Superfluid helium valve
A compact, lightweight, low energy bi-stable latch
valve for superfluid helium.
Background
High performance valves have been designed, developed
and produced at the Ottobrunn Space Propulsion Centre for
35 years. These are typically used in rocket engines, satellite
thrusters, launch vehicle core stages, upper stage systems
and satellite systems for such programmes as Ariane 4, Ariane
5, ISO, Herschel, Planck, etc.
Our valves are designed for compatibility with such demanding
fluids as cryogenic propellants, hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine,
nitrogentetroxide.
Valves range in size from 3 mm to 150 mm flow diameter. Operating
pressures range from vacuum to 250 bar and valve operating
temperatures range from 1.5 to 350 K.
Superfluid Helium Valve
The superfluid helium valve is designed for
scientific and space applications demanding high reliability, long life,
low mass, compact size, leaktightness, and low energy consumption.
Description
The superfluid helium
valve is an electromechanically actuated, bi-stable latch valve. Bi-stability
is achieved by a permanent magnet that retains either the 'open' or
'closed' position of the valve in the event of a power failure.
The valve features a ball-poppet and polymeric seal for fluid shutoff
and internal leak tightness. Valve assembly interfaces about the flow
path are electron beam welded to assure external leaktightness.
To ensure a long life seal seating integrity and helium purity, a
filter is integrated both upstream and downstream of the valve seat
assembly.
The valve is distinguished by its small size, low mass, low energy
consumption and excellent leak tightness at both ambient and superfluid
helium conditions.
A functional description of the superfluid helium
valve can be found here
Herschel Space Observatory
The superfluid helium valve was originally developed
for ESA's Herschel
space observatory (formerly called Far Infrared and Submillimetre Telescope,
or FIRST).
The objectives of Herschel is to explore and solve the mystery into
the formation of stars and galaxies.
Herschel will be placed in a transfer trajectory towards its operational
orbit around the Earth-Sun L2 point by Ariane 5 in early 2007.
Contact for Further Information
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then please contact
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