The Non Return Valve (NRV) is used to prevent the back flow and mixture of bi-propellant fuels in spacecraft propulsion systems.  Chemical propulsion systems need to show the flow of vapours from the propellant tanks to the helium pressurization system and between fuel and oxidiser tanks in a bi-propellant system.

During normal operation of the pressurisation system the valve opens at a predetermined cracking pressure to allow gaseous Helium (GHe) flow to pressurise the respective propellant tanks.  When the pressure differential across the valve in the normal flow direction reduces to a predetermined value the valve closes by the action of a preloaded spring thus preventing the reverse flow of gas or vapour when the pressure increases in the reverse flow direction.

Status

The Nammo Space Non-Return Valve has flight heritage on the following platforms:

• EuroStar 3000
• SpaceBus 4000
• AlphaSat
• Veg Upper Stage AVUM

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