ANSI/AMCA

Standard 250-12
Laboratory Methods of Testing
Jet Tunnel Fans for Performance

An American National Standard

Approved by ANSI on February 22, 2012

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

ANSI/AMCA Standard 250-12

Laboratory Methods of Testing

Jet Tunnel Fans for Performance

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 W. University Drive
Arlington Heights, Illinois
60004
AMCA Publications

Authority ANSI/AMCA Standard 250-05 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc. on 14 January 2001. It was approved by ANSI as an American National Standard on 31
August 2005. The 2012 revision of Standard 250 was approved by ANSI on February 22, 2012.

Copyright © 2012 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections
107 and 108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful.
Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive Director, Air Movement
and Control Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893
U.S.A.

Objections Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints
regarding its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for
submitting and handling complaints, write to:

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

AMCA International, Incorporated

c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
RG10 9TH

Disclaimer AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light of avail-
able information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or assure
the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or operat-
ed in accordance with AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be non-hazard-
ous or free from risk.
Review Committee

Ang Swee Hock Lawrence DongGuan Wolter Chemco Ventilation Ltd

Roberto Arias Zitron, S.A.

John Cermak Acme Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation

Sisir Chakraborty CB Doctor Ventilators Pvt. Ltd.

David Ortiz Gomez Soler & Palau, S.A. de C.V.

Marcel Kamutzki Daltec Canadian Buffalo Manufacturing Ltd.

Paul Okeley Fan Group, Inc.

Chen Yongning Taizhou Wolter Ventilation Co., Ltd.

Tim Orris AMCA Staff

Related AMCA Documents

Related AMCA Publication 211 Certified Ratings Program - Product Rating Manual for Fan Air Performance
Publications
Contents

1. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3. Definitions and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4. Characteristics to be Measured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.2 Volume airflow rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.3 Thrust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.4 Input power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.5 Sound power level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.6 Vibration velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5. Instrumentation and Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.1 Volume airflow rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.2 Thrust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.3 Input power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.4 Impeller rotational speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.5 Sound level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.6 Vibration velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6. Determination of Airflow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6.2 Direct connected airflow measuring device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6.3 Upstream chamber method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6.4 Upstream pitot traverse method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7. Determination of Thrust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7.2 Suspended configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7.3 Supported configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7.4 Test procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7.5 Test enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

8. Determination of Sound Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8.2 Test arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8.3 Enclosure suitability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 8.4 Measurement procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

9. Determination of Vibration Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

9.2 Test arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

9.3 Test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

9.4 Acceptance vibration velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

10. Presentation of Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

10.1 Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

10.2 Product performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

11. Tolerances and Conversion Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

11.1 Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

11.2 Conversion rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Annex A Illustration of Reference Sound Source (Normative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Annex B Combination of Sound Pressure Levels (Normative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Annex C Conversion Rules (Normative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

C.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

C.2 Performance Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

C.3 Sound Power Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Annex D Informative References (Informative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Laboratory Methods of Testing
Jet Tunnel Fans for Performance

1. Scope ANSI/NEMA MG 1-2003

Motors and Generators
This standard deals with the determination of those tech- National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Rosslyn, VA,
nical characteristics needed to describe all aspects of the USA.
performance of jet tunnel fans. It does not cover those fans
designed for ducted applications nor those designed solely ISO 5801:1997(E)
for air circulation, e.g., ceiling fans and table fans. Industrial Fans - Performance Testing Using Standardized
Airways
The test procedures described in this standard relate to lab- International Organization for Standardization, Geneva,
oratory conditions. The measurement of performance under Switzerland, 1996
in-situ conditions is not included.
3. Definitions and Symbols
The parties to a test for guarantee purposes may agree
on exceptions to this standard in writing prior to the test. 3.1 Definitions
However, only tests that do not violate any mandatory
requirements of this standard shall be designated as tests For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions
conducted in accordance with this standard. apply:

2. Normative References 3.1.1 Air

A mixture of various gases forming the earth’s atmosphere
The following standards contain provisions that, through and commonly used to denote any gaseous medium mea-
specific reference in this text, constitute provisions of this sured, moved or controlled in a HVAC system.
American National Standard. At the time of publication the
editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to 3.1.2 Standard air
revision, and parties to agreements based on this American Air with a density of 1.2 kg/m3 (0.75 lbm/ft3), a specific heat
National Standard are encouraged to investigate the possi- ratio of 1.4, a viscosity of 1.819 × 10-5 Pa•s (1.222 × 10-5 lbm/
bility of applying the most recent editions of the standards ft-sec) and an absolute pressure of 101.325 kPa (408.0 in.
listed below. wg). Air at 20°C (68°F), 50% relative humidity, and 101.325
kPa (29.92 in. Hg) has these properties, approximately.
AMCA 300-96
Reverberant Room Method for Sound Testing of Fans 3.1.3 Absolute pressure
Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., Pressure above a perfect vacuum; the sum of gauge pres-
Arlington Heights, IL, USA. sure and atmospheric pressure. The value is always positive.

