Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.

V)

(ARTICLE 7)
 The magnetic particle examination method is applied to detect cracks and other discontinuities on the surfaces
of ferromagnetic materials.
 The sensitivity is greatest for surface discontinuities and diminishes rapidly with increasing depth of
discontinuities below the surface.
 Typical types of discontinuities that can be detected by this method are cracks, laps, seams, cold shuts, and
laminations.
 In principle, this method involves magnetizing an area to be examined, and applying ferromagnetic particles
(the examination’s medium) to the surface.
 Particle patterns form on the surface where the magnetic field is forced out of the part and over discontinuities
to cause a leakage field that attracts the particles.
 Particle patterns are usually characteristic of the type of discontinuity that is detected.
 Whichever technique is used to produce the magnetic flux in the part, maximum sensitivity will be to linear
discontinuities oriented perpendicular to the lines of flux.
 For optimum effectiveness in detecting all types of discontinuities, each area is to be examined at least twice,
with the lines of flux during one examination being approximately perpendicular to the lines of flux during the
other.
T-721 WRITTEN PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
 Magnetic particle examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, which shall, as a
minimum, contain the requirements listed in Table T-721. The written procedure shall establish a single value,
or range of values, for each requirement.
 When procedure qualification is specified by the referencing Code Section, a change of a requirement in Table
T-721 identified as an essential variable shall require requalification of the written procedure by
demonstration.
 A change of a requirement identified as a nonessential variable does not require requalification of the written
procedure.
 All changes of essential or nonessential variables from those specified within the written procedure shall
require revision of, or an addendum to, the written procedure.
T-730 EQUIPMENT
A suitable and appropriate means for producing the necessary magnetic flux in the part shall be employed, using
one or more of the techniques listed in and described in T-750.
T-731 EXAMINATION MEDIUM
The finely divided ferromagnetic particles used for the examination shall meet the following requirements.
(a) Particle Types. The particles shall be treated to impart color (fluorescent pigments, non fluorescent
pigments ,or both) in order to make them highly visible(contrasting) against the background of the surface being
examined.
(b) Particles. Dry and wet particles and suspension vehicles shall be in accordance with the applicable
specifications listed in SE-709, para. 2.2.
(c) Temperature Limitations. Particles shall be used within the temperature range limitations set by the
manufacturer of the particles. Alternatively, particles may be used outside the particle manufacturer’s
recommendations providing the procedure is qualified in accordance with Article 1, T-150 at the proposed
temperature.
T-741 SURFACE CONDITIONING
T-741.1 Preparation.
 Satisfactory results are usually obtained when the surfaces are in the as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as forged
conditions.
 However, surface preparation by grinding or machining may be necessary where surface irregularities could
mask indications due to discontinuities.
 Prior to magnetic particle examination, the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas within at least1 in.
(25 mm) shall be dry and free of all dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding flux and spatter, oil, or other extraneous
matter that could interfere with the examination.
 Cleaning may be accomplished using detergents, organic solvents, descaling solutions, paint removers, vapor
degreasing, sand or grit blasting, or ultrasonic cleaning methods.
 If nonmagnetic coatings are left on the part in the area being examined, it shall be demonstrated that
indications can be detected through the existing maximum coating thickness applied.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 When AC yoke technique is used, the demonstration shall be in accordance with MandatoryAppendix I of this
Article.
T-741.2 Nonmagnetic Surface Contrast Enhancement.
 Nonmagnetic surface contrasts may be applied by the examiner to uncoated surfaces, only in amounts
sufficient to enhance particle contrast.
 When nonmagnetic surface contrast enhancement is used, it shall be demonstrated that indications can be
detected through the enhancement.
 Thickness measurement of this nonmagnetic surface contrast enhancement is not required.
 NOTE: Refer to T-150(a) for guidance for the demonstration required in T-741.1(d) and T-741.2.
T-751 TECHNIQUES
 One or more of the following five magnetization techniques shall be used:
(a) prod technique
(b) longitudinal magnetization technique
(c) circular magnetization technique
(d) yoke technique
(e) multidirectional magnetization technique
T-752 PROD TECHNIQUE
T-752.1 Magnetizing Procedure.
 For the prod technique, magnetization is accomplished by portable prod type electrical contacts pressed
against the surface in the area to be examined.
 To avoid arcing, a remote control switch, which may be built into the prod handles, shall be provided to permit
the current to be applied after the prods have been properly positioned.
T-752.2 Magnetizing Current.
 Direct or rectified magnetizing current shall be used.
 The current shall be1 0 0 ( m i n i mu m ) a m p / i n . ( 4 amp/mm) t o125 (maximum) amp/in. (5 amp/mm) of
prod spacing for sections 3/4 in. (19 mm) thick or greater. For sections less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) thick, the
current shall be90 amp/in. ( 3 . 6amp/mm) t o 110 a mp/in.(4.4 amp/mm) of prod spacing.
T-752.3 Prod Spacing.
 Prod spacing shall not exceed8 in. (200 mm). Shorter spacing may be used to accommodate the geometric
limitations of the area being examined or to increase the sensitivity, but prod spacing’s of less than 3 in. (75
mm) are usually not practical due to banding of the particles around the prods.
 The prod tips shall be kept clean and dressed.
 If the open circuit voltage of the magnetizing current source is greater than 25 V, lead, steel, or aluminum
(rather than copper) tipped prods are recommended to avoid copper deposits on the part being examined.
T-753 LONGITUDINAL MAGNETIZATION TECHNIQUE
T-753.1 Magnetizing Procedure.
 For this technique, magnetization is accomplished by passing current through a multi-turn fixed coil (or cables)
that is wrapped around the part or section of the part to be examined.
 This produces a longitudinal magnetic field parallel to the axis of the coil. If a fixed, pre wound coil is used, the
part shall be placed near the side of the coil during inspection.
 This is of special importance when the coil opening is more than10 times the cross-sectional area of the part.
T-753.2 Magnetic Field Strength.
 Direct or rectified current shall be used to magnetize parts examined by this technique.
 The required field strength shall be calculated based on the length L and the diameter D of the part in
accordance with (a) and (b), or as established in (d)and (e), below.
 Long parts shall be examined in sections not to exceed 18 in. (450 mm), and 18 in. (450 mm) shall be used for
the part L in calculating the required field strength.
 For non cylindrical parts, D shall be the maximum cross-sectional diagonal.
(a) Parts With L/D Ratios Equal to or Greater Than 4.
 The magnetizing current shall be within 10% of the ampere-turns’ value determined as follows:

