Orbiter Flash Evaporator: Flight Experience and Improvements

The Flash Evaporator Subsystem (FES) provides active cooling for the Shuttle Orbiter vehicle during the ascent and re-entry phases of the flight and provides supplemental cooling to the radiators while onorbit. This paper describes the design and operation of the FES and summarizes the operational f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:SAE transactions 1997-01, Vol.106, p.408-418
Main Authors: O'Connor, Edward W., Zampicem, John J., Cerna, Nanette F., Fuller, Michael J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Corrosion
Drinking water
Evaporators
Freon
Ice
Iodine
Nozzles
Orbiters
Steam
Topping
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Description
Summary:The Flash Evaporator Subsystem (FES) provides active cooling for the Shuttle Orbiter vehicle during the ascent and re-entry phases of the flight and provides supplemental cooling to the radiators while onorbit. This paper describes the design and operation of the FES and summarizes the operational flight experience to date. As the fleet of orbiters grows older, contamination and corrosion are two issues on which attention has focused. A discussion of these conditions and the subsequent design changes and operational workarounds will be summarized.
ISSN:0096-736X
2577-1531