GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION
1. GENERAL REMARKS
1.1 PURPOSE
This document describes general provisions to be applied when Inspectors are commissioned to
witness non-destructive magnetic-particle testing of equipment, components, appliances, metal
structures and welds, pad eyes, and to report their satisfactory completion.
1.2 SCOPE OF APPLICATION
The provisions described below apply to any request for Non-destructive magnetic-particle tests.
This Cover inspection of slip and upset external surfaces of used steel drill pipe for transverse and
three-dimensional flaw using the wet fluorescent magnetic particle technique with an active DC field.
This Covers examination of ferromagnetic connections for transverse surface flaws using the wet
fluorescent magnetic particle (Block light) technique.
This covers inspection of slip and upset external surface of used steel drill pipe for transverse and
three-dimensional flaws, using wet visible contrast technique with an active AC field or an active DC
field.
1.3 REFERENCES
1.3.1 Standard Specification
ASNT SNT TC-1A - Guidelines for Personnel Qualification & Certification.
• ASTM E165 - Standard practice for liquid penetrant Examination
1.3.2 Client Procedures:
Client Specifications.
Definitions
NDT: non-destructive test(s).
Definitions used in reference documents apply in this procedure.
Equipment: appliances, components, apparatuses, metal structures and welds undergoing non-
destructive tests, as covered by this procedure.
NDT agent: member of personnel carrying out a non-destructive test.
Inspector: generic term applied to qualified technicians responsible, among other duties, for witnessing
NDT operations.
Inspection Report: Upon satisfactory completion of the Inspection, the Inspection Report shall be issued
with detailed references. .
2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSPECTION
Inspection is to be carried out with reference to the conditions described below, in accordance with the
applicable standards.
2.1 ASSESSMENT / REVIEW OF RELEVANT TESTING PROCEDURE
Review the applicable procedure as per the requirement.
2.2 ASSESSMENTS/REVIEW PRIOR TO TESTING
With regard to testing instruments, specifically calibration devices, the inspector checks the state of
maintenance and metrological monitoring of each instrument and accompanying equipment.
2.3 TRACEABILITY
Spot or area tested should be identified and marked by marker or as per client requirements.
2.4 ASSESSMENT OF CONDITIONS
For the non-destructive magnetic-particle testing operation, the inspector
Checks and records:
Type and references of developer used.
Type and technical characteristics of generator.
Magnetization mode (passage of current and fields).
Type of lighting used and its technical characteristics.
Checks proper preparation of the surface for examination.
Sees to it that the NDT agent:
Records the zones undergoing testing,
Indicates the limits of any zone which cannot be examined.
2.5 ADHERENCE OF TESTING RULES
The inspector shall check the technician complies with applicable testing procedure / Standards /
specifications.
2.6 VERIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT
AC/DC Yokes or Permanent Yokes shall be used which can maintain magnetization. The yoke
shall be equipped with articulated links which provide ample pole spacing and which are
adaptable to curved surfaces. The maximum pole spacing must be able to meet the sensitivity
requirements of applicable standard.
The Yoke shall be calibrated once per year in general, when in use, and after each repair.
Adequate magnetization ability for the Yoke shall be verified by lifting a 4.5 kg (10 Ibs) minimum
plate. Calibrations shall be recorded and maintained for reference.
Permanent Yoke shall be verified by lifting 18.1 kg (40 Ibs) plate at maximum poles spacing.
Permanent magnet shall be used when the power supply is not available or working area does
not permit hot work. Type of permanent magnet to be used shall be subjected to the approval.
2.7 TEMPERATURE RESTRICTION
The temperature of the part surface and of the suspension shall not exceed 57 0 C (1350 F). For the
case that surface temperature reaches values higher than 57 0 C (1350 F), a sensitivity test as per
applicable standard must be performed to provide adequacy. If acceptable, inspection can be
performed up to the established acceptable temperature. However, in no case surface temperature
shall be outside the temperature limitation range set by the manufacturer.
2.8 ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum light intensity shall be 100 fc (1000 lx). Where necessary, ambient conditions shall be
illuminated by artificial light source to ensure no loss of sensitivity during examination.
2.9 REPORTING
The test report sheet shall generally contain, as a minimum, the following information:
Client.
Client Reference No.
Part Identification.
Date of Test.
Report No.
Procedure No, and Revision.
Equipment used.
Material type.
Surface condition.
Operator name and Signature.
2.10 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The element shall meet the requirement of applicable Standards / Specification to determine
acceptance. If any disposition required, Client’s acceptance deemed to be final approval.
2.11 REPORT REVIEW
The report shall be reviewed with respect to the applicable Standard / Specification.
2.12 RETEST
Retest of all repaired areas shall be carried
3. SAFETY
The Client is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment to the inspector(s), wherever the inspection
takes place. Prior to inspection, inspectors’ responsibility to fulfil the 2 minutes for own safety and ensures work
location safe for inspection.
