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Title: Underwater magnetic particle inspection aids platform repairs

Journal Article · · Ocean Ind.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6034429

Owing to their present accuracy and cost-effective procedures, nondestructive testing techniques offer an immediate answer to the pressing need for routine inspection and preventive maintenance of offshore structures. With magnetic-particle inspection, a diver releases a premixed solution of magnetic particles onto a structure's metal surface between the poles of an applied magnetic field, usually in areas adjacent to welds. The magnetic field gathers the fluorescent particles into surface cracks, which then become visible. Putty strips applied to cracks make a casting of the fissure that can be brought to the surface for examination. Where greater penetration of the metal surface is necessary, ultrasonic testing offers a complimentary approach to the magnetic-particle procedure. This method detects subsurface voids and stress fissures but is of limited use for detecting surface defects.

OSTI ID:
6034429
Journal Information:
Ocean Ind.; (United States), Vol. 14
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English