Abstract

This paper reviews magnetic particle crack detection (MPCD) in terms of principle, advantages, disadvantages and limitations. Different mine gear components are evaluated through MPCD technique and results are analyzed in terms of their suitability by applying acceptance/rejection norms followed by the mining industry in India. MPCD is now a widely acceptable technique in the world and has simplified inspection processes, leading tosignificant cost reductions and quality control enhancement and confidence. It has great value in revealing surface flaws in magnetic materials such as mild and alloy steels, castiron, etc. Not only will the technique reveal surface defects that are not visible to the naked eye, it also facilitates the detection of cracks that would, under normal circumstances, onlybe found by close and tedious examination of the surface. On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that MPCD evaluation must be conducted on manufactured equipment prior to use, so that failure of equipment in stipulated time could be prevented. It is also suggested that condition of vital components must be subjected to their condition monitoring at certain interval.

Keywords: Magnetic particle crack detection, material defects, surface imperfection, non-destructive evaluation, quality assessment, mine gear components.