3.1.4 Barometric pressure

ANSI S2.19-1999 (R2004)
The absolute pressure exerted by the atmosphere at a loca-
Mechanical Vibrations - Balance Quality Requirements of
tion of measurement.
Rigid Motors - Part 1: Determination of Possible Unbalance,
Including Marine Applications
3.1.5 Dry-bulb temperature
American National Standards Institute, New York, NY, USA.
Air temperature measured by a temperature-sensing
device without modifications to compensate for the effect of
ANSI/AMCA 204-96
humidity.
Balance Quality and Vibration Levels for Fans
Air Movement and Control Association International,
3.1.6 Static pressure at a point
Arlington Heights, IL U.S.A., 1998
That portion of air pressure that exists by virtue of the degree
of compression only. If expressed as gauge pressure, it may
ANSI/AMCA 210-99
be negative or positive.
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic
Performance Rating 3.1.7 Volume airflow rate
Air Movement and Control Association International, The volume of air that passes through a given area in unit
Arlington Heights, IL U.S.A., 2000 time.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 1
Actual Cubic Meters per Second (actual m3/s), or Actual 4) Where the motor is on the upstream side, Figure 1C is
Cubic Feet per Minute (acfm): The actual volume airflow applied to the impeller hub rather than the motor - as
rate at any point in an air system, at the existing density at illustrated.
the plane passing through the point of measurement.
3.1.11 Effective fan outlet velocity
3.1.8 Average air velocity Calculated air velocity based on fan thrust, inlet air density
The volume airflow at a plane divided by the cross-section- and fan outlet area.
al area of that plane.
3.1.12 Fan outlet velocity
3.1.9 Fan dynamic pressure Average velocity of air emerging from an outlet measured in
The effective dynamic pressure at the fan outlet calculated the plane of the outlet.
from the effective fan outlet velocity and the inlet density. It
is representative of the dynamic component of the fan out- 3.1.13 Air power
put. The effective dynamic pressure varies from the average Power output which is the product of the inlet volume airflow
dynamic pressure as the former excludes the energy flux and the fan dynamic pressure.
due to departures from the uniform axial velocity distribution.
3.1.14 Impeller power
3.1.10 Fan outlet area The mechanical power supplied to the fan impeller.
The gross inside area measured at the plane(s) of the out-
let openings. 3.1.15 Motor input power
The electrical power supplied to the terminals of an electric
1) If the silencer centerbody reaches the outlet plane of the motor drive.
fan then the “fan outlet area” is defined as the annulus
area at the fan outlet plane as shown in Figure 1A. 3.1.16 Rotational speed
The rotational speed of an impeller. If a fan has more than
2) If the fan has a silencer without centerbody, Figure 1B, one impeller, fan speeds are the rotative speeds of each
the outlet area will be close to the cross-sectional area impeller.
inside the silencer in order to clear any exit bellmouth
form. 3.1.17 Mean blade speed
The tangential velocity at 1/√2 (or 0.7071) times the blade
3) For a fan without a silencer, Figure 1C, the outlet area will height between impeller hub and tip.
approach the annulus area between the casing and the
motor but with some increase, as defined in the diagram, 3.1.18 Thrust
for the distance between the motor and the outlet. The force exerted by a fan in a specific direction.

Figure 1
Effective Fan Outlet Area

2 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
3.1.19 Fan efficiency octave bands with center frequencies between 50 Hz and
Ratio of the air power to the impeller power, expressed as a 10 kHz.
percentage.
3.1.30 Impeller balance grade
3.1.20 Overall efficiency The impeller balance specification in accordance with the
Ratio of the air power to the motor input power, expressed method detailed in ANSI S2.19 and to the grade specified in
as a percentage. ANSI/AMCA 204.

