Magnetic Particle Inspection

- Use and Implementation of

ASTM-E-1444
The relevant regulations and other references
• Regulation 2A of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 1988
• Regulation 42V of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 1988
• AS 3669-05: Non-destructive testing – Qualification and
registration of personnel - Aerospace
• American Society for Testing Materials ASTM-E-1444:
Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
• American Society for Testing Materials ASTM-E-709: Standard
Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination
• Civil Aviation Order (CAO) Part 108.8: Process Control –
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Who this CAAP applies to
All persons associated with the maintenance of aircraft or aircraft components.
Why this CAAP was written
This CAAP applies to the actions required for completion of Magnetic Particle Inspection
tasks for:
• Component Maintenance; and
• On Aircraft Maintenance.
Status of this CAAP
This is the first CAAP written on this subject.
For further information
Telephone the CASA Office closest to you on 131757.

Contents
Preamble 3
1. Personnel Qualifications and Authorisations 3
2. Documentation 4
3. Magnetic Particle Inspections (MPI) 5
4. MPI – Bench Fixed Line Facility 8
5. MPI – Portable Hand-held Yokes 9
6. Quality Control Equipment – Magnetic Particle 10
7. Use of the Procedures attached to this CAAP 10
Appendix A – Procedure for Magnetic Particle Inspection Utilising a Fixed Line Bench 12
Appendix B – Procedure for Magnetic Particle Inspection Utilising a Portable Magnetic
Yoke 15

AC Alternating Current
AS Australian Standard
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials
AVTUR Aviation Turbine Fuel
CAAP Civil Aviation Advisory Publication
CAO Civil Aviation Orders
Abbreviations
CAR Civil Aviation Regulations
DC Direct Current
DoD Department of Defence
IAW In Accordance With
LAME Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
MPI Magnetic Particle Inspection
MPT Magnetic Particle Technician
NANDTB National Aerospace Non-destructive Testing
Board
NDI Non-destructive Inspection
NDT Non-destructive Testing
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
RMS Root Mean Square
W Watt

