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At least 37 records · Page 2

Combined pressure regulator and shutoff valve

A remotely operable pressure regulator and shutoff valve particularly suited for achieving high resolution and flow control, and positive shutoff is described. The valve is characterized by a spring-loaded ball coaxially aligned with a fluid port to be sealed, a spring-loaded pintle extended through the port into engagement with the ball, for controlling the position, a spring-loaded diaphragm for controlling the position of the pintle, and an axially displaceable spring supported by a movable stop which, in turn, is repositioned by a selectively operable stepper motor. Thus, the pressure-response characteristics for the valve can be varied through a selective repositioning of the stop.

Koch, E. F.↗

VALVE TIMING AND AREA PROFILE SELECTION FOR HYDRAULIC PUMPS AND MOTORS

A significant amount of research has been conducted to select valve timing and area profiles that create efficient and quiet hydraulic pumps and motors. Numerous active valve architectures have been modeled and optimized, but the rationale for the final solution is often unclear. The solution is usually highly dependent on the modeled valve geometry constraints and the duty cycle of the pump or motor for which the valve was optimized. This paper first presents an ideal valve area profile and what compromises are made to design for a working pressure and speed range. The ideal valve area profile is resolved using a piston-cylinder model with a pressure dependent bulk modulus and variable valve openings. The piston-cylinder is first modeled as a pump with passive (check) valves and a specified pressure drop across the valves to determine the ideal area profile. A generalization of the ideal timing is demonstrated for positive pressure differential and positive rotation direction, also known as the first quadrant. The effects on valve timing when varying pressure are shown for the first quadrant, but the trends can be extrapolated for all quadrants of operation. The ideal valve profile is implemented as fixed valve timing, meaning the valve area is only a function of the timing angle, in a pump-motor. The pump-motor is simulated in one rotation direction through a pressure range. Performance is high in pumping operation, but when the pressure differential is reversed, cylinder pressure spikes ensue. Two strategies to modify an ideal valve area profile are presented: timing grooves and a pressure shifted valve timing. Timing grooves reduce pressure spikes and cavitation in the cylinder but generally increase throttling losses. A pressure shifted valve timing has lower throttling energy losses, making it the favored solution.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A cryogenic valve for spacecraft applications

Space-compatible cryogenic valves are now required to operate between room and liquid helium temperatures. A remotely controllable cryogenic valve is described, which is made of bellows-type stainless steel and is operated by a miniature dc motor with integral gearset (485:1) at a nominal voltage of 28 Vdc. The power transmission provides a further reduction of 7.2:1 to give an overall gear ratio of nearly 3500:1, assuring reliability of operation at low temperatures. Valve performance (leak rate) data are presented at LN2, LHe, and SfHe temperatures at delivered torques of 18, 27, 31, and 35 N-m. At a closing torque of 31 N-m, a leak rate of 0.028 scc/sec was achieved at 2 K, while at a torque of 18 N-m the leak rate at 300 K was less than 3 x 10 to the -9th scc/sec.

Salerno, L. J.↗

Laser-Doppler velocimetry measurements in a motored IC engine simulator

A measurement technique and experimental results are presented for mean velocity and velocity fluctuations in a motored, axisymmetric engine chamber simulation. Three valve configurations are considered: open orifice, open valve, and operating valve. Measurements of axial and tangential velocity components have been taken at various axial and radial positions for one compression ratio (7:1) and one rpm level (31). The measurements show that the intake stroke (in both two and four stroke operations) result in a recirculating flow with substantial turbulence generation even at the low rpm value. The four-stroke results in an axisymmetric design are novel and especially significant since the ability exists to make comparisons with theoretical, axisymmetric, turbulent results.

