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A Fully Redundant On-Line Mass Spectrometer System Used to Monitor Cryogenic Fuel Leaks on the Space ShuttleAn on-line gas monitoring system was developed to replace the older systems used to monitor for cryogenic leaks on the Space Shuttles before launch. The system uses a mass spectrometer to monitor multiple locations in the process, which allows the system to monitor all gas constituents of interest in a nearly simultaneous manner. The system is fully redundant and meets all requirements for ground support equipment (GSE). This includes ruggedness to withstand launch on the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP), ease of operation, and minimal operator intervention. The system can be fully automated so that an operator is notified when an unusual situation or fault is detected. User inputs are through personal computer using mouse and keyboard commands. The graphical user interface is very intuitive and easy to operate. The system has successfully supported four launches to date. It is currently being permanently installed as the primary system monitoring the Space Shuttles during ground processing and launch operations. Time and cost savings will be substantial over the current systems when it is fully implemented in the field. Tests were performed to demonstrate the performance of the system. Low limits-of-detection coupled with small drift make the system a major enhancement over the current systems. Though this system is currently optimized for detecting cryogenic leaks, many other gas constituents could be monitored using the Hazardous Gas Detection System (HGDS) 2000.
Document ID
20020002375
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Griffin, Timothy P. (DYNACS Engineering Co., Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Naylor, Guy R. (DYNACS Engineering Co., Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Haskell, William D. (DYNACS Engineering Co., Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Breznik, Greg S. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Mizell, Carolyn A. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Helms, William R. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Steinrock, T.
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 18, 2001
Subject Category
Space Transportation And Safety
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS10-98001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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