AMCA STANDARD 220-91

Test Methods for

Air Curtain Units
 Foreword
AMCA Standard 220-91 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.
on April 2$41991. This edition was produced by members of the Air Curtain Section. The term “velocity profile”
was changed to “velocity projection.” The standard deviation population parameter was changed from n to n-l.

AMCA Project Committee

Robert S. Catan, Chairman Dynaforce Corporation
Georgia Berner Berner International Corporation
Tom Peterson The King Company
Gerald P. Jolette AMCA staff

Disclaimer

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

Objections to AMCA Standards and Certification Programs

Air Movement and Control Association, 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, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004-1893 U.SA.
Phone: 708-394-0150 FAX: 708-253-0088
AMCA Standard 220-91

TEST METHODS FOR AIR

CURTAIN UNITS

Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights. Illinois 60004-1893 U.SA.
©1991 by Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.
 Contents
Section Page

1. Purpose 1
2. Scope 1
3. Units of Measure 1
4. Definitions 1
4.1 Air curtain 1
4.2 Air curtain unit 1
4.3 Psychrometrics 1
4.4 Pressure and Head 1
4.5 Air Curtain Unit Performance Variables 1
4.6 Miscellaneous 2

5. Symbols and Subscripts 2

6. Instruments and Methods of Measurement 2

6.1 Accuracy 2
6.2 Pressure 2
6.3 Flow Rate 2
6.4 Air Velocity 2
6.5 Power 3
6.6 Air Density 3

7. Equipment and Setups 3

7.1 Unit Flow Rate Tests 3
7.2 Velocity Projection & Outlet Velocity Uniformity Tests 3

8. Observations & Conduct of Velocity Projection & Outlet Velocity Uniformity Tests 3
8.1 Equilibrium 3
8.2 Data to be Recorded 3

9. Calculations 4
9.1 Calibration Correction 4
9.2 Unit Flow Rate 4
9.3 Face Area of Discharge Nozzle 4
9.4 Average Outlet Velocity 4
9.5 Outlet Velocity Uniformity 4
9.6 Velocity Projection 4
9.7 Air Curtain Unit Efficiency 4

10. Report and Results of Test 4

10.1 Report 4
10.2 Unit Flow Rate Test 4
10.3 Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test 5
10.4 Velocity Projection Test 5

Figure

1. Unit Flow Rate Test Setup 6

2. Velocity Projection and Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test Setup 7
3. Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test Setup 8
4. Velocity Projection Test Setup 9
5. Typical Unit Flow Rate Performance Curve 10
6. Example Outlet Velocity Uniformity and Velocity Projection Performance Calculation 11

Appendix
A Uncertainty in Velocity Determination 12
 Test Methods
for
Air Curtain Units

1. PURPOSE 4.1.2 Air Curtain Width. The dimension of the sir

curtain which is perpendicular to the air flow and parallel
The purpose of this standard is to establish uniform to the plane of the air curtain.
methods for laboratory testing of air curtain units to
determine performance in terms of flow rate, outlet 4.2 AIR CURTAIN UNIT
velocity uniformity, power consumption and velocity
projection, for rating or guarantee purposes. A mechanical air moving device designed to produce an
air curtain.
It is not the purpose of this standard to specify the testing
procedures to be used for design, production, or field 4.2.1 Discharge Nozzle. The opening through which
testing. the air forming the air curtain leaves the air curtain unit.

2. SCOPE 4.2.2 Discharge Nozzle Depth. The inside opening

dimensions of the discharge nozzle which is perpendicular
to the flow of air in the air curtain and to the air curtain
The scope of this standard is for testing of air curtain
width.
units with an average outlet velocity of more than 500
fpm. 4.2.3 Discharge Nozzle Width. The inside opening
dimension of the discharge nozzle which is perpendicular
3. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT to the air flow and parallel to the plane of the air curtain.

U.S. Customary Units (inch-pound) are employed in this 4.2.4 Face Area of the Air Curtain Discharge Nozzle.
standard. Flow rate symbols are shown in AMCA The outlet area confined by the perimeter of the discharge
Standard 210. opening.

4. DEFINITIONS 4.2.5 Discharge Angle. The angle between the plane

of the opening and the direction in which the air curtain
4.1 AIR CURTAIN leaves the discharge nozzle.

