Flowbench FAQs

In today's world of engine building, it is necessary to extract every usable bit of horsepower from every cubic inch you build into the short block. Almost all aspects of an engine are visible and can therefore be measured and changed to optimize the performance and durability of the overall package. Air flow is one of the invisible factors and lies in the intake and exhaust systems of the cylinder heads. A flowbench can measure that "invisible" element. If you can identify all the flow characteristics of a port, modifications can then be made to improve its performance potential. Looking at the port will not tell you anything about the potential of that port to make horsepower.

That is a multi-part answer and I will list them in order of importance.

Airflow measurement system:

 We use Audie Technologies dual tube FlowQuik system because of its accuracy and repeatability rating. We did not invent nor do we manufacture this component. It is supplied by Audie Technologie and is of the same high quality as all of their products.

Operation:

Because of the near linear output of the FlowQuik, there is no need for range changes. This cuts down on the number of controls to be set when doing a flow test. Controls consist of an intake / exhaust lever, electronic flow rate control and an on / off switch. The flow rate control is a manual electronic control that alters the speed of the motors to raise or lower the depression. A test is completed as quickly as you can adjust the valve opener and compensate for the depression loss. Because you never stop the test to reset anything, you will save valuable time.

Quality:

We do not cut corners on materials or components used in our flowbenches. Each part used is the best for that application.

Service:

FlowData builds each flowbench to its customers' specifications. We can give you what you want, not what we have in stock. We are available to deliver, install and train for each unit. We are here to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (we know you don't work 9 to 5).

 

 

 

  

Ametek Lamb double ball bearing, thermally protected motors (6).

 

 

 

 

 

No instruments are required. The reason is that you will be calibrating the unit before testing to compensate for temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. This is a simple operation that takes only a minute or two. The bench is supplied with a true sharp edge orifice. The orifice is calibrated and the CFM number is written on the part. You simply place the orifice on the bench and bring the bench up to the operating depression. By adjusting the calibration knob until the flow numbers match, you have applied all the corrections needed.

One instrument that might be helpful would be a 36" vertical manometer. This would provide you with ducumentation that you are flowing at the desired depression since this information is not displayed on the FlowQuik digital readout. The other option is the FlowQuik software which gives you that information on your computer screen. The choice is yours but neither one is an absolute "must" for testing.

375 CFM @ 28" minimum. During testing, we have not seen one that flows less than 384 @ 28" but under the worst possible conditions it could drop to 375 so we choose to not advertise a flow number that we can't deliver.

There is a "part 2" to this answer. The FlowQuik has this amazing ability to convert flow to what it would be if you are not at the target depression. In other words, if you are at 27" depression and your target was 28", the FlowQuik will convert the CFM to what it would be if you were at 28". Using this feature, we have tested to over 500CFM with confidence in the results. The only downside is that the port does not flow the same at those lower depressions. The results are repeatable.

A single phase 220 volt 30 amp circuit.

Unlike the FD700, we are not able to customize the FD375 much past it's current design. This would force us to increase the price of the bench and move it out of the target price range. At the request of a few customers we did make a modification that allows the use of Audie Technologies Flow Pro data aquisition system

• 36" vertical manometer
• FlowQuik software
• Flow Pro software
• Pitot tubes
• Flow Pro data aquisition system
• Internal mounting of  Data acquisition system and depression control
• Choice of colors
• Casters or adjustable feet

 

FLOWData can match any color available in high quality laminates. Choose a color.

In today's world of engine building, it is necessary to extract every usable bit of horsepower from every cubic inch you build into the short block. Almost all aspects of an engine are visible and can therefore be measured and changed to optimize the performance and durability of the overall package. Air flow is one of the invisible factors and lies in the cylinder heads, intake and exhaust systems. A flowbench can measure that "invisible" element. If you can identify all the flow characteristics of a port, modifications can then be made to improve its performance potential. Looking at the port will not tell you anything about the potential of that port to make horsepower.

That is a multi-part answer and I will list them in order of importance.

Airflow measurement system:

We use a laminar flow element (LFE) because of its accuracy and repeatability rating. We did not invent nor do we manufacture this component. It is supplied by MERIAM INSTRUMENTS, comes to us with certifications and its output is traceable to the NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS. Accuracy and repeatability are rated at + or - ½ of 1%. No other flowbench can claim this tolerance.

Operation:

Because of the linear output of the LFE, there is no need for range changes. This cuts down on the number of controls to be set when doing a flow test. Controls consist of an intake / exhaust lever, flow rate control and an on / off switch. The flow rate control is a vernier control with a quick release to more rapidly raise or lower the depression. A test is completed as quickly as you can adjust the valve opener and compensate for the depression loss. Because you never stop the test to reset anything, you will save valuable time.

Quality:

We do not cut corners on materials or components used in our flowbenches. Each part used is chosen because it is the best one for that purpose.

Service:

FlowData builds each flowbench to its customers' specifications. We can give you what you want, not what we have in stock. We are available to deliver, install and train for each unit. We are here to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (we know you don't work 9 to 5)

 

 

 

 

Ametek Lamb double ball bearing, thermally protected motors (8).

The unit is 30" long and 12" in diameter. It resembles two bells joined at their big ends and the tops of the bells open. The air enters the 6" opening at the top. As it travels through the LFE, the diameter enlarges and the velocity decreases and turbulence lessens. The air then flows through the element itself which consists of thousands of capillary tubes. This creates a condition of virtual zero turbulence and the air can therefore be measured accurately.

A Dwyer Instruments incline manometer (similar to Superflow) and a 36" vertical manometer.

700 CFM @ 28" nominal. The exact number depends on the calibrated LFE.

A single phase 220 volt 50 amp circuit.

• NEW "FD 1400 EX" expandable flowbench

• NEW "FD 1400 EX" expansion module
• Upgrade incline manometer to MERIAM INSTRUMENTS
• Upgrade vertical manometer to 48"
• Second vertical manometer
• Extend cabinet left side 10" with door and storage
• Data acquisition system and installation
• Automated depression control