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At least 1,135 records · Page 63

Reciprocating piston pump system with screw drive

A pump system of the reciprocating piston type is described, which facilitates direct motor drive and cylinder sealing. A threaded middle potion of the piston is engaged by a nut connected to rotate with the rotor of an electric motor, in a manner that minimizes loading on the rotor by the use of a coupling that transmits torque to the nut but permits it to shift axially and radially with respect to the rotor. The nut has a threaded hydrostatic bearing for engaging the threaded piston portion, with an oil-carrying groove in the nut being interrupted. A fluid emitting seal located at the entrance to each cylinder, can serve to center the piston within the cylinder, wash the piston, and to aid in sealing. The piston can have a long stroke to diameter ratio to minimize reciprocations and wear on valves at high pressures. The voltage applied to the motor can be reversed prior to the piston reaching the end of its stroke, to permit pressure on the piston to aid in reversing the motor.

Perkins, Gerald S.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2007

Topics covered include: High-Accuracy, High-Dynamic-Range Phase-Measurement System; Simple, Compact, Safe Impact Tester; Multi-Antenna Radar Systems for Doppler Rain Measurements; 600-GHz Electronically Tunable Vector Measurement System; Modular Architecture for the Measurement of Space Radiation; VLSI Design of a Turbo Decoder; Architecture of an Autonomous Radio Receiver; Improved On-Chip Measurement of Delay in an FPGA or ASIC; Resource Selection and Ranking; Accident/Mishap Investigation System; Simplified Identification of mRNA or DNA in Whole Cells; Printed Multi-Turn Loop Antennas for RF Biotelemetry; Making Ternary Quantum Dots From Single-Source Precursors; Improved Single-Source Precursors for Solar-Cell Absorbers; Spray CVD for Making Solar-Cell Absorber Layers; Glass/BNNT Composite for Sealing Solid Oxide Fuel Cells; A Method of Assembling Compact Coherent Fiber-Optic Bundles; Manufacturing Diamond Under Very High Pressure; Ring-Resonator/Sol-Gel Interferometric Immunosensor; Compact Fuel-Cell System Would Consume Neat Methanol; Algorithm Would Enable Robots to Solve Problems Creatively; Hypothetical Scenario Generator for Fault-Tolerant Diagnosis; Smart Data Node in the Sky; Pseudo-Waypoint Guidance for Proximity Spacecraft Maneuvers; Update on Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots; and Simulation and Testing of Maneuvering of a Planetary Rover.

Source record↗

High Pressure Electrolyzer System Evaluation

This report documents the continuing efforts to evaluate the operational state of a high pressure PEM based electrolyzer located at the NASA Glenn Research Center. This electrolyzer is a prototype system built by General Electric and refurbished by Hamilton Standard (now named Hamilton Sunstrand). It is capable of producing hydrogen and oxygen at an output pressure of 3000 psi. The electrolyzer has been in storage for a number of years. Evaluation and testing was performed to determine the state of the electrolyzer and provide an estimate of the cost for refurbishment. Pressure testing was performed using nitrogen gas through the oxygen ports to ascertain the status of the internal membranes and seals. It was determined that the integrity of the electrolyzer stack was good as there were no appreciable leaks in the membranes or seals within the stack. In addition to the integrity testing, an itemized list and part cost estimate was produced for the components of the electrolyzer system. An evaluation of the system s present state and an estimate of the cost to bring it back to operational status was also produced.

Prokopius, Kevin↗

Analysis of Water Extraction From Lunar Regolith

Distribution of water concentration on the Moon is currently an area of active research. Recent studies suggest the presence of ice particles, and perhaps even ice blocks and ice-cemented regolith on the Moon. Thermal extraction of the in-situ water is an attractive means of sa tisfying water requirements for a lunar mission. In this paper, a model is presented to analyze the processes occurring during the heat-up of icy regolith and extraction of the evolved water vapor. The wet regolith is assumed to be present in an initially evacuated and sealed cell which is subsequently heated. The first step of the analysis invol ves calculating the gradual increase of vapor pressure in the closed cell as the temperature is raised. Then, in the second step, the cell is evacuated to low pressure (e.g., vacuum), allowing the water vapor to leave the cell and be captured. The parameters affecting water vap or pressure build-up and evacuation for the purpose of extracting water from lunar regolith are discussed in the paper. Some comparisons wi th available experimental measurements are also made.

