The primary objective of this project will be the development of a line of 15,000 PSI rated valves which will meet nasas unique needs. The technical requirements include 15,000 PSI rated valve with 4X…

This is a $250,000.00 grant for research awarded to Precision Fluid Controls, Inc., a self-certified small disadvantaged business and woman-owned small business, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Stennis Space Center. The primary objective is to develop a 15,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) rated valve to meet NASA's unique needs, including design improvements based on existing valve usage at Stennis Space Center. The contract does not have a set-aside designation. Precision Fluid Controls will collaborate with NASA personnel and work with spring-energized seal manufacturers to integrate new design improvements into the 8-inch, 15,000 PSI top-entry ball valve being developed under this contract. The new valve design will incorporate elements from the existing design and address technical challenges related to leak-tight performance and materials selection for use in high-pressure systems.

The primary objective of this project will be the development of a line of 15,000 PSI rated valves which will meet nasas unique needs. The technical requirements include 15,000 PSI rated valve with 4X burst pressure demonstrated on shell, a full port 8 ball valve, the prototype valve assembly shall fit within an existing obsolete valve footprint, the prototype valve assembly shall be capable of operation (open/close) under full differential pressure and flow under emergency situations, assembly shall be leak-tight (including valve stem seals) when used with gaseous hydrogen (class VI leakage) precision fluid controls plans to collaborate with NASA personnel to incorporate design improvements which NASA has implemented in similar high pressure valves currently installed at stennis space center. Technical issues include leak tight performance (within class VI leakage definition) and materials selection for use in high pressure systems. Challenges include manufacturing the valve components and testing of the final assembly such as proof. The project will focus on an 8, 15,000 PSI top entry ball valve development. The new design will incorporate elements from the existing design and will add design improvements based on the actual usage and modifications made by stennis personnel during the course of the existing valve's operation. Precision fluid controls (PFC) will work with the spring energized seal manufacturers to integrate new design improvements which have developed over the last several years. During our design of flight hardware, PFC has encountered many applications which require these specialty seals and have worked in concert with the seal manufacturers to develop innovative designs to solve intricate sealing requirements. PFC will investigate the use of alternate materials to be used for surfaces with high friction such as toughmet as well as coatings. We will also determine if rolling bearing elements may play a role in the future design. Another concept we will explore is using a mechanically retractable seat which we have used successfully in larger main engine valves for launch vehicles. The body will be 316 SST with an A286 valve stem and ball. The current seat is metal and we will explore additional options for seat material. The valve will incorporate belleville springs made from lnconel 718. The material for the thrust washer is currently torian, alternative materials will be analyzed. Seals made from pctfe will be analyzed and may be switched to a polyamide. PFC will perform the initial functional testing, additional testing will be performed at stennis space center.