STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR MAGNANFLUX UNIT (Located in Rm. C-23 Head Hall) Prepared July 28, 2010 Table of Contents 1. Scope ........................................................................................................................................4 1.1 Objective ............................................................................................................................4 1.2 Regulations ........................................................................................................................4 2.Apparatus Overview and objective ...........................................................................................4 2.1 Apparatus overview ...........................................................................................................4 3. Hazards and control evaluation ..............................................................................................13 3.1 Possible fire event ............................................................................................................13 3.2 Ventilation........................................................................................................................13 3.3 Kinetic, thermal & accoustic............................................................................................13 3.4 Electrical ..........................................................................................................................13 3.5 General, physical & equipment concerns ........................................................................14 3.6 Access ..............................................................................................................................15 3.7 Training ............................................................................................................................15 3.8 Personal protective equipment .........................................................................................16 4. Operation................................................................................................................................16 4.1 Qualified personnel ..........................................................................................................16 4.2 Experiment preparation ....................................................................................................16 4.3 Lab instructions ................................................................................................................17 4.4 Operating procedure.........................................................................................................18 5. Inspection and maintenance ...................................................................................................24 5.1 Operational & Periodic inspections .................................................................................25 6. Typical test .............................................................................................................................26 Appendix A: Operator - inspector guidance charts - Section III ...............................................27 Appendix B: Operating manual for P- 90 ..................................................................................28 ii C-23, Head Hall floor plan 3 1. Scope 1.1 Objective This standard operating procedure is intended to provide operating instructions and safety information for the Department of Mechanical Engineering’ portable magnaflux unit located in C-23, Head Hall. This document is intended as a guideline and supplement to proper training that must be provided by qualified personnel before the apparatus is operated. The aim of this document is to ensure that safe work practices have been developed for the apparatus experimental work. This SOP is primarily concerned with the apparatus operating procedure, hazards involved with its operation and safety precautions that must be taken to avoid injuries. 1.2 Regulations This document has been developed in accordance with the Environmental Health and Safety Office of the University of New Brunswick. 2. Apparatus Overview and Objective 2.1 Apparatus overview The magnaflux unit is an extremely compact integral unit of all aluminum construction. All operating controls and output terminals are located on the front panel. The magnetizing cables are equipped with prods for circular magnetization and can be wrapped around the test specimen to form a coil for longitudinal magnetization. The power controller unit transforms the high voltage, low amperage line input, to low voltage, high amperage half wave D.C. for magnetizing. It also furnishes low voltage, high amperage A.C. for magnetizing and demagnetizing. The magnetizing and demagnetizing current is controlled by current control knob on the power controller unit and can be read on ammeter. Half wave D.C. is obtained by connecting the magnetizing cables to COM and HWDC outlets on power controller unit. Similarly, A.C. current is obtained by connecting the cables to COM and A.C. outlets. One of the prod has a control switch built in to the handle. It controls the flow of magnetizing current through the prods. On pressing the switch magnetizing current flows through the prods, magnetizing the test specimen and releasing the switch stops the magnetizing current flow through the prods. The control switch is connected to the control cable outlet of power controller unit via prod control cable. 