TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 1 of 21

TECHNICAL REPORT
Magnetic Testing in the welds of the hatches of the new
gates lock in the Panama Canal extension

November 2014

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 2 of 21

Panama, November 2014

Gentlemen:
Cimolai, S. p. A.
Attention. Eng. Simone Cipolotti.
REF:

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the hatches of the new

gates lock in the Panama Canal expansion
Cot C201114-017S

Respected Engineer

Attached Technical Report Magnetic particle inspection, by WDS

Ingeniera, S.A., Testing conducted in welds hatches new locks on the
Panama Canal expansion.

This report contains observations and conclusions relating to the service.

Best regards

ENG. Daniel Rivero

ASNT-TC-1A Level II PT, VT, MT.
Level I UT, ECT
AWS Member No 675950
WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.
Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 3 of 21

CONTENT.

1. OBJECTIVE
2. INSPECTION DATE, PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENTS
3. DEFINITIONS
4. PROCEDURE
5. ACCEPTANCE AND REJECT CRITERIA
6. INSPECTION RESULTS
7. CONCLUSSIONS
8. RECOMMENDATIONS

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 4 of 21

1. OBJECTIVE.
Evaluate the condition of the welds of the hatches of the new gates lock
in the Panama Canal extension, trough magnetic testing (MT).
The image below represents the planes of the hatches

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 5 of 21

The images below are photographs of hatches in situ.

Top view

Bottom view
WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.
Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 6 of 21

The table here below shows the list of hatches that have been inspected.
Gate Loke No. 5
Gate lock Components
Hatch No 1
Hatch No 2
Hatch No 3

Type of test
VT, MT
VT, MT
VT, MT

VT: Visual test

MT: Magnetic test

2. INSPECTION DATE, PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENTS.

The inspections were made on November 22th 2014.
The personnel involved in the testing was:
- Eng. Daniel Rivero; MT, PT, VT Level II, UT, ECT Level I.
AWS Member No 675950
The equipment used was:
Magnetic Test (MT)
- MAGNAFLUX red magnetic particles.
- MAGNAFLUX Magnetic Yoke, Serial # 1858.

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 7 of 21

3. DEFINITIONS.
Principle: The magnetic particle method is based on establishing a
magnetic field with high flux density in a ferromagnetic material. The
flux lines must spread out when they pass through non-ferromagnetic
material such as air in a discontinuity or an inclusion. Because flux lines
cannot cross, this spreading action may force some of the flux lines out
of the material (flux leakage). Flux leakage is also caused by reduction
in ferromagnetic material (cross-sectional change), a Sharp dimensional
change, or the end of the part. If the flux leakage is strong enough, fine
magnetic particles will be held in place and an accumulation of particles
will be visible under the proper lighting conditions. While there are
variations in the magnetic particle method, they all are dependent on
this
principle, that magnetic particles will be retained at the locations of
magnetic flux leakage. The amount of flux leakage at discontinuities
depends primarily on the following factors; flux density in the material,
and size, orientation, and proximity to the surface of a discontinuity.
With longitudinal fields, all of the flux lines must complete their loops
though air and an excessively strong magnetic field may interfere with
examination near the flux entry and exit points due to the high fluxdensity present at these points.
Method: there are three steps essential to the method:

The part must be magnetized.

Magnetic particles of the type designated in the contract/purchase
order/specification should be applied while the part is magnetized
or immediately thereafter.
Any accumulation of magnetic particles must be observed,
interpreted, and evaluated.

Ways to Magnetize: A ferromagnetic material can be magnetized

either by passing an electric current through the material or by placing
the material within a magnetic field originated by an external source.
WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.
Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 8 of 21

The entire mass or a portion of the mass can be magnetized as dictated

by size and equipment capacity or need. As previously noted, in order to
be detectable, the discontinuity must interrupt the normal path of the
magnetic field lines. If a discontinuity is open to the surface, the flux
leakage attracting the particles will be at the maximum value for that
particular discontinuity. When that same discontinuity is below the
surface, flux leakage evident on the surface will be a lesser value.
Field Direction: If a discontinuity is oriented parallel to the magnetic
field lines, it may be essentially undetectable. Therefore, since
discontinuities may occur in any orientation, it may be necessary to
magnetize the part or the area of interest twice or more sequentially in
different directions by the same method or a combination of different
methods to induce magnetic field lines in a suitable direction in which to
perform an adequate examination.
Field Strength: The magnetic field must be of sufficient strength to
indicate those discontinuities which are unacceptable, yet must not be
so strong that an excess of local particle accumulation masks relevant
indications
Types of Magnetic Particles and Their Use: There are various types
of magnetic particles available for use in magnetic particle testing. They
are available as dry powders (fluorescent and nonfluorescent) ready for
use as supplied, powder concentrates (fluorescent and nonfluorescent)
for dispersion in water or suspending in light petroleum distillates,
magnetic slurries/paints, and magnetic polymer dispersions.
Evaluation of Indications: When the material to be
been properly magnetized, the magnetic particles have
applied, and the excess particles properly removed,
accumulations of magnetic particles remaining at the
leakage. These accumulations show the distortion of the

examined has
been properly
there will be
points of flux
magnetic field

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 9 of 21

and are called indications. Without disturbing the particles, the

indications must be examined, classified, compared with the acceptance
standards, and a decision made concerning the disposition of the
material that contains the indication.
Typical Magnetic Particle Indications:
Surface Discontinuities: Surface discontinuities, with few
exceptions, produce sharp, distinct patterns.
Near-surface discontinuities: Near-surface discontinuities
produce less distinct indications than those open to the surface.
The patterns tend to be broad, rather than sharp, and the particles
are less tightly held.
Yokes: Yokes are usually C-shaped electromagnets which induce a
magnetic field between the poles (legs) and are used for local
magnetization. Many portable yokes have articulated legs (poles) that
allow the legs to be adjusted to contact irregular surfaces or two
surfaces that join at an angle.

