An intelligent, real time, fluid composition sensor for monitoring of helium purge processes

Rocket propulsion system development is enabled by rigorous ground testing to mitigate the propulsion system risks inherent in spaceflight. Helium is used in piping and engine purge processes to inert liquid hydrogen systems. The cost of helium is increasing as the supply diminishes, impacting testing of the rocket engines for space propulsion systems. There is an outstanding need within NASA propulsion test facilities for intelligent real time sensors that can measure hydrogen concentrations in a helium background during purging/testing to better understand the process and reduce helium use. In line with current NASA-SSC and Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Program Office goals, such a monitoring technology should be intelligent to enable the reduction in time and cost of propulsion systems development. The long-term objective of the proposed effort is to leverage Sporian’s prior work on smart, machine learning enabled, Raman spectroscopy-based sensing systems to realize the required intelligent H/He fluid composition monitor. Phase I effort will include: 1) working with NASA and propulsion industry stakeholders to define system requirements; 2) evaluating revised hardware/electronics architectures and designs; and 3) proof of principle testing and demonstration using benchtop-scale prototype hardware. If successful, Sporian will be well positioned for the Phase II efforts focused on full system prototyping and relevant environment testing/demonstration. Work will be done through a collaboration between Sporian Microsystems and the University of Central Florida.

The proposed technology directly addresses a need identified by NASA-SSC for an intelligent sensors that can measure/monitor hydrogen concentrations in helium during the engine purging and testing processes. The technology is relevant to liquid propulsion systems development and verification testing in support of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and Space Operations Mission Directorate. It benefits test programs at SSC as well as other propulsion system development centers under the Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office.

Commercial beneficiaries would be organizations interested in monitoring for hydrogen and other fuel gas composition signatures, including natural gas companies, oil and gas exploration/refining, utilities, government agencies, and large-scale energy systems who need to know the composition of delivered gas. The technology can also be used for DOD aerospace vehicles testing and operations

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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