Precision pumping provides a racing edge

A Flux Pumps International (UK) product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 21, 2004

Team Veloqx has used a precision pumping and measurement system from Flux Pumps to improve the accuracy of fuel and race management.

When Jamie Davies and Johnny Herbert took the chequered flag at Spa their Audi Sport UK/Veloqx R8 had gained two victories in the four races of the inaugural Le Mans Endurance Series.

The Team Veloqx R8 driven by Allan McNish and Pierre Kaffer was second in the series, having lead after the Silverstone event but withdrawing at Spa following a collision and fire.

In a remarkable year, Audis have won every race they have started, and have held the lead for 80% of all race time.

As in all high level motor racing, race engineers must carefully meter the fuel taken on board at each pitstop, to maximise time on the circuit and the laps covered between stops.

They use computers to determine the race strategy and refuelling windows.

This year, Team Veloqx has used a precision pumping and measurement system from Flux Pumps to improve the accuracy of fuel and race management.

"Traditionally, we've metered the fuel pumped into the cars at each pitstop either by weighing it or filling the autonomous tank up to a mark", comments Team Veloqx Operations Manager Jerry Pyman.

"Neither method delivered the accuracy to two decimal places ideally required for our calculations".

"Having trialled the pumping and flow measurement system produced by Flux Pumps, we bought our own up-to-the minute system this year".

The Team Veloqx installation is the second which Flux has supplied to a motor racing team, and attracted enormous interest among other teams at Le Mans Endurance Series events.

The equipment, manufactured from stainless steel and explosion-proof to the ATEX 100a Directive, was supplied to Team Veloqx with a trigger gun and two types of motor - air-driven and electric - to suit conditions at different circuits around the world.

The Flux system, comprising a sealless pump and precision flowmeter, is used to pump fuel from drums to the autonomous tank which, in turn, feeds the fuel to the cars.

The flowmeter is programmed to stop the pump when the required amount of fuel is in the tank.

"With +/-1% measurement accuracy, the Flux system gives us the precision we need for our calculations".

"We've also experimented with flowrate, and discovered that by running the pump at half its maximum rate we can meet our throughput requirements while eliminating splashing, also contributing to accuracy".

"The Flux system played a big part in helping us to optimise race strategy and achieve individual and team success in the Series".

Flux Pumps can supply a wide range of pumping solutions backed by comprehensive application and service support.

In particular, the company has taken the lead in the development of innovative systems for demanding applications, including ATEX-approved versions for hazardous environments and sanitary versions for food and pharmaceutical applications.