Details
The Aerospace Nozzle Flow Test Bench is a high-precision, automated testing system designed to measure the performance characteristics of oil jets and nozzles used in aerospace applications. It determines both the mass flow rate and the directional behavior of fluids under carefully controlled temperature and pressure conditions. This system ensures that critical components meet stringent aviation and defense standards, maintaining safety and performance in high-stakes environments.
Core Functions and Capabilities
The primary functions include mass flow rate measurement and flow direction verification for nozzles and oil jets. The system replicates real-world operating conditions by stabilizing fluid temperature and pressure with high precision. It uses Turbonycoil 13 B, a specialized aviation oil, as the working fluid, circulated through stainless steel (SS 304) pipelines for durability and contamination resistance.
The temperature of the fluid is maintained at 35°C with an accuracy of ±0.1°C using a refrigerated chiller and heating system. Pressure is controlled at 200 kPa (±10 kPa) with an Equilibar low-pressure regulator, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements.
Technical Features
The system uses Turbonycoil 13 B aviation oil as the working fluid. Flow lines are made from stainless steel (SS 304) for corrosion resistance and structural integrity. The main reservoir has a capacity of 80 liters, ensuring adequate fluid supply during extended testing.
Temperature control ranges from +5°C to +95°C, maintaining an operational temperature of 35°C with ±1°C tolerance. The cooling system has a 1.5-ton capacity, and a compressor-based heating system ensures stable thermal management. Operating pressure is maintained at 200 kPa with ±10 kPa accuracy. The system dimensions are 1800 mm (height) by 1200 mm (width) by 2000 mm (depth).
An Equilibar regulator and spring-return ball valves with actuators manage fluid flow and pressure. Limit switches provide enhanced automation. National Instruments (NI) instrumentation monitors and logs real-time testing parameters.
Automation and Safety Features
The machine includes multiple safety interlocks to prevent accidents from high temperature, pressure surges, or fluid overflow. Electrical control systems automate ball valve operations, allowing technicians to manage flow and pressure settings remotely. Contamination is prevented through high-quality filters.
Data acquisition and control systems enable continuous logging of operational data, supporting post-test analysis and compliance with industry standards. The machine can also integrate with SCADA systems for centralized process control.
Applications
This Aerospace Nozzle Flow Test Bench supports a wide range of applications:
Aviation Equipment Testing: Ideal for testing nozzle performance in aircraft components suchas fuel systems, engine cooling, and hydraulic actuation.
- Mass Flow Rate Validation: Ensures that nozzles deliver fluid at the required rate to meet design specifications, critical for system efficiency and safety.
- Directional Control Verification: Assesses the flow direction of fluid exiting the nozzle, ensuring proper fluid dynamics.
- Pressure-Specific Testing: Simulates different pressure conditions to verify nozzle performance across various operating scenarios.
Design Considerations
The system is designed for precision calibration using certified reference nozzles and flow meters to maintain accuracy. It complies with international standards, including French AIR 3514 and American MIL-L-7808 G specifications, making it suitable for both European and North American markets.
Maintenance is simplified through the use of durable materials, contamination prevention mechanisms, and robust thermal control. This ensures reliable operation with minimal downtime.
Use Cases and Industries
The Aerospace Nozzle Flow Test Bench serves multiple industries:
- Aerospace Manufacturing: Supports quality control testing for components used in aircraft,drones, and spacecraft.
- Defense and Military Research: Used to test high-precision components for military aviation.
- Industrial R&D: Provides a platform for testing and prototyping fluid control systems and nozzle designs.
- Quality Assurance Laboratories: Offers performance verification for products to meet strict aviation regulations.
This product description highlights how the Aerospace Nozzle Flow Test Bench combines precision engineering, automation, and robust design to meet the needs of aerospace and defense industries, exemplifying Neometrix Defence Limited's expertise in high-value, performance-critical testing equipment.