion of the tube shall be examined under black light if the bath is fluorescent and under visible light (for both fluorescent and no fluorescent) for striations or bands, differences in color or appearance. Bands or striations may indicate contamination. If the total volume of the contaminates, including brands or striations exceed 30% of the volume magnetic particles, or if the liquid is noticeably fluorescent, the bath shall be replaced. 7.4.4 The suspension may also be used on an expendable basis such as premixes by manufacturers, from aerosol cans and are not subject to the requirements of 7.4.2 and 7.4.3. Magnetic particle examination using a wet particle suspension examination medium shall not be performed if the temperature of the examination surface exceeds 135 degrees F. Application of Wet Particles: Wet magnetic particles, fluorescent or non- fluorescent, suspended in a vehicle at a recommended concentration may be applied either by spraying or flowing over the areas to be inspected during the application of the magnetizing field current (continuous technique). Proper sequencing of operation (part magnetization and timing of bath application) is essential to indication formation and retention. Since fine or weakly held indications on highly finished or polished surfaces may be washed away or obliterated, care must be taken to prevent high-velocity flow over critical surfaces and to cut off the bath application before removing the magnetic field.

7.4.2

7.4.3

7.4.5

7.4.6

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7.4.7

Lighting for non-fluorescent wet particles shall meet the requirements specified in 7.3.4 or 7.3.5 sections.

7.5

Fluorescent Particles 7.5.1 With fluorescent particles the examination is performed using an ultraviolet light, (black light). Reflectors and filters should be checked and, if necessary, cleaned prior to use. Cracked or broken filters shall be replaced immediately. The examination shall be performed as follows: (a) It shall be performed in a darkened area. (b) The examiner shall be in the darkened area for at least five (5) minutes prior to performing the examination to enable eyes to adapt to dark viewing. If the examiner wears glasses or lenses, they shall not be photosensitive. (c) Prior to using or measuring the intensity of the black light, the light shall be allowed to warm up for a minimum of five (5) minutes. (d) The black light intensity shall be measured with an ultraviolet light meter prior to use and shall be a minimum of 1000 W/cm2 at the examination surface throughout the examination. The intensity of the black light shall be verified whenever the lights power source is interrupted or changed, and at the completion of the examination or series of examinations.

SURFACE PREPARATION 8.1 Satisfactory results are usually obtained when the surfaces are in the as- welded, asrolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions. However, surface preparation by grinding or machining may be necessary where surface irregularities could mask indications caused by discontinuities. Prior to magnetic particle examination the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas within at least one (1) inch shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding flux and spatter, oil, or other extraneous matter that could 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 methods. A separate qualification is necessary for coated parts using an AC yoke. If 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 in accordance with Appendix I, Article 7 of ASME Section V. This also applies to temporary coatings used to enhance surface/particle contrast. When post examination cleaning is required or necessary, it should be conducted as soon as practical after testing (preferably after demagnetization if performed), using a process that will not adversely affect the part.

8.2

8.3

8.4

8.5

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MAGNETIZATION 9.1 Any suitable and appropriate means for establishing the necessary magnetic flux by the continuous method shall be employed using one or more of the techniques listed in Section 6.0. The appropriate magnetizing current shall be used for the technique selected. The area to be examined shall be clearly designated in the product or part specification, or in the inquiry, contract, or order number. When the time of examination is not specifically stated in the governing code or job specifications the magnetic particle acceptance examination shall be performed after final heat treatment. When it is necessary to verify the adequacy of the magnetic field strength, it shall be verified by using one or more of the following methods: Magnetic Particle Field Indicator (pie-gage), Artificial Flaw Shims (Figure 1), Hall- Effect Tangential-Field Probe (gaussmeter). Regardless of the magnetization method used to produce the magnetic flux, each area of interest shall be separately examined at least twice, so the lines of flux (or magnetic fields) are approximately perpendicular to the lines of flux in the other. Rectified Current 9.6.1 Whenever direct current is required rectified current may be used. The rectified current for magnetization shall be either three-phase (full-wave rectified) current, or singlephase (half-wave rectified) current. The amperage required with three-phase, full-wave rectified current shall be verified by measuring the average current. The amperage required with single-phase (half-wave rectified) current shall be verified by measuring the average current output during the conducting half cycle only.

