Crane hook crack detection and non-destructive testing technology

2025-07-29 08:14:53

Technical Guide for crane hook Crack Detection and Nondestructive Testing

(covering mainstream detection methods, standard limits, intelligent diagnosis and case analysis)


1. Common locations and hazards of cracks

  • High incidence areas :

    • Hook neck root (bending stress concentration area)

    • Thread undercut (machining stress concentration)

    • Inside the hook tip (contact fatigue crack)

  • Risk Level :

    • Surface cracks : Depth > 0.5mm, stop using immediately

    • Internal cracks : Any size is prohibited


2. Comparison of the six major non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies

method principle Detection capability Applicable scenarios Standard basis
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Magnetic field + ferromagnetic powder shows defects Surface crack ≥0.1mm Ferromagnetic material (steel hook) ASTM E709/GB/T 15822
Penetrant Testing (PT) Capillary penetration development of dye solution Surface opening crack ≥ 0.3mm Non-porous material (titanium hook) ISO 3452
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) High-frequency acoustic reflection imaging Internal crack ≥1mm Large hook volume detection EN 12680-3
Eddy Current Testing (ET) Electromagnetic induction to measure conductivity changes Surface crack ≥0.5mm Rapid screening of surface defects ISO 15549
X-ray Testing (RT) X-ray imaging Internal defects ≥ 2% wall thickness Internal pore detection of cast hooks IN 1435
Acoustic Emission (AE) Real-time monitoring of crack growth using acoustic waves Dynamic crack growth Long-term monitoring of in-service hooks ASTM E1316

3. Operation process and technical points

1. Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) – the most commonly used method
  • step :

    1. Clean the surface (remove oil, rust)

    2. Apply magnetic field (circumferential magnetizing current ≥ 300A)

    3. Spraying fluorescent magnetic suspension (observation under black light)

    4. Crack display: linear green fluorescent trace (see Figure 1)

  • Key parameters :

    • Magnetic field strength: 1.5~2.0 Tesla

    • Defect judgment: Crack length> 2mm or depth> 0.5mm is considered scrap

Figure 1: Magnetic particle display of crack at the root of hook neck

2. Phased Array Ultrasonic Test (PAUT) – High-Precision Internal Inspection
  • Advantages : Can detect cracks with a depth of 50 mm and generate 3D images (Figure 2)

  • Parameter settings :

    • Probe frequency: 5MHz

    • Scanning angle: 35°~70° sector scanning

  • Case : Detection of internal inclusion cracks in a forged hook (size 1.2×8mm)

*Figure 2: Internal crack B/C scan image*


4. Frontiers of Intelligent Detection Technology

  1. AI visual recognition :

    • The drone is equipped with a 4K camera + deep learning algorithm to automatically mark surface cracks (accuracy > 95%)

  2. IoT Cloud Platform :

    • Acoustic emission sensors upload data in real time, and AI predicts crack growth trends (such as Paris model correction)

  3. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) :

    • Laser burns the surface to instantly analyze material composition and simultaneously determine cracks and material degradation


5. Scrapping standards and treatment

  • Internationally accepted scrapping criteria :

    • Any visible cracks (EN 1677-1/GB/T 10051)

    • Crack depth > 0.5mm (ASME B30.10)

    • Crack length > 5% of cross-sectional size (ISO 8754)

  • Processing flow :

    1. Mark defect location

    2. Isolate scrap hooks

    3. Destructive analysis (optional)


VI. Analysis of Typical Accident Cases

  • Case 1: Broken port hook

    • Failure cause : Fatigue cracks at the thread root were not detected (MT missed detection)

    • Lesson : PAUT should be added to assist in detecting stress concentration areas

  • Case 2: Metallurgical hook suddenly broke

    • Failure cause : High temperature caused the material to become brittle, and acoustic emission (AE) did not provide timely warning

    • Improvement : Install thermocouple + AE joint monitoring system


Summarize

  • Preferred method : Magnetic particle inspection for routine use , phased array ultrasonic inspection for overhaul period

  • Innovation direction : AI+multi-sensor fusion to achieve predictive maintenance

  • Safety red line : If cracks are found, stop using the machine immediately, and do not weld to repair the load-bearing parts.