A controlled stream of air moving across the height and 4.3 PSYCHROMETRICS
width of an opening with sufficient velocity and volume to
reduce the infiltration or transfer of air from one side of Refer to AMCA Standard 210.
the opening to the other and/or to inhibit insects, dust or
debris from passing through. 4.3.1 Standard Air Density. Standard Air Density (p)
is 0.075 lbm/ft 3. This corresponds approximately to air at
4.1.1 Air Curtain Depth. The dimension of the air 68° F, 29.92 in. Hg, and 50% relative humidity.
curtain which is perpendicular to the flow of sir in the air
curtain and to the air curtain width. 4.4 PRESSURE AND HEAD

Refer to Standard 210.

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 AMCA Standard 220-91

4.5 AIR CURTAIN UNIT PERFORMANCE VARIABLES must be sufficient to determine all air curtain unit
performance variables as defined for the parameter being
4.5.1 Unit Flow Rate. The flow rate which leaves the determined.
discharge nozzle, at standard air conditions, as measured
in accordance with Standard 210. 4.6.4 Test. A test is a series of determinations for
various points of operation of an air curtain unit.
4.5.2 Average Outlet Velocity. The air flow rate
produced by the air curtain unit divided by the face area 5. SYMBOLS AND SUBSCRIPTED
of the discharge nozzle at free air delivery. SYMBOLS
4.5.3 Outlet Velocity Uniformity. Unity less the ratio
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION UNIT
between the standard deviation and the average value of
actual measured maximum velocities, as measured at the
Air horsepower of air
discharge nozzle and at several planes along its width.
curtain unit hp
Horsepower input to motor hp
4.5.4 Air Curtain Core Velocity. The peak velocity of ---
Number of readings
the air curtain as measured across the air curtain depth at
Air curtain unit speed rpm
a given distance from the discharge nozzle.
Efficiency of the air
curtain unit per unit
4.5.5 Air Curtain Average Core Velocity. The average
Air density lbm /ft 3
of several core velocities measured along the width of the
Velocity pressure reading in. wg
air curtain.
Air curtain unit flow rate cfm
Summation sign ---
4.5.6 Velocity Projection. The average core velocity at
n fpm
several distances from the discharge nozzle.
Standard deviation with
population n-1 fpm
4.5.7 Power Rating of the Air Curtain Unit. T h e
Dry-bulb temperature °F
amount of power consumed by the drive motor(s) of the °F
Wet-bulb temperature
air curtain unit. fpm
Velocity
Watts input to motor w
4.5.8 Air curtain Unit Efficiency. Ratio of the air
Velocity readings fpm
curtain unit output air horsepower power to the power
input to the motor.
6. INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF
4.5.9 Air Curtain Unit Rated Throw. The air curtain MEASUREMENT
unit rated throw shall be Plane 4 of Figure 4 plus three
feet. 6.1 ACCURACY

4.6 MISCELLANEOUS Refer to AMCA Standard 210.

4.6.1 Point of Operation. Point of operation is the 6.2 PRESSURE

relative position on the air curtain unit characteristic curve
corresponding to a particular flow rate. Refer to AMCA Standard 210.

The point of operation is controlled during a test by 6.3 FLOW RATE

adjusting the position of the throttling device, by changing
flow nozzles or auxiliary fan characteristics, or by any How rate shall be calculated from measurements made on
combination of these. an inlet chamber setup in accordance. with Figure 1.

4.6.2 Free Delivery. Free delivery is the point of 6.4 CORE VELOCITY MEASUREMENT
operation where the air curtain unit operates against zero
static pressure. Air curtain core velocity shall be. measured with a pitot
tube and manometer, a hot wire anemometer or any other
4.6.3 Determination. A determination is a complete device which has an accuracy of +5.0% of the velocity
set of measurements for a particular point of operation being measured.
for the parameter being determined. The measurements

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 AMCA Standard 220-91

6.4.1 Pitot-Static Tubes. Refer to AMCA Standard Dimensions should be checked against a drawing and a
210. copy of the drawing attached to the data.

6.5 POWER 8.2.2 Test Setup. The description of the test setup
including specific dimensions shall be recorded.
Power shall be measured with a watt meter. Reference may be made to the figures in this standard.
Alternatively, a drawing or annotated photograph of the
6.5.1 Meters. Electrical meters shall have certified setup may be attached to the data.
accuracies of +1.0% of observed reading.
8.2.3 Instruments. The instruments and apparatus
6.5.2 Voltage. The motor input voltage during the test used in the test shall be listed. Names, model numbers
shall be maintained within 2% of the nameplate voltage of serial numbers, scale ranges, and calibration information
the unit being tested. shall be recorded.