USE A YOKE AS TOOL FOR INSPECTION

Yoke: Examination of large surface areas for
surface-type discontinuities.
Advantages
Limitations
1. No electrical contact.
1. Time consuming.
2. Highly portable.
2. Must be
3. Can locate
systematically
discontinuities in any
repositioned in view of
direction with proper
random discontinuity
orientation.
orientation.

Yoke, dry powders

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 10 of 21

Dry Particles: Dry magnetic powders are designed to be used as

supplied and are applied by spraying or using directly onto the surface
of the part being examined. They are generally used on an expendable
basis because of the requirement to maintain particle size and control
possible contamination. Reuse is not a normal practice. Dry powders
may also be used under extreme environmental conditions. They are not
affected by cold; therefore examination can be carried out at
temperatures that would thicken or freeze wet baths. They are also heat
resistant; some powders may be usable at temperatures up to 600F
(315C). Some colored, organic coatings applied to dry particles to
improve contrast lose their color at temperatures this high, making the
contrast less effective. Fluorescent dry particles cannot be used at this
high a temperature; the manufacturer should be contacted for the
temperature limitations.
USE A DRY PARTICLES FOR INSPECTION
Advantages
Disadvantages
The dry magnetic particle technique is The dry magnetic particle technique:
generally superior to the wet technique for (a) cannot be used in confined areas without
detection of near-surface discontinuities on proper safety breathing apparatus;
parts with a gross indication size:
(b) can be difficult to use in overhead
(a) for large objects when using portable magnetizing positions;
equipment for local magnetization;
(c) does not always leave evidence of
(b) superior particle mobility is obtained for complete coverage of part surface as with the
relatively deep-seated flaws using halfwave wet technique;
rectified current as the magnetizing source;
(d) is likely to have lower production rates
(c) easy for removal.
than the wet technique; and
(e) is difficult to adapt to any type of
automatic system.

Dry Continuous Magnetization Technique: Unlike a wet suspension,

dry particles lose most of their mobility when they contact the surface of
a part. Therefore, it is imperative that the part/area of interest be under
the influence of the applied magnetic field while the particles are still
airborne and free to be attracted to leakage fields. This dictates that the
WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.
Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 11 of 21

flow of magnetizing current be initiated prior to the application of dry

magnetic particles and terminated after the application of powder has
been completed and any excess has been blown off. Magnetizing with
HW current and AC current provide additional particle mobility on the
surface of the part. Examination with dry particles is usually carried out
in conjunction with prod-type or yoke localized magnetizations, and
buildup of indications is observed as the particles are being applied.
4. PROCEDURE.
The procedure is developed based on the standard ASTM E-709-08.
What is summarized in the following steps:
a. Cleaning the inspection area (Chapter 9).
b. Continues magnetization in one direction (using the electromagnetic
yoke).
c. Application of the visible particles (red) dry powder.
d. First evaluation (Chapters 10 and 16).
e. Continues magnetization perpendicular to the first direction of
assessment (using the electromagnetic yoke).
f. Final evaluation (Chapters 10 and 16).
g. Demagnetization (Chapter 18).
h. Cleaning post evaluation (Chapter 19).
i. Demarcation of indications.
j. Filling of the sheet technical report. In accordance with Chapters 17
and 21 of ASTM E-709-08.
5. ACCEPTANCE OR REJECT CRITERIA.
Acceptance or reject criteria was according to Cimolai S.p.A. standards,
regarding all the testing.
6. INSPECTION RESULTS.
The inspection results are observed on sheets of technical reports
attached here.
WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.
Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 12 of 21

Hatch # 1

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 13 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 14 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 15 of 21

Hatch # 2

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 16 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 17 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 18 of 21

Hatch # 3

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 19 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 20 of 21

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com

TECHNICAL REPORT

Magnetic Testing in the welds of the

hatches of the new gates lock in the
Panama Canal expansion
Rev: 0

November 2014

Page 21 of 21

7. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.

All the indications found were reported in situ to CIMOLAI personnel.

Relevant indications were labeled at the site and are described in their
sheets technical report.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS.

It is recommended to make reparations to the items which presented

relevant indications through magnetic testing, and continue with the
programmed preemptive maintenance.
It is recommended to keep a record of all the testing and their
reparations in order to keep high security standards.
Regarding for the correctives actions of the findings observed by
inspection, these are the responsibility of CIMOLAI.

WDS INGENIERIA, S.A.

Inspected by:

Report written by:

Report reviewed by:

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Daniel Rivero, ENG.

Calle Ferrer Arias, Edif Dos Mares View, Apto 2D, Dos Mares, Ciudad de Panam
+507 391 0946 / +507 6668 1761
wdsingenieria@gmail.com