T.O. 33B-1-1d.Dirt, soil and other insoluble solids can be carried into the magnetic particle bath as a result ofinadequate pre-cleaning.e.Acidic and alkaline solutions can be a contaminant of magnetic particle baths. Acidic and alkalinesolutions can be residues of previous plating, paint stripping and cleaning processes.1.6.3.2EvaporationLosses.Magnetic particle bath vehicle materials used in open tanks are continuously undergoing evaporation,resulting in an increase in particle concentration. The rate of evaporation increases with warmer tempera-tures and larger tank surfaces. Evaporation losses take place very gradually so performance change maybecome significant before it is noticed.1.6.3.3Drag-Out.Particle concentration is reduced when particles that adhere to parts being inspected are not returned to thesuspension. Like evaporation, the resultant change occurs slowly and would probably go unnoticed untilsignificant performance loss is experienced.1.6.3.4HeatDegradation.Fluorescent dye stuffs are sensitive to elevated temperatures. Temperatures of over 140oF (60oC), can reducethe f luorescence and temperatures over 250oF (117oC), may destroy it completely. High temperatures inmagnetic particle inspection materials usually occur when materials are improperly stored. A dark coloredcontainer stored in direct sunlight can reach temperatures above 140oF.1.6.3.5ProcessDegradation.In addition to materials degradation during use, the equipment and process can deteriorate. The magne-tizing equipment can loose power, black light bulbs age and become dirty and critical procedural steps may beperformed incorrectly or omitted. Periodic checks SHALL be accomplished to assure satisfactoryperformance.1.6.4FrequencyofProcessControl.One of the factors inf luencing the degradation of a magnetic particle system (materials, equipment andprocedures) is the volume of parts being processed. Bath and equipment deficiencies can be expected to occurmore often with increased workload volume. Since there is no uniformity in workload between activities, asingle calendar schedule cannot be established. Each inspection activity SHALL set inspection intervalsbased on their workloads. The inspection intervals SHALL be documented as shown in Chapter 1, page 1-15,paragraph 1.4.5. (For Navy: use local form.) Guidance on inspection intervals is provided in the followingparagraphs.a.If your workload requires operation for eight or more hours each day, perform the concentration testevery eight hours or each shift.b.If your workload requires occasional or less than eight hours of operation, perform the concentrationtest prior to processing parts on that shift.1.6.5MaterialRequirements.1.6.5.1Applicability.NOTEPrior to bath replacement in a magnetic particle inspection unit, the equip-ment must be cleaned thoroughly according to the equipment maintenancemanual. This does not apply to the addition of materials (either vehicle orparticles) to maintain concentration.1-44Change 3
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