Technology has come such a long way, and there are now more testing types and technologies than ever before. Magnetic particle testing is one such technology that has made the pipeline inspection easier than ever before. It is helpful to know what this type of testing is and what it might be used for in order to better understand it and its potential applications.
What Is Magnetic Particle Testing?
Magnetic particle testing is a process by which a magnetic field is used to detect surface and shallow differences in magnetic materials like pipes. The process uses a magnetic field to show differences like corrosion, cracking, and other issues that might be present with the magnetic material beneath the surface that is being tested. It uses an electric current to create the magnetization that then detects the differences.
This process is often used to detect things like corrosion or cracking in pipes and other magnetic materials that are buried or that are beneath the surface. This type of testing allows issues and differences to be detected, but it does not require that the pipe or other material be dug up to check unless there is an issue detected. This type of testing can be used with any sort of magnetic material that might show inconsistencies if damaged or if something is amiss.
Is Magnetic Particle Testing Destructive?
This is a non-destructive testing method that allows those running the test to determine if there is damage or an issue present without having to dig anything up or remove anything in the process. It does not disturb the magnetic material beneath the surface, it simply detects the inconsistency so that the issue can then be better researched and inspected to see what the issue is and what needs to be done to help repair or fix it.
This process is simple and effective, and it can help those running the test to see that there is something that is not consistent or something that is off with the testing area. This then allows further testing to be done to determine what the issue is, to determine what the appropriate next steps are, and to determine what should be done. This type of testing is often used to check pipes that are buried in concrete or that are beneath the earth and that should be left undisturbed if there is no real issue to be resolved.