Caterpillar Inc.
GRADING A PISTON WITH DEPOSITS USING THERMAL SCAN DATA

Abstract:

A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with an outer surface and deposits upon the outer surface is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.