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 For example, a part 10 in. (250 mm) long × 2 in.(50 mm) diameter has an L/D ratio of 5. Therefore,

(b) Parts With L/D Ratios Less Than 4 but Not Less Than2. The magnetizing ampere-turns shall be within 10% of the
ampere-turns value determined as follows:

(b) Parts With L/D Ratios Less Than 2. Coil magnetization technique cannot be used.(d) If the area to be magnetized
extends beyond 9 in.(225 mm) on either side of the coil’s center, field adequacy shall be demonstrated using a
magnetic field indicator or artificial flaw shims per T-764.
(e) For large parts due to size and shape, the magnetizing current shall be 1200 ampere-turns to 4500 ampere-
turns. The field adequacy shall be demonstrated
using artificial flaw shims or a pie-shaped magnetic field indicator in accordance with T-764. A Hall-Effect probe
gauss meter shall not be used with encircling coil magnetization techniques.
T-753.3 Magnetizing Current.
The current required to obtain the necessary magnetizing field strength shall be determined by dividing the
ampere-turns obtained insteps T-753.2(a) or T-753.2(b) by the number of turns in the coil as follows:

For example, if a 5-turn coil is used and the ampere turns required are 5000, use

T-754 CIRCULAR MAGNETIZATION TECHNIQUE

T-754.1 Direct Contact Technique.
(a) Magnetizing Procedure.
 For this technique, magnetization is accomplished by passing current through the part to be examined.
 This produces a circular magnetic field that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of current flow in
the part.
(b) Magnetizing Current.
 Direct or rectified (half-wave rectified or full-wave rectified) magnetizing current shall be used.
(1) The current shall be 300 amp/in. (12 A/mm) to800 amp/in. (31 A/mm) of outer diameter.
(2) For parts with geometric shapes other than round, the greatest cross-sectional diagonal in a plane at right
angles to the current flow shall be used in lieu of the outer diameter in (1) above.
(3) If the current levels required for (1) cannot be obtained, the maximum current obtainable shall be used and the
field adequacy shall be demonstrated in accordance with T-764.
T-754.2 Central Conductor Technique.
(a) Magnetizing Procedure.
 For this technique, a central conductor is used to examine the internal surfaces of cylindrically or ring-shaped
parts.
 The central conductor technique may also be used for examining the outside surfaces of these shapes.
 Where large diameter cylinders are to be examined, the conductor shall be positioned close to the internal
surface of the cylinder.
 When the conductor is not centered, the circumference of the cylinder shall be examined in increments.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 Field strength measurements in accordance with T-764 shall be used, to determine the extent of the arc that
may be examined for each conductor position or the rules in (c) below may be followed.
 Bars or cables, passed through the bore of a cylinder, maybe used to induce circular magnetization.
(b) Magnetizing Current.
 The field strength required shall be equal to that determined in T-754.1(b) for a single-turn central conductor.
 The magnetic field will increase in proportion to the number of times the central conductor cable passes
through a hollow part.
 For example, if 6000 A are required to examine a part using a single pass central conductor, then 3000 A are
required when 2passes of the through-cable are used, and 1200 A are required if 5 passes are used (see Figure
T-754.2.1).
 When the central conductor technique is used, magnetic field adequacy shall be verified using a magnetic
particle field indicator in accordance with T-764.
(c) Offset Central Conductor.
 When the conductor passing through the inside of the part is placed against an inside wall of the part, the
current levels, as given inT-754.1(b)(1) shall apply, except that the diameter used for current calculations shall
be the sum of the diameter of the central conductor and twice the wall thickness.
 The distance along the part circumference (exterior) that is effectively magnetized shall be taken as four times
the diameter of the central conductor, as illustrated in FigureT-754.2.2.
 The entire circumference shall be inspected by rotating the part on the conductor, allowing for approximately
10% magnetic field overlap.
T-755 YOKE TECHNIQUE
For this technique, alternating or direct current electromagnetic yokes, or permanent magnet yokes, shall be used.
T-756 MULTIDIRECTIONAL MAGNETIZATION TECHNIQUE
