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EES

📍 Yanbu, Madinah Province

Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI / MT) in Yanbu

Magnetic particle testing reveals surface and slightly subsurface cracks in ferromagnetic steel by magnetising the part and applying fine iron particles that gather where the field leaks. It is the usual first choice for crane hooks, shackles, pins, lifting lugs and carbon-steel welds, and it gives a clear result at the part once the surface is prepared. Yanbu Industrial City is a major petrochemical and refining centre on the Red Sea.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) in Yanbu: local context

Plant turnarounds in Yanbu often bring in newly fabricated or repaired lifting beams, pad eyes and spreaders, and each must be proof load tested before first use. Coastal humidity and salt can cause pitting on pins, hooks and welds, and cracks can start from pits, which is where NDT earns its place. EES brings test weights or water bags, load cells and NDT equipment to site, scheduled around Yanbu Industrial City operations, and documents every result.

What we deliver in Yanbu

  • ✓Detection of surface and slightly subsurface cracks, laps and seams in ferromagnetic carbon and low-alloy steel
  • ✓Hooks (throat and shank), shackles, eye bolts, pins, swivels and lifting lugs on cranes and rigging
  • ✓Welds and heat-affected zones on crane booms, jibs, spreader and lifting beams, pad-eyes and structural steelwork
  • ✓Technique chosen to suit the item: electromagnetic yoke with visible particles on white contrast paint, fluorescent particles under UV-A light in a darkened area, or dry powder on rough or hot surfaces
  • ✓Field applied in at least two directions at roughly right angles so cracks of any orientation are shown, with yoke lifting power and light levels checked at the start of each job
  • ✓Surface preparation, demagnetisation where required, and re-test after cracks are ground out or repaired
  • ✓A clear statement of limits: MPI cannot test non-magnetic materials such as austenitic stainless steel, aluminium or copper alloys (use DPI) and does not find deep internal flaws (use UT)

Standards

  • ✓ASME BPVC Section V (magnetic particle examination)
  • ✓ISO 9934 (magnetic particle testing) and ISO 17638 (magnetic particle testing of welds)
  • ✓ASTM E709 (guide for magnetic particle testing)
  • ✓ASME B30.10 (hooks) and client procedures for the items examined

Documentation

  • ✓MT report stating technique, magnetising method, particles and lighting readings
  • ✓Indication record with location, length and orientation, with photographs
  • ✓Accept or reject result against the specified criteria
  • ✓Re-test record after grinding or weld repair

Read the full Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) service overview →

FAQs

Do you provide Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) in Yanbu?+

Yes. EES provides Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) at client sites in Yanbu, including Yanbu Industrial City and Yanbu Commercial Port. Contact us with your requirement and we will confirm scope and scheduling.

Which standards and documents apply to Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) in Yanbu?+

Work in Yanbu is aligned with the following standards and references: ASME BPVC Section V (magnetic particle examination); ISO 9934 (magnetic particle testing) and ISO 17638 (magnetic particle testing of welds); ASTM E709 (guide for magnetic particle testing); ASME B30.10 (hooks) and client procedures for the items examined. On completion you receive: MT report stating technique, magnetising method, particles and lighting readings; Indication record with location, length and orientation, with photographs; Accept or reject result against the specified criteria.

Can magnetic particle testing be used on stainless steel or aluminium?+

Not on austenitic stainless steel (such as 304 and 316), aluminium or copper alloys, because they cannot be magnetised in the way the method needs. For those materials we use dye penetrant testing, which finds surface-breaking defects on any non-porous surface.

Does paint or coating have to be removed before MPI?+

A thin, well-bonded coating can sometimes be tolerated when the procedure allows it and the field is verified, but heavy paint, scale, rust, oil and grease must be removed. We agree the surface preparation with you before the day so the test is not delayed on site.

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