US 12,241,884 B2
Chip detection system for an engine fluid system
Alexander Campbell, Mississauga (CA); and Michael Paul Smith, Mississauga (CA)
Assigned to PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed by PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed on Apr. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/303,964.
Prior Publication US 2024/0353390 A1, Oct. 24, 2024
Int. Cl. G01N 33/28 (2006.01); F16N 29/00 (2006.01); G01N 15/06 (2006.01); G01N 15/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 33/2858 (2013.01) [F16N 29/00 (2013.01); G01N 15/0656 (2013.01); F16N 2200/04 (2013.01); F16N 2210/08 (2013.01); G01N 2015/0053 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A chip detection system for an engine fluid system, the chip detection system comprising:
an emitter located in a first position proximate to a fluid passage of the engine fluid system, the emitter including a radioactive source that generates ionizing radiation particles and transmits the ionizing radiation particles through a liquid within the fluid passage; and
a detector including a detecting element, the detecting element located in a second position relative to the fluid passage with the liquid disposed between the emitter and the detector, the detecting element generating an electric current in response to the ionizing radiation particles contacting the detector, and
a controller in communication with the detector to receive the electric current generated by the detecting element, the controller operable to detect chips in the liquid when the electric current generated by the detecting element is greater than a threshold value of the electric current.