6.6 AIR DENSITY 8.2.4 Test Data. Test data for each determination shall
be recorded.
Refer to AMCA Standard 210.
8.2.4.1 Ambient Conditions. For all tests, three
7. EQUIPMENT AND SETUPS readings of ambient dry-bulb temperatures (tdo), ambient
wet-bulb temperature (two), ambient barometric pressure
7.1 UNIT FLOW RATE TESTS ( Pb), shall b. recorded unless the readings are steady in
which case only one set need be recorded.
The air curtain unit shall be mounted with its inlet to the
test chamber sealed air tight against it. The discharge 8.2.4.2 Air Flow Rate Determination.s. A minimum of
nozzle or vanes shall be set at 15° toward what would three determinations are required to establish the air
normally be considered the outside and there shall be no flow rate at free delivery of an air curtain unit; one at or
surface perpendicular to the air flow within 10 feet as close to free delivery, one with the unit working against a
shown in Figure 1. The air curtain unit shall be complete pressure of 0.2 in. wg and one against 0.1 in. wg.
as cataloged.
8.2.4.3 Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test. The outlet
7.2 VELOCITY PROJECTION AND OUTLET velocity shall be measured at at least five equally spaced
VELOCITY UNIFORMITY TESTS locations along the discharge nozzle. The distance
between the locations shall not exceed four inches and the
The air curtain unit shall be placed in the testing area so measurement shall be rounded to the nearest 1/4 inch of
that the inlet and outlet are substantial unrestricted and the calculated location. The locations of measurement
the width of the air curtain is perpendicular to the fleer. shall be one discharge nozzle depth away from the
The discharge nozzle or vanes shall be set at 15° toward discharge nozzle and the measurements at the two ends of
what would normally be considered the outside. The unit the discharge nozzle shall be measured one discharge
shall be located so that the waif.s of the testing area will nozzle depth in from each end as shown in Figure 3. The
net distort the air pattern. See Figure 2 for setup. maximum velocity readings along the fines perpendicular
to the point of measurement, on the plane of
8. OBSERVATIONS & CONDUCT OF measurement, shall be recorded.
VELOCITY PROJECTION AND OUTLET
8.2.4.4 Velocity Projection Test. The core velocity
VELOCITY UNIFORMITY TESTS shall be recorded at a minimum of three distances from
the discharge nozzle, the first of these to be between two
8.1 EQUILIBRIUM feet and four feet away and the bat to be at a distance
three feet short of the air curtain’s rated throw ±1 inch.
Equilibrium conditions shall be established before each Additional distances to be equally spaced between these
determination. To test for equilibrium, trial observation two. If the air curtain’s rated throw is less than six feet,
shall be made until steady readings are obtained. readings are to be taken at three equally spaced distances.
A series of readings shall be taken at each distance on a
8.2 DATA TO BE RECORDED plane parallel to the discharge nozzle. The location of the
measurement shall be one discharge nozzle depth away
8.2.1 Test Unit. The description of the test unit shall from the two ends of the discharge nozzle. The distance
be recorded. The nameplate data shall be copied. between these two locations to be divided evenly for a

3
 AMCA Standard 220-91

minimum of five measurements at a maximum distance

between each measurement of four inches as shown in
Figure 4 and the measurement shall be rounded to the
nearest 1/4 inch of the calculated location. The maximum
velocity readings along the lines perpendicular to the point
of measurement, on the plane of measurement, shall be 9.5.3 Mean.
recorded. (was A.4)

9. CALCULATIONS
9.1 CALIBRATION CORRECTION
9.6 VELOCITY PROJECTION
Calibration corrections, when required, shall be applied to
individual readings before averaging or other calculations. Calculate the arithmetic average for each distance of the
Calibration corrections need not be made if the correction recorded core velocities.
is smaller than one half the maximum allowable error as
specified in Section 6. 9.7 AIR CURTAIN UNIT EFFICIENCY
(was A.l)
9.2 UNIT FLOW RATE

To be calculated as per AMCA Standard 210.

9.3 UNIT FLOW RATE

If the nozzle is rectangular the discharge nozzle width and

depth shall be measured and the area calculated by 9.7.1 Air Horsepower of Air Curtain Unit
multiplying them. Should the discharge nozzle not be (was A.1.1)
rectangular, the discharge nozzle area shall be measured
and calculated using the most appropriate method.

9.4 AVERAGE OUTLET VELOCITY

9.7.2 Horsepower Input to Motor
The average outlet velocity shall be the unit flow rate (was A.1.2)
divided by the face area of the discharge nozzle.

