What Are Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Gauges Used for in Aircraft?

For most modern aircraft, flight is achieved through the use of internal combustion engines, those of which compress, mix, and ignite fuel-and-air mixtures to create the necessary thrust for lift generation and forward momentum. Once combustion is finished and the resulting exhaust gasses have been harnessed for power, they must be expelled from the engine to mitigate pressure and temperature build-up. Since exhaust gasses are extremely hot as a result of combustion, it is crucial that proper temperature monitoring is put in place to ensure that heat levels remain within safe ranges. Generally, this is done with the use of an exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge, that of which is a monitor that measures exhaust temperatures with the use of a thermocouple-type pyrometer.

The exhaust gas temperature gauges found in aircraft are similar to those found in automobiles, and they can allow a pilot to determine air-fuel ratio (AFR) values. Within light piston aircraft, EGT gauges are very important when manual mixture controls are present, allowing for an optimal fuel-air mixture to be set based on altitude and power conditions. Additionally, the gauge also allows pilots to prevent internal cylinder pressures from surpassing temperatures that would cause pre-detonation, an occurrence where fuel combusts prior to its intended time in a given cycle.

As stated before, exhaust gas temperature gauges may also be found in applications such as automobiles, more specifically being present within turbo-equipped cars that are to be tuned. Generally, the gauge is installed near the manifold collector that comes before the turbo, ensuring that the inlet temperature of the turbine can be monitored as required. If one wishes to monitor exhaust temperatures instead, they can simply place the sensor after the turbo. As exhaust gas temperatures often drop 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit across the turbine, many will place the thermocouple as close as possible to the cylinder head so that a true reading may be attained. This also makes readings respond to the engine’s condition in a more rapid fashion when compared to placing the gauge after the turbo.

When measurements are made by the exhaust gas temperature gauge, they will be provided to the pilot in the cockpit. If the cockpit is a more traditional setup, the EGT gauge will come in the form of an analog dial with either one or two sets of hash marks. In some instances, one set of hashes will be for the EGT, while the other may be for the tachometer that measures RPM. In the instance of glass cockpits, the gauge readings will be presented in a digital fashion on one of the displays situated around the pilot. As having a general awareness of EGT conditions is paramount to optimal flight and hazard avoidance, it is crucial that one is aware of where they can obtain readings, as well as how to understand them. Additionally, if your gauge begins to falter and requires a replacement or repair, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Aircraft Parts Supplier to receive competitive pricing and rapid lead times on all that we offer.

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1. alena joseph
2. Posted on November 1, 2022
aviation

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