Fixing Your Factory

If you have a service center in your commercial facility that allows you to repair the components of your excavation machinery, then you likely have an engine dynamometer that allows you to verify whether a repair has been completed properly. In general, your dyno probably indicates the torque and RPM of the engine with the assistance of a water brake. This means that water must move continuously and efficiently through the dyno if you want accurate engine torque and RPM readings. Since your dynamometer is essential to your business, follow the tips below to make sure that the water running through the dyno is not causing any damage to the machine.

Ensure Proper Water Quality

As you attach the propeller or turbine to the engine of your equipment, the propeller starts to spin and transmits energy to the water within the housing of the dyno. The water then turns a rotor inside the machine. The movement of the water and the rotor are used by the dyno to determine the output of the engine. Water moves through an inlet at the top of the dyno and out through an opening at the bottom of the machine. Since water moves continuously through the device, water is not likely to remain stagnant within the housing. This will reduce the formation of scale on the rotor and housing. However, some algae and bacteria can get into the dyno and cause a health issue. Also, mold and mildew inside the casing can interrupt the function and movement of the rotor and propeller. This may cause inaccurate readings.

Town or city water that is pumped through the dyno will contain some chlorine to help eliminate the number of microbes that are present. However, some small numbers of microorganisms are likely contained in the water. The best way to reduce microorganisms and potential issues with your dyno is to attach a water purification or treatment system directly to the machine's water source. A particulate water purification system may be enough to remove most the contaminants from your water. However, a more expensive and high quality reverse osmosis system or a device that has an attached UV filter will remove almost all microorganism contaminants and keep your dyno in good shape.

Control Water Temperature

If you have a dynamometer that recirculates water while the machine is running, then you are doing your part to keep water waste down. However, when water is recirculated, warm water may pass through the dyno. This is especially true if you have many engines to test or if you need to complete a lengthy test to make sure that torque and RPM do not drop as the engine runs. Warm water can cause contaminants like calcium and magnesium to dissolve and adhere to the components within the dyno. Also, heated water can cause wear issues to the seals within the machine. 

If your dyno recirculates water, then consider attaching a cooling tower to help the water cool before it is pumped back through the dynamometer. A simple crossflow or counterflow tower is enough to reduce water temperature. These types of towers allow water to enter into a containment area called a fill. Air is then passed through or over the water. A small amount of water evaporates, and this helps to transport heat out of the water. The heat is moved out of a vent, and the cooled water passes through a pipe so it can be transported back to the dyno. Many cooling towers come in large industrial sizes, but you will not need one of these larger devices. Make sure to purchase a smaller and portable cooling tower instead.

Your dynamometer may be an essential machine that is used in your repair shop. These machines generally do not require extensive maintenance. You should make sure that the device is utilized with filtered and cooled water though to keep damage concerns at bay.