9.2

9.3

9.4

9.5

9.6

9.6.2

9.6.3

10

EXAMINATION 10.1 Preliminary Examination Prior to conducting the magnetic particle examination, a check of the examination surface shall be conducted under white light illumination to locate any discontinuity surface openings, which may not attract and hold magnetic particles because of their width. 10.2 Direction of Magnetization At least two (2) separate examinations shall be performed on each area. During the second examination, the lines of magnetic flux shall be approximately perpendicular to those used during the first examination. A different technique for magnetization may be used for the second examination. 10.3 Examination Coverage

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10.3.1

All examinations shall be conducted with sufficient overlap to assure 100% coverage at the required sensitivity.

10.4 Yoke Technique 10.4.1 This technique produces a longitudinal magnetic field parallel to the axis of the material or weld between the yoke legs thus locating discontinuities at right angles to the axis of the material, weld, or magnetic field. 10.4.2 This technique shall be used only to detect discontinuities, which actually come to the surface. 10.4.3 Alternating or direct current electromagnetic yokes or permanent magnet yokes shall be used. NOTE: Except for materials one-quarter (1/4) inch or less in thickness, alternating current yokes are superior to direct or permanent magnet yokes of equal lifting power for the detection of surface cracks. To prevent overheating, it is recommended that a maximum on-off current ratio be maintained of two (2) minutes "ON" and two (2) minutes "OFF". Damage to the yoke may result if the "ON" time is exceeded. To avoid causing no relevant indications, the poles shall not be moved while the current is "ON". Yoke Examination Sequences: 1) Position the yoke poles on the surface to be examined approximately "0 and "180" degrees of the center axis of the material or weld. 2) Select magnetizing current. 3) Switch on magnetizing current. 4) Apply the wet/dry magnetic particles in such a manner that a light uniform coating settles on the surface being examined. 5) If dry particles are being used, when necessary, to aid in evaluation remove the excess with a gentle air stream while the current remains on. 6) In order to recognize the broad, fuzzy, lightly held powder patterns produced by near surface discontinuities, it is essential to carefully observe the formation of indications while the powder is being applied and while the excess is being removed. Sufficient time for indication formation and examination should be allowed before switching the current off. 7) Switch off magnetizing current and remove yoke from material or weld. 8) Evaluate the magnetic particle indications. 9) Reposition the yoke 90 degrees from original examination position and repeat steps 3) through 8). 10) Ensure complete coverage of the material or weld to be examined overlapping successive pole locations. The minimum area of coverage should not be less than three (3) inches and the maximum not more than six (6) inches. 11) Demagnetize if required.

10.4.4 10.4.5 10.4.6

10.5 Prod Technique 10.5.1 Magnetizing Procedure: Magnetization is accomplished by portable prod type electrical contacts pressed against the surface in the area to be examined. To avoid arcing, a remote control switch, which may be built into the prod handles, shall be provided to permit the current to be turned on after the prods have been properly positioned.