3.1.21 Thrust/power ratio 3.1.31 Fan vibration velocity

Ratio of the thrust to impeller power. The filtered vibration velocity in the frequency range 10 Hz
through 10 kHz measured in accordance with this standard.
Note: An alternative definition of thrust efficiency is defined
as thrust divided by the motor input power. This results in a 3.1.32 Shall and should
lower figure as the motor losses are also included. In AMCA standards, the word “shall” is understood to be nor-
mative; the word “should” as advisory.
3.1.22 Fan
A device that utilizes a power driven rotating impeller for 3.2 Symbols
moving air or gases. The internal energy (enthalpy) increase
imparted by a fan to a gas does not exceed 25 kJ/kg (10.75 See Table 1 for a list of symbols.
BTU/lbm).
4. Characteristics to be Measured
3.1.23 Jet tunnel fan
A fan used for producing a jet of air in a space and uncon- 4.1 General
nected to any ducting. Typical function is to add momentum
to the air within a duct or tunnel. In order for a jet-type tunnel fan to be correctly applied and
give satisfactory performance and reliability in service, it is
3.1.24 Fan guard necessary to determine a number of technical performance
A screen or other device to prevent ingestion of objects at characteristics in addition to knowing the more obvious
the inlet or outlet of a fan. mechanical features such as weight and overall installation
dimensions.
Note: Guards can have a marked effect on the thrust per-
formance and sound level. Where they are specified, it shall 4.2 Volume airflow rate
be made quite clear between the supplier and his customer
whether the performance includes the effect of the guards. Volume airflow rate need only be measured if required for
contractual reasons. The effective outlet velocity, not the vol-
3.1.25 Chamber umetric airflow rate, is used to evaluate the optimum num-
An airway in which the air velocity is small compared to that ber, size and spacing of jet fans in a tunnel. Higher veloci-
at the fan inlet or outlet. ties reduce thrust efficiency but the effect of tunnel air veloc-
ity on thrust is reduced.
3.1.26 Test enclosure
A room, or other space used for the purposes of testing.
4.3 Thrust
3.1.27 Sound power level, Lw
Friction on the tunnel walls, inlet and outlet losses and,
Acoustic power rating from a sound source measured in
sometimes, traffic drag combined with gradients and wind
decibels and equal to 10 times the logarithm (base 10) of the
effects at tunnel portals, result in a pressure drop through
acoustic power in watts with reference to 10 ×10-12 watts.
the tunnel. The pressure drop is matched by the sum of the
pressure increases by the jet fans due to the momentum
3.1.28 Sound pressure level, Lp
transfer between the fan discharge airflow and the airflow in
The acoustic pressure at a point in space where the micro-
the tunnel. As it is impossible to measure the momentum of
phone or listener’s ear is situated. It is defined as 20 times
the fan discharge airflow, and the rate of change of momen-
the logarithm (base 10) of the sound pressure fluctuation
tum is equal and opposite to the thrust, thrust is measured
with reference to 20 mPa.
instead.
3.1.29 Frequency range of interest
The frequency range including the octave bands with cen- The process of providing additional momentum to the tunnel
ter frequencies between 63 Hz and 8 kHz, and the one-third air helps to maintain air quality.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 3
Table 1
Symbols and Subscripts

Symbol Description SI Unit IP Unit

Aeff Area of fan inlet or outlet m2 ft2

D Fan diameter mm in.
d3 Length of upstream chamber side m ft
ΔP Differential pressure across a flow measuring device Pa in. wg
G Impeller balance grade ANSI/AMCA 204 dimensionless
Lpb Background sound pressure level dB dB
Lp(m) Recorded sound power level of fan and room back- dB dB
ground as measured over the normal mic. path
Lp(r) Recorded sound pressure level of RSS and room dB dB
background as measured over the normal mic. path
Lw Sound power level, re 1 pW dB dB
Lw(r) Sound power level of the RSS dB dB
Lw1 Sound power level (forward) dB dB
Lw2 Sound power level (reverse) dB dB
Lp Sound pressure level dB dB
N Impeller rotational speed rpm rpm
Pa Atmospheric pressure in test enclosure Pa in. Hg
pd Fan dynamic pressure Pa in. wg
PE Motor input power W hp
PF Fan air power W hp
PR Impeller power W hp
qm Mass airflow kg/s lbm/s
qv Volume airflow m3/s cfm
rT Thrust/power ratio N/kW lbf/Hp
ta Atmospheric temperature in test enclosure (dry-bulb) °C °F
Tc Calculated thrust N lbf
Tm Measured thrust N lbf
um Mean blade speed (see definition in Section 3.1.17) m/s ft/min
vt Mean through airflow velocity in a m/s ft/min
tunnel at a specified section
veff Effective fan outlet air velocity m/s ft/min
V1 Fan vibration velocity at upstream mm/s in./s
measuring position - rms value
V2 Fan vibration velocity at downstream mm/s in./s
measuring position - rms value
hr Fan efficiency % %
he Overall efficiency % %
ra Inlet air density taken as equal to the kg/m3 lbm/ft3
air density in the test enclosure
4.4 Input power 5.4 Impeller rotational speed

