PUFFER BULB – FULL DESCRIPTION

A Puffer Bulb (also called an Air Bulb, Dust Blower, or Hand Air Puffer) is a small, hand-squeezed rubber bulb used in Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI) to blow a controlled stream of air onto a surface.
It helps remove excess dry magnetic powder, clean surfaces, or gently distribute particles during dry powder MPI.

It is a simple but essential tool for accurate and clean inspection.

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✔ Purpose of a Puffer Bulb

Used to:

• Remove excess dry magnetic powder from the inspection area

• Distribute fine, even layers of magnetic powder

• Clean dust or loose debris from the surface

• Enhance visibility of magnetic indications

• Avoid disturbing actual defect particle accumulations

Essential during dry method MPI (visible or fluorescent).

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✔ Construction

A typical Puffer Bulb consists of:

1. Rubber Bulb Body

• Made from soft, flexible rubber

• Designed to compress easily with hand pressure

2. Air Nozzle

• Narrow plastic or metal end

• Provides controlled, directional airflow

• Nozzle may be removable or molded

3. One-Way Air Valve (in some models)

• Allows consistent airflow

• Prevents powder from being sucked back into the bulb

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✔ How It Works

1. Squeeze the bulb → air is forced out through the nozzle.

2. Release the bulb → it refills with air automatically.

3. Direct the airflow onto:

   • Dry magnetic powder

   • Surface dust

   • Excess material on part under inspection

The airflow is gentle, so it does not remove defect indications.

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✔ How It Is Used in MPI

During Dry Powder MPI:

• After applying powder, a puffer bulb is used to blow off only loose excess powder, leaving behind powder that accumulates at discontinuities.

• Ensures clear, sharp defect indications.

During Surface Preparation:

• Can remove:
  ✔ Dust
  ✔ Loose scale
  ✔ Light debris

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✔ Advantages

• Does not require power or batteries

• Very precise and gentle airflow

• Portable, lightweight, and inexpensive

• No risk of contaminating particles or bath

• Safe for sensitive surfaces

• Essential for dry MPI testing

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✔ Limitations

• Not suitable for large area cleaning

• Limited air volume compared to compressed air

• Must be kept clean and dry

• Excessively strong squeezing may disturb small indications

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✔ Applications

Used in:

• Dry method Magnetic Particle Testing (MT/MPI)

• Visible or fluorescent dry powder inspection

• Removing dust from small components

• Cleaning delicate surfaces, optics, small machines

• Electronics and camera lens cleaning

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If you want, I can also provide:

📌 ALT image description of Puffer Bulb
📌 Short catalog description
📌 Difference: Puffer Bulb vs Compressed Air
📌 Dry Powder MPI procedure

Just tell me!