Post Category: Educational
Fans and Compressors: Designed For Engineering Education
Turbines are essential components in energy engineering, particularly in the study of renewable energy and sustainable technology. At Armfield, we specialise in providing state-of-the-art educational tools that empower universities and colleges to deliver hands-on, real-world training. Our modular range of turbines connects seamlessly with the versatile FM6x Turbine Service Unit, which is designed to meet the diverse needs of engineering courses worldwide.
Joseph Armfield and the Evolution of Turbines
The story of turbines at Armfield began in 1875, when Joseph Armfield founded his engineering company in Ringwood, England. Initially focused on farm and milling machinery, the company quickly expanded its capabilities. By 1887, Armfield produced its first water turbine, marking a significant shift from traditional water wheels to more efficient power generation systems.
Incorporating cutting-edge innovations such as inward radial flow, based on the principles of the Francis turbine, these early designs optimised water flow using curved guide vanes and blades. By the early 20th century, Armfield had sold over 1,000 turbines worldwide, solidifying its role as a pioneer in advancing turbine technology. Today, that innovative legacy lives on in the modern equipment we provide for engineering education.
Understanding Turbines in Training
Turbines are pivotal in various engineering industries, from power generation to water management and beyond. Their primary purpose is to harness the power of fluids. This product range plays a crucial role in demonstrating principles such as torque, power generation, flow rates, and efficiency. Educational institutions require reliable, precise equipment to train students for real-world applications.
Why Choose Armfield for Your Training Needs?
At Armfield, we’ve developed an innovative range of turbines and associated equipment such as compressors and fans, ideal for teaching foundational and advanced engineering principles. Our solutions are tailored to universities and colleges seeking to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in industries like power generation, HVAC, and renewable energy.
Explore our full range of fans and compressors, where you’ll find a variety of tools designed for in-depth analysis and experimentation.
The FM6x Turbine Service Unit: A Game-Changer
One standout product in our collection is the FM6x Turbine Service Unit. This cutting-edge base unit is fully controlled by software, allowing for the precise testing and analysis of various turbine characteristics. It’s an essential tool for demonstrating key engineering principles such as:
- Torque
- Power usage
- Pump speed
- Braking loads and forces
- Flow rates and inlet pressure
The FM6x is versatile, enabling students to test multiple turbine types, including:
- Impulse turbines
- Reaction turbines
- Pelton wheels
Software Integration for Enhanced Learning
The FM6x Turbine Service Unit is equipped with advanced software that generates detailed datasheets and performance charts. This feature allows students and instructors to monitor loads, benchmark performance, and analyse results with precision. By simulating real-world scenarios, the FM6x prepares students for larger-scale applications, such as those used by electrical power companies in water-driven turbine systems.
How Turbine Demonstration Units Educate Future Engineers
1. Harnessing Energy from Wind and Water
Turbine demonstration units like the FM6x illustrate how energy can be captured and converted into usable power. Reaction turbines, for instance, utilise fluid flow to generate mechanical energy, a principle widely applied in hydroelectric and wind power systems.
2. The Role of Hydraulic Training Systems
Hydraulic training systems are invaluable in demonstrating how water flow impacts turbine operation. With the FM6x, students can adjust water flow rates and observe the effects on power output and efficiency, fostering a deeper understanding of fluid dynamics.
3. Airflow and Efficiency
The efficiency of turbines is closely linked to airflow dynamics. The FM6x allows users to manipulate airflows, showcasing their impact on performance metrics such as speed and torque.
4. Speed and Performance
Speed plays a critical role in turbine efficiency. Students can observe how different loads and braking forces influence energy generation by varying rotational speeds.
Real-World Applications
The FM6x Turbine Service Unit bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in industries such as:
- Renewable energy production
- Industrial fluid systems
By mastering the operation and analysis of turbine systems, graduates are better prepared for roles in engineering firms, utilities, and manufacturing industries.
FAQs
What is the FM6x Turbine Service Unit used for?
The FM6x is a base unit for testing turbine characteristics. It’s designed for engineering education, helping students understand torque, power usage, flow rates, and more.
How does a reaction turbine work?
Reaction turbines harness fluid flow to generate mechanical energy. They rely on the principle of Newton’s third law, where the reactive force of moving fluid produces rotational motion.
Can the FM6x Turbine Service Unit simulate real-world scenarios?
Yes, the FM6x’s software enables users to replicate various turbine conditions, preparing students for real-world applications in industries such as power generation and renewable energy.
How does the FM6x benefit universities and colleges?
The FM6x provides hands-on training, detailed performance data, and the ability to test multiple turbine types, making it an invaluable resource for engineering courses.
Fans and Compressors for Engineering Education
Armfield’s FM6x Turbine Service Unit is more than just a training tool—it’s a gateway to understanding the intricacies of turbine operation and performance. Combined with our full range of fans and compressors, we offer a comprehensive solution for engineering education.