In order to calculate the cost of operating the jet tunnel fans Impeller rotational speed shall be determined in accordance
(there may be a substantial number) in a tunnel, it is neces- with ANSI/AMCA 210 or ISO 5801.
sary to know the input power to the fan motor.
5.5 Sound level
4.5 Sound power level
The sound level measuring system including microphones,
Sound levels, usually at inlet and outlet, are established in windshields, cables, amplifiers and frequency analyzer
order to ensure that the jet fan and silencer combination is shall be in accordance with the requirements given in ANSI/
optimized to match the tunnel sound level requirements. AMCA 300.

4.6 Vibration velocity 5.6 Vibration velocity

For reasons of safety, reliability and maintainability, it is Instruments to measure rms vibration velocity shall be used
essential that a realistic vibration velocity is specified and to record fan vibration velocities. These shall be in accor-
recorded on tunnel fans. These shall be measured at the dance with ANSI/AMCA 204.
support points in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 204.
6. Determination of Airflow Rate
5. Instrumentation and Measurements
6.1 General
5.1 Volume airflow rate
There are three methods available for the determination of
5.1.1 Instruments for the measurement of pressure airflow rate. The most convenient uses a venturi nozzle or
Manometers for the measurement of differential pressure, conical inlet, connected upstream of the jet tunnel fan, as
and barometers for the measurement of atmospheric pres- the airflow measuring device. The second makes use of an
sure in the test enclosure, shall comply with the require- upstream chamber test configuration. In this case a boost-
ments of ANSI/AMCA 210 or ISO 5801. er fan forms part of the test setup enabling the fan’s operat-
ing point to be simulated correctly. The third method uses a
5.1.2 Instruments for the measurement of temperature Pitot traverse at the jet fan inlet.
Thermometer(s) shall comply with the requirements of ANSI/
AMCA 210 (ISO 5801). It should be noted that the airflow through a jet fan has no
direct relationship with the airflow through a tunnel.
5.2 Thrust
6.2 Direct connected airflow measuring device
5.2.1 Force balance systems
By the use of calibrated weights, force balance systems shall The airflow measuring device shall be connected by suit-
permit the determination of force or thrust with an allowable able means to the fan inlet as illustrated on Figure 2. Details
uncertainty of no greater than ±1%. of the venturi nozzle shall comply with ANSI/AMCA 210,
Figure 4. Details of the conical inlet shall comply with ISO
5.2.2 Force transducers 5801, Figure 21. For the purpose of airflow rate determina-
By the use of calibrated weights, force transducers shall tion in accordance with this standard, an anti-swirl device is
permit the determination of thrust with an allowable uncer- not required.
tainty no greater than ±1%.
Airflow rate for the venturi nozzle is calculated in accordance
5.2.3 Dimensions and areas
with ANSI/AMCA 210, Section 8. Airflow rate for a conical
The measurement of dimensions and the determination of
inlet is calculated in accordance with ISO 5801 clause 24.
areas shall be in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 or ISO
5801.
6.3 Upstream chamber method
5.3 Input power
Installation of the fan in the chamber is illustrated in Figure
3. This arrangement simulates a free inlet, free outlet instal-
Determination of the power input to the electric motor or to
lation. Upstream sections of the test assembly shall be in
the impeller shall be carried out in accordance with ANSI/
accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 or ISO 5801.
AMCA 210 or ISO 5801.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 5
A venturi nozzle, quadrant inlet nozzle, or conical inlet can Under operating conditions, the measuring system loads
be used to determine airflow rate in accordance with ISO are adjusted to return the fan to the static position, to with-
