Refrigerated Air Intake Dehumidifier / Chiller for Octane Knock Engines

Replacing the conventional ice tower used for dehumidifying intake air to the CFR octane knock engine both in lab and on-line engines Model 500 is a refrigerated system that filters room air as it is drawn into the unit by a CFR carburetor. Designed to chill the inlet air from 1.5 to 3.5C with precision, this air intake chiller uses ozone-friendly, commonly available refrigerant, and the temperature is adjustable via a front-mounted digital indicating controller.

Using the same resourceful refrigeration system, a separate 10-liter (2.5 gal) liquid, well-insulated reservoir has the ability to be cooled as low as -10C with a temperature stability of 0.5C. Using a front-mounted digital controller, the reservoir temperature is quickly adjustable. The reservoir also comes equipped with a pump to circulate the cooling fluid to the engine's carburetor, as well as to test if the fuel bowl requires chilling.

To shield against corrosion, the compact, lockable caster-mounted cabinet is constructed of anodized aluminum framing with side panels of painted aluminum-plastic composite, and measures approximately 24 inches square at the base. The stainless steel construction of the condensation pan ensures sustainability and protects against rusting, while expediently enabling the condensate to drain via a plastic tube to a floor drain.

Adhering to ASTM methods D2699, D2700 and D2885, the Model 500 air intake chiller comes fully assembled and ready to connect to the Waukesha-supplied humidifier tube leading to the carburetor. Equipped with all necessary plastic tubing for connection to the carburetor (via front-mounted quick disconnect in- and out-couplings), the tubing is insulated to prevent sweating. A separate set of connections is provided by quick disconnect couplings for hoses for chilling the sample fuel bowl.

The easily accessible, front-mounted control panel includes a main power switch, a power switch for the pump, and two digital display controllers (air temperature and liquid reservoir temperature).