Muffler Testing Suggestions?

[jjg1ttes]

I need to test a muffler -
The performance requirements are as follows:
"Muffler shall be capable of quietly discharging air at a flow rate of 300 to 450 SCFM with a static pressure of 30 to 60 PSIG."
We wouldn't even know where to begin with this in my shop.
Can anyone recommend a lead on where to get this done?

thanks,
r

 

[reidh]

Where are you located? We have used Intertek, a firm in Cortland NY to perform similar testing. Jim Kline is the manager of the lab that would likely be performing this testing(607-753-6711).

There are lots of places capable of performing this work, but I have personal experience with Intertek and have had good results.

Just be aware, Intertek is a very prim and proper testing lab. Therefore they will test word for word what is in your test plan. This is a good thing in my opinion, just make sure your requirements are clear before the testing starts.

Reidh

 

[jjg1ttes]

Reidh -

Thanks for the tip.
And as for

very prim and proper testing...

I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

[IceStationZebra]

reidh - Would the air temp affect the flow rating? I could see air density making a difference, but then again its not very dense to begin with. ISZ

 

[WGJ]

Does the customer want this spec to apply on as-new mufflers or is this spec involved in any vehicle power or noise certification?

If it's at all to do with certification (power and/or noise) then one would normally also run a conditioning exercise on the muffler to ensure that it's effectiveness is stabilised. i.e. the performance figures you quoted aren't changing.


Bill

 

[gt6racer2]

Why bother to measure ? With a requirement as vague as "quietly" how will you know if you're OK ? As it's purpose is a "muffler", surely you need to know something of the input noise content.

 

[jjg1ttes]

gt6racer2 -

I know it's a silly requirement, but the customer gets what the customer wants.

 

[reidh]

Icestation,

I believe you are correct. If I were specifying a muffler test, I would spec a mass flow rate vs. delta P, not volume flow.

Reidh

 

[Snork]

The spec does say SCFM - so as long as you agree on the "S" you have a mass spec. Mind you that can be an issue.