Hosted By: American Petroleum Institute
Dates: November 18, 2019 - November 21, 2019
Exhibitions & Trade Shows
Standards & Committee Meetings
Explore this topic
Overview of Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT), also referred to as Magnetic Particle Inspection, is a nondestructive examination (NDE) technique used to detect surface and slightly subsurface flaws in most ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, and some of their alloys. Because it does not necessitate the degree of surface preparation required by other nondestructive test methods, conducting MPT is relatively fast and easy. This has made it one of the more commonly utilized NDE techniques.
MPT is a fairly simple process with two variations: Wet Magnetic Particle Testing (WMPT) and Dry Magnetic Particle Testing (DMPT). In either one, the process begins by running a magnetic current through the component. Any cracks or defects in the material will interrupt the flow of current and will cause magnetism to spread out from them. This will create a “flux leakage field” at the site of the damage.
The second step involves spreading metal particles over the component. If there are any flaws on or near the surface, the flux leakage field will draw the particles to the damage site. This provides a visible indication of the approximate size and shape of the flaw.
There are several benefits of MPT compared to other NDE methods. It is highly portable, generally inexpensive, and does not need a stringent pre-cleaning operation. MPT is also one of the best options for detecting fine, shallow surface cracks. It is fast, easy, and will work through thin coatings. Finally, there are few limitations regarding the size/shape of test specimens.
Despite its strengths, the method is not without its limits. The material must be ferromagnetic. Likewise, the orientation and strength of the magnetic field is critical. The method only detects surface and near-to-surface defects. Those further down require alternative methods. Large currents are sometimes required to perform this method, thus “burning” of test parts is sometimes possible. In addition, once MPT has been completed, the component must be demagnetized, which can sometimes be difficult.
Is this definition incomplete? You can help by contributing to it.
Share this Topic
Related Topics
Acoustic Emission Testing (AET) Advanced Ultrasonic Backscatter Technique (AUBT) Eddy Current Array (ECA) Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT) Guided Wave Ultrasonics (GWUT) Infrared Inspection Liquid Penetrant Examination (LPE) Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Meandering Winding Magnetometer Array (MWMA) Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) Radiography Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Articles about Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
-
BlogSeptember 13, 2018 By Berg Engineering
Nondestructive testing (NDT) careers are on the rise in today’s economy. These fields are constantly advancing, and there is an ever-growing need for technicians, quality assurance specialists and inspectors as infrastructure in the United States continues to age.
-
September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Kimberley Hayes at Olympus
Detecting, quantifying, and sizing indications characterized as a “crack” in critical equipment have long been the global benchmark of asset integrity programs. Therefore, the increased precision that inspection programs obtain using advanced technologies can dynamically improve the overall assessment.
-
BlogJune 1, 2015 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) makes up the majority of testing performed in our industry. There many different types of nondestructive testing techniques. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages; each can detect different types of flaws. Some are simple to perform, others are difficult. Some are used on several different types of equipment, others are more restricted.
-
Abnormal Cracks Led to Premature Decommissioning of Boiler Feed Water Exchanger – What Happened and Why?
-
January/February 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Marc McConnell, P.E. at Pro-Surve Technical Services, Josh Yoakam at Holly Refining and Marketing - Tulsa, LLC, and Frank Dean at Ion Science, Ltd.
This is the second of two articles published in Inspectioneering Journal discussing the value of hydrogen bake-outs. Our first article was published in the May/June 2013 issue and received a great response from the Inspectioneering community. In this piece, we will continue the discussion and touch on some new technologies used to enhance the bake-out process.
-
May/June 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Jason Butz at SAIT Polytechnic
Over the past 100 years, Nondestructive testing has made tremendous advances. New NDT methods have been introduced, while old "tried and true" methods continue to be improved. Although some NDT methods have drastically changed or "evolved" over time, the principle behind each method has remained the same; "To ensure the safety and integrity of manufactured items or goods."
-
September/October 2004 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Exactly two years ago, an interview with John Nyholt appeared in the “IJ”. New ground will be covered in this interchange. We at the IJ thought it might be valuable to spend some time chatting about his background, challenges he has faced recently and what he feels are some of the biggest challenges ahead for the Inspectioneering community.
-
July/August 1995 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dr. John Bowker at Metals Technology Laboratories, CANMET, and Russell Orr at Metals Technologies Laboratories, CANMET
Petrochemical and energy utility industries require a methodology which will allow them and the governing regulatory authorities to make technical and financially sound decisions for the repair or replacement of pressure vessels which suffer damage during service.
Companies
Videos related to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
White Papers related to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
Downloads & Resources related to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
-
Asset Intelligence Report
This Asset Intelligence Report on Conventional NDE provides an introduction to Conventional NDE and its applications across industries and equipment lifecycles.
Events related to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
-
November 18 - 21 2019Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Hosted By: American Petroleum Institute
Dates: November 18, 2019 - November 21, 2019
-
August 13 - 14 2019Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Hosted By: Asset Optimization Consultants
Dates: August 13, 2019 - August 14, 2019
Training Courses -
June 25 - 27 2019Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Hosted By: Stress Engineering Services
Dates: June 25, 2019 - June 27, 2019
Seminars & Workshops
News related to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
Inspectioneering Journal
Explore over 20 years of articles written by our team of subject matter experts.
Company Directory
Find relevant products, services, and technologies.
Job Postings
Discover job opportunities that match your skillset.
Case Studies
Learn from the experience of others in the industry.
Event Calendar
Find upcoming conferences, training sessions, online events, and more.
Industry News
Stay up-to-date with the latest inspection and asset integrity management news.
Blog
Read short articles and insights authored by industry experts.
Acronyms
Commonly used asset integrity management and inspection acronyms.
Asset Intelligence Reports
Download brief primers on various asset integrity management topics.
Videos
Watch educational and informative videos directly related to your profession.