Automotive Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS) Test Stand: Fully AutomatedProduct Summary

The semi-automated version of the Automotive Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS) Test Stand is an air flow measurement system designed for setting and measuring the mass flow rate of through Mass Air Flow Sensors and other induction components.

Key Features
  • Mass flow range: 0.00098 – 1.5 lbm/sec (0.5 – 694 gps) ±0.54%
  • Highly repeatable results (less than ±0.25%)
  • Flow control and mass air flow sensor measurement using the included Flow Controller FC500-FC
How does this test stand work?

The user provides the desired mass flow via ethernet command or by using the included Flow Controller FC500-FC, which will set and record the mass flow rate, MAFS voltage, and ambient test conditions (T and RH, P optional.) The system utilizes sonic nozzles which are installed in a common plenum and the test setup is shown in the following diagram:

Related Products for Varying Levels of Automation & Uncertainty

For information on related test stands, refer to the Mass Air Flow Sensor Test Stand Product Comparison.

Traceable to NIST

All Flow Systems air test stand sonic nozzles and instruments are traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

System Specifications

The semi-automated version of the Automotive Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS) Test Stand has the following specifications:

Specification Value(s)
Mass Flow Rate 0.00098 – 1.5 lbm/sec, ±0.54% of reading
0.8 – 1225 scfm, ±0.54% of reading
0.5 – 694 gps, ±0.54% of reading
1.6 – 2498 kg/hr, ±0.454 of reading
Flow Measurement Flow Controller FC500-FC
Repeatability Less than ±0.25%, defined as 2 standard deviations divided by the mean of 20 samples
Unit Under Test (UUT) Voltage 0 – 5 VDC, ±0.03% Full Scale
0 – 10 VDC, ±0.03% Full Scale
Unit Under Test (UUT) Frequency (Optional) 100 – 20 kHz, ±0.01 Hz
Unit Under Test (UUT) Pressure (Optional) 0 – 15 psia, ±0.05% Full Scale
Unit Under Test (UUT) Temperature ±0.5°F
Unit Under Test (UUT) Differential Pressure 0 – 60 inH2O (optional)

Uncertainty Analysis

For information on uncertainty analysis for this equipment refer to Uncertainty Analysis in Gas Flow Measurement When Using Sonic Nozzles.


Software

National Instruments LabVIEW Logo
Control System Operator Interface

This test stand uses the Flow Controller FC500-FC for mass flow measurement and flow control. The FC500-FC can operate as a stand-alone flow device for flow measurement and control; it does not need to be connected to a computer to operate. However, the controller software which is installed on a customer-supplied computer is required for initial configuration and remote data logging. Controller software is written using National Instruments LabVIEW™.

Monitor & Log Measured Flowrates
  • Configure output logging parameters for the digital and analog channels
  • Data can be either logged to the FC500’s internal memory or to the connected PC
  • Data may be logged automatically or at a user-defined interval
  • Data can be plotted (all parameters simultaneously) in real-time
  • When connected, the CFV pattern can also be controlled in real-time
  • Iterative solution for Discharge Coefficient (Cd) based on actual calibration data or theoretical models
  • Two independent analog output (4 to 20ma dc) channels which may be configured for remote monitoring of flow or other variables such as pressure or temperature by another device or data logger
  • Two independent digital outputs (24vdc, <400 ma each) may be configured to indicate specific conditions that can be sensed by another device
Customize Controller Software and Integrate Data
  • Controller software can be customized to fit a wide variety of customer needs
  • Data can be integrated with customer’s local databases and/or information systems
Configure Instrument Calibration Settings
  • Enter calibration coefficients for each instrument connected to the FC500-FC (i.e. pressure transducers, RTD’s, and dew point transmitters)
  • Coefficients can be generated then saved to file, which can then be associated with instrument
Flowrate Calculations Meet ASME Standards
  • Calculations for sonic nozzles are in accordance with ASME MFC-7M / ISO 9300
Additional Software Screenshots
Instrument Calibration Screen

Instrument Calibration

Test Setup Screen

Test Setup

Output_Configuration Screen

Output Configuration

Meter Calibration Screen

Meter Calibration

Data Monitor

Data Monitor

Facility Requirements

The following facility requirements, which are to be supplied by the customer at the installation site, are needed for all three versions of the Automotive Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS) Test Stands:

  • Shop Air: 5scfm, 70 to 120 psig, 60 to 90°F; Pressure Dewpoint < 39°F; Particulates: < 5 microns; Oil Content: < 10ppm
  • Electrical Power: 100-240 VAC / 50 to 60 Hz / 1pH / 7.5 to 15 A
  • Vacuum: 2114 acfm at 12.3″ Hg based on previously defined mass flow range

Photos & Schematics

Additional Software Screenshots

The following are pictures and schematics of the Automotive Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS) Test Stand: Semi-Automated Model with an attached Flow Controller FC500-FC.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.1)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.1)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.2)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.2)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.3)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.3)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.4)

Mass Air Flow Sensor Semi-Automatic (Image No.4)