New Turbocharger Test Facility Available To Manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs

SAN ANTONIO--April 26, 2002--Southwest Research Institute(tm) (SwRI(tm)) has designed and built a new facility for testing complete turbochargers and turbocharger turbine and compressor components as used on gasoline, diesel, or natural gas engines.

Testing services were first offered in March 2002.

"The turbocharger test rig is ideal for manufacturers who want to test new systems or components, but don't have the facilities," says Facility Manager Corwin Snyder, a senior research engineer in the SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division. "It's also ideal for outsourcing any overflow testing."

Typically used on Class 8 and medium-duty diesel trucks, large marine diesels, and industrial natural gas stationary engines, turbochargers increase engine power and performance by supplying compressed air to the cylinders, allowing the engine to burn more fuel.

In addition to testing the performance of new concepts and designs, the SwRI test rig measures basic turbocharger performance, such as compressor and turbine efficiencies and pressure ratios. Endurance tests are also possible, says Snyder. The test rig takes ambient air and provides high-pressure, high-temperature air into the turbine to simulate engine exhaust. Three large compressors are available to use individually or in combination to pressurize air up to 200 pounds per square inch at 2,000 cubic feet per minute. The air also can be heated to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher with the addition of a booster heater.

"Manufacturers often test turbochargers by installing them on engines," says Snyder. "Because the SwRI test method uses a rig instead of an actual engine, clients save the time and expense of engine installation." The rig also can be expanded to test two or more turbochargers simultaneously for additional savings.

SwRI tests turbochargers to "SAE Standard J1826, Turbocharger Gas Stand Test Code," an industry-driven standard. Customized test procedures can also be accommodated. As an independent engineering, science, and technology organization, SwRI provides proprietary, unbiased data on the performance of turbochargers and their components. SwRI also offers broad expertise in the design and development of engine and vehicle components, including turbochargers.

The SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division has achieved certification to ISO 9001, an internationally recognized quality standard, and is working toward ISO 14001 certification.

For more information on the SwRI turbocharger test rig, contact Corwin Snyder at 210/522-2674 or csnyder@swri.org.

Editors: A high-resolution color image of the facility is available at www.swri.org/press/turbo.htm.

SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization based in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 2,700 employees and an annual research volume of more than $319 million.