Low Pressure In-line Flow Control Valve
ESA - BepiColombo
The valve consists of a single valve cores brazed together. The valve stage is a solenoid operated flow control valve with a single seat, single coil, normally closed with non-sliding fit configuration. The design of the seal/seat interface ensures minimal flow discontinuities, therefore reducing susceptibility to contamination induced failures and minimising pressure losses.
The valve is opened independently by energising the coil; the resulting force generated by the induced magnetic flux causing the armature to move towards the ‘fixed pole’, and in doing so lifts the seal from its seat.
The valve is an externally fully welded structure, ensuring the external leak rate is zero. The inlet incorporates a 25µm particle filter, which is swaged securely in place. The inlet to the valve can be supplied with welded or threaded connections, using straight inline and right angled connections. The outlet tube can be similarly customised to suit customer requirements.
Operating Media
GXe, GN2, GHe, CF4, Butane , Propane
Maximum Operating Pressure
290 psi
Proof Pressure
435 psi
Burst Pressure
725 psi
Flow Rate / Pressure Drop
<0.05mbar@ 5.5mg/s GXe at 20°C
Internal Leakage
<1 x 10-4 scc/s GHe
External Leakage
<1 x 10-6 scc/s GHe
Response
< 5ms open/close under all conditions
Electrical Interface
Flying leads
Operating Cycle Life
2,000,000 cycles
Filter Rating
25 µm absolute
Wetted Materials
AISI316L, AISI304L, Radiometal 4550, Silicone/EPDM Rubber
Hardware Mass
0.077 lb
Envelope
16 mm OD x 21 mm + interfaces
Options
Interface can be fully customised
Input Voltages
24 Vdc to 32 Vdc
Coil Power
4 W
Fluidic Interface
1/4” tube stub or threaded AS4395 fitting
Technology Readiness Level
Flight Qualified, TRL9
Status
The Nammo Space Low Pressure Solenoid Valve has flight heritage on the following platforms:
- Bepi Columbo
- AlphaSat
- HispaSat
- DMC
NAMMO CHELTENHAM
GENERAL CAPABILITIES
- Dedicated, skilled space engineering team
- Experienced Assembly Integration and Test team
- Program Management
QUALITY AND INSPECTION
- Certified to AS9100
- Inspection department including CMM and optical measuring equipment
- Laser part marking
- Complete traceability of inspection records
- Material traceability from original mill source to final components
CLEANROOM and ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
- ISO Class 8 environment, with Class 5 laminar flow booths
- Large 1m diameter x 2m long Vacuum chamber
- Thermal vacuum chambers
- Thrust test facility
- Vacuum/leak testing and pressure testing.
- Air borne and liquid Particle measurement.
- Pressure Test facility to 1500 bar
- Computer controlled TIG and Orbital TIG weld facility