Preamble
Standard practice documents produced by the American Society for Testing Materials
(ASTMs) are replacing Military Standards (Mil-Std). ASTM-E-709 and ASTM-E-1444 have
now become the accepted American Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) published
standards for Magnetic Particle Inspections (MPI).ASTM-E-709 and ASTM-E-1444
standard practice details are the minimum requirements for conducting Magnetic Particle
Inspections and replace and supersede the use of Australian CAO 108.8.
The ASTM Standards were not specifically drafted for the aerospace industry. Indeed, the
Standard requires clarification where aspects conflict with current Regulations. This
CAAP documents the requirements for the use of the ASTM-E-709 and ASTM-E-1444 and
where necessary harmonises the Standard with the CARs and best practices.
1. Personnel Qualifications and Authorisations
1.1 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)
QUALIFICATIONS
Personnel carrying out Magnetic Particle Inspections must be qualified to a minimum of
NDT Level 1 in accordance with AS 3669. In addition, personnel must posses a current
CASA NDT Airworthiness Authority for Magnetic Particle Inspection or an authorisation
under CAR 42ZC(6).
Note: Possession of a current CASA Airworthiness Authority in Magnetic Particle Technician
(MPT) and Licensed Aircraft Mechanical Engineer (LAME) privilege of the licence do not
necessarily assure compliance to AS 3669. Airworthiness Authorities issued by CASA for
MPT do not reference NDT Technician Levels.
1.2 HARMONISATION OF CASA-ISSUED
AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITIES WITH AS 3669, NAS 410 &
EN 4179
For the purpose of this CAAP, a person holding a MPT Airworthiness Authority for more
than two years which has "nil restrictions" annotated against the MPT entry is deemed
equivalent to a Level 2 NDT Technician.
It is a requirement for all CAR 30 organisations employing personnel responsible for
carrying out MPT tasks to ensure a system of compliance to AS 3669 is in place and
operational by 30 September 2007. This system will operate independently of the
Airworthiness Authorities issued by CASA until the implementation of the CASA
regulations.
1.3 VISUAL ACUITY
The vision examination for all levels shall assure that the applicants near vision and colour
perception meet the requirements of Table 1. Near vision tests shall be administered
annually and colour perception tests shall be administered prior to approval or re
approval. These tests shall be administered by personnel designated by the responsible
Level 3, National Aerospace Non-destructive Testing Board (NANDTB), or the outside
agency utilised for the qualification examination of personnel. Any limitations in colour
perception shall be evaluated by the responsible Level 3 prior to approval and this shall be
documented.
TABLE 1
VISION REQUIREMENTS
Near Vision Jaeger No 1 or equivalent, at a distance of not
less than 30 cm in at least one eye natural or
corrected or near vision acuity shall permit
reading, a minimum of Times Roman N4.5 or
equivalent letters (Times Roman of 4.5 points
vertical height where 1 point = 1/72" or
0.3528 mm) at not less than 30 cm with one or
both eyes, either corrected or uncorrected.
Colour Personnel shall be capable of adequately
perception distinguishing and differentiating colours
used in the process involved.
Note: It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure currency and documentation of colour
perception and near vision acuity tests.
2. Documentation
2.1 PRECEDENCE OF DOCUMENTATION
The precedence order of data is:
• Approved under Regulation 2A of the Civil Aviation
Regulations 1988;
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
• Civil Aviation Advisory Publication (CAAP);
• American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
2.2 PROCEDURE NOT STATED BY OEM
Where the OEM states "carry out a magnetic particle/magnaflux liquid inspection" (or
something similar) and does not refer to a written practice or procedure, ASTM-E-1444
must be used as the default inspection procedure. Where a generic European Standard
