Offshore and industrial operations are some of the important areas that components are required to meet standards. Failure to detect defects may cause disastrous collapse, which may result in high financial and safety consumption. This was exactly the reason why Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is essential. NDT techniques enable a thorough examination of the component without resulting in any harm. One of the most dependable methods that can be used in the detection of flaws within the surface and near surface applications is Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI). Tabitha Offshore, being a skilled MPI contractor, ensures safety and massive life of your great resources.

What is Magnetic Particle Inspection?

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a form Non-destructive testing to detect discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. It identifies any defects like cracking, seams, laps and other defects on surface or near surface. The use of MPI is very effective in testing welds, and other vital parts. The procedure plays a pivotal role in offshore, oil and gas, energy production, and maritime industries where the soundness of ferromagnetic materials is vital in secure and safe operations.

Magnetic Particle Inspection

What is the Principle of MPI?

The MPI principle consists of magnetizing the component. A discontinuity, like crack, will break a magnetic field and will result in the leakage of the magnetic flux at the defect point. Fine magnetic particles, used in form of wet suspension (visible or fluorescent) or a powder, collect at a leakage point. The traffic jam brings out the discontinuity and exposes faults that may go undetected.

What is MPI Inspection Process?

The Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) aids the inspector to pinpoint the defects correctly on the tested surface.

  • Surface pre-clean: Removes dirt, grease, rust and any type of contaminants on the test surface. Clean surfaces contribute to the proper defect detection.
  • The checkers perform magnetic saturation of the test object by treated with the magnetic field with coils, conducting center, or the yoke. The ongoing process can have the effect of increasing the sensitivity.
  • The inspectors use pre-developed magnetic particles on the magnetized surface.
  • Under-inspection with good light: Inspectors use white or UV light. They check for particle buildup at defect spots.
  • Surface preparation to do MPI and selection of suitable magnetic particle inspection techniques are very important to get reliable results.

Benefits and drawbacks of magnetic particle testing

Comprehension of the merits and shortcomings of the magnetic particle testing is critical in the choice of the suitable NDT procedure.

Advantages:

  • Speedy and economical: MPI is easier and less costly in comparison to the majority of other NDT techniques.
  • Surface crack sensitivity: Even with little, superficial defects, it is susceptible to surface cracks.
  • Inspectors get direct feedback: Signs appear in a short period of time, and they are simple to analyze.
  • May be used at field or in-house: The fact that it is portable means that it can be used in any environment.

Limitations:

  • It is specific only to ferromagnetic materials: Tests are not possible on non-magnetic materials.
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  • It should be clean, dry, and well-lit: This is the ideal setting for finding flaws.
  • The designation of MPI is a larger sensitivity in detecting tight and shallow cracks than Dye Penetrant Testing and is also able to identify extremely shallow subsurface flaws.

Which is the Reason to Select Tabitha Offshore to Perform Magnetic Particle Inspection?

Once, integrity of your precious assets is of concern, you have to consider a competent and trustworthy NDT provider to thoroughly certify it. This is why work with Tabitha Offshore during magnetic particle inspection:

  • Tabitha Offshore has got a huge experience when it comes to offshore NDT, which gives them unsurpassable knowledge of the industry peculiarities.
  • Our well trained NDT technicians are full web certified, and have all the capabilities of doing complex MPI procedures.
  • Our compliance rates are high with the international inspection criteria such as ASTM E1444 and ISO 9934 among others. Pairs of Safety, precision and quick turnarounds are our strengths and thus, we have been offering the finest NDT services in Nigeria and we have also become a trusted  partner of West African offshore inspection firms.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does MPI apply on any kind of metal?

Ans: No, MPI works on ferromagnetic materials sulphur and that includes iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys of these materials. This technique is not applicable to inspect non-ferrous metals.

Q2: Is it possible to use MPI to find cracks in the subsurface?

Ans: Surface and near-subsurface defects are best identified using MPI. Other NDT methods applied by the inspector include the ultrasonic testing that is used to identify the deeper lesions or internal breakages.

Q3: What is the duration of MPI test?

Ans: The length of MPI testing is dependent on part size, complexity and accessibility. Tests take several minutes or over an hour, based on distortion or component replacement.

Q4: By which standards is MPI testing carried out?

Ans: The most common international standards which regulate the MPI testing are: ASTM E1444/E1444M (Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing), ISO 9934 (Non-destructive testing-Magnetic particle testing).

Conclusion

Those who are in the know have not undersold the importance of MPI as the non-destructive tool and a means of ensuring safety in the offshore industry and other industries. It helps to carry out preventive maintenance and quality negative action, finding severe surface and near-surface defects in a short time.

There can be no overestimation of the worth of the experienced specialists and approved procedures in the domain of NDT. We ask you to associate with professionals who offer precision and reliability. To stabilize the integrity of your important assets in the long-term run, contact Tabitha Offshore today and get world-class MPI services.