Airplanes can have hundreds of thousands or even a million individual parts. Some of these parts are well-known, such as the landing gear and control surfaces. Other parts, however, are often overlooked. Magnetic chip detectors fall under the latter category. While most modern airplanes have few, magnetic chip detectors often go unnoticed.
What Is a Magnetic Chip Detector?
A magnetic chip detector is a device that’s designed to detect metal shavings or “chips.” They are commonly used in engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems.
How Magnetic Chip Detectors Work
Engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems often accumulate chips as a byproduct of their operations. Aircraft engines, for instance, circulate oil to lubricate their inner components and capture debris. Regular wear and tear of an engine can lead to small metal shavings. As oil circulates through the engine, it will capture these chips.
Magnetic chip detectors work by attracting chips. There are active detectors and passive detectors. Active magnetic chip detectors feature a pair of permanent magnets in an electric circuit. As the chip detector pulls and holds chips, it will eventually break the electric circuit. The chip detector will then send a signal to the cockpit, telling pilots or maintenance workers that the respective system needs to be serviced.
Passive magnetic chip detectors don’t feature an electric circuit, nor do they send a signal to the cockpit. Instead, they only attract and hold chips. If an airplane has a passive magnetic chip detector, it will typically require inspection during the airplane’s scheduled maintenance.
The Importance of Magnetic Chip Detectors
Why do airplanes have magnetic chip detectors? Engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems often operate under extreme loads. They are exposed to high temperatures and vibrations that can accelerate wear and tear.
Magnetic chip detectors don’t necessarily protect these systems from wear and tear. They do, however, alert pilots and maintenance workers about such wear. If there’s a high concentration of chips in the engine, for instance, pilots and maintenance workers may service the engine before its next flight.
Magnetic chip detectors help to cut costs for airlines and other aircraft operators. Chip accumulation is a common occurrence in the aforementioned systems. When left unchecked, though, it can lead to internal damage that’s costly and difficult to repair. Magnetic chip detectors help pilots and maintenance workers identify problems early so that extensive damage such as this can be avoided.
