 Product
Overview:
The Xenon Flow Control Unit (XFCU) is designed to supply
and control the flow of low-pressure xenon gas propellant
to the anode and cathode of a Hall Effect Thruster. The unit
regulates the mass flow by means of pneumatic pressure loss
through a thermally controlled throttle when supplied with
gas at a constant pressure.
The unit shown consists of identical two branches fed by
a common inlet. In each branch a normally-closed inlet valve
controls flow of xenon propellant to a thermothrottle (which,
under the influence of changing temperature regulates the
flow of propellant gas) downstream of which the flow is split
to provide separate feeds for the anode and cathode. Flow
rate for each line is determined by fixed flow restrictors
and a normally-closed solenoid valve. For compatibility with
a dual cathode requirement, the cathode flows remain separate
at the outlet, but the anode flows are common.
Performance of the XFCU depends, both on the performance
of the individual components within the unit and also on the
applicable control electronics and the specification of the
feedback loop therein. The value of mass flow rate through
the XFCU and through each of its components is determined
by calibration during manufacture and test.
Performance Characteristics:
| Operational Temperature |
-40°C to 97°C |
| Operating Pressure |
2.5 bar |
| External Leakage |
< 1 × 10-6
scc/s GHe |
| Internal Leakage |
< 1 ×
10-4 scc/s GHe |
| Operating Voltage |
27 ± 3 Vdc |
| Min Cycle Life |
10,000 Cycles |
| Materials |
Radiometal, Stainless Steel,
PTFE |
| Flow Rates (typical) |
Anode |
4.70 - 8.55 mg/sec |
| Cathode |
0.35 - 0.65 mg/sec |
| Total |
5.05 - 9.20 mg/sec |
| Mass |
< 500g |
| Envelope Dimensions |
128mm (plus end fittings) ×
79mm × 42mm |
| Inlet |
1/8 " weldable S/S tube* |
| Outlets |
MS 33656-2 Male* |
* Other options are available
Product History:
The XFCU has been qualified for use with the ROS 2000
Hall Effect Thruster. Variants are being developed for Alphabus.
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