Measurement types
Gap and Clearance Measurement
High-precision, non-contact monitoring of critical gaps and clearances in demanding environments
The challenge
- In turbines, jet engines, and high-speed rotating machines, maintaining precise clearances is essential for performance, fuel efficiency and mechanical safety
- Excessive or uneven gaps can cause efficiency loss, vibration, friction, or even catastrophic failure
- Gap measurement often takes place in harsh environments: high temperatures, strong vibration, rotation, EMI or in Nuclear Power Plants and Nuclear Submarine
- Non-contact, miniaturized and stable sensing solutions are needed — both for test benches and onboard monitoring
- Real-time clearance control is key to predictive maintenance and adaptive engine management
Our technical response
FOGALE Sensors is a recognized leader in non-contact gap and clearance measurement:
- Blade Tip Clearance (BTC) systems: for real-time monitoring of the gap between rotating blades and casing
- Systems adapted for both qualification testing and operational use in aircraft engines, gas turbines and turbochargers
- Capacitive sensors ensure micron-level resolution, thermal resistance, and immunity to vibration and EMI
- Long-term drift-free electronics, recalibration-free and adaptable to static and dynamic environments
- Probes available for flat, cylindrical or confined gaps (e.g. nuclear fuel rods, blade paths, compressors)
- Systems deployed in aerospace, nuclear, defense and energy sectors
Proven applications
- Prevent contact, erosion and damage through accurate gap monitoring
- Use BTC systems to validate design performance or monitor real-time engine behavior
- Integrate without redesign into existing structures — compact and non-intrusive formats
- Improve safety and reduce maintenance costs with long-term, drift-free operation
- Rely on qualified, field-proven technologies in the most demanding environments
Why FOGALE Sensors?
- CAPABLADE : Blade Tip Clearance (BTC) and Tip Timing (BTT) systems for rotating machinery
- LYSENO : Capacitive sensors for small and large gaps (rotating, linear, embedded)
- GAPLINE : Optical and capacitive gap systems for nuclear fuel rod arrays