Gany, A.↗

Detecting Process Equipment Failures Using Acoustic Data and Machine Learning

Nuclear power plant (NPP) process equipment such as fans, motors, valves, and pumps generate frequent or continuous noise, and deviations from the normal operational sounds made by this equipment can indicate potential issues. These deviations can be identified via automated acoustic anomaly detection, which involves using acoustic sensors (i.e., microphones) alongside detection algorithms to continuously monitor for changes in acoustic signatures. This task is made challenging by the substantial background noise that exists, such as operators opening and closing doors, manipulating valves, and conversing—in addition to typical plant noises. In collaboration with a nuclear power utility partner, this effort assessed the efficacy of acoustic anomaly detection when using a specific acoustic sensor that compresses data into a fixed set of features that are transferable over a standard Internet of Things communication protocol, thereby improving usability but potentially degrading detection performance. Two methods of performing automated acoustic anomaly detection were evaluated: one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM) and isolation forest (iForest). To enable the use of high-quality acoustic data encompassing both normal and anomalous conditions, the study utilized the publicly available Malfunctioning Industrial Machine Investigation and Inspection dataset, which includes real measured acoustic sensor data for a range of equipment types, model numbers, and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), along with a benchmark set of detection results. Using this dataset, the methods were tested and then compared against the benchmark results. The results indicated that although the specific acoustic sensor did not enable as rich a feature set extraction, the proposed methods with the limited feature set performed just as well. This provides solid justification for both the methods and the use of the proposed acoustic sensor.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Electronically Variable Pressure Regulator (EVPR)

A new programmable electronically variable pressure regulator (EVPR) concept accurately controls the local outlet or remote system pressure. It uses an integral pulse width modulated rare earth permanent magnet motor operating in response to redundant pressure transducer feedback signals. The EVPR is a simple single stage device that does not use dynamic seals or pilot valving. Conversion of partial revolution motor torque to poppet lifting force is accomplished by pure flexure action to avoid using bearings. The flexure drive (called the ROTAX) has a variable lead to minimize motor weight and power consumption. Breadboard tests were completed successfully on two critical design elements of the EVPR: the ROTAX and the motor. The ROTAX cable system was tested for 250,000 cycles without failure. The breadboard motor met the basic design requirements including the design torque and power consumption. Prototype parts were fabricated, and testing of the prototype EVPR has started. It is PC computer controlled to facilitate programming, data acquisition and analysis. A lightweight dedicated microprocessor is planned for the flightweight EVPR.

Reinicke, R. H.↗

Robotic control and inspection verification

Three areas of possible commercialization involving robots at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are discussed: a six degree-of-freedom target tracking system for remote umbilical operations; an intelligent torque sensing end effector for operating hand valves in hazardous locations; and an automatic radiator inspection device, a 13 by 65 foot robotic mechanism involving completely redundant motors, drives, and controls. Aspects concerning the first two innovations can be integrated to enable robots or teleoperators to perform tasks involving orientation and panal actuation operations that can be done with existing technology rather than waiting for telerobots to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to perform 'smart' autonomous operations. The third robot involves the application of complete control hardware redundancy to enable performance of work over and near expensive Space Shuttle hardware. The consumer marketplace may wish to explore commercialization of similiar component redundancy techniques for applications when a robot would not normally be used because of reliability concerns.

Davis, Virgil Leon↗

Solar heating system final design package

The system is composed of a warm air collector, a logic control unit and a universal switching and transport unit. The collector was originally conceived and designed as an integrated roof/wall system and therefore provides a dual function in the structure. The collector serves both as a solar energy conversion system and as a structural weather resistant skin. The control unit provides totally automatic control over the operation of the system. It receives input data from sensor probes in collectors, storage and living space. The logic was designed so as to make maximum use of solar energy and minimize use of conventional energy. The transport and switching unit is a high-efficiency air-handling system equipped with gear motor valves that respond to outputs from the control system. The fan unit was designed for maximum durability and efficiency in operation, and has permanently lubricated ball bearings and excellent air-handling efficiency.

Source record↗

Fuel and oxidizer valve assembly employs single solenoid actuator

Valve assembly simultaneously starts or stops the flow of oxidizer and fuel from separate inlet channels to reaction control motors. The assembly combines an oxidizer shutoff valve and a fuel shutoff valve which are mechanically linked and operated by a single high-speed solenoid actuator.

Source record↗

Stem clutch for motor driven valve

Development of mechanical device to reduce possibility of damage to motor driven needle valve is discussed. Mechanical clutch is employed to allow slippage when needle valve reaches limit of travel. Operation of system for various conditions is described.

