Magnetic testing: the effective approach to materials testing

What is magnetic testing?
Magnetic testing is a form of material testing that utilizes the magnetic properties and their differences to figure out the faults and defects in the material. In heavy industries where work cannot be stopped even for a short period; experts have to figure out various non-destructive methods of finding out defects and faults. This is important because it is not possible or feasible to bring the work to a grinding halt while the experts dismantle equipments, pipelines, etc. and try to analyze faults in them. Then again, it is of paramount importance that such faults and defects are identified, located and rectified at the earliest otherwise the losses will keep compounding and may at times result in severe devastation (for instance, in nuclear plants and oil pipelines). Magnetic testing is an appropriate technique, as magnetic fields are often non-interfering and does not cause any major disruption in the processes.

Finding magnetic testing experts
Maintaining a fleet of experts for material testing can prove to be quite a costly exercise. Even big industries may find it taxing. Then again updating technology and equipments every now and then can also be resource-intensive. Fortunately, there are service providers that offer their expertise, equipments, knowledge and experience in lieu of consultation fees.
Things to be kept in mind while choosing service providers for material testing
It will be better to approach service providers who have experience in catering to the testing needs of various industries so that they can utilize their core competency. Make sure that they use standardized procedure, calibrated instruments and certified and professional technicians.

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Understanding Materials Testing and Magnetic Testing

Materials testing has assumed a lot of significance with the advent of new and better technologies in recent years. Earlier manufacturer used to suffer a lot of losses due to non availability of material testing techniques. Often this loss resulted in sufferings for the mankind. However, now with rapid advancements in technology the materials testing techniques are available freely. This testing is used to detect any microscopic and hidden defects or faults which are often inherent in a material and causes the whole process to fail. Some of the popular techniques of material testing are magnetic testing, metallography, liquid penetrent test, heat resistance test, Charpy Impact Testing, Visual testing, Bend Testing, Tensile Testing, Radiographic testing, Hardness Testing, Positive material identification, Salt Spray Testing, magnetic particle testing and ultrasonic testing etc.

Magnetic testing is a technique of material testing used to detect sub-surface defects in a material. Magnetic testing methods are frequently used to detect corrosion and pitting in steel structures. As this method requires no direct contact with the material to be tested therefore, these methods are much preferred. The material to be tested has to be magnetized and then those areas are detected which do not show flux lines indicating corrosion. Another magnetic test method is the In-line Inspection Tool or ILI which causes the magnetic probe to travel inside a pipeline. The ILI detects corrosion and pitting making use of the magnetic field. Alternating Current Field Measurement or the ACFM can be used on ferrous as well as non-ferrous materials.

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Effectiveness of Ultrasonic testing and rope access

Industrial units have to deploy a variety of techniques to inspect and counter corrosion and other flaws that might crop up in components of strategic importance. This is done with the purpose of maintenance and for averting accidents. Ultrasonic testing and rope access are two such methods that enhance the efficiency of inspection mechanism.

Ultrasonic testing

This technique utilizes ultrasonic pulses with short frequencies to chart out the internal flaws and characteristics of the material. The pulses can determine the thickness of the object and such a pattern can be used to figure out the corrosion in inside surfaces of the pipelines. The ultrasonic testing is characterized by its high sensitivity and high penetrating power which can expose minor flaws as well as those that are seated deep inside. It is one of the most accurate of all nondestructive methods of testing and can determine the dimensions of flaw very closely. The best part is that this method is completely non-polluting and does not affect personnel or environment in any way.

There are, however, few off-sides. The surface has to be regular and even otherwise it becomes quite difficult to administer the test. It requires heavy technical preparation and paint, scale, etc. on the surface needs to be removed.

Rope Access

There are places, requiring inspection, that are not accessible from bottom but from the top, for instance the top of a chimney or the building. In such cases, rope access comes in handy. The allow workers to reach such places using scaffolding, cradles and work platforms. The rope access finds great application in oil platforms, telecommunication towers, etc.

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