5801, clauses 22, 24, and 25. Multiple nozzles may be used in ±2 mm (0.08 inches), and thus ensure that the suspen-
in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210, Figure 14 or 15. sion elements are precisely vertical. The thrust can then be
measured directly.
In order to establish the correct operating point, with no
adverse pressure across the fan, a test system booster fan Note: It should be noted that with the thrust/weight ratios
shall be controlled such that: typical of a jet tunnel fan, it is doubtful whether the desired
accuracy of thrust measurement can be attained by other
Ps3 = Ps2 = 0 means such as measuring the angle of the suspension ele-
ments from the vertical or the change in height between the
Where Ps3 is the static pressure in the fan chamber and Ps2 fan switched off and operational, and calculating the thrust.
is the static pressure at the fan outlet.
7.3 Supported configuration
If it is not possible to control the booster accurately, it may
be necessary to measure the airflow at more than one oper- Arrangements of the supported configuration are shown on
ating point. Figures 5A, 5B and 5C. The fan is supported, via low friction
linear bearings or leaf springs, on a rigid framework. The
6.4 Upstream pitot traverse method fan, to an extent limited by stops, is free to move in either
direction. Before commencing any tests, the assembly shall
For this method, the airflow rate should be determined in be carefully leveled in each direction, such that the same
accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 or ISO 5801. effort is required to move the assembly along the axis of the
fan, in either direction.
7. Determination of Thrust
Under operating conditions, the measuring system loads
7.1 General are adjusted to ensure the movement is not restrained by
the stops. Thrust can then be measured directly. In the case
There are two basic configurations available for the determi- of the use of a force transducer, the fan can be allowed to
nation of fan thrust; suspended configuration and support- abut the sensor directly.
ed configuration. In addition to the need to measure force
accurately, the first method requires that the suspension 7.4 Test procedures
elements be kept precisely vertical and parallel with a ver-
To ensure that thrust is measured to the required accura-
tical plane(s) passing through the fan axis, while the sec-
cy, steps shall be taken to minimize errors due to setting
ond method requires accurate construction and leveling of
up/rigging the test arrangement. Though calibrated weights
the support assembly. In either case, thrust shall be deter-
or spring balances are specified, if a spring balance is
mined by the use of calibrated weights, spring balance or
employed to register thrust and it is supported via a pulley,
force transducer.
its weight must be accurately known and added to the mea-
sured thrust.
7.2 Suspended configuration
If a force transducer is being used to measure thrust, it shall
Figure 4 shows a typical arrangement of a suspended con-
be calibrated. For example, by using a pulley and weight
figuration. The fan is suspended from a framework or gan-
system, before each series of tests.
try with the suspension elements at least one fan diameter
long. The frame should allow free airflow, particularly at the
Where the supported method is being used, precautions
fan inlet. Below or surrounding the fan, is a rigid framework
shall be taken to ensure that the force required to move the
which serves a threefold function:
fan in either direction is the same and that the assembly is
therefore level.
a) provides the reference point for the fan test assembly
under static conditions
Thrust readings shall be recorded when both the thrust and
power input readings have stabilized, or at least 10 minutes
b) provides support for a pulley system to take calibrated
after start up.
weights or a spring balance
7.5 Test enclosure
c) provides a reaction point for a force transducer
Figure 6 shows the clearances required in the test enclosure.

