Eddyfi Technologies|Surface ECA & ECT probes

ECA Gear Probes

Name: ECA Gear Probes
Brand: Eddyfi Technologies

Eddy current array probes inspect gear tooth flanks for surface-breaking cracks in a single pass while tolerating liftoff and profile irregularities.

ECA

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Overview

Product overview

ECA Gear Probes are designed to detect surface-breaking cracks in gear tooth flanks, including gears used in mining equipment and sugar mill drive trains. Small, medium and large casings accommodate different gear modules, with profiled tips intended to cover a wide range of tooth sizes.

The probes multiplex an array of eddy current coils to inspect wider areas than pencil ECT probes, enabling single-pass coverage of gear tooth flanks. Eddy currents propagate within the conductive gear material, providing sensitivity to small surface defects. The design tolerates liftoff and shape irregularities and avoids the grease removal and extensive preparation associated with conventional gear inspection methods.

Acquisition and analysis software can present the inspection results as 2D and 3D C-scans for recording, analysis and reporting. Silicon-nitride ceramic balls reduce probe wear, while the probe shape supports handling with gloves. The page identifies the solution as included in ASTM E2905 for electromagnetic examination of mill and kiln girth gear teeth.

Key Features

Key capabilities

Single-pass inspection

A multiplexed coil array detects cracking across gear tooth flanks in a single pass.

Profiled tip design

Optimized tips accommodate a wide range of gear sizes while helping minimize liftoff.

Liftoff tolerance

The probes tolerate liftoff and gear profile irregularities.

Fast scanning

The stated scanning speed is 250 mm/s (10 in/s) or faster.

Wear-resistant construction

Silicon-nitride ceramic balls reinforce the probe body and minimize wear.

Reduced surface preparation

Inspection avoids removing grease and performing extensive pre-inspection cleaning.

Recordable C-scans

ECA data can be displayed as 2D and 3D C-scans for analysis, recording and reporting.

Glove-friendly handling

The probe shape facilitates handling even when wearing gloves.

Specifications

Published technical specifications

Values as published by Eddyfi Technologies. Where models or variants differ, each is listed separately.

General

Casings: Small; Medium; Large
Topology: Long, single driver
Cable: 3 m (9.8 ft)
Central frequency: 500 kHz
Frequency range: 250 kHz–1 MHz
Scanning speed: 250 mm/s (10 in/s) or faster
Data display: 2D and 3D C-scans

Small

Gear modules: 13–20
Coverage: 50 mm (2.0 in)
Coils (diameter × number): 4.5 mm × 22
Minimum channel requirement: 32, 64

Medium

Gear modules: 20–30
Coverage: 76 mm (3.0 in)
Coils (diameter × number): 4.5 mm × 33
Minimum channel requirement: 64

Large

Gear modules: 30–42
Coverage: 112 mm (4.4 in)
Coils (diameter × number): 4.5 mm × 48
Minimum channel requirement: 128

Operating conditions & limits

Gear module ranges depend on casing size: Small 13–20, Medium 20–30 and Large 30–42.
Published minimum channel requirements are Small: 32, 64; Medium: 64; Large: 128.

Applications