or the Department of Defence (DoD) is referred to in the approved data, ASTM-E-1444 is
deemed an equivalent standard and is to be utilised in conjunction with this CAAP.
3. Magnetic Particle Inspections
3.1 MECHANICAL CLEANING OF COMPONENTS PRIOR TO A MAGNETIC
PARTICLE INSPECTION (MPI)
Cleaning of components in some circumstances requires the use of blasting media ranging
from glass bead, aluminium oxide or plastic media. Generally, blasting media that do not
cause plastic deformation (profiling) of the part surface are suitable for precleaning.
Aluminium oxide 120 grit has been found to be suitable.
Ensure hard chromed surfaces are not cleaned utilising abrasive blasting (plastic media is
the exception).
Note: Garnet grit is highly likely to cause plastic deformation of a part's surface, and therefore, is
not suitable for cleaning aircraft quality steel.
3.2 VAPOUR DEGREASING
Increasingly, the use of the chemicals suitable for use in vapour degreasers is being phased
out for environmental reasons.
Ardrox 6333 is an aqueous-based approved alternate to vapour degreasing. Generally this
chemical is suitable for use I mechanical washers.
CAUTION: Serviced industrial mechanical cleaners may contain highly caustic compounds which
may be detrimental to aluminium and magnesium parts.
3.3 SELECTION OF A MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION METHOD
When selecting a magnetic particle inspection method, the following guide should be
used:
FIXED MAGNETIC PARTICLE BENCH
• Forged, cast or machined magnetic components irregular or regular in shape with defect
orientation unknown and with a geometry that allows the use of a MPI bench:
o Fluorescent wet continuous method utilizing AC or DC current, magnetised in two directions –
circular and longitudinal.
• Magnetic tensile or shear bolts and pins:
o Fluorescent wet continuous method utilising AC or DC current magnetised with longitudinal
magnetism (coil).
• Magnetic brake stators and rotors:
o Fluorescent wet continuous method utilising AC or DC current on a central conductor (in direct
contact circular magnetism) or longitudinal (coil) AC or DC utilising two shots 90 o apart.
HAND HELD MAGNETIC YOKES
• Magnetic tubular structures such as engine, fuselage or helicopter frames weld or tube
inspections either fitted or removed from the aircraft:
o Fluorescent wet continuous method utilising AC or DC current with two shots per inspection
area 90o apart.
• Demagnetisation of aircraft after lightning strike or similar: o AC current applied at the
part surface and withdrawn to a distance of 900 mm.
Note: Portable magnetising yokes are not designed as an alternative to a magnetic particle bench.
Extreme heat build up can occur in small parts repeatedly magnetised with a yoke.
3.4 USE OF PRODS ON AIRCRAFT
Prods are not to be used on aircraft or aircraft components due to the high risk of arcing.
3.5 DRY POWDER MAGNETIC PARTICLES
Dry powder magnetic particles should not be used on aircraft due to the inability to
retrieve the particles from the aircraft.
3.6 PAINTED/PLATED SURFACES
Provided that paint and plating is in good condition, there is no requirement to remove it
prior to an MPI. An exception being: a part that requires direct contact (circular)
magnetisation must have the paint removed in the contact areas, otherwise arcing will
result.
3.7 NICKEL PLATED COMPONENTS
Although it is not necessary to remove nickel plating from an inspection surface prior to
inspection, operators should be aware that nickel is magnetic and may present misleading
indications.
3.8 BLACK INK MAGNETIC PARTICLES
It is permissible to use black magnetic ink for spot inspections with a hand held yoke
where the background provides adequate contrast. An example being: defect verification
on a steel undercarriage that is painted white.
3.9 BLACK LIGHT INTENSITIES AND VERIFICATION PERIOD
Black lights used for the inspection stage of a MPI are required to have their black light
intensity output checked at no longer than the maximum intervals as listed below.
The following light intensity verification plan may be used:

