1、Public Lessons Learned Entry: 2976Lesson Info:a71 Lesson Number: 2976 a71 Lesson Date: 2010-04-20 a71 Submitting Organization: KSC a71 Submitted by: Annette Pitt Subject: Ground Pneumatics Leak Detection System Abstract: Due to the high-volume storage of gases at KSC, gas leaks have often gone undet
2、ected for long periods. This resulted in significant costs, especially when there have been leaks in the gaseous helium (GHe) system. To detect a leak suspected in a large interconnected system such as the GHe system, subsystems must be incrementally isolated to narrow the leak down to a particular
3、area for more focused, detailed inspections. This entails significant time and effort and, because outages in real time are required, also adds to the processing time. New designs or upgrades to the KSC pneumatic systems should incorporate a strategy for detection and quick isolation of gas leakages
4、. Description of Driving Event: At approximately 0200 on January 11, 2010, a GHe relief valve in Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) High Bay 3 relieved due to a failed regulator in the Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) monomethylhydrazine (MMH) ground servicing panel. GHe vented to the atmospher
5、e for approximately 13 hours before the leak was found and isolated. The cost of the GHe loss alone was approximately $50,000. Lesson(s) Learned: The event described above is only one recent example of several GHe leak events that have occurred over the duration of the Shuttle program. Some of the k
6、nown leak incidences have cost as much as $200,000 for a single event. Over the long term of a program, significant savings could be achieved by better detection of gas leakages. For inert gases such as GN2, system leak detection working in conjunction with O2 monitoring systems, could also aid in s
7、afety enhancements. Recommendation(s): 1. A white paper study should be performed to determine the best strategy for leak detection in ground system pneumatics, and the findings should be incorporated into upgraded pneumatic systems in the future. 2. New designs or upgrades to the KSC pneumatic syst
8、ems should incorporate a strategy for detection and quick isolation of gas leakages. Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness: N/A Documents Related to Lesson: Click here to view gaseous helium charts Mission Directorate(s): a71 Space Operations Additional Key Phrase(s): a71 1.Ground support sys
9、tems a71 1.Launch support systems a71 1.Facilities a71 1.Systems analysis - cost analysis a71 1.Mission and systems trade studies a71 1.Pressure Vessels a71 1.Test Facility a71 1.Ground Equipment a71 1.Level II/III requirements definition a71 1.Long term sustainability and maintenance planning a71 0
10、.Crew Survival Systems a71 1.Ground Operations Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-Additional Info: a71 Project: Space Shuttle Program Approval Info: a71 Approval Date: 2010-08-09 a71 Approval Name: mbell a71 Approval Organization: HQ Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-
