Project Title:

A Quick-Disconnect Cryogenic Joint

92-1-09.15-3800                                                   NAS08-39829
A Quick-Disconnect Cryogenic Joint
Creare, Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH  03755
William E. Nutt                                      (603-643-3800)

Abstract:

     The goal of this project is the development of a quick-
disconnect cryogenic joint that meets all of NASA's requirements:
Helium leak rates less than 1.0 x 10-6 cc/s; 50 operating cycles
over 5 years; withstand the environment at the NASA Kennedy Space
Center and in space; and handle diameters of 10-15 cm, 350 kPa,
and shuttle vibrations. The joint will incorporate a seal that, in
smaller sizes and different joints, has proven leak-tight from
ambient to superfluid helium temperatures at pressures ranging
from vacuum to 2100 kPa. The overall objective is to demonstrate
the feasibility of the quick-disconnect joint. The specific
technical objectives are to demonstrate a joint, determine the
feasibility of fabricating seals in the 10-15 cm range, and
determine the vibration handling capabilities of the joint. A
small, quick-disconnect joint will be designed, built, and tested
to liquid helium temperatures. A fabrication technique for larger
seals will be identified, and the vibration handling capabilities
of the joint will be analyzed. A preliminary joint design for a
NASA application will be developed. Phase I will demonstrate the
feasibility of the joint. 

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The quick-disconnect joint
will have immediate applications wherever cryogenic equipment is
used or developed. MRI units, high energy physics, and super-
conducting, electric energy storage rings are a few of the
potential applications.

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