T-756.1 Magnetizing Procedure.
 For this technique, magnetization is accomplished by high amperage power packs operating as many as three
circuits that are energized one at a time in rapid succession.
 The effect of these rapidly alternating magnetizing currents is to produce an overall magnetization of the part
in multiple directions.
 Circular or longitudinal magnetic fields may be generated in any combination using the various techniques
described in T-753 and T-754.
T-756.2 Magnetic Field Strength.
 Only three phase, full-wave rectified current shall be used to magnetize the part.
 The initial magnetizing current requirements for each circuit shall be established using the previously
described guidelines (see T-753 and T-754).
 The adequacy of the magnetic field shall be demonstrated using artificial flaw shims or a pie-shaped magnetic
particle field indicator in accordance with T-764.
 A Hall-Effect probe gauss meter shall not be used to measure field adequacy for the multidirectional
magnetization technique.
 An adequate field shall be obtained in at least two nearly perpendicular directions, and the field intensities
shall be balanced so that a strong field in one direction does not overwhelm the field in the other direction.
 For areas where adequate field strengths cannot be demonstrated, additional magnetic particle techniques
shall be used to obtain the required two-directional coverage.
T-761 FREQUENCY OF CALIBRATION
T-761.1 Magnetizing Equipment.
(a) Frequency.
 Magnetizing equipment with an ammeter shall be calibrated at least once a year, or whenever the equipment
has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or damage.
 If equipment has not been in use for a year or more, calibration shall be done prior to first use.
(b) Procedure.
 The accuracy of the unit’s meter shall be verified annually by equipment traceable to a national standard.
 Comparative readings shall be taken for at least three different current output levels encompassing the usable
range.
(c) Tolerance.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 The unit’s meter reading shall not deviate by more than ±10% of full scale, relative to the actual current value
as shown by the test meter.
T-761.2 Light Meters.
Light meters shall be calibrated at least once a year or whenever a meter has been repaired. If meters have not
been in use for one year or more, calibration shall be done before being used.
T-762 LIFTING POWER OF YOKES
 The magnetizing power of yokes shall be verified prior to use each day the yoke is used.
 The magnetizing power of yokes shall be verified whenever the yoke has been damaged or repaired
 Each alternating current electromagnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least 10 lb (4.5 kg) at the
maximum pole spacing, with contact similar to what will be used during the examination.
 Each direct current or permanent magnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least 40 lb (18 kg) at the
maximum pole spacing, with contact similar to what will be used during the examination.
 Each weight shall be weighed with a scale from a reputable manufacturer and stenciled with the applicable
nominal weight prior to first use.
 A weight need only be verified again if damaged in a manner that could have caused potential loss of material.
T-763 GAUSSMETERS
 Hall-Effect probe gauss meters used to verify magnetizing field strength in accordance with T-754 shall be
calibrated at least once a year or whenever the equipment has been subjected to a major repair, periodic
overhaul, or damage.
 If equipment has not been in use for a year or more, calibration shall be done prior to first use.
T-764 MAGNETIC FIELD ADEQUACY AND
DIRECTION
T-764.1 Application.
 The use of magnetic field indicators, artificial shims, or Hall-Effect tangential-field probes are only permitted
when specifically referenced by the following magnetizing techniques:
(a) Longitudinal (T-753)
(b) Circular (T-754)
(c) Multidirectional (T-756)
T-764.2 Magnetic Field Adequacy.
 The applied magnetic field shall have sufficient strength to produce satisfactory indications, but shall not be so
strong that it causes masking of relevant indications by no relevant accumulations of magnetic particles.
 Factors that influence the required field strength include the size, shape, and material permeability of the part;
the technique of magnetization; coatings; the method of particle application; and the type and location of
discontinuities to be detected.