6 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
8. Determination of Sound Level 8.4 Measurement procedure

8.1 General Before conducting actual measurements, and with both the
test fan and the RSS inoperative, the average sound pres-
Sound levels are measured by the semi-reverberant meth- sure level, in each octave band shall be determined along
od. This method is more practical because apart from the the primary microphone path. This shall be at least 6 dB
sound measuring instrumentation, only a suitable enclosure in each octave band lower than the average sound pres-
and a calibrated Reference Sound Source are required. sure level measured from either the fan sound source or
the RSS. Corrections for background sound pressure level
Since the fan has only one operating point (at zero resis- should be made as recommended in Annex B.
tance), there are no complications that could arise from the
noise generated by the “loading means.” Similarly, since With the RSS in operation, but with the test fan impeller sta-
only open inlet or open outlet sound levels are required, tionary, readings of sound pressure shall be made in each
anechoic terminators are unnecessary. octave band along the primary microphone path, and the
average sound pressure level, Lp(r), shall be determined.
8.2 Test arrangement With the RSS removed and the test fan running, readings of
sound pressure level shall be made and the average sound
Positioning of the fan, the calibrated Reference Sound pressure level Lp(m), in each octave band, determined. The
Source and the microphone paths are shown in Figure 7. values of Lp(r) and Lp(m), are corrected, where necessary, as
recommended in Annex B, and the open inlet or open outlet
8.3 Enclosure suitability sound power level of the fan, LW calculated, in each octave
band, from:
A primary microphone path shall be located on an arc or
straight line of length between 1.5 and 3 m (5 and 10 ft) at a LW = Lp(m) - Lp(r) + LW(r)
distance of not less than 2 m (79 in.) from any major reflect-
ing surface. No point on this path shall be within 45° of the Where LW and LW(r) are in dB, and LW(r) is the sound power
centerline of the fan sound source, and the path itself shall level of the RSS.
not be within 10° of being parallel to any room surface and
shall be located towards a corner of the room. The path shall For fans designed to provide thrust in one direction only, the
be located so that the microphone is not subjected to an air inlet sound power level, LW1, shall be quoted. Where the
velocity in excess of 2 m/s (6.5 ft/sec); refer to Figure 7. fan is designed to operate in either direction, LW1 shall be
quoted for the forward direction together with a correction to
A Reference Sound Source (RSS) shall be located such that arrive at the value of LW2 for reverse operation.
its acoustic center is the same distance from the mid point of
the microphone path as the center of the fan sound source 9. Determination of Vibration Velocity
but not nearer to the latter, or any major reflecting surface,
than 1 m (3.25 ft). The RSS shall meet the requirements of 9.1 General
ANSI/AMCA 300 (also see Annex A). The RSS shall be run
at a speed within 2% of the speed at which it was calibrated. Because the jet tunnel fan, for practical purposes, has only
one operating point as far as standard laboratory tests are
With the RSS operating, but with the test fan impeller sta- concerned, the arrangements for testing vibration velocity
tionary, readings of sound pressure level shall be made in can be simplified.
each octave band along the primary microphone path and
the average value along the path estimated. A secondary 9.2 Test arrangement
microphone path similar to the primary microphone and of
the same length shall be established at a position half way Figure 8 illustrates the arrangement that shall be used for
between the RSS and the mid point of the original micro- measuring vibration velocity. Tests shall be taken with the
phone path, and at right angles to the line joining them. The same jet tunnel fan configuration as will be supplied to the
average sound pressure level along this path in each octave customer. In other words, upstream and/or downstream
band shall not be more than 3 dB above the average for the silencers should be fitted as appropriate. Where vibration
primary microphone path, both values being corrected for isolators are specified and vibration levels are required to be
background sound pressure level in accordance with Annex measured, the minimum static deflections given in Table 9.1
B. shall be used for the purpose of the measurement.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 7
Table 9.1 d) Motor output rating and frame size
Minimum Static Deflections
e) Electrical supply data
Impeller Speed (rpm) Minimum Static Deflection
f) High temperature operating capability
850 - 1000 15 mm (0.6 in)
1100 - 1800 8 mm (0.3 in.) g) Overall dimensions
2800 and above 2.5 mm (0.1 in.)
h) Mounting dimensions
Unless agreed otherwise between client and supplier, the
impeller of the fan unit shall be balanced to grade G2.5 of i) Fan assembly weight
ANSI S2.19 (ISO 1940) as recommended in ANSI/AMCA
204 for jet tunnel fans. The electric motor shall be supplied j) Accessories, e.g., guards, vibration isolators
to the vibration level for the motor frame size in accordance
with NEMA MG-1, Part 7 (IEC 34). k) Condition monitoring equipment.

9.3 Test procedure 10.2 Product performance

Unless agreed otherwise between client and supplier, vibra- The performance of the product described in Section 10.1,
tion velocities shall be measured in accordance with ANSI/ shall include the information described in the following points
AMCA 204. Owing to the axial symmetry of the jet fan and a through e as a minimum. By agreement with the client, the
the simple two bearing assembly, it is only necessary to data may be provided for “forward” and “reverse” operation.
record the vibration in the vertical direction.
It shall always be made clear which accessories were fitted
Two readings of vibration shall be recorded, one on the when the performance tests were undertaken.
upstream side and one on the downstream side mounting
bracket. The measured levels shall be: vertical vibration a) Thrust
velocity in mm/s, r.m.s (in./s, r.m.s.) filtered to impeller rota-
tional speed. b) Effective outlet air velocity; see Note 1

9.4 Acceptance vibration velocity c) Motor input power

Table 9.2 d) Maximum open inlet or open outlet sound power level;
Acceptance Vibration Velocity see Note 2

e) Maximum upstream and downstream vibration velocity.