Contact Us Today
Contact us to enhance your engineering programme. Learn more about our cutting-edge solutions by visiting our contact page. Let Armfield help you shape the engineers of tomorrow.
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Armfield FT22 & UOP20X Evaporators
The Armfield FT22 & UOP20X are two of our evaporation series offerings for Chemical Engineering teaching.
The UOP20X computer controlled modular system of evaporators, offers a wide range of configurations: rising or falling film; single or double effect; forward, backward or parallel feed.
Armfield’s FT22 rising film evaporator processes samples as small as 2.0 litres under conditions identical to those in production, sufficient to reveal the effect of heating on any ingredients newly introduced to the recipe.
As well as investigating the effect on organoleptic and physico-chemical properties, the FT22 can be used to prepare product for taste trials on a daily basis ensuring incoming raw materials are of a consistent quality.
Both the UOP20X and FT22 are supplied with educational software including process control and data logging facilities.
Contact us at sales@armfield.co.uk
GESS Dubai 2021
Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) energy diversification into the renewable energy has spiked in the early half of 2021, focusing on fuel cell and renewable energy in aid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Armfield Ltd, leader in Engineering Teaching Equipment from the UK who will be attending GESS Exhibition (stand R20), will be showcasing methods for students and adults to develop in the field of new energy technology, making a significant contribution to the “green” energy revolution within the education system.
In addition to this, with the increase of coronavirus that led the world to a pandemic, many students, teachers, and staff resorted to remote learning, which has been of paramount importance. With education at forefront, Armfield Ltd is demonstrating remote learning to increase student engagement with online classrooms and home learning in the engineering sector at the GESS exhibition hall.
“Armfield employer of the year award”
Armfield were extremely honoured to be invited to the Annual Brockenhurst Gala awards dinner to receive the Brockenhurst College “employer of the year award” from the Principal, Polly Perkins CBE and Graham Beards, The Chair of Governors.
As part of our continued social responsibility program, the Armfield team has been actively involved in working with our local college by providing work placements, added curriculum support, equipment and an enhanced profile at employability events.
This partnership will prove invaluable to both Armfield and @brockcollege, with the students taking an active role in our new product development and evaluation.
Armfield look forward to strengthening our relationship with Brock college and playing an active role in helping them continue to develop world class engineers.
Armfield is pleased to announce the acquisition of RJ Lewis Ltd
Armfield is pleased to announce the acquisition of RJ Lewis Ltd, a leading high quality plastic machining and manufacturing specialist.
Armfield’s corporate mission is to be the leading manufacturer of engineering teaching and research equipment and industrial research & development equipment. The acquisition of a key supplier such as RJ Lewis Ltd brings us one step closer to accomplishing this goal.
RJ Lewis Ltd is being integrated into Armfield and will be relocated in our new dedicated assembly and inspection facility. This will enable us to meet the increased demands of our growing business, more than double our production capacity, and create new jobs within the company.
Armfield’s laboratory flow channel
Armfield’s laboratory flow channel is one of the most important tools available to the hydraulics or civil engineer whether engaged in teaching basic principles or researching solutions to practical problems.
A comprehensive range of accessories are available for selection, these provide the basis for a large number of practical experiments in open channel flow.
See more at www.armfield.co.uk
Armfield’s History
Armfield Ltd are feeling nostalgic today…..
Take a look at these historical adverts from 120 years ago, the company had several foundry’s producing farm machinery, public works projects such as lamp posts but specialised in water irrigation. In 1898 Armfield started selling the Empire Turbine, a reliable, easy to maintain and operate motor for obtaining power from water, Armfield’s tag line was “Expert Engineers sent anywhere to advise upon ANYTHING to do with WATER”.
By 1938 Armfield had iron work, farm machinery, pumps, hydroelectric generators, water wheels and irrigation gates all over the world.
Happy Earth Day from Armfield!
Current studies in geoscience and earth science include so much more than rocks and volcanoes. It looks at the processes that shape the earth’s surface, natural resources and how water and ecosystems are interconnected. It also looks at the effects these have caused in the past, present and what changes may need to be implemented for the future.
Armfield offers products for both laboratory and field-learning opportunities. It also introduces such diverse topics as crop water requirements, erosion, soil moisture content, ground water flow, plant water need and sprinkler irrigation systems.
Contact us at: armfield.com for more information.
Fluid Friction Measurements
The Armfield C6-MKII-10 Fluid Friction Measurements unit provides facilities for the detailed study of fluid friction head losses, which occur when an incompressible fluid flows through pipes, fittings and flow metering devices.
