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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
One of the key technical challenges that will be addressed is the feasibility of bi-metallic construction of valves and valve components. Specifically, the strength and resilience of the joint between two different metals that are joined using additive manufacturing processes will be examinined. Samples will be manufactured and destructively tested to determine strength of the joint, chemistry of the joint, and how well the two materials behave under low temperature conditions. A report detailing these findings is a key deliverable of this effort. Joining two materials using additive manufacturing processes differs from the existing methods that are currently limited to mechanical (bolted, pressed, etc.) joints, brazed joints, and welded joints. Follow on work for this key technical advancement will be scale the process up and begin to use the process on valves currently in service.
Current technology relies heavily on centuries-old techniques like casting, forging, and machining to create fluid control valves. This significantly limits the valve to only what can be manufactured. State of the art technology like additive manufacturing has not yet been thoroughly applied to fluid control valves. Many valve manufacturing issues such as flow passage machining, deep hole boring, and bi-metallic joining could successfully be addressed with this new technology. The goal is to apply additive manufacturing technology specifically to the problems fluid control valves present. This activity seeks to focus additive manufacturing technology on bi-metallic construction of components that can be utilized in high pressure, low temperature applications.
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