Mounting Method Max (mm/s) Max (in./s)
Vibration isolators / Note 1: The effective outlet air velocity veff is used to calcu-
3.8 0.15
flexibly mounted late the correction factor, k, on the thrust due to the main-
Rigidly mounted 2.5 0.10 stream tunnel air velocity, vt, in the tunnel.

Where:
10. Presentation of Results
v eff − v t
k=
10.1 Product description v eff

The test report shall include a product description which, as

veff is best defined as:
a minimum, shall include the following information:

Tm
a) Model reference v eff =
Aeff ×ra
b) Size of fan
For the definition of Aeff, fan outlet area, see Section 3.1.10.
c) Impeller rotational speed
Note 2: It may be preferred, by prior agreement with the cli-

8 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
ent, to present sound level data in an alternative form. For Application of conversion rules shall be limited as follows:
example, an A-weighted spherical sound pressure level at when calculating the performance of another fan from a
10 or 3 m (33 or 10 ft), 45° in free field. Also by agreement direct test and allowing for some departure from geomet-
with the client it shall be decided whether the sound level is ric similarity:
given as a single total figure or in each octave band.
Fan size: ± one R20 step (per ANSI/AMCA 99, Section 0098)
Note 3: If required for contractual reasons, the airflow rate
may be determined by one of the methods given in ANSI/ Impeller speed = (test speed) × 1.3
AMCA 210 or ISO 5801.
Or
11. Tolerances and Conversion Rules
(test speed) / 1.3
11.1 Tolerances

The performance quoted is the most probable performance,

not the minimum value. The tolerance values apply to jet
tunnel fans operating without external resistance and as
tested in accordance with this standard.

As shown in Table 11.1, the tolerances are intended to take

account of measurement uncertainty and manufacturing
variations. When direct test results are not available, refer
to Annex C.

11.2 Conversion rules

The conversion rules recommended in Annex C apply to fan

assemblies with geometric similarity. In the case of jet tun-
nel fans this means similarity of the following features:

Silencer lengths

Silencer pod geometry

Silencer bellmouth shape

Impeller hub to diameter ratio

Impeller spinner profile

Blade shape and solidity (number of blades)

Blade setting angle

Motor support design

Motor frame size

Blade tip clearance (smoke venting designs)

It is accepted that for practical reasons it is not reasonable

for every configuration of fan to be subjected to a direct
test. Also, perfect geometric similarity is not always readily
achievable. Nonetheless, it is incumbent on the manufac-
turer to authenticate any conversion rules used.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 9
Table 11.1
Tolerances

Measured Measurement Manufacturing

Parameter Uncertainty Variation Notes
Thrust ±5% ±1% 1
Effective outlet velocity ±10% ±2% 1, 2
Input power ±1.5% ±2.5%
Sound level - ±2% 3

Notes:
1. It should be noted that while thrust is measured, the effective outlet air velocity is calculated from the thrust, using air density
and a conventionalized outlet area.

2. The relatively large uncertainty of the effective outlet air velocity will, in most cases, have little practical importance in rela-
tion to the thrust to be installed in the tunnel as it only concerns a secondary correction factor.

3. Uncertainty of measurement of broad band sound levels can be taken as 3 dB for the 125 Hz, 250 Hz and 8000 Hz bands;
2 dB for 500 Hz band; and 1.5 dB for the 1 kHz and 4000 Hz bands. While uncertainty will be greater than 3 dB for the 63
Hz band no information is available. To allow for manufacturing deviations a further 2 dB should be added.

10 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Figure 2
Airflow Measuring Installation (Direct Connected)

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 11
Notes:
1. Manifold tubing internal area shall be at least 4 times that of a wall tap
2. Connecting tubing to pressure indicator shall be 6 mm (0.25 in.) or larger in ID
3. Taps shall be within ±13 mm (0.50 in.) in the longitudinal direction

Figure 2A
Piezometer Ring Manifolding

12 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Figure 3
Airflow Measuring Installation (Upstream Chamber) - Suspended Method

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 13
Figure 4
Thrust Measuring Layout - Suspended Method with Adjustable Position Transducer Measuring System

14 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
 Thrust Gauge
(Measurement in N (lbf))
(Thrust = Gauge reading - weight of gauge in suspension)

Note:
The fan shall be accurately leveled prior to testing.

Figure 5A
Thrust Measuring Layout - Supported Method with Linear Bearings and Thrust Gauge in Suspension

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 15
Note:
The fan shall be accurately leveled prior to testing.

