An entire launch may be aborted if there is a possibility of oxygen or fuel leaks of any size on a spacecraft’s surface because such leaks pose a high risk for an explosion. At the very least, discovered leaks result in schedule delays and timing issues for those supporting the launch. In support of NASA’s ongoing efforts to promote safety throughout the Agency, the NASA Glenn Research Center has been developing leak sensors to detect potential fuel and oxygen leaks and help make the launch process go more smoothly. In spring 2005, the project achieved a major accomplishment by successfully integrating the wireless antenna into the postage-stamp-sized board unit as well as further decreasing the size and power consumption of the system.
"Lick and stick" leak-detection system.
Glenn’s leak sensor technology manager, Dr. Gary Hunter, worked with Case Western Reserve University on the invention and fabrication of the leak sensor. Makel Engineering, Inc., was involved in the integration and demonstration of the hardware, and product testing was conducted at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.
The leak sensor unit is composed of three different sensors: hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrocarbon. The recently integrated antenna, which used to be an attached component, enables wireless telemetry. This feature allows the unit to transmit leak rate data wirelessly to the remote central processing unit controlled by the user.
Closeup view of the leak sensor board, including the hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrocarbon sensors.
NASA leak sensor technology has been recognized with an R&D 100 Award, with NASA’s Turning Goals into Reality Award, and, most importantly, with an increasing acceptance in multiple applications. In addition to preventing explosions, leak sensor technology can be used for safer, more efficient fuel management and chemical processing in space.
On Earth, leak sensors have been used to automatically check valves and fittings on automotive assembly lines and to improve the safety of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Other potential ground applications include fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks, emission sensors, and advanced fire detection.
Long-term goals of the leak sensor project at Glenn include miniaturizing the unit while minimizing power consumption to extend its battery life. Miniaturization involves reducing the size of the entire leak sensor system (three sensors, signal conditioning, power, and telemetry) to fit onto the surface area of a postage stamp. Such a complete system would function as a “lick and stick” device, which could be transferred as easily as a postage stamp to any surface on the space vehicle or other leak-sensitive equipment.
Find out more about chemical species gas sensors: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/chemsensors/
Glenn contact:
Dr. Gary W. Hunter, 216–433–6459, Gary.W.Hunter@nasa.gov
Author:
Emily R. Groh
Headquarters program office:
Exploration Systems
Programs/Projects:
Constellation Systems
Special recognition:
R&D 100 Award (1995), NASA’s Turning Goals into Reality Award (2003)
Last updated: October 16, 2006
Responsible NASA Official:
Gynelle.C.Steele@nasa.gov
216-433-8258
Point of contact for NASA Glenn's Research & Technology reports:
Cynthia.L.Dreibelbis@nasa.gov
216-433-2912
SGT, Inc.
Web page curator:
Nancy.L.Obryan@nasa.gov
216-433-5793
Wyle Information Systems, LLC
