Project Title:

Time-Of-Flight Mass-Spectrometer Leak Detectors

08.24-9040
Time-Of-Flight Mass-Spectrometer Leak Detectors
Schmidt Instruments
24276 Bolsover, Suite 234
Houston
TX
77005
Howard K.
Schmidt
(713-529-9040)
LeRC

Abstract:

A novel time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) system for detection of working
fluid leaks aboard space craft in flight will be developed. Expected sensitivity
of the proposed device is significantly better than that of quadrupole, residual
gas analyzers (RGAs). Benefits to NASA would derive from a sensitive and robust detector
of working fluid and atmospheric leaks aboard space craft or in large vacuum systems.
Extremely simple in construction, these TOF devices will provide high performance
leak detection with compact, reliable, and low power hardware. Control and data acquisition
will be performed by a small electronics package using designs and custom VLSI components
developed by the company specifically for TOF-MS applications. This combination of
attributes makes the proposed device reliable enough for stand alone passive leak
detection, yet portable enough for actively "sniffing" out leak locations.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications include general purpose gas analysis
for leak detection and process control.