Contamination Detection and Filtering in a Gaseous Stream
Abstract
At the request of the Chemical Systems Directorate of Space Launch Operations, an experimental investigation was undertaken to evaluate the candidate filter system for removing oil aerosols from pressurized gaseous nitrogen lines. The experiment was geared to simulate the conditions encountered at the Titan IV launch site where gaseous nitrogen supply lines, used to pressurize the propellant tanks and purge electronic components, were found contaminated with oil. A test apparatus was designed and promptly assembled in which a clean GN2 stream flowed through two filters in series (a 200-80-DX balston filter followed by a 200-80-BX filter). Provisions were made to have the capabilities of flowing GN2 at a wide range of flow rates and pressures. An oil- injecting mechanism was designed, fabricated, and tested to provide oil aerosols at a wide range of flow rates. In particular, it was important to inject oil at low flow rates (e.g., less than 1 g/min.). Thus, various oil contamination levels were conveniently achieved by controlling the ratio of oil to GN2 flow rate. Several diagnostic approaches such as gravimetric techniques, witness window verifications, and wipe inspections were employed to assess the adequacy of the filters in extracting the oil from the GN2 stream.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268182
Entities
People
- Donald A. Durran
- Farzad Baban
- John M. Herbelin
- Robert L. Varwig
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation