Iron powder suspension
Iron powder suspension is a liquid mixture of fine magnetic particles and a carrier medium. It is used for flaw indication in magnetic particle testing, as the particles deposit at leakage fields.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
Iron powder suspension consists of fine magnetic iron particles suspended in a carrier medium such as water or oil. These particles are so small and well distributed that they can move easily.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
Magnetic particle testing is used to detect cracks or defects in metal parts. The iron particles are applied to the metal being tested and stay where magnetic fields exist. This indicates the location of cracks or other leakage fields.
Workshop practice & instructions
Before testing, the metal must be cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no dust particles falsify the results. The iron powder suspension should be stored in a closed container and handled carefully during application to avoid contaminating the carrier medium.