Archives September 2025

THE POWER OF COMBINATION

Discover how the combination of Supermagna Yoke HMM6, magnetic powder particles, BC 502 SN Conditioner and 104C Contrast ensures fast, compliant and safe magnetic particle inspections.

In industrial maintenance, the reliability of inspections is crucial to avoid rework, equipment failures, and costs associated with unscheduled downtime.

Among Non-Destructive Testing (END) methods, magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is one of the most widespread techniques for detecting surface and subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials .

For reliable results, good magnetization equipment alone is not enough. High-quality magnetic particles, a suitable conditioner, and an effective contrast agent are also necessary.

This is where Metal-Chek stands out, offering a robust combination for the industry: the Supermagna Yoke HMM6, magnetic powder particles associated with the BC 502SN Conditioner and the 104C Contrast.

Supermagna Yoke HMM6: Robustness and Compliance

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is an electromagnetic yoke designed to generate the necessary magnetic field during inspection.

Main features:

• Portable and robust – ideal for field and factory inspections.
• Safe – it does not conduct current through the part, but induces a longitudinal magnetic field.
• Versatile – suitable for inspecting welds, castings, forgings, metal structures, etc.

Regulatory – complies with the main national and international standards.

Magnetic Particles + BC 502 SN Conditioner

The use of magnetic powder particles, combined with BC 502 SN Conditioner, is the most widely adopted method for forming stable and efficient suspensions.

Function of magnetic particles:

• They make surface and subsurface discontinuities visible by accumulating in regions where the applied magnetic field escapes.
• The concentration can be adjusted according to the procedure.
• Available in different options for visible or fluorescent inspections.

Function of BC 502 SN Conditioner:

• It guarantees corrosion protection .
• Allows for uniform dispersion of particles .
• It promotes proper moisturization and mobility  on the surface.
• Compliant with technical standards requirements.

104C Contrast: Enhanced Visibility and Precision

Contrast 104C is applied before magnetization and magnetic particle bathing, creating a uniform white background.

Main functions:

• It increases the contrast between the particles and the surface.
• Increased sensitivity of the assay.
• Compliance with technical standards.

How the Combination Works

1. Applying Contrast 104C – creates a contrasting and uniform white background.
2. Magnetization with the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 – generates the necessary magnetic field.
3. Application of the prepared suspension (particles + BC 502 SN) – the particles agglomerate in the leakage field regions, forming indications.
4. Interpretation – with a white background and highlighted particles, the inspector can quickly and reliably identify discontinuities.

Advantages of the Combination

• High sensitivity in detecting discontinuities.
• Operational speed , with results visible immediately.
• Regulatory reliability , in accordance with ASTM, ISO, AMS, ASME and PETROBRAS standards.
• Flexibility , allowing adjustments to particle concentration.
• Safety is ensured through the use of a robust and secure yoke in various environments.

Technical Standards Supporting the Set

The combination meets the requirements of international and national standards, such as:

• ASTM E709
• ASTM E3024
• ISO 9934 (1 and 2)
• NM 342
• ASME BPVC Section V, Article 7
• PETROBRAS N-1598

Magnetic particle inspection is an essential technique for industrial maintenance and quality assurance. However, its efficiency depends on choosing the right equipment and supplies.

The combination of the Supermagna Yoke HMM6, magnetic particles with BC 502 SN Conditioner, and 104C Contrast ensures a fast, reliable, and safe inspection process.

With this complete solution, Metal-Chek reinforces its commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for Non-Destructive Testing, meeting the needs of the industry with excellence.

Speak with our  technical team  and discover how we can help transform your inspection routines into competitive advantages. 

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Discover how to plan and execute magnetic particle inspections, ensuring speed, reliability, and compliance with technical standards.

Industrial inspections can present challenges such as lack of infrastructure, space limitations, adverse conditions, and the need for fast and reliable results.

In this context, Non-Destructive Testing (END) using magnetic particles (MP) stands out as a practical solution for detecting surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials .

This practical guide is aimed at maintenance professionals, inspectors, and engineers, showing how to perform magnetic particle inspections efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations, even outside of controlled laboratory environments.

Surface Preparation

One of the biggest challenges in inspections is dealing with surfaces contaminated by grease, oil, welding spatter, or oxidation. Proper area preparation is essential to avoid false readings.

Recommended techniques:

• Steel brush (manual or rotary): quick removal of oxidation from welds and metal structures.
• Grinding: suitable for removing coatings and persistent oxidation.
• Solvents and clean cloths: remove grease and oils.

The better the preparation, the greater the reliability of the inspection.

Choice of Technique

The type of application of magnetic particles should consider environmental conditions, available time, and required sensitivity.

• Dry process:

Advantages → ideal for surfaces with high temperatures

Limitations → lower sensitivity to small discontinuities

• Wet method (water or oil):

Advantages → high sensitivity, suitable for detecting small discontinuities.

• Colored wet process

Advantages → visible under white light, no need for special lighting fixtures.

Limitations → operating temperature

• Fluorescent wet particles:

Advantages → maximum sensitivity under UV-A light.

Limitations → operating temperature, visible only under UV-A light.

Safety in Confined Spaces

Inspections of tanks, vessels, and confined structures require additional safety measures:

• Use portable and robust equipment , such as the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 , which works in different positions and does not conduct current through the workpiece.
• Respect occupational safety standards (e.g., NR-33 – Safety in Confined Spaces).

