🧲 Service · Proof Load Testing & NDT
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI / MT) in Saudi Arabia
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.
Scope of Work
- ✓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
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
- ✓Re-test record after grinding or weld repair
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI / MT) by City
Mobilised to your site anywhere in the Kingdom.
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FAQs
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.
Is MPI better than dye penetrant on welds?＋
On ferromagnetic welds MPI is generally faster and also shows near-surface flaws that penetrant cannot, so it is often preferred. Where the weld is non-magnetic or the field cannot be applied because of access, dye penetrant is the alternative.
Do you offer MT inspection in Dammam, and what do you need on site?＋
Yes, we are based in Dammam and mobilise across the Eastern Province and beyond. For visible-particle work we need clean access to the part and a power point for the yoke; for fluorescent work we also need a darkened area or a shaded tent, because UV-A indications cannot be read in bright Saudi sunlight.