4 Figure 1: power controller unit controls and output terminals 5 Figure 2: Apparatus magnetizing prods and test specimen 6 Figure 3: Prod control switch 7 Figure 4: Power controller unit front panel The test specimen is magnetized by firmly holding the two prods to its surface. While the test specimen is magnetized, dry magnaflux powder (containing small magnetic particles) is applied on its surface using magnaflux dry powder blower. The dry magnaflux powder is available in different colors to give a good contrast with the test specimen being inspected. The magnetized test specimen is demagnetized after completion of test and field indicator is used to determine the presence of magnetic field around the test specimen. 8 Figure 5: Magnaflux dry powder blower and field indicator 9 Figure 6: Magnaflux portable unit components overview The portable magnaflux unit is electrically powered and its power controller unit is connected to main power supply via electric cable. The objective of the apparatus is to find those defects in test specimen which are not otherwise visible to the naked eye. The magnaflux unit uses magnetic particle inspection method to find surface and sub surface defects. This inspection is important to the quality of the finished product, and in finding defects as early as possible in manufacture, to avoid wasting machining and processing time on defective material. The operator may use dry or wet method to do the magnetic particle inspection of test specimen using magnaflux unit and we only use dry method to carry out this experiment. 10 Figure 7: Magnaflux unit main power supply 11 Figure 8: Circular magnetization of test specimen Figure 9: Longitudinal magnetization of test specimen Please refer to Appendix “A” (Operator - inspector guidance charts - Section III, How magnaflux works) to see the details and description of how the apparatus works. Also refer to Appendix “B” (Operating manual for P- 90) to see the details of apparatus installment, controls and operation. 12 3. Hazards and Controls Evaluation 3.1 Possible fire event The apparatus is associated with elevated temperatures. In the event of fire, evacuate the room immediately. Pull the nearest fire alarm (see C-23 floor plan). Should you return to attempt to extinguish the fire, do not do so alone and make one attempt only and if unsuccessful leave immediately. If successful stay at the scene and have someone alert Security (ph. # 4830) and Campus Safety (ph. # 5075). Please refer to C-23, Head hall floor plan to see the locations of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull station and first aid kit. 3.2 Ventilation There are no ventilation fans in room C-23 for room ventilation. The room is centrally ventilated and its atmosphere is comfortable as fresh air is being introduced at all times into the room. Proper ventilation system is not a requirement for the operation of magnaflux unit. 3.3 Kinetic, Thermal and Acoustic There are no moving parts associated with the apparatus so it does not pose any kinetic threat to the user. The apparatus is associated with elevated temperatures so it poses thermal threat to the user. The magnetizing current flowing through the test specimen heats it up and the user should wear safety gloves to hold the test specimen. The prods must be held firmly at 90 degrees against the test specimen surface to prevent arcing and the user should wear safety glasses while doing the test with magnaflux unit. The magnetizing cables carry high amperage current so the apparatus should be checked regularly for bare, frayed or cut magnetizing cables to prevent any serious burn/injury to the user. The magnaflux apparatus is not associated with any acoustic hazard. 3.4 Electrical The magnaflux unit is electrically powered and it does not pose any electrical threat to the user, if handled carefully. Do not, however come into contact with bare copper prods when they are energized. Make sure all other lab occupants are clear off the test area before the prods are energized. Always check the apparatus for bare, frayed or cut electrical cables before 13 operating it. Please see figure 7 to see the main electrical outlet powering the apparatus. 