A multi disciplined Sonomatic RAIS Rope Access and Inspection Services Technician performing Magentic Particle Inspection (MPI)

MPI/DPI

The two most common Non-Destructive Testing Methods applied for the detection of surface breaking defects. MT Inspection is limited to detecting surface imperfections in Ferromagnetic Material (Mainly Carbon Steels) and PT Inspection for use on Non-Conductive Materials (For example, Stainless Steel).  Both methods require the surface to be free of coatings and lose materials in order for the Inspection to be carried out successfully.

What is MPI?

Magnetic particle inspection is simple, low-cost method of detecting linear flaws located at or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. It is viewed primarily as a surface examination and used extensively to inspect a variety of welded, cast of forged items – predominantly carbon steel.

MPI Capabilities

As part of our Purpose Built Facilities, Sonomatic have specifically built areas for MPI Inspection to be carried out in a well ventilated, well-lit setting. In addition, our premises include a blacked out, ventilated room offering suitable inspection space for Fluorescent Techniques. Both areas give us the ability to complete Contrast MPI Techniques on large items as well as the Fluorescent technique on smaller, typically machined, components.

Our Team of mobile technicians can also complete MPI on site using portable equipment including blackout tents to capture all MPI Techniques again on newly fabricated/uncoated structural/pipework, machined components as well as on items in service but this is where the technique shows its limitations. Typically items in service are coated and the technique doesn’t allow for inspection through anything more than approx. 0.0005mm of coating so typically requires removal of coating for inspection to take place. Where this isn’t an issue, please speak to us about our FM Services. Where the removal of coatings is an issue, please speak to us about ACFM.

What is DPI?

Dye Penetrant Inspection is another simple, low-cost method of detecting surface-breaking flaws such as cracks, laps, porosity, etc in non-conductive materials, for example Stainless Steel, Inconel etc.

DPI Capabilities

As part of our Purpose Built Facilities, Sonomatic have a large purpose built area which support the three main DPI Techniques, Colour Contrast, Water Washable (giving us the ability to cover large surface areas, quickly) and Fluorescent (allowing for greater sensitivity) this allows us the capacity to complete anything from small components to large scaled DPI projects.

Our Team of mobile technicians can also complete DPI on site using portable equipment including blackout tents to capture all MPI Techniques again on newly fabricated//uncoated structural/pipework, machined components as well as on items in service but this is where the technique shows its limitations. Typically items in service are coated and the inspection method doesn’t allow for inspection through coating so typically requires removal of coating for inspection to take place. Where this isn’t an issue, please speak to us about our FM Services. Where the removal of coatings is an issue.

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