Testing Capability
With a belief that continuous improvement is fundamental to ongoing development, Howden have always understood the importance of testing to build a base of knowledge that can be used at all stages of design, manufacture and erection.
Fan Performance Testing
In addition to factory and site contract fan performance testing of our own equipment, we are able to conduct on-site fan performance evaluation of other manufacturers’ equipment and to advise on any practical action that may be taken to improve the operation of a system.
Flow Model Testing
Our Australian laboratory is fully equipped to undertake complete model flow testing and optimisation of duct arrangements, silencer systems, mine shafts, drifts and other systems
Acoustics (On-site investigations and testing)
 We are able to undertake environmental and in-duct investigations on-site and subsequently design absorptive, reactive/dissipative or fully reactive silencers to control noise to acceptable limits. Additionally we can design and supply acoustic insulation systems to limit break-out noise from casing and duct surfaces.
Laboratory Testing
We have the capability to test full size modules of the largest silencers currently installed in the power industry. These tests can be carried out with flow where necessary, giving aerodynamic characteristics of the silencers as well as dynamic insertion losses at various passage velocities.
Air Preheater Testing
Site testing of air preheaters can be carried out to determine the thermal and aerodynamic (pressure drop and leakage) performance with the current operating conditions. Our Sydney office has sophisticated computer based engineering programs, which include a complex regenerative heat transfer program for rotary air preheaters. This program has the capability to analyse the heat transfer and gas flow characteristics within an air preheater at full and part loads. The program is also able to calculate the gas analysis and physical properties resulting from the combustion of a wide variety of fuels under different conditions. Site test information is used to determine the actual operating conditions and performance of the air preheater. When refurbishment is being considered it is often the case that operating conditions or fuels have changed from the original design specification. In these circumstances this information is invaluable and can be used to optimise the heat transfer surface. Using this data the design improvements can be made which will increase the overall efficiency and life of the plant.