Black light intensity @ 15" CAAP Requirement

Above 2,500µW/cm2 3 Monthly

2,000 to 2,500µW/cm2 Monthly

1,500 to 2,000µW/cm2 Weekly

1,000 to 1,500µW/cm2 Daily or before use

Note: The justification for the deviation from ASTM-E-1444 is based upon a conservative approach
from black light intensities recorded over the past ten years from a number of large organisations.
3.10 BLACK LIGHT AND WHITE LIGHT INTENSITY METER CALIBRATION
Black light and white light intensity meters should have the calibration interval of six
months. This may be increased to:
• As recommended by the meter manufacturer; or
• One year, where the meter has a low usage (less than once a week).
3.11 USE OF THE TOOL STEEL (KETOS) RING FOR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEST
ASTM-E-1444 Appendix XI details the use of the Ketos ring as a means of a system
performance test. Tables X 1.1 and X 1.2 detail the current types and amperages to be used.
The result should be a number of holes detected according to the tables. Unfortunately,
the standard does not stipulate whether the current measurements are Peak or RMS
values. In Australia there are a large number of MPI benches, some reading RMS value
and others peak value. It is common for MPI benches not to perform as per the
requirements of ASTM-E-1444 Appendix XI.
A suitable use for the Ketos ring would be to determine the amperages required for a hole
or holes to become visible on a particular MPI bench and use this information as a trend
monitoring tool.
It is noted in the ASTM-E-1444 that the use of the tool steel (Ketos) rings is not mandatory.
3.12 USE OF FLEXIBLE LAMINATED STRIPS (CASTROL TYPE II OR EQUIVALENT)
For the purpose of this CAAP, the Castrol Type 2 Strips (or equivalent) should be used to
determine field direction and strength for all inspections. The formulas for determining
the current required as stated in ASTM-E-709 should only be used as a guide to obtain a
ballpark amperage prior to using the laminated strips.
3.13 CURRENT TYPE
This CAAP applies to aircraft and aircraft components that have been released by the
manufacturer. The majority of defects encountered in-service initiate at the parts surface.
Given this, Technicians should consider that the AC wet continuous method is most suited
for locating small surface defects.
4.1 PRE CLEANING
Vapour degreasing is the preferred method; however, environmental factors are rapidly
causing the demise of the chemicals used in this type of equipment. An environmentally
friendlier option is a water-based cleaner such as Ardrox 6333 (approved as an alternate to
vapour degreasing for MPI) or the approved solvent cleaner for the penetrant system
(usually dispensed via an aerosol can) should be used.
4.2 MAGNETIC PARTICLE BENCH
A MPI bench is generally a self-contained unit capable of magnetising ferrous
components. The bench can be divided into the following components:
Heads: The heads provide a means of circularly magnetising a component via copper
contact pads located on each head. The left hand head is usually fixed which contains an
air ram (or similar) used to clamp the part between the heads. The right hand head is
usually moveable to accommodate various lengths of the test parts. This head slides on a
bed and can be locked into position. It is important that the condition of the contact pads is
monitored regularly (usually daily or before use). If they become frayed the risk of arcing
to the test part increases.
Note: Ensure the part is firmly clamped between the heads prior to engaging the current.
Central Conductors: Central conductors (also known as threader bars) are used between
the heads. They provide an indirect means of producing circular magnetism. The central
conductors should be covered with electrical heat shrink to reduce the likelihood of arcing.
The heat shrink should be terminated approximately 5 mm from each end of the central
conductor.
4. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) – Bench Fixed Line Facility Facility
Coil: The coil provides a means of longitudinally magnetising a component. The coil is
generally a four or five turn coil. Some new generation coils contain numerous turns of
smaller diameter lower current carrying coils and are rated as an effective four or five turn
coil.
Control Panel: The control panel generally contains:
• An ammeter for displaying the applied magnetizing current.
• Current selector for dialling the required amperage
• AC/DC selector switch (optional)
• Head/coil selector switch
• Demagnetisation button (optional)
• Magnetisation button
Sump: The sump contains the magnetic particle fluid. Sumps will vary in size from 20
litres (newer generation) to 200 litres for the older style of benches. The sump contains a
pump and applicator nozzle.
Note: The use of AVTUR as a magnetic particle carrier fluid is not permitted due to the high risk of
fire.
Black light: The black light is usually mounted on the bench via an arm to allow hands-
free operation of the bench.
Note: Black light should not be operated with cracked, chipped or missing filters. Failure to comply
may result in injury.
4.3 POST CLEANING
Usually a solvent bath is provided near the MPI bench for rinsing of the part to remove
residual magnetic particles. After the rinse, the parts are cleaned and inhibited (if
required) in a similar manner to the pre-cleaning process.
5. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) – Portable Hand-held Yokes
5.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
To carry out MPI on an aircraft in-situ, the following equipment is required:
• Black light (capable of 1000µW/cm2 @ 15 inches);
• Light protective cloak approx 1 metre square;
• Approved marking media, mirror and rule;
• Lint free cloth and cleaning solvent;
• Hand held AC/DC magnetic yoke;
• Castrol Type II strips (or equivalent);
• Ardrox 8561 MPI fluid in aerosol can (or equivalent); and
• Field indicator or gauss meter.
6. Quality Control Equipment – Magnetic Particle
6.1 THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
• Black and white light meter;
• 100 ml pear-shaped centrifuge;
• Tool steel ring (Ketos ring) is optional
• Flexible laminated strips (Castrol strips);
• Field indicator;
• Shunt meter for bench verification;
• Dead weight 4.5 kg for permanent and AC yokes; and
• Dead weight 13.5 kg for DC yokes.
7. Use of the Procedures attached to this CAAP
7.1 APPROVED DATA
Attached as Appendixes to this CAAP are two Magnetic Particle Procedures. These
procedures have CAR 2A (4) approval and should be used in the absence of approved
OEM data or where approved data refers an inspection to be carried out in accordance
with ASTM-E-1444 (or a European equivalent).
7.2 QUALIFICATIONS
A Level 2 MPI Technician should select the most suitable MPI Method Procedure based on
the information contained at paragraph 3.3 of this CAAP. If a Level 1 MPI Technician is to
perform the inspection, a pe son qualified to Level 2 or 3 MPI is to nominate which
procedure is appropriate.
APPENDIX A TO CAAP 42V-3(0)
CASA/MPI/1 ISSUE 1

