Oil Pump Test Rig

PROBLEM : 

Existing measurement of oil flow and the subsequent setting of a flow valve was carried out manually using calibrated glass Buret. This process was difficult and typically could take up to 44 minutes to set an oil pump. The same operator tended to carry out this task due to the knowledge acquired over time regarding the 'quirks' of carrying out such a task. Results were recorded manually for later transfer to the companies database. Attempted changes to this process in the past by others had been thwarted by the low flow rates involved.

SOLUTION :

Test rig was designed and built
that could:-

• Monitor low oil flow associated with the particular type of oil pump.
   
• Automatically set the flow valve on oil pump body to the required flow rate.
   
• Time to load, set, check and then unload the oil pump was reduced to an average of 9 minutes.
   
• Information regarding the oil pump and the final calibration value automatically saved to Quality control  database and label printed showing  oil pumps details.
   
• Mechanical and Electronic hardware designed,manufactured and integrated with National Instruments PCI DAQ boards fitted to an Embedded PC.
   
• Control software written in LabVIEW.

KEY FEATURES :  

• Entry of operator and oil pump details, serial number, model etc by touch-screen TFT display.
• Rapid loading and clamping of oil pump to test fixture.
• Single button press (via touch-screen) to commence test and calibration.
• On screen instructions and description of stage of test and results.
• Automatic save to predefined database to aid traceability.
• Printed label at the end of test to include with oil pump when packaged