Hegde, U.↗

Real-time rapid leakage estimation for deep space habitats using exponentially-weighted adaptively-refined search

The recent accelerated growth in space-related research and development activities makes the near-term need for long-term extraterrestrial habitats evident. Such habitats must operate under continuous disruptive conditions arising from extreme environments like meteoroid impacts, extreme temperature fluctuations, galactic cosmic rays, destructive dust, and seismic events. Loss of air or atmospheric leakage from a habitat poses safety challenges that demand proper attention. Such leakage may arise from micro-meteoroid impacts, crack growth, bolt/rivet loosening, and seal deterioration. In this paper, leakage estimation in deep space habitats is posed as an inverse problem. A forward pressure-based dynamical model is formulated for atmospheric leakage. Experiments are performed on a small-scaled pressure chamber where different leakage scenarios are emulated and corresponding pressure values are measured. An exponentially-weighted adaptively-refined search (EWARS) algorithm is developed and validated for the inverse problem of real-time leakage estimation. It is demonstrated that the proposed methodology can achieve real-time estimation and tracking of constant and variable leaks with accuracy.

Deep space habitats↗

Non-Contacting Finger Seal Developments and Design Considerations

A three dimensional Navier-Stokes based code (CFD-ACE+/FEMSTRESS) was utilized to analyze the thermofluid behavior of a modified FS. The pressure patterns, mass flows and load carrying capabilities of this structure were assessed. It was found that even at a lower linear velocity of 216mps (708 fps) the geometry proposed has good lifting capability.

Proctor, Margaret P.↗

Performance of the 19XB 10-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor

The 19xB compressor, which replaces the 19B coaapreseor and has the same length and diameter 88 the 19B compressor, was designed with 10 stages to deliver 30 pounds of air per second for a pressure ratio of 4.17 at an equivalent speed of 17,000 rpm; the 19B was designed with six stages for a pressure ratio of 2.7 at the same weight flow and speed as the 19XB compressor. The performance characteristics of the new compressor were determined at the NACA Cleveland laboratory at the request of the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department. Results are presented of the investigation made to evaluate the over-all performance of the compressor, the effects of possible leakage past the rotor rear air seal, the effects of inserting instruments in each row of stator blades and in the first row of outlet guide vanes, and the effects of changing the temperature and the pressure of the inlet air. The results of the interstage surveys are also presented.

Downing, Richard M.↗

Why have hydrostatic bearings been avoided as a stabilizing element for rotating machines

The advantages are discussed of hydrostatic, high pressure bearings as providers of higher margin of stability to the rotor/bearing systems. It is apparent that deliberate use of hydrostatic bearing high pressure lubricated (any gas or liquid) can easily be used to build higher stability margin into rotating machinery, in spite of the thirty years bias against high pressure lubrication. Since this supply pressure is controllable (the Direct Dynamic Stiffness at lower eccentricity is also controllable) so that within some rotor system limits, the stability margin and dynamic response of the rotor system is more readily controllable. It may be possible to take advantage of this effect in the various seals, as well as the bearings, to assist with stability margin and dynamic response of rotating machinery. The stability of the bearing can be additionally improved by taking advantage of the anti-swirling concept. The high pressure fluid supply inlets should be located tangentially at the bearing circumference and directed against rotation. The incoming fluid flow creates stability by reducing the swirling rate.