PROCEDURE FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION UTILISING A FIXED

LINE BENCH INTRODUCTION
1.- ASTM-E-1444 establishes a requirement to use a dedicated procedure for the inspection
of parts. In the absence of an approved procedure, this procedure has CAR 2A (4)
approval and is an acceptable means of compliance for the completion of Magnetic Particle
Inspections utilising a fixed line magnetic particle bench as detailed in CAAP 42V 3.
Note: This procedure does not supersede or replace procedures supplied by an Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
PROCEDURE NOMINATION
2.- This procedure must be accepted by a Level 2 or 3 MPI Technician prior to use on a
particular component.
OPERATOR LEVEL
3.- Personnel carrying out this procedure must posses a current CASA NDT Airworthiness
Authority or an authorisation under CAR 42ZC (6). In addition, personnel must be
qualified to a minimum of AS 3669 NDT Level 1.
Note: When approved data (usually the OEM) requires a Technician to be qualified to
Level 2 MPI to carry out an inspection in accordance with ASTM-E-1444, this takes
precedence over the Operator Level stated in this procedure.
APPLICABILITY
4.- This procedure must be used in conjunction with CAAP 42V-3 and is applicable to all
component types as listed at ‘Selection of a Magnetic Particle Inspection Method’ in
CAAP 42V-3(0).
LIMITATIONS
5.- This procedure should detect surface breaking defects of 2 mm (0.080") in length or
greater and may detect some near surface defects (less than 3 mm into the parent material)
of 5 mm in length. This procedure may detect smaller defects than stated and technicians
should not ignore these indications if located.
PRE-INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
6.- Ensure the parts are removed from the aircraft, disassembled and cleaned utilising an
appropriate cleaning method or methods.
Note: Paint in good condition does not have to be removed unless the risk of arcing exists.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
7.- The equipment applicable to this procedure is:
a) Fixed wet Magnetic Particle Inspection Bench; WARNING: DO NOT USE BLACK
LIGHTS WITH CRACKED OR MISSING FILTERS. HARMFUL ULTRA VIOLET
RADIATION EMITTED CAN DAMAGE EYES.
b) Black light with a minimum intensity of 1,000µW/cm2 @ 40 cm (15");
c) Castrol flux indicator strips (or equivalent);
d) Permanent marking pen and field indicator;
e) Lint free cloth and approved cleaning solvent.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
8.- After a minimum of one minute dark adaptation, carry out the inspection as follows:
Circular Magnetism (when required)
a) Place the part between the heads, preferably on a central conductor (geometry
permitting) to reduce the risk of arcing.
b) Utilising a Type II Castrol Strip (or equivalent) in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, magnetise the part utilising 800-1,000 amps per 25 mm of cross-section
utilizing AC or DC wet continuous method. Ensure correct flux density is evident on the
Castrol strip. Adjust the magnetising current if necessary. Three distinct lines should be
evident on the flux indicator strip.
Note: Calculate and obtain the correct current requirements for the thinner sections first,
working to the larger diameters (higher amperages) as the inspection progresses, utilising
the Castrol strips each time there is a significant change in part geometry.
c) Once adequate flux density has been obtained, carry out the wet continuous method
utilising AC or DC. Inspect the part for defect indications. Defect indications will appear
as sharp, well-defined lines. Conversely, non-relevant indications will generally appear
broad and fuzzy and generally follow part geometry.
d) Mark any suspect defect indications for further visual/optical evaluation.
Longitudinal Magnetism
e) Place the part in the coil. Effective magnetising length is approximately 150 mm either
side of the coil, hence several shots may be required on longer parts such as crankshafts,
etc.
f) Establish the approximate current requirement utilising the following formula:
I = K (constant 45,000)
LxN
D
Where: L is the length-to-diameter ratio
D
and N refers to the number of effective number of turns in the coil.
Note: The formula stated provides a guide and is based on the part cross-section being less
than 10% of the coil opening and having a length to diameter ratio of less than 15.
g) Utilising a Type II Castrol Strip (or equivalent) in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, magnetise the part utilising the resultant amperage derived from
subparagraph
f) utilising AC or DC wet continuous method. Ensure correct flux density is evident on the
Castrol strip. Adjust magnetising current if necessary. Three distinct lines should be
evident on the flux indicator strip.
h) Once adequate flux density has been established, carry out the wet continuous method
utilising AC or DC. For the required number of shots, inspect the part for defect
indications between each shot. Defect indications will appear as sharp, well-defined lines.
Conversely, non-relevant indications will generally appear broad and fuzzy and generally
follow part geometry.
i) Mark any suspect defect indications for further visual/optical evaluation.
j) Demagnetise the part to where the residual magnetism shown on a field indicator does
not exceed three divisions either side of zero.
ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION CRITERIA
9.- Any confirmed defect indication is cause for part rejection.
BACKUP PROCEDURE
10) Perform a visual inspection utilising a binocular microscope or other suitable
magnifying device.
POST-INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
11) Ensure the parts are cleaned with a suitable cleaning method to remove all traces of
MPI particles.
RECORDING PROCEDURE
12) Procedure compliance is to be recorded in the relevant worksheet, NDI Report or
aircraft maintenance log.
13) An example of a typical worksheet entry for a Sensitivity Level 3 Inspection is:
"MPI carried out IAW CASA/MPT/1 Method A, Sensitivity Level 3, in conjunction with ASTM-E
1444. Nil cracking evident." "Mr [Link] A522148 15 May 06"

