Designing a Test Cell is a complex process. It is important to have experienced, engineering professionals help you throughout the planning and implementation process. A key factor in your success is determining the major system components and how they integrate together for a Test Cell that is safe, convenient and well-organized. Inadequate planning and design can amount in huge costs to your company leaving you with an end result that does not provide an optimal solution. In part one of this three part series, we will briefly explain the importance location and equipment can have on Test Cell safety.
Location, Location, Location
Location is an important factor when deciding where to construct your Test Cell within your facility. Typically, a Test Cell should be located near an exterior wall to provide a quick and easy exit from the Control Room or Test Cell in case of an emergency. An exterior wall location also makes the Test Cell more easily accessible for sound control compared to a Test Cell that is located in the center of your facility.
Using an Engine Cart
The use of an Engine Cart provides a positive mounting system for the engine during testing. Guide rails and wear plates are attached to the isolation pad for security. These guides provide a durable surface upon which the Engine Cart can travel and also allows the mounting of cart guide angles. These guides safely position and secure the Engine Cart for dynamometer testing.
Install an Isolation Pad
An Isolation Pad, made of concrete, separates the engine and the dynamometer (dyno) from your Test Cell floor and prevents vibration transfer throughout your entire facility. The engine and dyno must be on the same isolation pad to prevent twisting. If an isolation pad is not installed, your floor will begin to crack and eventually deteriorate over time. A well-designed Isolation Pad can also reduce noise transmitted through the building’s structure, improving your work environment.
Driveshaft Guard with Interceptor Tubes
A Driveshaft Guard, installed between the dyno and engine, is designed to absorb the energy from the driveshaft in the event of a failure. The Driveshaft Guard acts as a shield surrounding the driveshaft and prevents excessive damage. If your Driveshaft Guard is equipped with interceptor tubes, this provides an additional level of safety from a failed driveshaft by helping to absorb the energy, reduce the motion of the failed driveshaft and safely bring the rotating equipment to a stop.
Air Handling Systems
Air Handling Systems are essential for cooling and providing fresh air to the Test Cell. Common practice is to have 2 – 4 air changes a minute to clear the vapors and heat that emit from the engine. Air Handling Systems help to alleviate potentially harmful items including: engine heat, engine blowby, preservatives and paint transmitting from a newly rebuilt engine and steam from process water.
Maintain Your Investment
Always refer to your Installation & Operations Manuals for safety recommendations on your Test Cell equipment. Routine maintenance and proper service of your dynamometer and Test Cell equipment not only ensures that you get the most out of your equipment over its entire life cycle but also helps to keep your Test Cell safe and secure.
To learn more about Test Cell safety features or to simplify the complex challenges of the Test Cell environment, contact Taylor Dynamometer. We’ll save you time and money while ensuring safety and success. When you choose Taylor, you gain a partner who takes full responsibility for your Test Cell project. That means supporting you with everything you need to succeed – from expert advice to configuration, installation, training and lifetime product support.
Continue to Part 2 Sound Control>>
Taylor Dynamometer – Everything you need to succeed. Contact us today with your testing challenges (414) 755-0040, sales@taylordyno.com.
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