10.5.2 Magnetizing Current: Direct or rectified magnetizing current shall be used. The current

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shall be 100 to 125 amp/inch of prod spacing for sections three- quarter (3/4) inch thick or greater. For sections less than three-quarter (3/4) inch thick the current shall be 90 to 110 amp/inch of prod spacing. 10.5.3 Prod Spacing: Prod spacing shall not exceed eight (8) inches. Shorter spacing may be used to accommodate the geometric limitations of the area being examined or to increase the sensitivity, but prod spacing of less than three (3) inches are usually not practical due to banding of the particles around the prods. The prod tips shall be kept clean and dressed. If the open circuit voltage of the magnetizing current source is greater than twenty-five (25) volts, lead, steel, or aluminum (rather than copper) tipped prods are recommended to avoid copper deposits on the part being examined. 10.6 Longitudinal Magnetization Technique 10.6.1 Magnetizing Procedure: For this technique, magnetization is accomplished by passing current through a multi-turn fixed coil (or cables) that is wrapped around the part or section of the part to be examined. This produces a longitudinal magnetic field parallel to the axis of the coil. If a fixed, pre-wound coil is used, the part shall be placed near the side of the coil during inspection. This is of special importance when the coil opening is more than ten (10) times the cross-sectional area of the part. Magnetic Field Strength: Direct or rectified current shall be used to magnetize parts examined by this technique. The required field strength shall be calculated based on the length (L) and the diameter (D) of the part in accordance with a), b), or as established in c), below. Long parts shall be examined in sections not to exceed eighteen (18) inches, and eighteen (18) inches shall be used for the part (L) in calculating the required field strength. For non-cylindrical parts, (D) shall be the maximum cross-sectional diagonal. a) Parts with (L/D) Ratios equal to or greater than four (4). The magnetizing current shall be within +10% of the ampere- turns value determined as follows: 35,000 Ampere-turns = -----------(L/D) + 2 For example, a part 10 inches long x 2 inches diameter has an (L/D) ratio of 5. Therefore, 35,000 -------- = 5000 ampere-turns (5+2) b) Parts with (L/D) Ratios less than four (4) but not less than two (2). The magnetizing ampere-turn value shall be determined as follows: 45,000 Ampere-turns = -----------(L/D) c) If the area to be magnetized extends beyond six (6) inches on either side of the coil(s), field adequacy shall be demonstrated using the Magnetic Particle Field Indicator, per Section 8.0.

10.6.2

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10.7

Circular Magnetization Techniques 10.7.1 Direct Contact Technique: For this technique, magnetization is accomplished by passing current through the part to be examined. This produces a circular magnetic field that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of current flow in the part. Magnetizing Current: Direct or rectified (half-wave rectified or full-wave rectified) magnetizing current shall be used. The required current shall be determined using the following guidelines. a) The current shall be 300 to 800 amps per inch of outer diameter. b) For 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 a) above; c) If the current levels required for a) and b) above cannot be obtained, the maximum current obtainable shall be used and the field adequacy shall be demonstrated by using the Magnetic Particle Field Indicator, per Section 8.0. For non-cylindrical parts and when examining large parts by clamping contacts to the wall thickness, field adequacy shall be demonstrated by using the Magnetic Particle Field Indicator per Section 8.0.

10.7.2

10.8

Central Conductor Technique 10.8.1 For this technique a central conductor is used to examine the internal surfaces of ring or cylindrically shaped parts. The central conductor technique may also be used for examining the outside surfaces of these shapes. 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 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. Magnetizing Current: The field strength required shall be equal to that determined in 10.7.2 for a single turn central conductor. The magnetic field shall be increased in proportion to the number of times the central conductor cable passes through a hollow part. For example, if 6,000 amps are required to examine a part using a single central conductor, 3,000 amps are required when 2 turns of the through cable are used. 1,200 amps are required if 5 turns are used. When the central conductor technique is used magnetic field adequacy shall be verified using a magnetic field indicator as described in Section 8.0.

10.8.2

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DEMAGNETIZATION 11.1 When residual magnetism in the part could interfere with subsequent processing or usage, the part shall be demagnetized any time after completion of the examination. When

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demagnetization is required by the referencing Code or customer specification, it shall be performed in the following manner: Note: In all cases, the field strength used to demagnetize must be equal to, or greater than, the field, which was used to magnetize the part. a) The method most widely used is to withdraw the part from the field of high-intensity alternating-current coil. Field strength slightly greater than the original magnetizing current is required. Care should be exercised that the part is entirely removed from the influence of the coil before the demagnetizing force is discontinued, otherwise the coil will have the effect of magnetizing the part. The alternating-current magnetizing force may be reduced in small decrements down to negligible value. This usually requires special equipment, which permits the current to be reduced in twenty-five (25) or more small decrements. Consecutive steps of reversed and reduced direct-current magnetization may be used, down to a negligible value. This is the most effective method of demagnetizing large parts in which the alternating-current field has insufficient penetration to remove the residual magnetism. This method requires special equipment for reversing the current and simultaneously reducing it in twenty-five (25) or more small increments.

b)

c)

11.2 The effectiveness of the demagnetizing operation can be indicated by the use of the appropriate field indicator or field strength meter. However, a part may retain a strong residual field after having been circularly magnetized and exhibit little or no external evidence of this field. Therefore, the circular magnetization should be conducted before longitudinal magnetization if complete demagnetization is required.