(Note: Inspection personnel must be certified (such as ASNT Level II or EN 473 certification))

Technical Guide for Crane Hook Crack Detection and Nondestructive Testing

(covering mainstream detection methods, standard limits, intelligent diagnosis and case analysis)


1. Common locations and hazards of cracks

  • High incidence areas :

    • Hook neck root (bending stress concentration area)

    • Thread undercut (machining stress concentration)

    • Inside the hook tip (contact fatigue crack)

  • Risk Level :

    • Surface cracks : Depth > 0.5mm, stop using immediately

    • Internal cracks : Any size is prohibited


2. Comparison of the six major non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies

method principle Detection capability Applicable scenarios Standard basis
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Magnetic field + ferromagnetic powder shows defects Surface crack ≥0.1mm Ferromagnetic material (steel hook) ASTM E709/GB/T 15822
Penetrant Testing (PT) Capillary penetration development of dye solution Surface opening crack ≥ 0.3mm Non-porous material (titanium hook) ISO 3452
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) High-frequency acoustic reflection imaging Internal crack ≥1mm Large hook volume detection EN 12680-3
Eddy Current Testing (ET) Electromagnetic induction to measure conductivity changes Surface crack ≥0.5mm Rapid screening of surface defects ISO 15549
X-ray Testing (RT) X-ray imaging Internal defects ≥ 2% wall thickness Internal pore detection of cast hooks IN 1435
Acoustic Emission (AE) Real-time monitoring of crack growth using acoustic waves Dynamic crack growth Long-term monitoring of in-service hooks ASTM E1316

3. Operation process and technical points

1. Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) – the most commonly used method
  • step :

    1. Clean the surface (remove oil, rust)

    2. Apply magnetic field (circumferential magnetizing current ≥ 300A)

    3. Spraying fluorescent magnetic suspension (observation under black light)

    4. Crack display: linear green fluorescent trace (see Figure 1)

  • Key parameters :

    • Magnetic field strength: 1.5~2.0 Tesla

    • Defect judgment: Crack length> 2mm or depth> 0.5mm is considered scrap

Figure 1: Magnetic particle display of crack at the root of hook neck

2. Phased Array Ultrasonic Test (PAUT) – High-Precision Internal Inspection
  • Advantages : Can detect cracks with a depth of 50 mm and generate 3D images (Figure 2)

  • Parameter settings :

    • Probe frequency: 5MHz

    • Scanning angle: 35°~70° sector scanning

  • Case : Detection of internal inclusion cracks in a forged hook (size 1.2×8mm)

*Figure 2: Internal crack B/C scan image*


4. Frontiers of Intelligent Detection Technology

  1. AI visual recognition :

    • The drone is equipped with a 4K camera + deep learning algorithm to automatically mark surface cracks (accuracy > 95%)

  2. IoT Cloud Platform :

    • Acoustic emission sensors upload data in real time, and AI predicts crack growth trends (such as Paris model correction)

  3. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) :

    • Laser burns the surface to instantly analyze material composition and simultaneously determine cracks and material degradation


5. Scrapping standards and treatment

  • Internationally accepted scrapping criteria :

    • Any visible cracks (EN 1677-1/GB/T 10051)

    • Crack depth > 0.5mm (ASME B30.10)

    • Crack length > 5% of cross-sectional size (ISO 8754)

  • Processing flow :

    1. Mark defect location

    2. Isolate scrap hooks

    3. Destructive analysis (optional)


VI. Analysis of Typical Accident Cases

  • Case 1: Broken port hook

    • Failure cause : Fatigue cracks at the thread root were not detected (MT missed detection)

    • Lesson : PAUT should be added to assist in detecting stress concentration areas

  • Case 2: Metallurgical hook suddenly broke

    • Failure cause : High temperature caused the material to become brittle, and acoustic emission (AE) did not provide timely warning

    • Improvement : Install thermocouple + AE joint monitoring system


Summarize

  • Preferred method : Magnetic particle inspection for routine use , phased array ultrasonic inspection for overhaul period

  • Innovation direction : AI+multi-sensor fusion to achieve predictive maintenance

  • Safety red line : If cracks are found, stop using the machine immediately, and do not weld to repair the load-bearing parts.