3.5 General, physical and equipment concerns Hold the two prods parallel to the crack when magnetizing the test specimen circularly to detect the defect/crack easily. Holding the prods parallel to the crack will cause the magnetic field lines to intercept the crack/defect perpendicularly which will make the defect more prominent to the user. Figure 10: Prods held parallel to the defect Similarly in longitudinal magnetization current is passed parallel to the direction of defect and magnetic particles are attracted to the defect to form an indication to indicate crack/defect. Figure 11: Current passed parallel to the defect (Longitudinal magnetization) 14 While magnetizing the test specimen, apply/dust the dry powder gently and lightly to the magnetized area. Watch for indications to form as the powder is applied. Gently blow off the excess dry powder, while the magnetizing current is still flowing. Keep the current flowing through the test specimen until the excess powder has been blown off. Press and firmly hold both the prods at 90 degrees to the surface of test specimen to prevent arcing. The magnetic field strength can be increased or decreased by adjusting the current control knob to vary the current flow through the test specimen. Increase the amperage flow to increase the magnetic field strength and decrease for decreasing magnetic field strength. Use half wave D.C. and A.C. current for magnetizing the test specimen but only use A.C. for demagnetizing the test specimen. Wear safety glasses and safety gloves while doing the test with magnaflux unit. Safety glasses prevent any small magnetic particle to enter the user’s eye and safety gloves prevent the user from getting any serious burns since the test specimen becomes hot while doing the test and electric cables carry high amperage current. To avoid overheating and consequent damage, a maximum duty cycle of 2 minutes “ON” and 2 minutes “OFF” must be adhered to when operating at rated output (750 amperes). Keep any electronic devices clear off the test area to prevent accidental magnetization. 3.6 Access All personal in the C-23 laboratory should be preauthorized by the faculty in charge or under the supervision of authorized personal (lab technician or teacher assistant). No person other than the faculty in charge or specifically authorized personal are permitted to make alterations to, or run experiments with the portable magnaflux unit. 3.7 Training All individuals using the portable magnaflux unit shall be required to receive training in the proper operation and maintenance of the apparatus and its controls. Training will include such topics as the complete operation and controls of the magnaflux unit. Training programs shall be administered by qualified personnel at UNB. 15 3.8 Personal Protective Equipment Following personal protective equipment is mandatory while using portable magnaflux unit: 1. Safety glasses 2. Safety gloves 4. Operation 4.1 Qualified Personal These notes in the operation section will provide a guideline to the individual that has been trained by a qualified personal to operate the portable magnaflux unit. Only after the individual has been trained and feels confident with the apparatus operating procedure should he attempt to operate the portable magnaflux unit using these notes. Do not proceed if you are not properly trained or are unsure in any manner of the safety operation and safety concerns. 4.2 Experiment preparation Following steps should be carried out to prepare for the experiment:1. Clean the surface of test specimen using cloth or cleaner if available 2. Connect one of 15 feet 4/0 cable to HWDC or A.C. output terminal (see figure 1) as desired and the other cable should be connected to the “COMMON” output terminal 3. Plug in the prod control cable (see figure 1) in to the control cable outlet 4. Plug in the power cable of magnaflux unit to the main electrical outlet (see figure 7) 5. Fill in the dry powder blower with magnaflux dry powder (small magnetic particles) 16 Figure 12: Preparing for the experiment 6. Place the test specimen on a white sheet or paper to collect the blown off dry powder instead of wasting it. 4.3 Lab Instructions 4.3.1 Instructor Responsibilities The SOP of portable magnaflux unit should be read and understood. This document provides all the necessary information regarding the apparatus operation, hazards involved & safety precautions to be taken while using 17 apparatus. The lab instructor shall remain in the room while the experiment is in progress. After the full students group has assembled and before any explanation has begun the instructor should relay all safety precautions and hazards as outlined in section 3. Inform them that they must contact the instructor should any problems or concerns arise during the experiment. Make the group aware of the fire extinguisher locations, fire alarm pull station and exits. Any student from the group missing his any personal protective equipment should not be allowed by the instructor to enter the laboratory C-23 and proceed with the experiment. 