Checking engineering products using magnetic particle testing methods
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out magnetic particle tests on ferromagnetic components, materials or structures, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to prepare the components, materials or structures for the magnetic particle testing activities to be undertaken, and to check that the equipment to be used is in a safe and usable condition. You must ensure that the ambient conditions are satisfactory for the tests to proceed, and you will then carry out the specified tests, using the correct procedures. You will be expected to mark up the components, materials or structures to show where there are indications of flaws.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the magnetic particle testing activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the equipment in use, that you cannot personally resolve, or that are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, either alone or in conjunction with others, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. You will be required to demonstrate your proficiency to carry out non-destructive testing (NDT) and this could be in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9712.
Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work, and will provide an informed approach to the inspection of components, materials or structures by using magnetic particle testing methods. You will have a basic understanding of the principles of magnetic particle testing techniques, and the role of the relevant inks/powders and ultraviolet light imaging. You will also have an understanding of the types of defect that can be detected using magnetic particle testing techniques.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the magnetic particle testing activities, and when using the associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
P2 prepare the components, materials or structures for testing
P3 follow the procedure and specification for the product or equipment being inspected
P4 use the appropriate equipment and products during the magnetic particle inspection activities
P5 identify and confirm the inspection checks to be made and acceptance criteria to be used
P6 carry out all required inspections as specified
P7 identify any defects or variations from the specification
P8 complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
P9 deal with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 how to work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
K2 the importance of wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and of keeping the work area clean and tidy
K3 how and where to obtain the required job instructions, testing specifications and quality control/inspection documentation
K4 the reasons why some components, materials or structures require to be tested using non-destructive testing methods
K5 the various types of magnetic particle detection equipment used
K6 the basic concepts of magnetic particle testing
K7 how you check that the testing equipment is within current calibration dates
K8 the different detecting mediums that are used; methods of applying them, and their removal on completion
K9 how to set up the equipment parameters for the testing activities undertaken
K10 the preparations to be carried out on the components, materials or structure test area
K11 how to carry out the testing activities and viewing conditions required
K12 the types of defect that are detectable using magnetic particle detection methods
K13 how to recognise defects in the components, materials or structures from the displayed indications, and how to identify false indication of effects, and their cause
K14 the level of defects that is acceptable in the components, materials or structures
K15 the importance of completing the magnetic particle inspection documentation
K16 what needs to be recorded, and where records are kept
K17 the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
- Carry out all of the following during the magnetic particle inspection activities:
- adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
- obtain the required magnetic particle testing equipment and materials, and check that they are in a safe and usable condition
- follow the defined testing procedures, and apply safe working practices and procedures at all times
- resolve any issues as they occur, within your level of responsibility
- leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities
- Prepare the components, materials or structures for testing, to include carrying out all of the following:
- identifying and marking the test areas
- removing any contaminants from the test area (such as by degreasing)
- preparing the test surface to the specified finish (such as by grinding or polishing)
- Check that the equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use, by carrying out all of the following:
- checking the condition and security of electrical cables and connections
- checking the operation of all mechanical functions
- checking the function of powder/ink application
- checking the correct operation of all safety devices
- Carry out all of the following tests, in accordance with instructions:
- setting the equipment parameters to the appropriate levels
- magnetising the components
- applying the detecting medium (ink or powder) correctly
- using magnetic flux indicators
- observing defect indications under correct lighting conditions (such as ambient light or ultraviolet (UV) light)
- recording the conclusions of observations
- demagnetising and cleaning the components on completion of the test
- Carry out magnetic particle testing on one of the following:
- welded joints
- castings
- heat treated components
- structures
- wrought products/materials (such as forged, rolled, extruded)
- cold formed products (by bending, pressing, rolling)
- other specific products
- Identify all of the following:
- defect type
- location of the defect
- dimensional size of the defect
- Follow the correct procedure to deal with components, materials or structures which fall into both of the following categories:
- components, materials or structures which meet the specification
- components, materials or structures with identified defects
- Complete the inspection activities, to include carrying out all of the following:
- marking up defective components, materials or structures with all relevant information
- recording all the required details of the inspection, in the appropriate format
- handing over the inspection details to the appropriate people