A wide range of measurements, demonstrations and training exercises are possible with the equipment:
· Confirming the relationship between head loss due to fluid friction and velocity for flow of water
· Determining the head loss associated with flow through a variety of standard pipe fittings
· Determining the relationship between pipe friction coefficients and Reynolds’ number for flow through a pipe with roughened bore
· Demonstrating the application of differential head devices in the measurement of flow rate and velocity
· Providing practical training of pressure measurement techniques
· Enhancing understanding of the hydraulic principles involved through the use of complementary computer software
See more at www.armfield.co.uk
Computer control is so much more than just datalogging a sensor!
Armfield’s range of computer-controlled products, provide not only real time monitoring and datalogging, but additional computer control of multiple variables used when undertaking experimentation.
For example, in our heat exchanger range both the hot and cold-water flow rates can be controlled from the mimic diagram screen in the HT30XC software, which is supplied as standard.
We additionally supply the ability for the pump speed to be controlled via a PID algorithm to achieve a stable flow of hot water through the heat exchanger on test. Changes to the flow that would be caused by effects, such as viscosity reduction due to increasing temperature, are eliminated by automatically adjusting the pump speed.
Contact our sales team to find out more regarding our computer control and remote access options: sales@armfield.co.uk
Armfield Impact of Jet Apparatus F1-16
The Armfield F1 Fluid Mechanics products provide a comprehensive range of hydraulic models each of which is designed to demonstrate a particular aspect of hydraulic theory.
The Impact of Jet Apparatus, F1-16. This consists of clear acrylic test cylinder, into which water is fed vertically through a nozzle. The water strikes a target mounted on a stem. A weight pan mounted at the top of the stem allows the force of the water to be counterbalanced by applied masses.
Experimental outcomes include:
* Principle of linear momentum
* To investigate the reaction forces produced by the change in momentum of a fluid flow
* Measurement of the forces produced by a jet impinging on solid surfaces which produce different degrees of flow deflection
Fluid mechanics has developed as an analytical discipline from the application of the classical laws of statics, dynamics and thermodynamics, to situations in which fluids can be treated as continuous media.
The particular laws involved are those of the conservation of mass, energy and momentum and, in each application, these laws may be simplified in an attempt to describe quantitatively the behavior of the fluid.
Armfield Research Flumes
Water engineering research continues to be paramount in areas such as coastal research, environmental modelling, sediment transportation and irrigation studies. For over 50 years, Armfield have been designing and supplying open channel facilities (also referred to as flumes) to hydraulic laboratories throughout the world.
Our brochure presents the standard range of channels/flumes available from Armfield for teaching and research purposes. Bespoke sizes and layouts to suit specific design criteria can be produced and the Armfield engineering team work closely with our customers to make sure the brief, deadline and installation designs are fully met.
All our flumes are supplied under the guidance of the Armfield professional service team who will oversee the transportation, installation, commissioning and training on site.
C3 Multi-Pump Test Rig
The Armfield Multi-Pump Test rig can accommodate both rotodynamic and positive displacement pumps and is supplied with the most common example of each type as standard (ie a centrifugal pump and a gear pump).
A range of other pump types are available as accessories, (including axial, turbine, flexible impeller, diaphragm and plunger, plus a second centrifugal pump for series/parallel demonstrations). Up to four pumps can be accommodated simultaneously within the rig for use within a single laboratory period, and each can be run without disconnecting any pipework or connections. Further, pumps can also be easily interchanged.
Happy Holidays from us all at Armfield
While none of us could have predicted how tough 2020 was going to be, all of us at Armfield want to say a massive thank you for sticking with us throughout the year.
Armfield would not be where it is without our amazing customers and agents, due to your continued support we are able to head into 2021 full of confidence that further success is just around the corner.
Our office will close for the holiday on the 24th of December, returning on the 4th of January.
We will continue our evolution including the opening of the Armfield academy knowledge hub and the release of the new product catalogue early in 2021
The Armfield Sediment Transport Demonstration Channel
Most natural waterways and many canals are subject to bed movements caused by the action of the water transporting the material forming the bed in the downstream direction.
The type and rate of movement of the transported material can vary from large stones moved down fast flowing mountain streams, through sand and gravel sizes, to very fine clay particles moved by slow flowing rivers being deposited in lakes and estuaries to form deltas and bottom clay deposits.
A basic understanding of the processes of sediment transport is essential to scientists, engineers and technologists who may be engaged in geology, hydrology, irrigation and other aspects of civil, marine or environmental engineering.
The Armfield S8-MkII allows a range of experiments to be performed to demonstrate the two principle methods of sediment transport in water: bed load movement & suspended sediment transport.
Additional investigations can be undertaken to demonstrate local scour at channel obstructions such as bridge piers, and the secondary flow in channel beds.
