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In internal combustion engines, gas exchange in the combustion chamber through the intake and exhaust are directly related to engine efficiency. The mechanical element responsible for handling and synchronization of the valves during cycles of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust, in Otto cycle engines and diesel cycle is the camshaft. Soon to know the characteristics of lift, duration, crossing, and the characteristics of velocity and acceleration of the valve assembly is very important to assess the performance of internal combustion engines. However, the engine manufacturers do not provide such features accurately, in order to avoid being easily modified or acquired by other manufacturers. And subtle changes between camshafts fitted the same engine family may promote different torque characteristics and power consumption as well as without, however, characterize a new engine.

The purpose of this project is to develop and test a technological adaptation in an internal combustion engine to increase its efficiency and the reliability of its system of monitoring and measurement of power. Such engines are used as propellants in reciprocating compressors of natural gas (NG) in compression stations installed in the company TBG S/A (owner and operator of the Bolivia Brazil Pipeline). These compression stations receive NG at a pressure of up 58kgf/cm2 and compress natural gas at a pressure of up 75kgf/cm2. Currently the measurement of power expended by the compressors that compress the NG does not happen precisely; this measurement is an important parameter for the operation of the equipment. After studies, it was found that this lack of precision is one of the factors that sometimes cause the operation of compressors off the power range recommended by the engine manufacturer.

Conventional airflow benches do not measure the swirl airflow effect, being restricted to indicate the flow for a given test pressure. This effect directly affects the volumetric efficiency of the engine and, therefore, the performance and fuel consumption of the vehicles. The behavior of swirl in the intake airflow improves the filling capacity of the combustion chamber, homogenizes the air fuel mixture and improves the fuel combustion efficiency, enabling the engine to deliver more power in the same cycle. This paper describes the development of a swirl measurement system to be adapted to conventional flow benches offered on the market, which can be also applied in other tests where the flow swirl effect is important.