A more extensive spin on intake air filtration: Donaldson expands TopSpin pre-cleaner line; airflows up to 1600 cfm.
Published in: Diesel Progress North American Edition
Date: 4/1/2006
Donaldson Co. Inc. has further broadened its family of Donaldson TopSpin self-cleaning air intake system pre-cleaners designed for a range of applications including ag equipment, compact construction and utility equipment, and larger construction and mining machinery. First introduced in late 2001 in two sizes with seven models, the range has now been expanded to four sizes with 13 models with outlet sizes from 2 to 7 in. and airflows from 100 to 1500 cfm (see related chart).
The Donaldson TopSpin pre-cleaner is engineered to extend air filter service life and enhance overall system efficiency and performance by automatically separating and discarding contaminants and debris before they meet the primary air filter. They are designed to separate up to 99% of large debris (over 20 microns) and 85% of coarse air contaminants, the company said.
In operation, incoming air enters the pre-cleaner through an inlet located on the bottom of the pre-cleaner housing. As it passes into the housing, it is directed over a series of vanes that impart a rotational effect–the “spin” –to the airflow. This spin carries much of the dirt and debris toward the outer periphery of the pre-cleaner.
The airflow also spins a turbine that is connected to paddles. The spinning paddles conduct debris and particles out a discharge slot located on the side of the housing, while the pre-cleaned air is channeled downward through the center section into the air filter intake.
The aerodynamic turbine is designed to operate at a lower rpm than competitive units, which translates into lower noise and longer bearing life, the company said. The unit is entirely of plastic, save the turbine shaft and bearings, allowing it to tolerate a wide range of ambient conditions, and the translucent housing enables visual confirmation of separation effectiveness.
During the product development process, Donaldson engineers used sophisticated flow analysis tools, including Fluent’s Computation Fluid Dynamics, to predict and simulate real-life airflow conditions. Flow direction, velocity ranges, recirculation zone identification, particle tracking and efficiency were predicted through use of this advanced analytical tool.
The unit is designed for easy installation with a single clamp and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, the company said.
Donaldson TovSpin Pre-cleaner Specs
Outlet Height Diameter Flow Range Weight
2.03 in. 5.75 in. 6.38 in. 90-200 cfm 1.0 lb.
2.27 in. 5.75 in. 6.38 in. 90-200 cfm 1.0 lb.
2.53 in. 5.75 in. 6.38 in. 90-200 cfm 1.0 lb.
3.03 in. 5.75 in. 6.38 in. 90-200 cfm 1.0 lb.
3.07 in. 9.39 in. 9.51 in. 200-450 cfm 2.2 lb.
3.83 in. 9.39 in. 9.51 in. 200-450 cfm 2.2 lb.
4.06 in. 9.39 in. 9.51 in. 200-450 cfm 2.2 lb.
11.30 in. 11.32 in. 450-750 cfm 2.7 lb.
4.56 in. 9.39 in. 9.51 in. 200-450 cfm 2.2 lb.
11.30 in. 11.32 in. 450-750 cfm 2.7 lb.
5.03 in. 11.30 in. 11.32 in. 450-750 cfm 2.7 lb.
6.03 in. 13.57 in. 15.62 in. 750-1500 cfm 6.0 lb.
7.03 in. 13.57 in. 15.62 in. 750-1500 cfm 6.0 lb.
Information supplied by the manufacturer.