Magnetic Particle NDT is a process included in the range of nondestructive testing services that Encorus offers. This method is commonly used to test ferrous metal objects for “surface or near surface” defects due to the relatively quick and straight forward application process. Magnetic Particle NDT is performed by using one or more magnetic fields to locate discontinuities in or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. The magnetic fields used for testing can be applied by either permanent magnets or electromagnets, and are usually used in conjunction with very fine colored ferromagnetic particles, which are visibly drawn into discontinuities by the magnetic forces acting upon them.
If a piece of equipment is suspected to contain a flaw, the first step in Magnetic Particle NDT is to magnetize the material. The magnetic field will flow through any unflawed materials with two poles, north and south, at the beginning and end of the material. If there is a flaw, the magnetic field will be interrupted at the source of the break, and the poles will reverse. This reversal creates a magnetized leakage. Once the material is fully magnetized, metal particles are applied to the surface of the equipment. The magnetized leakage field that the flaw creates will attract the metal particles and cause them to gather in that particular area. This process enables the inspector to determine where the flaw is located based on the visible collection of metal particles.
Over the past few months, Encorus Group technicians visited local ski resorts to preform on-site non-destructive testing on ski lift components. Magnetic Particle NDT was a key component and is integral to maintaining the quality of equipment, as well as ensuring the safety of the equipment operators by detecting potential equipment failure so that it can be quickly repaired. The ski resorts Encorus worked on include Kissing Bridge, Peek-n-Peak, Holiday Valley, Holimont, and Cockaigne. If you require NDE services, contact Encorus’s Director of NDE, Jim Handzlik, at 716.592.3980 ext. 148 or jhandzlik@encorus.com.