Bently, D. E.↗

Testing Rod Seal Leakage of a 700 HP Reciprocating Compressor

Methane emissions from reciprocating compressors in the U.S. natural gas industry account for over 72.4 Bcf per year according to a 2006 statement by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Methane also has a global warming potential 50 times greater than carbon monoxide. Reciprocating compressors are the machinery type with the highest contribution to methane emissions at natural gas transmissions stations. The largest contributing factor comes from the sealing components in the packing components around the piston rod. SwRI, therefore, designed and setup a test loop to perform baseline packing leakage measurements on a four stage 700 HP JGT/4 compressor. The goal was to improve upon current packing leakage models and to compare new seals vs. used seals. The test loop design is described including the limits of operation. The Data Acquisition System (DAQ), including data measurements, is also fully described. The project shows the results of the commissioning process that verified the operation of all the components. Once the loop was commissioned, SwRI performed baseline packing leakage for multiple pressure ratios on each of the four stages of the compressor. The data was collected to develop an analytical model of the packing leakage. Finally, similar testing was performed after replacing the typical rod seal packing with used packing. The used packing leakage was compared to the baseline packing leakage.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Advanced Ceramic Membranes/Modules for Ultra Efficient Hydrogen (H2) Production/Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture for Coal-Based Polygeneration Plants: Fabrication, Testing, and CFD Modeling

Inorganic membrane-based systems are a promising technology for precombustion CO2 capture with simultaneous H2 production. State-of-the-art packages for high temperature and pressure service consist of multiple tube membrane bundles prepared in a "candle filter" configuration, in which the membrane tubes are open at one end and sealed at the other. This configuration is used for practical reasons, specifically the need to minimize problems due to thermal expansion mismatch between the ceramic tube bundle and the steel housing. However, the primary technical problem with the candle filter format for commercial-scale installations is the inability to purge the tube side (typically the permeate side), a feature that is crucial for high H2 recovery. In this study, the focus is to design and fabricate the first dual-end open full ceramic multiple tube membrane bundle that enables tube side (permeate) purge for gas separation applications. An additional key feature of this design is the simplified module layout, as the membrane bundles can be installed end-to-end with tube side (permeate) flow directly from one bundle to the next. This layout simplifies the membrane to housing seals and yields significant improvement in membrane packing density. Detailed focus areas in our studies include: (i) Materials development and preparation of the tube-to-tube sheet potting for the dual-ended bundle; (ii) the sealing and optimal module configuration design to minimize membrane stress upon module mounting; (iii) the demonstration, via the fabrication of CMS and Pd-alloy membranes supported on full-size, dual-ended ceramic support bundles, of the first example of a purgeable ceramic membrane and module; and (iv) development of a CFD model of the membrane module for calculation of feed flow distribution, and for use in scale-up, and capital cost estimating. The CFD model was validated using experimental data with the multi-tubular membrane system, employing He/N2 as a model gas mixture (surrogate for H2/CO2), and has been shown to be quite accurate. Employing the model, we are able to study the effects of operating pressure and temperature, feed and sweep gas flow rates, and the choice of membrane tube configuration on system performance.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Advanced Ceramic Membranes/Modules for Ultra Efficient Hydrogen (H2) Production/Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture for Coal-Based Polygeneration Plants: Fabrication, Testing and CFD Modeling

Inorganic membrane-based systems are a promising technology for precombustion CO2 capture with simultaneous H2 production. State-of-the-art packages for high temperature and pressure service consist of multiple tube membrane bundles prepared in a "candle filter" configuration, in which the membrane tubes are open at one end and sealed at the other. This configuration is used for practical reasons, specifically the need to minimize problems due to thermal expansion mismatch between the ceramic tube bundle and the steel housing. However, the primary technical problem with the candle filter format for commercial-scale installations is the inability to purge the tube side (typically the permeate side), a feature that is crucial for high H2 recovery. In this study, the focus is to design and fabricate the first dual-end open full ceramic multiple tube membrane bundle that enables tube side (permeate) purge for gas separation applications. An additional key feature of this design is the simplified module layout, as the membrane bundles can be installed end-to-end with tube side (permeate) flow directly from one bundle to the next. This layout simplifies the membrane to housing seals and yields significant improvement in membrane packing density. Detailed focus areas in our studies include: (i) Materials development and preparation of the tube-to-tube sheet potting for the dual-ended bundle; (ii) the sealing and optimal module configuration design to minimize membrane stress upon module mounting; (iii) the demonstration, via the fabrication of CMS and Pd-alloy membranes supported on full-size, dual-ended ceramic support bundles, of the first example of a purgeable ceramic membrane and module; and (iv) development of a CFD model of the membrane module for calculation of feed flow distribution, and for use in scale-up, and capital cost estimating. The CFD model was validated using experimental data with the multi-tubular membrane system, employing He/N2 as a model gas mixture (surrogate for H2/CO2), and has been shown to be quite accurate. Employing the model, we are able to study the effects of operating pressure and temperature, feed and sweep gas flow rates, and the choice of membrane tube configuration on system performance.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

