1.02 SOR (Brand Name).pdf

Statement of Requirements Rocket Propulsion and Combustion Laboratory

MAE Department Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)

1.0 Background/Introduction:

The Naval Postgraduate School Rocket Propulsion and Combustion Laboratory supports the development of new combustion and aero-propulsion engine technologies. As part of this research and development, it is necessary to use large volumes of high pressure compressed air. Industrial, multi-stage compressors are used to compress atmospheric air to high pressure (3,000 to 5,000 psi) before drying, filtering, and storing it in high pressure tanks for use in experiments.

Two Bauer Brand name OEM high pressure compressors are required at the lab to provide the necessary flow rate to keep the tanks filled while testing. The Rocket Lab currently has only one functioning Brand Name Bauer OEM compressor. This significantly reduces the number and duration of tests that can be performed in one day. The non-functioning compressor has been made obsolete by the company with no parts or service provided. Since it can no longer be serviced, a replacement is required. The functional compressor is a Bauer I230-40-E3. The air handling equipment, such as filtration, drying, and overpressure safety relief valves are based on the flowrate and operating mode of two of these compressors. Additionally, there are spare parts on-hand to service this model. Purchasing a different model would require reevaluating the air handling and safety pressure relief equipment and potentially upgrading the lab facility with a higher power electrical system. Flowrate system is from Bauer the OEM (Brand Name) and any spare parts procured must interface with another sister air compressor unit located at NPS.

The Bauer I230 is a high output pressure (5,000 psi), coupled with the relatively high flowrate (60 SCFM). Low pressure compressors, those well under 1,000 psi (usually under 200 psi), are relatively common. High pressure compressors, over 3,000 psi, are only used for breathing systems, specialty industrial scenarios, and research environments. Bauer is the most commonly used brand of compressors in this class (based on Internet research and conversations with industry professionals), which is why many years ago the Rocket Lab chose this manufacturer and based the air handling and safety equipment on this specific model. This manufacturer Bauer OEM is the only compressor that can be obtained to work with the current compressor on site.

2.0 Requested Delivery Date: 8/21/2026 Estimated, based on contract award timing and lead time.

3.0 Minimal Technical Requirements/Salient Characteristics:

Item No.

Qty Unit Manufacturer (If known)

Part Number (If known)

Description

1 EA Bauer I230-40-E3 Bauer air cooled, oil lubricated, 4 stage reciprocating compressor 5,000 psi, 48 SCFM FAD (60 SCFM charging rate), 40 hp, 460 vac, 3 phase Includes sound attenuating cabinet, No purification included. Once NPS and Rocket Lab personnel have placed and wired the compressor, a technician will be sent to verify correct installation, perform first startup, confirm proper operation of the compressor, and complete warranty registration.