Lab Test of Mignot Free-Flow Air Filter/Air Cooler Densifier (FFCD) termed Water Air Filter

摘要

A Mignot free flow air filter/air cooler air densifier (Termed FFCD) was lab tested to determine restriction and efficiency performance. The device is called a water air filter since water is used in place of a barrier filter media to trap dirt/dust. The restriction of the water air filter remains constant; however requires the water holding reservoir be cleaned of dust/dirt at prescribed intervals. Lab test results showed at advertised max airflow rating of 6000 liters of air per minute (210 cubic feet per minute) the water air filter was very restrictive (43 inches of water). This could affect engine operation/performance based on factory set air fuel controls and engine management settings. At airflow of 130 to 140 cfm the water air filter FFCD-1 units experienced a term call water pull over. This is where water moisture/ droplets or streams of water are observed in the clean air outlet duct of water air filter. This could do harm to an engine's internal parts by exposure to water. It was demonstrated the FFCD-1 units tested could be safely operated at airflows not to exceed 140 cfm. At this airflow, three FFCD-1 units would have to be packaged to meet airflow demands for a future planned HMMWV demonstration. The assembly of three FFCD-1 units for HMMWV application would not be considered practical and/or feasible due to space limits. Efficiencies of 88.18 and 82.35% were the two highest recorded during lab dust tests. These efficiencies fall way short of present military vehicle air cleaner designs which have a minimum initial efficiency requirement of 99.5%. Based on TARDEC's lab test efficiency results the Mignot water air filter would not be considered acceptable for use on military vehicles.