 When it is necessary to verify the adequacy of magnetic field strength, it shall be verified by using one or more
of the following three methods.
(a) Pie-Shaped Magnetic Particle Field Indicator.
 The indicator, shown in Figure T-764.2(a), shall be positioned on the surface to be examined, such that the
copperplate side is away from the inspected surface.
 A suitable field strength is indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines) of magnetic particles form(s) across
the copper face of the indicator when the magnetic particles are applied simultaneously with the magnetizing
force.
 When a clearly defined line of particles is not formed, the magnetizing technique shall be changed as needed.
Pie-type indicators are best used with dry particle procedures.
(b) Artificial Flaw Shims.
 One of the shims shown in Figure T-764.2(b)(1) or Figure T-764.2(b)(2) whose orientations such that it can
have a component perpendicular to the applied magnetic field shall be used.
 Shims with linear notches shall be oriented so that at least one notch is perpendicular to the applied magnetic
field. Shims with only circular notches may be used in any orientation.
 Shims shall be attached to the surface to be examined, such that the artificial flaw side of the shim is toward the
inspected surface.
 A suitable field strength is indicated when a clearly defined line (or lines) of magnetic particles, representing
the 30% depth flaw, appear(s) on the shim face when magnetic particles are applied simultaneously with the
magnetizing force.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 When a clearly defined line of particles is not formed, the magnetizing technique shall be changed as needed.
 Shim-type indicators are best used with wet particle procedures.
 NOTE: The circular shims shown in Figure T-764.2(b)(2) illustration also have flaw depths less and greater
than 30%.
(c) Hall-Effect Tangential-Field Probe.
 A gauss meter and Hall-Effect tangential-field probe shall be used for measuring the peak value of a tangential
field.
 The probe shall be positioned on the surface to be examined, such that the maximum field strength is
determined.
 A suitable field strength is indicated when the measured field is within the range of 30 G to 60 G (2.4 kAm− 1to
4.8 kAm−1) while the magnetizing force is being applied.
 See Article 7, Nonmandatory Appendix A.
T-764.3 Magnetic Field Direction.
 The direction(s)of magnetization shall be determined by particle indications obtained using an indicator or
shims as shown in Figure T-764.2(a), Figure T-764.2(b)(1), or FigureT-764.2(b)(2).
 When a clearly defined line of particles are not formed in the desired direction, or in at least two nearly
perpendicular directions for the multidirectional technique the magnetizing technique shall be changed as
needed.
T-765 WET PARTICLE CONCENTRATION AND
CONTAMINATION
 Wet Horizontal Units shall have the bath concentration and bath contamination determined by measuring its
settling volume.
 This is accomplished through the use of a pear-shaped centrifuge tube with a 1-mL stem(0.05-mL divisions) for
fluorescent particle suspensions or a 1.5-mL stem (0.1-mL divisions) for non fluorescent suspensions (see SE-
709, Appendix X5).
 Before sampling, the suspension should be run through the recirculating system for at least 30 min to ensure
thorough mixing of all particles which could have settled on the sump screen and along the sides or bottom of
the tank.
T-765.1 Concentration.
 Take a 100-mL portion of the suspension from the hose or nozzle, demagnetize and allow it to settle for
approximately 60 min with petroleum distillate suspensions or 30 min with water-based suspensions before
reading.
 The volume settling out at the bottom of the tube is indicative of the particle concentration in the bath.
T-765.2 Settling Volumes.
 For fluorescent particles, the required settling volume is from 0.1 mL to 0.4 mL in a100-mL bath sample and
from 1.2 mL to 2.4 mL per100 mL of vehicle for non fluorescent particles unless otherwise specified by the
particle manufacturer.
 Concentration checks shall be made at least every eight hours.
T-765.3 Contamination.
 Both fluorescent and non fluorescent suspensions shall be checked periodically for contaminants such as dirt,
scale, oil, lint, loose fluorescent pigment, water (in the case of oil suspensions), and particle agglomerates
which can adversely affect the performance of the magnetic particle examination process.
 The test for contamination shall be performed at least once per week.
(a) Carrier Contamination.
