New Data Acquisition project

[Rusty]

Well as if I am not busy enough right now I have gone and decided to build my own Flow bench. While this thread is not so much about the bench, I'll post a link once that gets going, but is more about the data acquisition part of the project, and what to do with the huge amounts of data that will be generated.
What kind of data to we need to collect? Well it depends on how detailed you want to be. So for arguments sake lets say we are going to build an "orifice" type of flow bench.
Basic:
2 air pressure differentials (or drops)
1) pressure drop across the orifice
2) pressure drop through the part you are flow testing (ex. cylinder heads)
With these measurements you can calculate the flow through your part.

I wont go into detail as I am not 100% up on all this just yet, just wanting to still up some discussion on data Acquisition.

[Glenn Reis]

That is a pretty ambitious project you have there. Commercial benches are upwards of several thousands of $$$. Can their results be had with a DIY project??

Glenn

[Scott H]

Hi,

You guys should visit http://www.tractorsport.com/cgi-bin/forum/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=4d11b6f0f793f2f4157483bd1605af34 for info on building your own flow benches. This site is the best resource for home built benches. PTS has excellent flow bench plans and parts. PTS's founder Bruce has a complete data aquisition system or you may use commercial or home built manometers if you wish. Bruce also made arrangements with one of the vacuum motor dealers to provide club discounts. The members are very helpful. Some build laminar benches and some orifice benches.

A while back, several forum members participated in a round robin test and the home built benches performed very well. Some of the participants included Ford Motor Company (a million dollar plus bench), Darrin Morgan, Larry Meaux and other famous head porters. Search "Pass around plates" if you wish to read about the round robin.

Even with our current inflation, I suspect you could build a bench comparable to a SF 600 for roughly $2000.00 USD or less.

Scott

[Rusty]

Scott,

I have been a member over there since Jan '07. Yes it is definitely the best resource for DIY flow benches. I definitely have learned A LOT since I started this thread. Still haven't built my bench something always gets in the way. Currently there is NO room in the garage. When I started this venture the Bruce's Digital Manometers weren't out yet, and I was looking to possibly use MAP sensors, and a DATAQ unit, but for the price, it would be hard to beat Bruce's, not to mention all the time I would need to do R&D. I go back every few months or so to keep up, but this is the first I have heard about the vacuum motor deal. I am going have to keep up more.

Thanks for stopping bye, and keeping us up to date!

Rusty

[Scott H]

Sheesh! I just noticed the date of the original post...

Re: "Still haven't built my bench something always gets in the way."

I know the feeling. I have the same helper and his name is Murphy.

[Mike Lewis]

I always wondered how hard it would be to build your own bench. is it worth it? Do you really get any info out of it?

Mike

[Scott H]

I always wondered how hard it would be to build your own bench.

The actual bench is a cabinet made out of particle board. Most are using MDF. If you have any wood working skills and necessary tools it is easy enough. If you don't, you could take your plans to a cabinet shop and have them cut it for you or even build it completely if you wish.

is it worth it? Do you really get any info out of it?

If you primarily wish to port heads and manifolds as well as verify other peoples parts, it is worth it. The data you will get is the same as a Superflow bench, albeit at a much lower cost.

If you don't really want to do your own heads then I'll bet you could find quite a few other things to spend time and money on.

Scott

[Glenn Reis]

Even if you do build it. Do you know how to use it? it is only a tool, and a tool in the wrong hands can do more harm then good.

Glenn