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

APPENDIX B TO CAAP 42V-3(0)
CASA/MPI/2 ISSUE 1

PROCEDURE FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION UTILISING A

PORTABLE MAGNETIC YOKE
INTRODUCTION
1) ASTM-E-1444 establishes a requirement to use a dedicated procedure for the inspection
of parts. In the absence of an approved procedure, this procedure has CAR 2A (4)
approval and is an acceptable means of compliance for the completion of Magnetic Particle
Inspections utilising a portable magnetic yoke as detailed in CAAP 42V-3.
Note: This procedure does not supersede or replace procedures supplied by an OEM.
PROCEDURE NOMINATION
2) This procedure must be accepted by a Level 2 or 3 MPI Technician prior to use on a
particular component.
OPERATOR LEVEL
3) Personnel carrying out this procedure must posses a current CASA NDT Airworthiness
Authority or an authorisation under CAR 42ZC (6). In addition, personnel must be
qualified to a minimum of AS 3669 NDT Level I.
Note: When approved data (usually the OEM) requires a Technician to be qualified to Level 2 MPT
to carry out an inspection in accordance with ASTM-E-1444, this takes precedence over the
Operator Level stated in this procedure.
APPLICABILITY
4) This procedure must be used in conjunction with CAAP 42V-3 and is applicable to all
component types as listed at ‘Selection of a Magnetic Particle Inspection Method’ in
CAAP 42V-3.
LIMITATIONS
5) This procedure should detect surface breaking defects of 2 mm (0.080") in length or
greater and may detect some near surface defects (less than 3 mm into the parent material)
of 5 mm in length.
This procedure may detect smaller defects than stated and technicians should not ignore
these indications if located.
PRE-INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
6) Ensure the parts to be inspected are clean and free from loose or flaking paint.
Note: Paint in good condition does not have to be removed unless required by the relevant
maintenance data.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
7) The equipment applicable to this procedure is:
a) Portable magnetic yoke which complies to the requirements of ASTM-E-1444;
b) Light exclusion hood/sheet;
WARNING: DO NOT USE BLACK LIGHTS WITH CRACKED OR MISSING FILTERS.
HARMFUL ULTRAVOILET RADIATION EMITED CAN DAMAGE EYES
c) Black light with a minimum intensity of 1,000µW/cm2 @ 40cm (15");
d) Ardrox 8561 Fluorescent MPI fluid in a spray can (or equivalent);
e) Castrol flux indicator strips (or equivalent);
f) Permanent marking pen and field indicator;
g) Lint free cloth and approved cleaning solvent.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
8) After a minimum of one minute dark adaptation; carry out the inspection as follows:
a) Place the yoke legs on the inspection area with the yoke legs spaced approximately 100
mm apart.
b) Test the inspection area for adequate flux density utilising a Type II Castrol Strip (or
equivalent) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. It is important that the
magnetising current is applied whilst simultaneously spraying the MPI fluid onto the flux
indicator strip. A minimum of three second magnetising is recommended. Three distinct
lines should be evident on the flux indicator strip.
Note: If difficulty is experienced in gaining an adequate flux density, reduce the yoke leg
spacing and maximize the yoke contact area to the test part. In extreme cases, pole pieces
contoured to the part surface may be required.
c) Once adequate flux density has been obtained carry out the wet continuous method
utilising the yoke with either AC or DC current. Inspect the part for defect indications.
Defect indications will appear as sharp, well-defined lines. Conversely, non-relevant
indications will generally appear broad and fuzzy and generally follow part geometry.
d) Mark any suspect defect indications for further visual/optical evaluation.
e) Where defect orientation is unknown, rotate the yoke through 90o and repeat
subparagraph c and d.
Note: In-service bolts and shear pins only require magnetising through the longitudinal
axis of the bolt. Do not repeatedly magnetise a bolt or similar item in rapid succession as
the part may become excessively heated.
f) When the inspection is complete, ensure the residual magnetism in the part does not
exceed three divisions either side of zero on a field indicator.
ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION CRITERIA
9) Any confirmed defect indication is cause for part rejection.
BACKUP PROCEDURE
10) Perform a visual inspection utilising a binocular microscope or other suitable
magnifying device.
POST-INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
11) Ensure the parts are cleaned with a suitable cleaning method to remove all traces of
MPI particles.
RECORDING PROCEDURE
12) Procedure compliance is to be recorded in the relevant worksheet, NDI Report or
aircraft maintenance log.
13) An example of a typical worksheet entry for a Sensitivity Level 3 Inspection is:
"MPI carried out IAW CASA/MPT/1 Method A, Sensitivity Level 3, in conjunction with ASTM-E-
1444. Nil cracking evident."
"Mr [Link] A522148 15 May 06"