EDDY CURRENT TESTING

Presented to :
Dr. Abhishek Kumar

Presented by :
Shivendra Kumar
(2016MT06)

Outline

Introduction
Principle of Eddy Current Testing (I)
Principle of Eddy Current Testing (II)
Principle of Eddy Current Testing (III)
Types of probes
Eddy current penetration
Application of ECT
Advantages and disadvantages

Introduction
Eddy currents are created through a process
called electromagnetic induction. When
alternating current is applied to the
conductor, such as copper wire, a magnetic
field develops in and around the conductor.
This magnetic field expands as the alternating
current rises to maximum and collapses as the
current is reduced to zero. If another
electrical conductor is brought into the close
proximity to this changing magnetic field,
current will be induced in this second
conductor. Eddy currents are induced
electrical currents that flow in a circular path.
They get their name from eddies that are
formed when a liquid or gas flows in a
circular path around obstacles when
conditions are right.
Mutual inductance is the phenomenon utilized
in producing eddy currents.

Mutual Inductance
(The Basis for Eddy Current Inspection)
The magnetic field produced by circuit 1
will intersect the wire in circuit 2 and
create current flow. The induced current
flow in circuit 2 will have its own
magnetic field which will interact with
the magnetic field of circuit 1. At some
point P on the magnetic field consists of
a part due to i1 and a part due to i2. These
fields are proportional to the currents
producing them.
The flux B through circuits as the sum of two parts.
B1 = L1i1 + i2M
B2 = L2i2 + i1M
L1 and L2 represent the self inductance of each of the coils. The constant M, called the
mutual inductance of the two circuits and it is dependent on the geometrical arrangement
of both circuits.

Principle of Eddy Current Testing (I)

When a AC passes through a test coil, a

primary magnetic field is set up around
the coil.

The AC primary field induces eddy

current in the test object held below the
test coil.

A secondary magnetic field arises due to

the eddy current.

Principle of Eddy Current Testing (II)

The strength of the secondary field

depends on electrical and magnetic
properties, structural integrity, etc., of
the test object.

If cracks or other inhomogeneities are

present, the eddy current, and hence the
secondary field is affected.

Principle of Eddy Current Testing (III)

The changes in the secondary field will be

a feedback to the primary coil and affect
the primary current.

The variations of the primary current

can be easily detected by a simple
circuit which is zeroed properly
beforehand .

Depth of Penetration
Eddy currents are closed loops of induced current circulating in planes perpendicular to the
magnetic flux. They normally travel parallel to the coil's winding and flow is limited to the
area of the inducing magnetic field. Eddy currents concentrate near the surface adjacent to
an excitation coil and their strength decreases with distance from the coil as shown in the
image. Eddy current density decreases exponentially with depth. This phenomenon is
known as the skin effect.

The depth at which eddy current density has decreased to 1/e, or about 37% of the surface
density, is called the standard depth of penetration ().

The formula to calculate the Standard depth of penetration (aka. Skin Depth):
Where:
= Standard depth of penetration (mm)
= 3.14
= Test Frequency (Hz)
= Magnetic Permeability (H/mm)
= Electrical Conductivity

Three Major Types of Probes

The test coils are commonly used in three
configurations
Surface probe:- Surface probes generally consist
of a coil of very fine wire encased in a protective
housing. The size of the coil and shape of the
housing are determined by the intended use of
the probe. Most of the coils are wound so that
the axis of the coil is perpendicular to the test
surface. This coil configuration is sometimes
referred to as a pancake coil and is good for
detecting surface discontinuities that are oriented
perpendicular to the test surface.
Internal bobbin probe:- ID probes, which are
also referred to as Bobbin probes or feedthrough probes, are inserted into hollow
products, such as pipes, to inspect from the
inside out
Encircling probe:- Encircling probes are
commonly used to inspect solid products, such
as bars.

Surface Breaking Cracks

Eddy current inspection is an excellent method for detecting
surface and near surface defects when the probable defect
location and orientation is well known.
Successful detection requires:
1.

A knowledge of probable defect type, position, and

orientation.

2.

Selection of the proper probe. The probe should fit the

geometry of the part and the coil must produce eddy
currents that will be disrupted by the flaw.

3.

Selection of a reasonable probe drive frequency. For

surface flaws, the frequency should be as high as
possible for maximum resolution and high sensitivity.
For subsurface flaws, lower frequencies are necessary
to get the required depth of penetration.

In the lower image, there is a flaw under the right side of

the coil and it can be see that the eddy currents are weaker
in this area.

Applications

Crack Detection

Tube and Wire Testing

Condenser Tube Inspection
Material Testing
Weld Testing
Coating Thickness Measurement

Applications with Encircling Probes

Mainly for automatic production

control.

Round bars, pipes, wires and

similar
items
are
generally
inspected with encircling probes.

Discontinuities and dimensional

changes can be revealed.

In-situ monitoring of wires used on

cranes, elevators, towing cables is
also an useful application.

Applications with Internal Bobbin

Probes

Primarily for examination of

tubes in heat exchangers and oil
pipes.

Become increasingly popular due

to the wide acceptance of the
philosophy
of
preventive
maintenance.

Applications with Internal Bobbin

Probes

Advantages of ET
Sensitive to small cracks and other defects.
Detects surface and near surface defects.
Inspection gives immediate results.
Equipment is very portable.
Method can be used for much more than flaw detection.
Minimum part preparation is required.
Test probe does not need to contact the part.
Inspects complex shapes and sizes of conductive materials.

Limitations of ET
Only conductive materials can be inspected .
Surface must be accessible to the probe .
Skill and training required is more extensive than other techniques .
Surface finish and roughness may interfere.
Reference standards needed for setup .
Depth of penetration is limited.

Thank you