Aircraft Wiring Inspection System

"Phase I is a proposed feasibility study to employ Quantum Sniffer technology for electrical wire preflight inspection and diagnosis and to monitor the condition of electric wires during flight. The device will sample the ambient air in all selectedcompartments of the aircraft and provide an analysis of chemical vapors emitted by the insulation of overheated wire. The computer controlled device will allow remote diagnosis of wire malfunctions long before they become hazardous for the aircraft. Theproposed system is sensitive to the vapors produced by wire temperatures above 50¿C with a resolution of about 10¿C. The Sniffer can detect the type and color of the overheated or arcing wire and may be able to localize its position within 5". Selectedwires can also be marked with unique aromatic signatures. The Quantum Sniffer technology for measuring trace amounts of chemical vapors is useful for monitoring incipient failures of electrical insulation in the enclosed environment of an airplane. TheSniffer can sense overheating wires and inter-wire arcs well before actual failure occurs, providing an early warning for maintenance personnel and pilots. The position selectivity and wire color/type discrimination capability is important for identifyingwhich system/wire is involved."