Physical Flow Models

Features: Full scale and reduced scale Ambient and elevated temperature Air/liquid/particulate-laden flows Characterize flow (velocity, pressure, temperature) Examine particulate capture or deposition Develop improved designs
	Useful for: Pollution control equipment (ESPs, SCRs, fabric filters, scrubbers, etc.) Combustion systems HVAC systems Manufacturing Processes

Physical and Laboratory Modeling

Some people associate Airflow Sciences Corporation only with CFD modeling. But over 40% of our work involves physical modeling, field testing, and laboratory work. This aspect of ASC allows us to assess equipment performance in a controlled environment, perform specific research to improve a process or product, and develop prototype equipment. Physical models also provide input values and correlation data for our CFD models.

Our laboratory features wind tunnels, fans, a wide range of instrumentation, and a complete fabrication shop for model construction. We maintain our own subsonic windtunnel (with 860mm x 430mm test section) for external air flow analyses (golf balls, measurement probes, etc.) ASC fabricates physical flow models of various industrial equipment to analyze internal flows and develop design improvements. This includes pollution control devices (ESPs, fabric filters, and cyclones), combustion systems (windboxes, burners, coal pipes, and ducts), thermal processes (auto engine parts, vehicle seats, and transmission gears), and HVAC systems.

Product bed resistance test data

For some projects our lab testing capabilities help support our CFD simulations. For example, the modeling of a piece of processing equipment will often involve flow through a product bed. For best accuracy, the simulation should include an accurate representation of the flow resistance provided by that product bed. In the figures below, a custom test fixture was constructed to measure the pressure drop associated with various product depths in a food product dryer. The results of this test were used as input parameters for a large-scale CFD model which optimized drying efficiency.

Does your facility require physical modeling or laboratory work? Give us a call and we'd be glad to help you analyze your situation.

Custom test fixture