Eddy Current Testing - Level I

Module 1
Introduction of Eddy Current Testing
Prepared by: S.B Prasad
( ASNT NDT Level III ET,MT,PT,RT, UT, VT)

http://www.ndeguru.com

Basic Eddy Current Testing Eddy current testing is process of inducing small electrical currents into a electrically conductive article and observing the resultant reaction between the magnetic filed involved . A number of factors within the article will affect the flow of these eddy currents and means exist for relating test indications to these factors

NDEGURU.com

Basic Principles of Eddy Current Testing Eddy current testing is a NDT method that is based on

the principles of electromagnetic induction.

Flow of electricity , under certain circumstances , can

cause magnetism.
Magnetism under certain circumstances , causes the flow of electricity When a alternating current (AC) is passed through a coil , a changing magnetic field is generated.
NDEGURU.com

Basic Principles of Eddy Current Testing- cont. As the coil is placed near a conductive test object , the magnetic field induces current (eddy current) as bellow

NDEGURU.com

Industrial Applications of Eddy Current Testing Eddy current testing can be applied to tubing, sheets, cylinders and coatings and provides a means for measuring conductivity , detecting discontinuities, and

determining thickness of coating or plating on articles.

Since a continuous indication is a part of the basic testing system , automatic production testing is

particularly feasible

NDEGURU.com

Advantage of Eddy Current Testing

The signal indicating the status of the material is obtained almost instantaneously. There is no requirement for allowing time for the indication to develop. The testing procedures are readily adaptable to go/no go situations.
The method is sensitive to many physical and metallurgical variables- thus it has wide application provided the variables not of interest can be eliminated or suppressed.

NDEGURU.com

Advantage of Eddy Current Testing The only link between test equipment and the item under test is a magnetic field there is no possible harm to the item.

The equipment for the most part can be self powered

and there for portable.

NDEGURU.com

Limitations of Eddy Current Testing Success of the testing procedure is directly related to the skill of the operator in suppressing variables not of interest. The procedures are applicable to conductive materials only. The depth of penetration is restricted to depth of less than one-quarter inch in standard cases.

Testing of ferromagnetic metals is sometimes difficult.

NDEGURU.com

Test Objectives The objectives of eddy current testing are to ensure product reliability by providing a means of : Obtaining test data that can be evaluated against and acceptable reference standard. Identifying and rejecting unacceptable articles Evaluating test results to determine the source and cause of article discontinuities Re-evaluating test standards and procedures for continued product improvement.

NDEGURU.com

Safety Conditions Eddy current testing uses alternating current sources , therefore , normal electrical precautions should be observed.

Eddy current testing does not present unique safety

hazards to personnel.

NDEGURU.com

History of Electromagnetic Testing Electromagnetic testing is one of the oldest testing

methods.
Thales of Miletus (600 B.C.E.) first recorded that rubbing

amber induced a state in which the amber would attract

other light objects. James 50 Clerk of Maxwell summarized in the the first book,

years

electromagnetism

A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism.

NDEGURU.com

Oersteds Discovery Hans Christian Oersted observed that a wire connecting the ends of a voltaic battery affected a compass in its vicinity.

He also discovered that a compass placed near a wire

transmitting an electric current tends to set itself perpendicular to the wire, and always points toward the wire as the compass is moved around the wire.

NDEGURU.com

Oersteds Discovery cont. The space in which these forces act may therefore be considered a magnetic field. His discovery meant that the lines of magnetic force are at

right angles to the wire, and are therefore circles

perpendicular to the wire.

NDEGURU.com

Faradays Law of Electromagnetic Induction 1. Faraday discovered the effect of electro-magnetic induction while experimenting with coils of wire and a battery. He discovered that by connecting a battery to a coil A, an instant electrical current is generated in a second coil B placed near coil A when the battery is switched on and off.

2.

3.

He also discovered that the second current travels in the opposite direction of the first current.

NDEGURU.com

Maxwell

Maxwell published the comprehensive group of relations to the electromagnetic field known as Maxwell

equations, which represent the entire present knowledge

of the principles of electromagnetic testing.

NDEGURU.com

Hastings 1. In 1946, the first practical system for the automatic electromagnetic measurement of flux leakage fields was designed by Hastings. 2. Hastings demonstrated that he could detect both surface and subsurface discontinuities near the bore surfaces of steel tubes.

3.

He noted an empirical correlation between the amplitude of leakage signals and the depths of surface cracks.

NDEGURU.com

Friedrich Forster 1. In 1950, Forster developed the first instruments with impedance-plane signal displays, which were used to discriminate between different parameters.

2.

The introduction of this equipment, and of practical

techniques for analysis of quantitative test signals on the impedance-plane, contributed to the development of electromagnetic induction and eddy current testing.

NDEGURU.com

18

Questions?

Contact : http://www. ndeguru.com

NDEGURU.com