Test Accessories And Tools
The most basic 'bench accessories include the various flow adapters, radius plates, and fixtures to mount the test piece and open the valves a measured amount. There are also many devices that can make the flow bench much more versatile for any shop. Among these items, one of the most useful is the SuperFlow FlowCom unit. The FlowCom control automatically measures the test pressure and temperature and shows corrected flow on its easy-to-read graphical display. The direct reading is a big asset when compared to reading the manometer and figuring flow percentages to calculate cfm. FlowCom can automatically regulate test pressure with the optional motor controller, allowing the test pressure to be set at the beginning of the test. FlowCom regulates the pressure for you as the valve lift (or test orifice size) is changed. FlowCom can control to test pressure or airflow (cfm).
All data can be simultaneously transmitted in real time to your personal computer via its serial or USB connection. FlowCom can communicate with WinDyn For Flow Benches and Port Flow Analyzer software for airflow data analysis. If you prefer to record results manually, you can freeze the data at each test point with the FlowCom keypad, or with a hand- or foot-operated pushbutton. A velocity probe can be connected to the FlowCom inputs to display air speeds. You can connect a strain gauge, frequency-based swirl meter, or tumble meter and FlowCom will display swirl torque or swirl per unit of flow. Essentially, FlowCom provides data already calculated and displayed or recorded, allowing testing to be accomplished in a fraction of the time needed with a manual bench. The FlowCom unit is available as a factory installed option, or it can be retrofitted on existing SuperFlow benches.
Other accessories to aid the testing procedure include software such as the Port Flow Analyzer, which records data, crunches numbers, and allows comparative analysis of various heads or modifications. Additional technology is available to make your bench even more versatile and informative, using items such as velocity probes, which allow the port to be dissected with a reference to air speed variations through various portions of the port. Additional manometers can be added for use with pitot tubes, or for referencing carb booster signal. Motor controllers are available to automatically regulate the test pressure on manual flow benches.
Wet Flow
Finally, for the true experts, SuperFlow offers the WFB-1500 wet flow adapter. While a flow bench will measure airflow, proponents of wet flow study theorize that there's useful knowledge to be gained by exploring the patterns of liquid flow in semi-suspension in the air stream. Kits include the wet flow control unit, bracket, spray bar adapter base plate, hose, and recovery tank. You can wet flow heads on a SuperFlow or any dry bench with SuperFlow's WFB-1500 and 1500PS units. With the wet flow apparatus, a staining pattern can be seen in the chamber where the air and liquid travel, providing a visual indication of the flow tendencies through the staining patterns.The WFB-1500 and 1500PS flows distilled water with a staining dye in it that leaves a trail where the air and fuel travel in the combustion chamber, in the cylinder, and in the vicinity of the valves at given lifts and test pressures. The flow test process reverse-flows the liquid through a radiused inlet guide into the intake port and combustion chamber. The chamber is coated with white Dykem to show where the staining is taking place, spotting the dead areas and the area of high activity. SuperFlow has found wet flow rings on the chamber floor and around the spark plugs, which can provide clues about the combustion characteristics of a given design. The real importance of valve seat angles and valve seat undercut angles, especially their widths, are revealed.
While the flow bench is primarily used in our industry to gauge port flow, the usefulness of this tool goes beyond heads, and is only limited to the user's imagination. Tests of efficiency and flow can be preformed on all manner of induction components, from intake manifolds to air cleaner housings, to carbs and throttle bodies. Other applications include exhaust components, or just about any device that relies on gaseous flow.
 In contrast, the 1000-cfm...  In contrast, the 1000-cfm capacity of the 1020 ProBench will handle high-flow testing, such as very large race ports, intakes, carbs, and exhaust. Notice the built-in computer display, part of the ProBench's extensive electronics. |
 With the software package...  With the software package in the ProBench, a graphical display and archiving of data are part of the system. Comparative testing and analysis of data is far advanced from the days of shuffling flow sheets. |
 Besides the computer display,...  Besides the computer display, the ProBench has a sophisticated main electronics package as part of the control system. |
 A wet flow apparatus like...  A wet flow apparatus like this WFB-1500 opens the door for a whole additional level of analysis. The unit introduces a dyed liquid to simulate fuel. |
 SuperFlow's wet flow equipment...  SuperFlow's wet flow equipment can be quickly mounted to any dry flow bench, expanding the capabilities for studying flow characteristics. Here the unit is set up on a SuperFlow 600 bench. |
 A study of the dye trail gives...  A study of the dye trail gives an indication of the fuel flow in a wet flow bench. The clear tube simulates the cylinder, and the colored liquid provides a stain pattern to illustrate the flow of semi-suspended fuel. |