Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
Surface and near-surface examination of ferromagnetic oilfield components using wet fluorescent magnetic particle testing.
Magnetic particle testing (MT) evaluates ferromagnetic materials for surface and near-surface discontinuities by introducing a magnetic field into the part and applying fine ferromagnetic particles to the surface. Where a discontinuity disrupts the magnetic flux, a leakage field forms that attracts the particles, producing an indication that corresponds to the discontinuity’s location and observed direction where applicable.
For oilfield steel components, MT offers surface and near-surface sensitivity suited to evaluating critical ferrous parts. Our primary approach is wet fluorescent magnetic particle testing, which uses fine particles suspended in a carrier and viewed under ultraviolet light. That combination supports sensitivity to fine surface and near-surface indications and is applied to ferromagnetic oilfield components.
Indications are evaluated against the acceptance criteria specified by the customer, applicable procedure, or governing requirement. MT results support repair, disposition, and return-to-service decisions made by the customer or the party responsible for the equipment.
How wet fluorescent MT works
Why magnetization direction matters
MT identifies discontinuities that disturb the magnetic flux. A discontinuity oriented perpendicular to the field produces the strongest leakage field, so the field direction must match the orientations of concern. In practice, field directions are selected to cover the orientations relevant to the component being inspected, and indications are evaluated against that setup within the limits of the applicable procedure.
Common oilfield MT applications
- Surface and near-surface examination of BHA components, subs, and stabilizers, where material, geometry, access, procedure, and personnel qualifications permit
- Surface examination on drill pipe and tubular surfaces, where the applicable procedure supports the inspection
- Rotary shoulder connection thread and shoulder examination, where access and procedure permit
- Fishing tool body and engagement-surface examination
- Weld and repair-weld examination at toes and heat-affected zones, where the weld is within scope
- Machined shoulder and sealing-face examination
Benefits and material limitations
Can identify
- Surface and near-surface sensitivity in ferromagnetic steel
- Real-time indications showing the discontinuity’s location and observed direction where applicable
- Applicable to the carbon and low-alloy steels common in oilfield tools
Does not directly establish
- Only ferromagnetic materials; non-ferromagnetic parts require PT or another method
- Surface and near-surface examination only; not a volumetric method
- Surface condition matters; heavy scale or coating can affect sensitivity
- Field direction and technique must match the discontinuities being sought
When to schedule
- Before redeployment of ferromagnetic components
- After retrieval from service
- Following machining, grinding, or repair welding
- When surface or near-surface indications are suspected
- Before returning repaired equipment to service
- As part of a recurring customer inspection program
Reporting and customer experience
Depending on the method and scope, inspection documentation may include equipment identification, inspected areas, the magnetization approach used, and relevant indications by location and observed direction where applicable. Where connected to the customer account and inspection workflow, results may be made available through Basin’s customer-facing reporting platform.
Related Reading
If you need to evaluate ferromagnetic BHA components, tubulars, or repaired welds for relevant surface or near-surface indications, we’ll scope a wet fluorescent MT inspection to fit the equipment and applicable acceptance criteria.
Request This ServiceTypical Applications
- BHA component surface and thread examination
- Drill pipe and tubular surface examination
- Rotary shoulder connection thread and shoulder examination
- Fishing tool body and engagement-surface examination
- Weld and repair-weld examination
- Machined shoulder and sealing-face examination
Inspection Basis
Inspections are performed using applicable Basin procedures, customer requirements, and project-specific acceptance criteria. Contact Basin NDT to confirm the inspection basis for your equipment and scope.
What You Receive
Depending on the method and scope, inspection documentation may include equipment identification, inspected areas, the magnetization approach used, and relevant indications by location.
Where We Provide This Service
Magnetic Particle Testing Across the Permian Basin
Basin NDT provides magnetic particle testing support across key oilfield markets throughout the Permian Basin and surrounding regions, with field and shop inspection coordinated around mobilization and production schedules.
Basin provides inspection services across these markets rather than operating a customer-facing yard in every community.
More Services
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Internal flaw detection and remaining-wall measurement for oilfield tools, tubulars, and machined components.
Penetrant Testing (PT / Dye Penetrant)
Dye penetrant inspection for surface-breaking indications on welds, machined components, and non-ferromagnetic oilfield parts.
Visual Testing (VT)
Direct visual examination of oilfield tools and components for surface condition, workmanship, and observable damage.
Eddy Current Testing (ET)
Couplant-free electromagnetic examination of conductive components for surface and near-surface indications.
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