4.4 Operating Procedure 4.4.1 Operation of portable magnaflux unit After preparing for the experiment as mentioned in section 4.2, follow these steps to operate and perform experiment with the magnaflux unit: 1. Turn the current control knob to position that gives the desired output current. This will turn ON the magnaflux unit and red pilot light labeled as “LINE” will illuminate. Start with a low output current and set the current control knob at 5 2. Place and firmly hold the prods at right angle against the test specimen surface. Place prods tips about 6 inches apart, on either side of line of suspected defect. If the test specimen is smaller than 6 inches in dimension, then the distance between two prods can be reduced. and observe the 2 minutes “ON” and 2 minutes “OFF” duty cycle to prevent overheating. Press and hold prod control switch (see figure 3) to complete the magnetizing circuit and output amperage will be displayed on the ammeter display 3. While the test specimen is being magnetized, blow the magnaflux dry powder on the test specimen (second user can do that) gently and lightly. Watch for the indications to form (see figure 13) 18 Figure 13: Formation of indications of defects on test specimen surface 4. Blow off the excess magnaflux dry powder to make the defect indications more prominent. Keep the current flowing through the test specimen while blowing off the excess dry powder 19 Figure 14: Defects indications on test specimen after blowing off the excess dry powder 5. Stop the current flow and look for indications formed on test specimen surface 6. Put back the magnaflux dry powder collected on piece of paper back in the magnaflux dry powder can/container Note: Be sure to observe the following while carrying out the operation/test with the magnaflux unit 20 a) Press prods firmly against the test specimen surface to prevent arcing b) Overlap the areas to be inspected (For weld inspection) c) Reduce the field strength by adjusting the current control knob (increasing the output current amperage) or by increasing the distance between prods, if magnaflux dry powder particles accumulate excessively at prod points d) Increase the magnetic field strength if there is not some noticeable influence of the particles at the prods tips (Field strength can be increased by increasing the output current or reducing the distance between prods) Please refer to Appendix “A” (Operator - inspector guidance charts - Section III, How magnaflux works) to see the detailed procedure on weld inspection, large areas inspection and test specimen inspection using longitudinal magnetization (Cable coils) 7. Demagnetize the test specimen before shutting down the magnaflux unit. Use A.C. current to demagnetize the test specimen. Please refer to Appendix “A” (Operator - inspector guidance charts - Section III, How magnaflux works) to see the detailed demagnetization procedure. Note: Wear safety glasses and safety gloves while doing the test with portable magnaflux unit 21 Figure 15: Surface and subsurface defects indicated by magnetic particle inspection 4.4.2 Shutdown Normal Shutdown Do the following to shut down the apparatus: 1. Use the field indicator (see figure 5) to check whether the test specimen is completely demagnetized. Place the field indicator near the inspected test specimen and see if there is any fluctuations in the 22 field indicator hand. The test specimen is completely demagnetized If the field indicator hand stays at zero 2. After ensuring no field strength around the test specimen, turn the current control knob to “OFF” position to shutdown the magnaflux unit. Red pilot light labeled as “LINE” will turn off indicating unit is turned OFF 3. Unplug the power cable of magnaflux unit 4. Unplug all the cables from output terminals of front panel (15 feet 4/0 prods cables and prod control cable) 5. Clean the test specimen surface of any dry powder by a cloth or cleaner if available For emergency shutdown, do not check field strength indications around the test specimen using field indicator instead proceed with the 2nd step of normal shutdown procedure. 23 Figure 15: Test specimen surface cleaned after test 5.0 Inspection and Maintenance Inspections at regular intervals will be performed on the apparatus to ensure that it is kept in a safe and well maintained condition. The inspection and maintenance includes • The wiring connection of power cable should be checked for tightness and that the wire insulation of 15 feet 4/0 prods cables is not cut or frayed 24 • Ensure that the flawed test specimen is placed in safe casing (corrosion free environment) to maintain the flawed test specimen surface in inspection condition 5.1 Periodic & Operational Inspections Visual inspections are the responsibility of the person who is conducting experiments on a regular basis with the portable magnaflux unit and should be carried out every time before operating the apparatus. A complete periodic inspection of the apparatus shall be performed by the person who is conducting experiments on a regular basis with this apparatus but will alert the faculty in charge in case of any deficiencies in the apparatus. The deficiencies such as those listed below shall be examined during both the periodic & operational inspection and the faculty in charge will determine if the deficiencies will affect the safe operation of the apparatus. a. b. c. d. Damaged or out of order front panel ammeter Frayed or cut wire insulation of 15 feet 4/0 prods cables Worn or damaged output terminals on front panel Warning labels and indicators 25 Figure 16: Warning labels and indicators 6.0 Typical Tests The actual test procedure will be outlined in the lab script as issued by the professor. A typical test includes detecting the surface and subsurface defects in the flawed test specimen and understand the magnetic particle inspection method. 26 Appendix ‘A’ 27 Appendix ‘B’ 28