Rainbow D4C SE PE Airflow Losses

The first two measurements were easy to get, the last one (CFM at the nozzle) required me to build an airflow box. I think this pic should easily illustrate where and by how much CFM is lost in this machine. I think this is typical performance from this 19 year old cleaner.

From the base of the machine to the hose (stretched out straight), there is a loss of 87-65 = 22 CFM. From the hose to the nozzle, there is a loss of 65-33 = 32 CFM. The CFM lost through the pivot arm and housing assembly (in the power nozzle) is the largest I've measured so far. Even with like new performing parts, you can easily hear air escaping when holding the power nozzle grip at certain angles.

Total airflow losses from the canister base to the power nozzle (held at a 45 degree angle to the floor) is 87-33 = 54 CFM or about 62% of the original airflow. Of course the Rainbow claim to fame is no decrease in airflow and I can say that measurements confirm that no matter if the basin has dirt or even water in it, the airflow stays very constant.

Last note: the rug plate opening is small (about 20 square inches) and the CFM density is well below average, about 1.6 CFM/Sq. In. With a CFM density that low, it would be difficult to get much deep down dirt if it weren't for the very aggressive brush roll with leading edge beater bars built in.

I would personally love to see a Rainbow that has something around 70-80 CFM at the power nozzle but that may mean the canister airflow might have to be in the 120 CFM range. Here's hoping...

Bill


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Post# 363999 12/21/2016 at 19:36 (2,680 days old) by wyaple (Pickerington, OH)
Checkrate/Likes The first two measurements were easy to get, the last one (CFM at the nozzle) required me to build an airflow box. I think this pic should easily illustrate where and by how much CFM is lost in this machine. I think this is typical performance from this 19 year old cleaner. From the base of the machine to the hose (stretched out straight), there is a loss of 87-65 = 22 CFM. From the hose to the nozzle, there is a loss of 65-33 = 32 CFM. The CFM lost through the pivot arm and housing assembly (in the power nozzle) is the largest I've measured so far. Even with like new performing parts, you can easily hear air escaping when holding the power nozzle grip at certain angles. Total airflow losses from the canister base to the power nozzle (held at a 45 degree angle to the floor) is 87-33 = 54 CFM or about 62% of the original airflow. Of course the Rainbow claim to fame is no decrease in airflow and I can say that measurements confirm that no matter if the basin has dirt or even water in it, the airflow stays very constant. Last note: the rug plate opening is small (about 20 square inches) and the CFM density is well below average, about 1.6 CFM/Sq. In. With a CFM density that low, it would be difficult to get much deep down dirt if it weren't for the very aggressive brush roll with leading edge beater bars built in. I would personally love to see a Rainbow that has something around 70-80 CFM at the power nozzle but that may mean the canister airflow might have to be in the 120 CFM range. Here's hoping... Bill

Post# 364001 , Reply# 1 12/21/2016 at 19:54 (2,680 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)
Checkrate/Likes I love to see with different Power nozzle. Can you do that?

Post# 364003 , Reply# 2 12/21/2016 at 20:08 (2,680 days old) by wyaple (Pickerington, OH)
Checkrate/Likes *Joel,* If I had another Rainbow power nozzle, I would have included those results. Please note that my posting of airflow losses from a 1980 Lux 1401-B showed a PN loss of 20 CFM. If I were to hook the Lux's PN to the Rainbow, the airflow at the cleaner head would rise from 33 CFM to 45 CFM. Quite an improvement; however, I would still be seeking something in the 70-80 CFM range, which is impossible for any Rainbow at the moment. Bill

Post# 364007 , Reply# 3 12/21/2016 at 22:00 (2,680 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)
Checkrate/Likes wow that quite improvement airflow on rainbow. Beautiful rainbow you got there.

Post# 364011 , Reply# 4 12/21/2016 at 22:22 (2,680 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)
Checkrate/Likes Is this a longer hose than the Lux? A guess.

Post# 364028 , Reply# 5 12/22/2016 at 10:27 (2,680 days old) by wyaple (Pickerington, OH)
Checkrate/Likes *David,* The aftermarket replacement hose I bought is about 1 foot longer than the OEM would have been. Bill

Post# 364031 , Reply# 6 12/22/2016 at 11:17 (2,680 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)
Checkrate/Likes so it's a foot longer than the Lux hose?

Post# 364094 , Reply# 7 12/23/2016 at 12:01 (2,679 days old) by wyaple (Pickerington, OH)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *David,* I may have misread your initial question, so here's a pic of three hoses. The machine body ends are lined up evenly. The two Electrolux hoses are about 12 inches different and the Rainbow hose is splitting the different between the other two. Hope this helps. Bill

Post# 364096 , Reply# 8 12/23/2016 at 13:10 (2,679 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)
Checkrate/Likes Looks like maybe a kink in that Rainbow hose too, I think even that affects air flow??? thanks for the pics