Description
The NASA/Glenn Research Center (GRC) is seeking information on the development needs for Special Test Equipment (STE) vacuum chambers, thermal shroud, and Thermal Conditioning Units (TCU). The equipment will be used for testing and development, and the GRC is looking for responses from interested parties on the reasonableness and feasibility of such equipment. The STE vacuum chambers should be capable of handling temperatures down to 77 Kelvin and up to 425 Kelvin, and should have a leak rate of 5 x 10^-9 STD ATM CC/SEC or better. The thermal shroud should be capable of rejecting 1 kW to 100 kW heat load, and should be able to handle fully flooded Liquid Nitrogen. The Thermal Conditioning Units should be controllable from 90K to 425K, and should have a refrigeration capacity of at least 10 kW.
Some key features and requirements of the equipment include:
* Vacuum chambers with a size range of 9' tall x 9' wide x 18' long to 10' tall x 11' wide x 20' long
* Thermal shrouds with a heat load range of 1 kW to 100 kW
* Thermal Conditioning Units with a temperature range of 90K to 425K
* Materials and manufacturing processes that meet the requirements of the ASME BPVC Section VIII and its reference documents
* The ability to handle weights of up to 4500 kg
* The ability to accommodate roll-in test articles
* Instrumentation with thermocouples and other sensors
* Piping and tubing that meet the requirements of ASME B31.3 or ASME Section VIII Division 1 or 2
The GRC is seeking responses that include ROM costs, lead times, and feasibility studies for the equipment.