Exhaust manufacturer contracts flow testing to ACI

Western Tydens of Ivybridge, Devon, is a specialist company that designs and manufactures exhaust systems for diesel engines employed in industrial applications and on/off-road vehicles. Products include spark arresters, exhaust gas cleaners/purifiers, silencers, pipework and accessories. The company can even supply ATEX-approved exhaust systems for explosion hazard environments.

Because much of the company's output is custom-engineered, performance frequently has to be verified. In order to fulfil these 'proof' test requirements, the company contracts air handling specialist Air Control Industries to perform the appropriate tests.

Test facility

ACI's test facility, which complies with BS 848, is engineered for measuring losses in airflow systems, be they at the feed or exit points of inline devices or at the end of ducting systems. It is suitable for configurations where air/gas flow lines incorporate elbows, filters or dampers. Tests can be performed on ducting/pipework up to 35cm in diameter and, to date, tests have been performed on systems with working pressures of up 2500mm.wg and flow rates of 7000m3/hr.

Hugh Neep, General Manager for Western Tydens, comments; "The excellent test facilities at ACI have enabled us to carry out important tests and collect valuable data. With new engines coming on stream, it is necessary to know, and show test data to our customers, about how our exhaust systems perform under different gas flow rates. The ACI test facility enables us to show measured results and we intend to continue this service."

The test facility was initially created to test ACI's own fans and blowers but is now proving to be a valuable additional service that can be offered to potential users from different areas of industry. Contact ACI for more information about contract testing.