High speed shutter

A shutter element is described which is formed by a loop of an electrically conductive ribbon disposed adjacent to the end of a passageway to be shuttered. The shuttered end of the passageway is cut at an acute angle. The two leg portions of the ribbon loop are closely spaced to each other and disposed in a plane parallel to the axis of the passageway. A pulse of high current is switched through the loop to cause the current flowing in opposite directions through adjacent leg portions of the ribbon. This produces a magnetically induced pressure on one of the legs of the ribbon forcing the leg over the end of the passageway in gas tight sealing engagement, and thereby blocking passageway.

Mcclenahan, J. O.↗

Measurement of transpiration in Pinus taeda L. and Liquidambar styraciflua L. in an environmental chamber using tritiated water

Transpiration rates of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) were measured at two different atmospheric water vapor pressure deficits (V.P.D.) in a controlled environment growth chamber using tritiated water as a tracer. The trees were maintained in a sealed plant bed containing a hydroponic nutrient solution into which labeled water (spike) was introduced. Samples of leaves, chamber air, spiked nutrient solution and control water were assayed for ratio-activity using liquid scintillation techniques to determine transpiration rates. The transpiration rate of sweetgum in ml./hr./gm. (4.95) was found to be 5 times greater than that of loblolly pine (1.03) at 1.84 V.P.D. and 8 times greater at 6.74 V.P.D. (15.99 for sweetgum vs. 2.19 for pine). Transpiration (based on measurements of leaf radioactivity) in both species rose with increasing deficit; however sweetgum increased its output by 3 times while pine only doubled its rate. Cyclical changes in transpiration rates were noted in both species; the sweetgum cycle required a 6 hour interval whereas the pine cycle required a 9 hour interval.

Levy, G. F.↗

Noncontacting valve-position indicator

Position of sealed valve or other movable part is indicated without penetrating housing. Flux from magnets connected to stem of hydraulic valve penetrates pressure wall and is sensed by Hall-effect transducer outside wall. When valve closes, moving stem and magnets, voltage from transducer decreases; thus, stem position is indicated without physical contact.

Crovella, E. A.↗

Film thickness measurement for spiral groove and Rayleigh step lift pad self-acting face seals

One Rayleigh step lift pad and three spiral groove self-acting face seal configurations were tested to measure film thickness and frictional torque as a function of shaft speed. The seals were tested at a constant face load of 73 N (16.4 lb) with ambient air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure as the fluid medium. The test speed range was from 7000 to 17,000 rpm. The measured film thickness was compared with theoretical data from mathematical models. The mathematical models overpredicted the measured film thickness at the lower speeds of the test speed range and underpredicted the measured film thickness at the higher speeds of the test speed range.

Dirusso, E.↗

Technique for removing resin from a molded object

Resin is removed from a molded object in such a way that no cracks or expansion occurs in the casting. The resin is first mixed with a ceramics powder or metal powder. This mixture is then molded and the resin is removed by heat. The molded object is then placed into a container which is sealed and large enough to allow the gas from the resin to be controlled by heat from the resin. The gas pressure at the surface of the object is increased by the gas pressure generated from the resin and the resin removed. The increase in gas pressure from the surface of the molded object is 1.5 atm to 3 atm at 350 C to 400 C.

Hemmi, I.↗

Analysis of dynamic characteristics of fluid force induced by labyrinth seal

Flow patterns of the labyrinth seal are experimentally investigated for making a mathematical model of labyrinth seal and to obtain the flow induced force of the seal. First, the flow patterns in the labyrinth chamber are studied on the circumferential flow using bubble and on the cross section of the seal chamber using aluminum powder as tracers. And next, the fluid force and its phase angle are obtained from the measured pressure distribution in the chamber and the fluid force coefficients are derived from the fluid force and the phase angle. Those are similar to the expression of oil film coefficients. As a result, it is found that the vortices exist in the labyrinth chambers and its center moves up and down periodically. The pressure drop is biggest in the first stage of chambers and next in the last stage of chambers.

Iwatsubo, T.↗