Figure 5B
Thrust Measuring Layout - Supported Method with Linear Bearings and Transducer Measuring System

16 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Note:
The fan shall be accurately leveled prior to testing.

Figure 5C
Thrust Measuring Layout - Supported Method with Leaf Springs and Load Cell

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 17
 ≥ 1.5D (Minimum 2m (79 in.))

Figure 6
Thrust Measuring Enclosure

18 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Figure 7
Semi-Reverberant Enclosure

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 19
Notes:
1. May be base mounted or ceiling mounted.

2. It is recommended that measurements be made at the impeller shaft bearings. Where this is not possible, the pick-up
shall be mounted in the shortest direct mechanical path between the transducer and the bearing. A transducer shall not be
mounted on an unsupported panel, guard, or elsewhere on the fan where a solid signal path cannot be obtained. A trans-
ducer may be mounted on a fan housing and or flange where a solid signal path is obtained between a bearing and the
measurement point.

A horizontal measurement shall always be made in a radial direction and perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A vertical
measurement reading shall always be made perpendicular to the axis of rotation and perpendicular to a horizontal reading.
An axial measurement shall always be made parallel to the shaft (rotor) axis of rotation.

See ANSI/AMCA 204.

Figure 8
Vibration Measuring Positions for Jet Tunnel Fans

20 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Annex A
Illustration of Reference Sound Source (Normative)

If a calibrated reference sound source is not available com-

mercially, then an impeller manufactured in accordance with
this illustration and correctly calibrated may be used.

Figure A.1
Reference Sound Source Impeller

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 21
Annex B
Combination of Sound Pressure Levels (Normative)

When the sound pressure level with the fan running exceeds
the background sound pressure level with the fan stopped
by 10 dB or more, no correction need be applied.

When the difference is less than 10 dB, corrections as given

below should be applied.

  Lpm   Lpb  
     
  10 
   10  
Lpc = 10 log10 10 − 10 
 
 


Table B.1
Background Correction

dB Increase in Level dB to be Measured from

Produced by the Fan the Measured Value

3 3
4-5 2
6-9 1
10 or more 0

When the increase is less than 3 dB, measurements in

general cease to have any significance.

22 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
Annex C
Conversion Rules (Normative)

C.1 General

The following conversion rules, subject to agreement between the supplier and client, shall be used when deriving the perfor-
mance of a fan that has not been directly tested. Conversion is, in the main, based on the use of dimensionless coefficients. A
different procedure is used for sound levels.

C.2 Performance Coefficients

Flow Coefficient: Thrust Coefficient: Power Coefficient:

qv 2Tc 2PR
j= Θ= Φ=
2
Aa × u Aa × ρ × u Aa × ρ × u 3

Where: (see Note 2)

Aa = impeller annulus area.
u = impeller tip speed = p × Dr × N

Notes:
1. Tc shall not be calculated from rqvv. Gross errors may arise from using this formula, principally due to the non-uniformity of
air velocity at the fan outlet and a lack of certainty as to the effective outlet area of the fan.

2. The above performance coefficients differ from those in ISO 5801 but have been found to give good correlation of test data
for axial flow jet fans.

C.3 Sound Power Levels

Total sound power levels shall be converted according to the following relationship. (See Note below).

N  d 
Lwc = Lwt + 50 log10  c  + 70 log10  c 
 Nt   d t 

Where:

D = nominal fan diameter

N = impeller rotational speed
suffix c = calculated
suffix t = test

Note:
If the above relationship is used to calculate octave band sound levels, then suitable adjustments must be made if the blade
passing frequency changes to a different octave band than that of the test fan.

ANSI/AMCA 250-12 | 23
Annex D
Informative References (Informative)

NEMA MG-1, 1993 (R1997)

Motors and Generators
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Rosslyln, VA,
U.S.A., 1997

ANSI S2.19 (1989)

Balance Quality of Rotating Rigid Bodies
American National Standards Institute, New York, NY,
U.S.A., 1989

ISO 1940-1:1986
Mechanical Vibration - Balance Quality Requirements of
Rigid Rotors - Part 1: Determination of Permissible Residual
Unbalance
International Organization for Standardization, Geneva,
Switzerland, 1986

24 | ANSI/AMCA 250-12
 AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL
ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Tel: (847) 394-0150 Fax: (847) 253-0088
E-Mail : info@amca.org Web: www.amca.org

The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
world’s manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.