Blum, D. E.↗

Space aging of solid rocket materials

Solid rocket propellant and rocket motor components were aged in a vented container on the interior of the LDEF. This paper will present the results of aging the Improved Performance Space Motor-II/Payload Assist Module-Delta II (IPSM-II/PAM-DII) space motor components. Ballistic and mechanical properties of the space aged main propellant, igniter propellant, and ignition system were compared with similar data from preflight and ground aged samples. Mechanical properties of the composite materials and bonded joints used in the motor case, insulation, liner, nozzle, exit cone, and skirt were similarly evaluated. The space aging results will be compared to data collected in a ground based vacuum aging program on similar components. The operation of the vacuum actuated venting valve and pressure actuated resealing of the container will also be addressed. The materials tested showed no significant changes due to space aging. These results indicate that properly designed solid rocket motors can be expected to perform reliably after extended periods of exposure to a space environment.

Dean M Lester↗

Two-stage coaxial gas compressor

Compressor raises pressure of gases from low ambient supply during space experiments by a system of low weight, size, and power input. Dc rotary-torque motor and ball-screw drive shaft activate first and second stage of compressor, utilizing inertia forces to operate check valves.

Wang, W. S.↗

Acoustic-Modal Testing of the Ares I Launch Abort System Attitude Control Motor Valve

The Attitude Control Motor (ACM) is being developed for use in the Launch Abort System (LAS) of NASA's Ares I launch vehicle. The ACM consists of a small solid rocket motor and eight actuated pintle valves that directionally allocate.thrust_- 1t.has-been- predicted-that significant unsteady. pressure.fluctuations.will.exist. inside the-valves during operation. The dominant frequencies of these oscillations correspond to the lowest several acoustic natural frequencies of the individual valves. An acoustic finite element model of the fluid volume inside the valve has been critical to the prediction of these frequencies and their associated mode shapes. This work describes an effort to experimentally validate the acoustic finite model of the valve with an acoustic modal test. The modal test involved instrumenting a flight-like valve with six microphones and then exciting the enclosed air with a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker was configured to deliver broadband noise at relatively high sound pressure levels. The aquired microphone signals were post-processed and compared to results generated from the acoustic finite element model. Initial comparisons between the test data and the model results revealed that additional model refinement was necessary. Specifically, the model was updated to implement a complex impedance boundary condition at the entrance to the valve supply tube. This boundary condition models the frequency-dependent impedance that an acoustic wave will encounter as it reaches the end of the supply tube. Upon invoking this boundary condition, significantly improved agreement between the test data and the model was realized.

Davis, R. Benjamin↗

Overview of C/C-SiC Composite Development for the Orion Launch Abort System

Past and present efforts by the authors to further understanding of the ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material used in the valve components of the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) Attitude Control Motor (ACM) will be presented. The LAS is designed to quickly lift the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) away from its launch vehicle in emergency abort scenarios. The ACM is a solid rocket motor which utilizes eight throttleable nozzles to maintain proper orientation of the CEV during abort operations. Launch abort systems have not been available for use by NASA on manned launches since the last Apollo ]Saturn launch in 1975. The CMC material, carbon-carbon/silicon-carbide (C/C-SiC), is manufactured by Fiber Materials, Inc. and consists of a rigid 4-directional carbon-fiber tow weave reinforced with a mixed carbon plus SiC matrix. Several valve and full system (8-valve) static motor tests have been conducted by the motor vendor. The culmination of these tests was the successful flight test of the Orion LAS Pad Abort One (PA ]1) vehicle on May 6, 2010. Due to the fast pace of the LAS development program, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center assisted the LAS community by performing a series of material and component evaluations using fired hardware from valve and full ]system development motor tests, and from the PA-1 flight ACM motor. Information will be presented on the structure of the C/C-SiC material, as well as the efficacy of various non ]destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, including but not limited to: radiography, computed tomography, nanofocus computed tomography, and X-ray transmission microscopy. Examinations of the microstructure of the material via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy will also be discussed. The findings resulting from the subject effort are assisting the LAS Project in risk assessments and in possible modifications to the final ACM operational design.