 For fluorescent baths, the liquid directly above the precipitate should be examined with fluorescent excitation
light.
 The liquid will have a little fluorescence. Its color can be compared with a freshly made-up sample using the
same materials or with an unused sample from the original bath that was retained for this purpose.
 If the “used” sample is noticeably more fluorescent than the comparison standard, the bath shall be replaced.
(b) Particle Contamination.
 The graduated portion of the tube shall be examined under fluorescent excitation light if the bath is fluorescent
and under visible light(for both fluorescent and non fluorescent particles) for striations or bands, differences in
color or appearance. Bands or striations may indicate contamination.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 If the total volume of the contaminates, including bands or striations exceeds 30% of the volume magnetic
particles, or if the liquid is noticeably fluorescent, the bath shall be replaced.
T-766 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE OF HORIZONTAL
UNITS
 The Ketos (Betz) ring specimen (see Figure T-766.1)shall be used in evaluating and comparing the overall
performance and sensitivity of both dry and wet, fluorescent and non fluorescent magnetic particle techniques
using acentral conductor magnetization technique.
(a) Ketos (Betz) Test Ring Material.
 The tool steel (Ketos)ring should be machined from AISI 01 material in accordance with Figure T-766.1. Either
the machined ring or the steel blank should be annealed at 1,650°F(900°C), cooled 50°F (28°C) per hour to
1,000°F(540°C) and then air cooled to ambient temperature to give comparable results using similar rings that
have had the same treatment.
 Material and heat treatment are important variables.
 Experience indicates controlling the softness of the ring by hardness (90 HRB to 95 HRB)alone is insufficient.
(b) Using the Test Ring.
 The test ring (see FigureT-766.1), is circularly magnetized with full-wave rectified passing through a central
conductor with a 1 in.to 11/4 in. (25 mm to 32 mm) diameter hole located in the ring center.
 The conductor should have a length greater than 16 in. (400 mm).
 The currents used shall be 1400A, 2500 A, and 3400 A. The minimum number of holes shown shall be three,
five, and six, respectively.
 The ring edge should be examined with either black light or visible light, depending on the type of particles
involved.
 This test shall be run at the three amperages if the unit will be used at these or higher amperages. The
amperage values stated shall not be exceeded in the test.
 If the test does not reveal the required number of holes, the equipment shall be taken out of service and the
cause of the loss of sensitivity determined and corrected.
 This test shall be run at least once per week.
T-771 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
 Before the magnetic particle examination is conducted, a check of the examination surface shall be conducted
to locate any surface discontinuity openings which may not attract and hold magnetic particles because of their
width.
T-772 DIRECTION OF MAGNETIZATION
 At least two separate examinations shall be performed on each area.
 During the second examination, the lines of magnetic flux shall be approximately perpendicular to those used
during the first examination.
 A different technique for magnetization may be used for the second examination.
T-773 METHOD OF EXAMINATION
 The ferromagnetic particles used in an examination medium can be either wet or dry, and may be either
fluorescent or non fluorescent.
 Examination(s) shall be done by the continuous method.
(a) Dry Particles.
 The magnetizing current shall remain on while the examination medium is being applied and while any excess
of the examination medium is removed.
(b) Wet Particles.
 The magnetizing current shall be turned on after the particles have been applied. Flow of particles shall stop
with the application of current.
 Wet particles applied from aerosol spray cans or pump sprayers may be applied before and/or during
magnetizing current application.
 Wet particles may be applied during the application of magnetizing current if they are not applied directly to
the examination area and are allowed to flow over the examination area or are applied directly to the
examination area with low velocities insufficient to remove accumulated particles.
T-774 EXAMINATION COVERAGE
 All examinations shall be conducted with sufficient field overlap to ensure 100% coverage at the required
sensitivity(T-764).