See more here> armfield.co.uk/S8
Remote access to the essentials of Process Control
Introduce students to the fundamentals and principles of process control and provide a thorough understanding in the control of physical processes with Armfield’s Essentials Process Control range.
Level, flow, temperature and pressure as the controlled variable can all be demonstrated via four independent process units. The concepts of closed loop control, including on/off control, proportional control, proportional/integral and proportional/integral/derivative (PID) control can be explored and demonstrated.
All units are computer controlled and can be remotely operated enabling seamless teaching in a distant or remote learning environment.
Contact Us at sales@armfield.com
Armfield welcomes Nancy Manik
Our new Area Sales Manager for Asia, joining the Educational Sales Team.
Nancy brings years of experience working within the academic and pharmaceutical industry within the global market, where she assisted researchers set up their new laboratories and provide core facility systems for a multi user environments.
Nancy is looking forward to supporting and looking after educational sales agents and customers in Asia.
You can reach her on nancy.manik@armfield.com for any enquiries.
RA3 Recirculating Air Conditioning Unit
Understanding Structural Behaviour
Armfield have teamed up with Dr David Brohn (who is also working with the Institution of Structural Engineers on this topic) to develop a range of hardware and software specifically to address this issue of understanding structural behaviour. This is a highly modular system with almost an infinite range of possibilities.
To simplify purchasing, the components are available in a number of kits depending on requirements, there are eight standard projects including:
– Cantilever beam
– Simply supported beam
– Two span beam
– Pinned beam
– Rigid right angle joint
– Rigid portal frame
– Portal frame with pinned connection
– Portal frame with pinned support
The equipment provides an unsurpassed and unique learning experience when the display software is coupled with the sensors, actuators and analysis software.
Armfield Fluid Machines
The FM53 Plunger Pump Demonstration Unit replicates those used in industry in a wide variety of applications such as cleaning or process technology in the chemical industry.
The plunger or ram pump is used for pumping small quantities of liquid at high pressure. Electronic sensors measure the instantaneous cylinder pressure within the pump, the pump displacement and the cumulative flow.
Computer controlled with datalogging the FM53 is one of Armfield’s vast range of units with remote access capabilities.
See the extensive range of fluid machine demonstration units at www.armfield.co.uk/fm or contact sales@armfield.co.uk to discuss your remote access needs.
Montana State University
Armfield recently visited Stephanie Wettstein at the chemical engineering department, Montana State University to complete the installation of the UOP3CC Continuous Computer Controlled Distillation Column.
As innovators of educational engineering equipment Armfield have developed this state-of-the-art laboratory based distillation column to enable safe hands on practical training for student engineers and plant operators as well as empowering research in different fields to be conducted.
The UOP3CC enables a range of demonstrations from the introductory stages of a process engineering course through to the more complex demonstrations of modern control strategies.
Armfield’s professional services team offer installation, commissioning and training on site to ensure that laboratories and research centres are able to fully utilise all equipment at the earliest opportunity.
See more at www.armfield.com
Armfield Remote Controlled Equipment
As innovators of engineering educational equipment, it is not new for Armfield Ltd to offer remote access on their products. Self-based learning in the current environment is key and Armfield provide students and lecturers with the access and capability required to continue comprehensive teaching.
Engaging students in their subject is paramount, especially with restrictions on face to face teaching, so by providing access, to a user based system that not only allows you real time data logging but also to remotely control equipment, is a necessity in teaching going forward.
TH6 Film & Dropwise Condensation Unit
The Armfield TH6 Film & Dropwise Condensation Unit enables students to gain a knowledge of two fundamental condensation processes and how they affect efficiencies and heat transfer, found in industries such as steam power plants and distillation operations.
Used to demonstrate dropwise condensation, demonstrated by means of the condenser with a polished gold-plated surface and film condensation which forms on the matt copper surface of the second condenser.
The pressure in the main vessel can be reduced using a water jet pump to allow the student to observe it’s influence. Additionally, boiling point can be varied by a combination of changing the pressure in the system and controlling the heating power or water temperature by simple controls. The TH6 additionally includes the ability to undertake experimentation into the influence of non-condensing gases on the condensation processes.
Sensors record the temperature, pressure (vacuum) and flow rates at all relevant points. These measured values along with heater power are displayed via the unique ArmBUS software system which also includes inbuilt equations and a data export functionality for off-line analysis.
www.armfield.co.uk
Armfield Process Control Teaching System
Introduce students to the fundamentals and principles of process control with Armfield’s Essentials of Process Control range.
A highly visible and easy-to-understand suite of products to demonstrate controlled variables of level, flow, temperature and pressure. ArmSOFT software allows control and data acquisition using a PC including, when testing any of the control loops, the ability to control the process and initiation of step changes as well as response recording through graphing. This real-time data can then be exported for further analysis, See the full range of PCT-related products.