(Note: Inspection personnel must be certified (such as ASNT Level II or EN 473 certification))

Technical Guide for Crane Hook Crack Detection and Nondestructive Testing

(covering mainstream detection methods, standard limits, intelligent diagnosis and case analysis)


1. Common locations and hazards of cracks

  • High incidence areas :

    • Hook neck root (bending stress concentration area)

    • Thread undercut (machining stress concentration)

    • Inside the hook tip (contact fatigue crack)

  • Risk Level :

    • Surface cracks : Depth > 0.5mm, stop using immediately

    • Internal cracks : Any size is prohibited


2. Comparison of the six major non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies

method principle Detection capability Applicable scenarios Standard basis
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Magnetic field + ferromagnetic powder shows defects Surface crack ≥0.1mm Ferromagnetic material (steel hook) ASTM E709/GB/T 15822
Penetrant Testing (PT) Capillary penetration development of dye solution Surface opening crack ≥ 0.3mm Non-porous material (titanium hook) ISO 3452
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) High-frequency acoustic reflection imaging Internal crack ≥1mm Large hook volume detection EN 12680-3
Eddy Current Testing (ET) Electromagnetic induction to measure conductivity changes Surface crack ≥0.5mm Rapid screening of surface defects ISO 15549
X-ray Testing (RT) X-ray imaging Internal defects ≥ 2% wall thickness Internal pore detection of cast hooks IN 1435
Acoustic Emission (AE) Real-time monitoring of crack growth using acoustic waves Dynamic crack growth Long-term monitoring of in-service hooks ASTM E1316

3. Operation process and technical points

1. Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) – the most commonly used method
  • step :

    1. Clean the surface (remove oil, rust)

    2. Apply magnetic field (circumferential magnetizing current ≥ 300A)

    3. Spraying fluorescent magnetic suspension (observation under black light)

    4. Crack display: linear green fluorescent trace (see Figure 1)

  • Key parameters :

    • Magnetic field strength: 1.5~2.0 Tesla

    • Defect judgment: Crack length> 2mm or depth> 0.5mm is considered scrap

Figure 1: Magnetic particle display of crack at the root of hook neck

2. Phased Array Ultrasonic Test (PAUT) – High-Precision Internal Inspection
  • Advantages : Can detect cracks with a depth of 50 mm and generate 3D images (Figure 2)

  • Parameter settings :

    • Probe frequency: 5MHz

    • Scanning angle: 35°~70° sector scanning

  • Case : Detection of internal inclusion cracks in a forged hook (size 1.2×8mm)

*Figure 2: Internal crack B/C scan image*


4. Frontiers of Intelligent Detection Technology

  1. AI visual recognition :

    • The drone is equipped with a 4K camera + deep learning algorithm to automatically mark surface cracks (accuracy > 95%)

  2. IoT Cloud Platform :

    • Acoustic emission sensors upload data in real time, and AI predicts crack growth trends (such as Paris model correction)

  3. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) :

    • Laser burns the surface to instantly analyze material composition and simultaneously determine cracks and material degradation


5. Scrapping standards and treatment

  • Internationally accepted scrapping criteria :

    • Any visible cracks (EN 1677-1/GB/T 10051)

    • Crack depth > 0.5mm (ASME B30.10)

    • Crack length > 5% of cross-sectional size (ISO 8754)

  • Processing flow :

    1. Mark defect location

    2. Isolate scrap hooks

    3. Destructive analysis (optional)


VI. Analysis of Typical Accident Cases

  • Case 1: Broken port hook

    • Failure cause : Fatigue cracks at the thread root were not detected (MT missed detection)

    • Lesson : PAUT should be added to assist in detecting stress concentration areas

  • Case 2: Metallurgical hook suddenly broke

    • Failure cause : High temperature caused the material to become brittle, and acoustic emission (AE) did not provide timely warning

    • Improvement : Install thermocouple + AE joint monitoring system


Summarize

  • Preferred method : Magnetic particle inspection for routine use , phased array ultrasonic inspection for overhaul period

  • Innovation direction : AI+multi-sensor fusion to achieve predictive maintenance

  • Safety red line : If cracks are found, stop using the machine immediately, and do not weld to repair the load-bearing parts.

(Note: Inspection personnel must be certified (such as ASNT Level II or EN 473 certification))

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