9.5 OUTLET VELOCITY UNIFORMITY

The average of the recorded outlet velocities shall be

calculated, with their standard deviation, and the outlet 10. REPORT AND RESULTS OF TEST
velocity uniformity calculated by dividing the standard
deviation with the average velocity and then multiplied by 10.1 REPORT
100, subtracted from 100, and expressed in percent.
The report of a test shall include nomenclature identifying
9.5.1 Pitot-Static Tube Velocity. the air curtain unit including appurtenances, test setup,
(was A.2) and test instruments, as outlined in Section 8. The
laboratory shall be identified by name and location.

10.2 UNIT FLOW RATE TEST

10.2.1 Performance Curves. The results of an air flow

9.5.2 Standard Deviation. rate test shall be presented as a performance curve. All
(was A.3) results shall be converted to standard air density.

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 AMCA Standard 220-91

10.2.2 Coordinates. The performance curve shall be

drawn with flow rate as abscissa, pressure, power input,
and efficiency as ordinates, as shown in Figure 5.

10.2.3 Test Points. The results for each determination

shall be shown as a series of points; one for each variable
plotted as an ordinate.

10.2.4 Curve Fitting. Curves for each variable shall be

developed from the test points for reference.

10.2.5 Identification. Performance curve sheets shall

list the test unit, setup used, and all appurtenances in
place.

10.3 OUTLET VELOCITY UNIFORMITY TEST

10.3.1 Performance Table. The locations and the

results of the measurements shall be presented in a table
with the calculated arithmetic average of the measured
results, their standard deviation and uniformity, as shown
in Figure 6.

10.4 VELOCITY PROJECTION TEST

10.4.1 Performance Table. The locations and the

results of the measurements shall be presented in a table
with the calculated arithmetic average of the measured
results, their standard deviation and uniformity, for each
distance from the discharge nozzle, as shown in Figure 6.

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AMCA Standard 220-91

FORMULAE: NOTES:

For flow and pressure formula, 1. Unit can be mounted horizontally

see AMCA Standard 210. or vertically.

Figure 1 Unit Flow Rate Test Setup

6
 AMCA Standard 220-91

FORMULAE: NOTES:

1. See Figures 3 & 4 for test plane setups.

2. Adjust nozzle as per Figure 1.
3. Center top baffle over airflow.

Figure 2 Velocity Projection and Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test Setup

7
 AMCA Standard 220-91

FORMULAE: NOTES:
1. n - Number of test lines (5 rein).
2. For even number of air moving devices
n must be odd number.
3. For odd number of air moving devices n must be even
number.
4. Round each calculated exact location to the nearest
1/4 inch.
5. x = Peak velocity along test plane.
6. Adjust nozzle as per Figure 1.
7. Setup as per Figure 2.

*(Max 4" see notes 2, 3 and 4)

Figure 3 Outlet Velocity Uniformity Test Setup

8
 AMCA Standard 220-91

FORMULAE: NOTES:
1. n- Number of test lines (5min).
2. For even number of air moving devices n must be odd
number.
3. For odd number of air moving devices n must be even
number.
4. Round each calculated exact location to the nearest
1/4 inch.
5. If rated throw is less than 6 feet readings are to be
taken at equally spaced distances.
6. x = Peak velocity along test plane.
7. Plane locations accurate to ±1 inch.
8. Adjust nozzle as per Figure 1.
9. Setup as per Figure 2.

*(Max 4" see notes 2,3 and 4)

Figure 4 Velocity Projection Test Setup

9
AMCA Standard 220-91

AIR CURTAIN MODEL STANDARD 220 Figure 1

STANDARD 210
Inlet Chamber Figure
FREE DELIVERY CONDITIONS

Flow Rate cfm

Average Velocity cfm Air Density lb m /ft 3

Input Watts

Efficiency

TEST NUMBER CURVE BY

LABORATORY DATE

LOCATION

Figure 5 Typical Unit Flow Rate Performance Curve

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 AMCA Standard 220-91

Figure 6 Outlet Velocity Uniformity and Velocity Projection Calculation

11
AMCA Standard 220-91

APPENDIX A. Uncertainty in Velocity Determination Using Pitot-Static Tube and Manometer, (based on an
error equivalent to an indicating column length of 0.05 in. wg in a vertical manometer 11 slope ratio).

TABLE OF 5 PERCENT UNCERTAINTY

Slope Ratio Minimum Useable Velocity

1:1 2800 fpm

2:1 2000 fpm

5:1 1250 fpm

10:1 900 fpm

20:1 630 fpm

12