Magnetic Particle Testing performed by North Country NDT is a cost-efficient process of non-destructive testing using water-based ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic is defined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME ) as “a term applied to materials that can be magnetized or strongly attracted by a magnetic field.” Magnetic Particle Testing primarily checks for surface defects and discontinuities.  It can also reveal defects and discontinuities slightly below the surface, as well.

Examples of ASME Code-Required Inspections

The ASME codes of construction often recommend magnetic particle examination, or dye penetrant examination, to detect the possibility of surface defects. If the base material is non-magnetic, the only choice offered by the ASME is dye penetrant examination. However, if material is ferromagnetic, then magnetic particle testing can be used. Some examples of typical ASME Code-required inspections include, but are not limited to:

• Castings for surface defects
• Plates for laminations in corner joints when the edge of one plate is exposed and not fused into the weld joint
• Head spin hole plug welds
• Weld metal build-up on plates
• Areas where defects have been removed before weld repair
• Internal and external surfaces of boiler and pressure vessels
• Vessels in liquid ammonia service
• Components subjected to fire damage
• Locomotive and historical boilers
• Yankee dryers
• Cargo tanks
• Vessels in LP gas service
• Weld repairs and alterations to pressure-retaining items