Fuel Injector Feature VerificationScope Sort Diesel Fuel Injector bodies for correct type based on a specific feature. Challenge A major manufacturer of diesel engines produced two similar types of fuel injector housings. The only difference between them was an internal key slot. The manufacturer was relying on manual visual inspection being performed by production personnel. The visual inspection method was hindered by the dark discoloration of the material resulting from heat treatment, a narrow ID, other common internal features and internal shading. Only by close scrutiny under adequate light and part positioning, were these key slots identifiable. Of course, this is not a 100% sure way of keeping product properly sorted and mix-ups were likely to occur. During the manufacturing process, the two housings were inadvertently mixed. These injector housings were then fully assembled and installed in one or more engines. During initial engine testing, this mix up resulted in injector failure and engine damage.
Solution Eddy current is sensitive not only to material defects, but to any differences in conductivity and specific location geometry. Using a single channel eddy current test instrument in combination with a precisely located test coil in a part specific housing, the two product types could be easily sorted based on the presence of the key slot, or lack thereof.
Instruments Can be used with the MIZ®-23, MIZ-27CT or the InSiteHT or CT. Other Uses This type of test can be performed on any type of component or assembly to confirm the presence of a particular feature or part as long as the item is conductive. |
