Bartol MagProbeThis article is about the MagProbe test instrument, providing general information.

The MagProbe is used to test the presence or absence of AC or DC current in electrical solenoid valves and relays by indicating if an electrical magnetic field is detected. The basic sensitivity is 3 gauss to as sensitive as 1 gauss. Tests can be accomplished in less than 10ms without referring to a schematic, powering down equipment or making a direct connection. This quickly allows differentiation between mechanical and electrical problems.

The MagProbe is commonly used to verify the presence of AC or DC current by detecting the magnetic field around a coil. Applicable in testing solenoids, rotary solenoids, solenoid valves, relays, reed relays, coils, and stepper switches to name a few. The MagProbe will also detect residual magnetism, transient current pulses and identify north and south poles.

The most frequent use of the MagProbe is for troubleshooting malfunctioning electrical solenoid valves and relays. The electrical current within a solenoid valve may be detected by identifying the presence of a magnetic field using the MagProbe. If the expected magnetic field is absent, either no voltage is reaching the solenoid valve or the coil is defective. Once the faulty valve has been located, the component is replaced, the unit can be restored to service, or the next fault can be isolated.

The MagProbe can be used in the sciences, medical, engineering, and telecommunications industries for maintenance and trouble shooting of solenoid valves & relays. Special-purpose applications include underwater use, volatile, vacuum and sterile environments as it is completely self-contained, waterproof and generates no electrostatic pulses. Consequently the operation is completely isolated from computer loading issues often seen with a voltmeter test instrument.

Before the advent of The Bartol MagProbe the cost of service in terms of time, manpower and lost productivity was significant. Checking the electrical solenoid valves and relays using a conventional voltmeter requires shutting down the production line in order to isolate the defective part and/or shutoff computerized controls to prevent loading of the computer output drivers. Complex electrical wiring schematics must be utilized to isolate the terminal strip for voltmeter probe connection placement. Typically equipment and instruments in volatile or sterile environments required removal or isolation for testing purposes as well as reinstallation or sterilization in order to continue production.

In contrast, the MagProbe can be used in sterile, underwater, and volatile environments within temperature ranges from -40F to +160F. In addition, troubleshooting with the MagProbe can be performed while equipment is in full operation without use of schematics as it does not require direct contact to detect the magnetic field. It requires no calibration and provides confirmation of an electro-magnetic, or conventional magnetic field immediately.

Contents

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1 Features and uses o 1.1 Description

1.1.1 Display and general external appearance 1.1.2 Size and portability

2 Other features o 2.1 Examples of use o 2.2 Automotive use

7 References 8 External links

Features and Uses |

Description Display and General External Appearance

The MagProbe, as shown in the illustration, is a self-contained device with an LED light on one end and detector probe on the other end. The probe requires no direct connection.

Size and portability: The Bartol MagProbe is a lightweight, waterproof portable instrument, durable are compact enough to be easily carried by a single person.

Examples of use:

The MagProbe is being utilized for troubleshooting solenoid valves and relays in the following industries:

Aircraft Maintenance – Inspect for residual magnetism of fuel solenoid valves

-Rapid turnaround time to troubleshoot commercial aircraft

Automobile – Inspect Relays - Fuel Injectors that are not magnetically shielded

Magnetic Alignment of Tire Molding Mechanism

Food Processing industrial liquid or electrically activated pneumatic valves

Nuclear and Conventional Power Plants – electrically activated pneumatic valves, liquid and gas valves

Chemical Processing – liquid valves

Commercial trucks –fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves in braking systems

Printing Companies –ink flow valves

Oceangoing Ships – electrically activated pneumatic valves and engine injectors

Construction Equipment – electrically operated hydraulic valves for 15 foot scissor, 50 ton cranes, 135ft boom lift

Military Aircraft, Trucks, Tanks and Ships

Trains – engine fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves for braking systems

Hospital Equipment – electrically activated pneumatic valves, liquid and gas valves

Sterile Environments – sterilizable to prevent contamination while testing electrically activated pneumatic valves, liquid and gas valves

Clean Rooms –gas, fluid and electrically activated pneumatic valves valves

Integrated Circuit Manufacturing –fluid control valves, electrically activated pneumatic valves

Underwater Applications – waterproof tester for detecting magnetized ship hulls

Oil Exploration Equipment - gas and oil offshore drilling platforms with gas, liquid and electrically activated pneumatic valves

Sewage Disposal Plants –liquid chemical valves and electrically activated pneumatic valves

Farm Machinery – electrically operated hydraulic valves

Space Applications –MagProbe operates in a vacum environment

Scientific Experimental Applications for magnetic testing

Alignment of Magnets in a Linear Particle Accelerator

Elevator -relays and electrically operated hydraulic valves

Machine Shop Specifications to check magnatism of raw materials and residual magnatism of finished product

Advantages of the MagProbe:

Portability

Speed – isolates problem as mechanical or electrical within seconds, provides confirmation of the electric field immediately

No direct connection needed

No need to follow schematics to isolate terminal strip

Salt and Moisture proof

Intrinsically safe in explosive environments

Can be sterilized using cold process

Self-contained - Waterproof

Operates in a Vacuum

Generates no electrostatic field

Locates Residual Magnetism

Detects transient pulses or momentary loss of power

Identifies North and South Poles

Prevents loading of the computer output drivers

Operates at extreme temperature ranges from -40F to +160F.

MagProbe can be used while equipment is in full operation

Requires no calibration-Verify operation by self-test with included magnet

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