Allen, Lee R.↗

Monitoring circuit accurately measures movement of solenoid valve

Solenoid operated valve in a control system powered by direct current issued to accurately measure the valve travel. This system is currently in operation with a 28-vdc power system used for control of fluids in liquid rocket motor test facilities.

Gillett, J. D.↗

OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO EMBEDDED DIGITAL DEVICES IN SAFETY SYSTEMS

Interest in embedded digital devices (EDDs) for monitoring and providing control of components is increasing and the added functionality digital brings such as diagnostics, displays, control functions is welcomed in both the nuclear and other industries. As a result, pure analog-based components continue to disappear from the industrial I&C marketplace. Equipment with EDDs, also known by related terms such as smart devices, intelligent devices, and digital devices of limited functionality, can include sensors, breakers, priority logic modules, time delay relays, pumps, valve actuators, motor control centers, and uninterruptible power supplies. Not only is equipment consisting of analog and older digital technology being replaced with commercial grade products containing EDDs, but EDDs can also be retrofitted to work with existing components. EDDs may be installed physically within a component, such as in a relay. There are also external devices that some would not consider an EDD, but that operate in almost all technical ways identically to one internal to a component such as in a valve controller. In fact, the digital portions may be located hundreds of feet from the actual component.Due to the potential of being used in an identical manner and without alteration from their application in other industries, operating experience (OpE) for EDDs may be much more applicable than in the case of other more system level devices. Clear separation and independence of functionality provided with EDDs may also allow greater applicability of existing OpE from industry for changes that can be shown not to affect its safety function. However, OpE also demonstrates issues with different conditions between other industries and nuclear power plants, such as issues with undeclared changes or undeclared digital devices and the new failure modes they may introduce, issues with the reporting of OpE in industry, and a lack of transparency into OpE for EDDs.Understanding and addressing these issues will be key in the future use of EDDs in nuclear power plants, but failure rate data is difficult to obtain for EDDs, and lessons learned from the use of EDDs are difficult to collect and identify.Key words: embedded digital device, smart device, operating experience, failure modes

Muhlheim, Michael↗

Oscillating-Linear-Drive Vacuum Compressor for CO2

A vacuum compressor has been designed to compress CO2 from approximately equal to 1 psia (approximately equal to 6.9 kPa absolute pressure) to approximately equal to 75 psia (approximately equal to 0.52 MPa), to be insensitive to moisture, to have a long operational life, and to be lightweight, compact, and efficient. The compressor consists mainly of (1) a compression head that includes hydraulic diaphragms, a gas-compression diaphragm, and check valves; and (2) oscillating linear drive that includes a linear motor and a drive spring, through which compression force is applied to the hydraulic diaphragms. The motor is driven at the resonance vibrational frequency of the motor/spring/compression-head system, the compression head acting as a damper that takes energy out of the oscillation. The net effect of the oscillation is to cause cyclic expansion and contraction of the gas-compression diaphragm, and, hence, of the volume bounded by this diaphragm. One-way check valves admit gas into this volume from the low-pressure side during expansion and allow the gas to flow out to the high-pressure side during contraction. Fatigue data and the results of diaphragm stress calculations have been interpreted as signifying that the compressor can be expected to have an operational life of greater than 30 years with a confidence level of 99.9 percent.

Izenson, Michael G.↗

Hybrid propulsion based on fluid-controlled solid gas generators

The use of fuel-rich solid (gas generator-type) propellants for hybrid propulsion affords some design and utilization efficiency advantages. Both forward and aft liquid injection control concepts are evaluated from the operational standpoints of ballistics, throttling, stability and extinguishment. Steady-state and non-steady ballistics analyses are employed for this evaluation. Stability of solid motor operation is enhanced by fluid injection with adequate injector pressure drop. Efficient throttling and reliable extinguishment are attained through a combination of solid propellant combustion tailoring, grain design, control valves and sensors. Initial results from a laboratory-scale slab combustor, combining a gas generator propellant with gaseous oxygen injection, are also presented.

Cohen, Norman S.↗