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)
T-775 RECTIFIED CURRENT
 Whenever direct current is required rectified current may be used.
 The rectified current for magnetization shall be either three-phase (full-wave rectified) current, or single phase
(half-wave rectified) current.
 The amperage required with three-phase, full-wave rectified current shall be verified by measuring the average
current.
 The amperage required with single-phase (half wave rectified) current shall be verified by measuring the
average current output during the conducting half cycle only.
 When measuring half-wave rectified current with a direct current test meter, readings shall be multiplied by
two.
T-776 EXCESS PARTICLE REMOVAL
 Accumulations of excess dry particles in examinations shall be removed with a light air stream from a bulb or
syringe or other source of low pressure dry air.
 The examination current or power shall be maintained while removing the excess particles.
T-777 INTERPRETATION
 The interpretation shall identify if an indication as false, non relevant, or relevant.
 False and non relevant indications shall be proven as false or non relevant.
 Interpretation shall be carried out to identify the locations of indications and the character of the indication.
T-777.1 Visible (Color Contrast) Magnetic Particles.
 Surface discontinuities are indicated by accumulations of magnetic particles which should contrast with the
examination surface.
 The color of the magnetic particles shall be different than the color of the examination surface.
 Illumination(natural or supplemental white light) of the examination surface is required for the evaluation of
indications.
 The minimum light intensity shall be 100 fc(1 076 lx).
 The light intensity, natural or supplemental white light source, shall be measured with a white light meter prior
to the evaluation of indications or a verified light source shall be used.
 Verification of light sources is required to be demonstrated only one time, documented, and maintained on file.
T-777.2 Fluorescent Magnetic Particles.
 With fluorescent magnetic particles, the process is essentially the same as in T-777.1, with the exception that
the examination is performed using an ultraviolet light, called UV-Alight.
 The examination shall be performed as follows:
(a) It shall be performed in a darkened area with a maximum ambient white light level of 2 fc (21.5 lx) measured
with a calibrated white light meter at the examination surface.
(b) Examiners shall be in a darkened area for at least5 min prior to performing examinations to enable their eyes to
adapt to dark viewing. Glasses or lenses worn by examiners shall not be photosensitive.
(c) The examination area shall be illuminated with UV-A lights that operate in the range between 320 nm and 400
nm.
(d) UV-A l ights s h a l l achieve a minimum of1000 μW/cm2 on the surface of the part being examined throughout
the examination.
(e) Reflectors, filters, glasses, and lenses should be checked and, if necessary, cleaned prior to use. Cracked or
broken reflectors, filters, glasses, or lenses shall be replaced immediately.
(f) The UV-A light intensity shall be measured with a UV-A light meter prior to use, whenever the light’s power
source is interrupted or changed, and at the completion of the examination or series of examinations.
(g) Mercury vapor arc lamps produce UV-A wavelengths mainly at a peak wavelength of 365 nm for inducing
fluorescence. LED UV-A sources using a single UV-ALED or an array of UV-A LEDs shall have emission
characteristics comparable to those of other UV-A sources. LEDUV-A sources shall meet the requirements of SE-
2297 andSE-3022. LED UV-A light sources shall be certified as meeting the requirements of SE-3022 and/or
ASTME3022.

