SBIR-STTR Award

The Cryogenic Cam Butterfly Valve (CCV) is an innovative valve that can effectively operate across a wide range of temperatures, seal better than valves currently available on the market at those temperatures and can easily meet the demanding material requirements of a liquid oxygen (LOX) system. The CCV was designed to replace obsolete Royal/Hadley valves, which have been used at NASA’s Stennis Space Center (SSC) since the 1960’s as isolating valves in cryogenic fluid systems at SSC and have become costly to repair. The CCV is innovative because it is the only butterfly valve that it can adapt to dynamic changes due to changing temperatures. Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract. For example, a 12” long aluminum rod chilling down in liquid hydrogen (LH2) from room temperature to -423 degrees F will shorten the rod length by approximately 1/16”. This may seem like an insignificant change, but it can cause a significant leak if the critical dimension between the valve disc and seat change. Ideally, cryogenic valves should be able to compensate for these dynamic temperature changes and maintain a tight seal, but the different valves that were procured to replace the existing Royal/Hadley butterfly valves have not been successful passing the rigorous SSC cryogenic tests and material requirements for LOX systems. It is this inability of existing butterfly valves to reliably perform as needed which triggered the innovative design of the CCV. The CCV can seal better than other butterfly valves on the market because of the dual movement possible in the hybrid design. To improve the sealing performance, the CCV combines the rotational movement of a butterfly with the translational movement of a globe valve. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The NASA SBIR Phase I Solicitation for 2019 identifies near-term operational cost reduction and improvements for ground test components by improving ground, launch and flight systems as areas of focus; this Proposal focuses on the development of an innovative cryogenic butterfly valve that will perform consistent and reliable at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. The CCV will eliminate the need for temperature specific testing (i.e., cryogenic environments) for components, while improving the performance reliability in the field. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Better cryogenic fluid flow control systems are anticipated for liquid hydrogen, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas for the industrial gas, private space flight, electrical energy, chemical processing, and oil refining markets; these will be driven by market demand for more efficient, cleaner fuels, as well as more practical LNG transportation through the supply chain.

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 Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) 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. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) 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.