Choosing robust equipment is crucial for reducing risks and increasing reliability in challenging environments.

Technical Standards Governing Testing

Magnetic particle inspection can follow recognized standards to ensure reliable results:

• ASTM E709
• ISO 9934 (1 to 2)
• PETROBRAS N-1598
• ASME Section V, Article 7

Recommended Equipment for Inspections

For magnetic particle inspections, the ideal solution is to use equipment that combines durability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6, for example, is designed to meet these needs:

• Portable and robust.
• Safe in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• Meets ASTM, ISO, ASME and PETROBRAS standards.
• Suitable for inspections of welds, metal structures, castings, forgings, etc.

Magnetic particle inspection is a strategic tool for industrial maintenance. When performed correctly — with proper surface preparation, appropriate technique selection, and the use of reliable equipment — it ensures operational safety, regulatory compliance, and cost reduction.

If your company operates in sectors such as oil & gas, energy, automotive or metallurgical, the Metal-Chek Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is the ideal solution to guarantee reliable results within standards.

Speak with our technical team.

Follow us on: @metalchek

In modern industry, the reliability of equipment and metal structures is a decisive factor for operational safety and cost reduction. A failure in a critical component can generate not only financial losses, but also put lives at risk. It is in this scenario that Non-Destructive Testing (END) plays a strategic role, as it allows the integrity of parts to be evaluated without causing damage.

Among the most widely used END methods, magnetic particle testing (MPT) stands out for its efficiency in detecting surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials . Within this method, one piece of equipment proves indispensable: the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 .

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is a portable device that has become an essential tool for industrial inspectors and maintenance technicians. Throughout this article, we will explore in detail what the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is, how it works, its applications, regulatory requirements, and, most importantly, why it is fundamental to ensuring quality and safety in industrial inspections.

What is the Supermagna Yoke HMM6?

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is an inverted “U”-shaped electromagnet with two legs (fixed or articulated) that, when placed on a ferromagnetic surface, generates a longitudinal magnetic field between its poles. This field allows for the detection of surface flaws by applying magnetic particles to the inspected area.

Unlike other techniques, the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 does not conduct electrical current through the workpiece, but rather through the coil of the equipment itself. This characteristic offers two major advantages:

1. Safety: It can be used in potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres, as there is no risk of electrical sparks.
2. Preservation of the part: there is no risk of overheating or surface damage during the test.

Furthermore, the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is designed to be both portable and rugged, making it ideal for field inspections, hard-to-reach locations, and situations where inspector mobility is critical.

Magnetic Fundamentals Applied to the Supermagnetic Yoke HMM6

To understand the importance of the Supermagna Yoke HMM6, it is necessary to revisit some basic concepts of magnetism:

• Magnetic field: the region around a magnet or conductor carrying an electric current where magnetic forces act.
• Leakage field: interruption in magnetic flux lines caused by a discontinuity, such as a crack or inclusion.
• Magnetic particles : dry powder or liquid suspension that, when applied to a magnetized surface, accumulates in the leakage field, visually revealing the fault.

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6, by magnetizing the part, highlights these discontinuities immediately.

Applications of the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 in Industry

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6 is widely used in sectors where structural safety and operational reliability are essential.

• Welding and boilermaking: inspection of weld beads, detection of cracks and lack of fusion.
• Petrochemical and oil & gas: pressure vessels, piping, flanges and critical connections.
• Automotive and rail sectors: axles, wheels, gears, rails, and braking systems.
• Aeronautical and aerospace: inspection of landing gear and structural components.
• Energy: hydraulic turbines, components for thermal and nuclear power plants.

In all these sectors, the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 stands out for its speed of application and immediate results, allowing for quick decisions regarding repairs or replacements.

Reference Standards

• ASTM E1444  – Standard practice for magnetic particle testing.
• ASTM E709  – Standard guide for magnetic particle testing.
• ASTM E3024 –  Guidelines covering equipment calibration, magnetization techniques, acceptance criteria, and personnel training.
• PETROBRAS N-1598 –  Establishes mandatory technical requirements and instructions on how to handle non-conformities for Non-Destructive Testing: Magnetic Particles.
• ASME Section V – Article 7 – Requirements for magnetic particle testing of ferromagnetic materials, applicable to pressure vessels, boilers, and other components covered by the ASME code.

Why is the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 Essential in Industrial Maintenance?

Because it goes far beyond just an inspection tool — it’s a strategic investment in safety, productivity, and compliance.

• Minimizes unscheduled downtime → detects faults before they escalate into breakdowns.
• Reduces costs → avoids rework and unnecessary replacements.
• Increased security → protects people and property.
• Mobility and practicality → ideal for teams that need agility in the field.
• Robustness and durability → ideal for intensive use in industrial environments.

The impact on your company

The Supermagna Yoke HMM6 for magnetic particle testing is a key component in industrial maintenance, combining simplicity, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Its application in different sectors reinforces its relevance as an indispensable piece of equipment in inspection programs.

By choosing the Metal-Chek Supermagna Yoke HMM6, your company is guaranteed reliable results, expert technical support, and advantageous commercial terms.

Speak with our technical team and discover how the Supermagna Yoke HMM6 can increase the safety and efficiency of your inspections.

Follow us on Instagram: @metalchek