In the modern Space Industry, there is a growing demand for demisability (items that will completely disintegrate upon re-entry). Our solution to this is to use the Fluoropolymer, FEP. This is something that we have used in a range of applications. For several applications, we have been called upon to provide FEP diaphragms as an alternative to EPDM for tanks containing Space Propellant. FEP is better equipped to resist the new Space Propellants being considered by the Space Industry such. For more complete containment, we have devised bladder systems where the bottom part of the bladder is secured within the tank and the upper part acts as a collapsing diaphragm.
FEP Bladders for Hydrogen Peroxide Tanks for Space
In recent years, attention has been focussed on using Hydrogen Peroxide as a Space Propellant. However, using H2O2 presents significant difficulties as it breaks down into its constituent parts. When we were called upon to devise a bladder system for a Hydrogen Peroxide tank, we had to devise a way to syphon off the accumulating oxygen. We did this by securing a breather tube to the summit of the diaphragm which channelled the oxygen out of the outlet.
FEP Bladders for Water Tanks for Space
The FEP bladder are not only used for containment of Space Propellants but also for clean water in space. When used as bladders for water, they can lower the dry mass of the containers & providing substantial burst pressure.
Holscot worked with MT Aerospace in German to devise a water containment bladder system which was integrated into the European space ferry’s Automated Transfer Vehicle & onto the ISS. Our work has been tested and approved by NASA.
Smallest Space Propulsion Bladder Tanks Developed
We were recently called upon to create some of the smallest FEP Bladders for containment of Space Propellant we’ve ever made. We believe these to be the smallest propellant bladders anyone has ever made.
Measuring a mere 100mm diameter with an overall height of 120mm, the bladder was a two-part assembly comprising two matching domed vacuum formings in FEP film 0.25mm thickness.
The pieces are welded together at the equator using our own specially developed welding techniques. The bottom section is bonded into the tank – so the complete bladder was etched on the outside to allow bonding – and the top section acts as the diaphragm collapsing in on itself to promote expulsion of the propellant.
Small FEP Diaphragms
At the same time, we created our smallest ever diaphragm in FEP. Also formed using our own FEP film 0.25mm thickness, it measured only 77mm in diameter with a depth of 36mm. This was also used for containment of Space propellants and expulsion of the fuel. Both items are being incorporated in tank designs being used in Micro Satellites. A non-disclosure agreement prevents us from going into detail but would be happy to discuss any similar requirements. Please contact us at sales@holscot.com