T-777.3 Fluorescent Magnetic Particles With Other Fluorescent Excitation Wavelengths.

 Alternatively to the requirements in T-777.2, the examinations may be performed using alternate wavelength
light sources which cause fluorescence in specific particle coatings.
 Any alternate light wavelength light sources and specific particle designations used shall be qualified21 in
accordance with Mandatory Appendix IV.

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

 The examination shall be performed as follows:

(a) It shall be performed in a darkened area.
(b) Examiners shall be in a darkened area for at least 5 min prior to performing examinations to enable their eyes
to adapt to dark viewing. Glasses or lenses worn by examiners shall not be photochromic or exhibit any
fluorescence.
(c) If the fluorescence excitation light source emits visible light intensities greater than 2 fc (21.5 lx), the examiner
shall wear fluorescence-enhancing filter glasses
approved by the light source manufacturer for use with that light source.
(d) The fluorescence excitation light source shall achieve at least the minimum light intensity on the surface of the
part throughout the examination as qualified in the tests of Mandatory Appendix IV.
(e) Reflectors, filters, glasses, and lenses should be checked and, if necessary, cleaned prior to use. Cracked or
broken reflectors, filters, glasses, or lenses shall be replaced immediately.
(f) The fluorescence excitation light intensity shall be measured with a suitable fluorescence excitation light meter
prior to use, whenever the light’s power source is interrupted or changed, and at the completion of the
examination or series of examinations.
T-778 DEMAGNETIZATION
When residual magnetism in the part could interfere with subsequent processing or usage, the part shall be
demagnetized any time after completion of the examination.
T-779 POST-EXAMINATION CLEANING
When post-examination cleaning is required, it should be conducted as soon as practical using a process that does
not adversely affect the part.
T-780 EVALUATION
 All indications shall be evaluated in terms of the acceptance standards of the referencing Code Section.
 Discontinuities on or near the surface are indicated by retention of the examination medium.
 However, localized surface irregularities due to machining marks or other surface conditions may produce
false indications.
 Broad areas of particle accumulation, which might mask indications from discontinuities, are prohibited, and
such areas shall be cleaned and reexamined.
T-791 MULTIDIRECTIONAL MAGNETIZATION TECHNIQUE SKETCH
 A technique sketch shall be prepared for each different geometry examined, showing the part geometry, cable
arrangement and connections, magnetizing current for each circuit, and the areas of examination where
adequate field strengths are obtained.
 Parts with repetitive geometries, but different dimensions, may be examined using a single sketch provided
that the magnetic field strength is adequate when demonstrated in accordance with T-756.2.
T-792 RECORDING OF INDICATIONS
T-792.1 Non rejectable Indications. Non rejectable indications shall be recorded as specified by the referencing
Code Section.
T-792.2 Rejectable Indications. Rejectable indications shall be recorded. As a minimum, the type of
indications(linear or rounded), location and extent (length or diameter or aligned) shall be recorded.
T-793 EXAMINATION RECORDS
For each examination, the following information shall be recorded:
(a) the requirements of Article 1, T-190(a)
(b) magnetic particle equipment and type of current
(c) magnetic particles (visible or fluorescent, wet or dry)
(d) map or record of indications per T-792
(e) material and thickness
(f) lighting equipment

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

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Classification: Internal Use MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION (ASME BPVC.V)

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