Snorkel Air Ram
Well After many many Ks (now 60,000km) most with my Airflow snorkel on and very happy with it, I've had to answer from those that don't like the Air Ram Head the question, "Why is it so" so I went looking for info on the smaller head promised and read this..To me it makes sense and I trust Micheal's design expertise..I've posted this info for those interested as there was previously, much discussion about the merits of an Airflow Snorkel as against another on the market..I'll let you be the judge..I welcome any counter argument on this..I have an open mind on all info put forward.
"The New WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in Australia shortly.
It has been released with the Standard Parabolic Air Ram.
Due to the configuration of the plumbing to get the snorkel to work. The new smaller faced Parabolic air ram will not supply enough air at low to medium speed at below and at optimum revs
In these conditions the engine may starve for air.
Increasing fuel consumption and decrease power from standard, as many other snorkel brands do
Therefore a standard Parabolic Air Ram is required The smaller air Ram is not Recommended "
The Air Ram
"Air entering the Air Ram swirls violently, creating a cyclonic effect. The heaviest particles are ejected by the centrifugal force to the periphery of the swirl. There, they hit the vertical ribs where air pressure takes over to eject them out of the four slots at the base of the Air Ram. At this point, the air pressure pushes them out. The finer particles that are not ejected are removed by the vehicle air filter.
Comparison: not all Air Rams are equal in performance.
It is preferable for the Air Ram to have an open face without a screen because the screen deflects the airflow.
The surface ratio of the open face to outlet aperture must be a minimum of 1.4:1. If the ratio is lesser, it will be insufficient to create the cyclone action that separates heavy contaminants effectively.
Approximately 30% of the incoming airflow (above 25kph / 15mph) is used in the separation process.
At Airflow Vector, we ensure that our range of Snorkels uses a minimum of 1.4:1 for the 3” air ram, 1.7:1 for the 3.5” air ram and 2:1 for the cold air induction air ram.
Any deflection of the incoming airflow must be avoided since it dramatically affects efficiency. Deflections may be caused by:
1- Air Ram situated in close proximity to the bonnet/hood of the vehicle,
2- Air Ram with a curved or foiled roof,
3- Turning Air Ram away from travel direction,
4- Where Air Ram design makes the air go back on itself at an angle greater than 100 degrees.
If the Air Ram is turned away from the direction of travel, it will lessen the necessary positive pressure. In extreme situations, at higher speed, a vacuum may be generated causing irreversible engine damage!
Incorrect Air Ram design may cause excessive induction noise, lack of separation and air blocking by vortex at various speeds. This air blocking will limit airflow. This is a common occurrence when “looks” take priority over functionality.
If the Air Ram is moulded on the body of the Snorkel (for aesthetic reasons) it does not provide particle separation, thus all contaminants need to be removed by the internal air filter. This increases the maintenance cycle of the air cleaner. Furthermore, this configuration may cause a vacuum into the Snorkel, thus increasing the risk of engine damage"
|