Contractor proposes further research and engineering for modeling in order to manufacture and deliver two safe, reliable and leak-tight 12 in. Class 300 Cryogenic Cam Butterfly Valves (CCV) prototypes and two safe, reliable and leak-tight 1 (2) 10” Class 300 prototypes for testing and acceptance at SSC; the design and engineering of the Phase II will build upon the feasibility study submitted in a Phase I delivery
The Phase I deliverable was a drawing package for the manufacture of a 6 in. Class 300 CCV prototype; it will be modified to meet the more widely used cryogenic valve diameters of 12” and 10”. Successful prototypes will solve a long-standing of problem of cryogenic valve leakage that has been experienced with existing butterfly valve alternatives.
In addition to NASA’s requirement, Contractor has identified a large commercial U.S. and global market, namely the LNG and industrial gas value chains. Resolving the problem of leakage will address safety and environmental (fugitive emissions), as well as valve reliability issues for NASA as well as for the private sector.
The following are technical objectives for the CCV in SBIR Phase II.
-Identify risks that might challenge feasibility or practicality of the CCV
-Prove that the CCV functions well in temperatures of 100 – 423°F and pressures of 0 – 400 psi
-Validate design and materials that was selected.
-Confirm that CCV exhibits safe and reliable performance
NASA has prioritized near-term operational cost reduction and improvement for ground test components by improving ground, launch, and flight systems. Phase II will build upon the Phase I feasibility and bring the CCV close to regular production, which is expected to satisfy NASA and commercial market demand; two (2) successful prototypes will provide additional technical and financial information. Protype will be leak-free, safe & reliable cryogenic butterfly valve for LOX, LN2 and LH2.
Initially, Contractor will pursue large, new LNG and industrial gas projects in the U.S., including large storage terminals; Contractor will also pursue cryogenic logistics opportunities om the value chain. Any commercial opportunity where cryogenic liquid leakage from valves provides an opportunity to eliminate fugitive emissions (and EPA penalties associated with them) and lost product value.