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POST-EXAMINATION CLEANING 12.1 In most cases where this procedure is used, post cleaning of the parts will not be required. If residual materials could interfere with subsequent processing or usage, the part shall be cleaned as soon as practical with a method that will not adversely affect the part. Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, organic solvents, plain water rinse, brushing or ultrasonic cleaning methods.

13

EVALUATION 13.1 Localized surface irregularities due to machining marks or other surface conditions which produce non-relevant indications or broad areas of particle accumulation which could mask indications of discontinuities are unacceptable; these areas shall be cleaned and reexamined in accordance with the referencing Code or customer specification. 13.2 All other indications that are judged to be non-relevant shall be regarded as unacceptable until the indications are either eliminated by surface conditioning or are reexamined by magnetic

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particle or another type of nondestructive examination and the indication is demonstrated to be non-relevant in accordance with the referencing Code or customer specification. 13.3 Relevant indications are those, which result from unacceptable mechanical imperfections. In general, linear indications are those indications in which the length is three (3) times the width or more. Rounded indications are indications, which are circular or elliptical with the length less than three (3) times the width. Exact descriptions vary by Code (see Paragraph 14.0).

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STANDARDS OF ACCEPTANCE 14.1 ASME Section I (Power Boilers) Acceptance Criteria Imperfections causing magnetic particle indications exceeding degree 1 of Type I, degree 2 of Type II, and degree 3 of Type III, and exceeding degree 1 of Types IV and V of ASTM E 125, Standard Reference Photographs for Magnetic Particle Indications on Ferrous Castings are unacceptable.

14.2 ASME Section VIII (Pressure Vessels) Appendix 6 Acceptance Criteria 14.2.1 Only indications which have any dimension greater than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) shall be considered relevant. 14.2.2 A linear indication is one having a length greater than three times the width. 14.2.3 A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with a length equal to or less than three times its width. 14.2.4 Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be reexamined to determine whether or not they are relevant. 14.2.5 All surfaces to be examined shall be free of: A. Relevant linear indications; B. Relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 in C. Four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in. or less, edge to edge.

14.3 ASME B-31.1 (Power Piping) Acceptance Criteria 14.3.1 Linear indications are those indications in which the length is more than three times the width. Rounded indications are indications which are circular or elliptical with the length less than three times the width. 14.3.2 The following relevant indications are unacceptable: A. any cracks or linear indications B. rounded indications with dimensions greater than 3/16 in C. four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in. or less edge to edge

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D. Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 sq in. of surface with the major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 in. with the area taken in the most unfavorable location relative to the indications being evaluated.

14.4 ASME B-31.3 (Process Piping) Acceptance Criteria 14.4.1 A linear indication is a closed surface area marking or denoting a discontinuity requiring evaluation, whose longest dimension is at least three times the width of the indication. 14.4.2 A rounded indication is a closed surface area marking or denoting a discontinuity requiring evaluation, whose longest dimension is less than three times the width of the indication. 14.4.3 Castings - Judge acceptability in accordance with MSS SP-53, using reference photos in ASTM E 125. 14.4.4 Welds Cracks are not acceptable.

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RECORDS 15.1 The record of the magnetic particle examination is to be reported on a Magnetic Particle Examination Report. The information reported is to include, but is not limited to the following: material type and thickness, names and types of particles used, equipment, lighting, current, magnetizing field(s), procedure identification and revision, code reference, date and time of examination, name qualification level of examiners, and examination results.

15.2

All rejectable indications shall be recorded. As a minimum, the type (linear or rounded), location and extent (length or diameter or aligned) of indications shall be documented.

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Figure 1 Magnetizing Field Adequacy

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