Custom Flow Meter Applications

Aerospace Engine Testing – The Sky’s the Limit – Hoffer Flow Controls turbine flowmeters to test large propulsion engines within the aerospace industry. Hoffer turbine flowmeters have played a key support role since the early 1960s with work on the Saturn program, the Space Shuttle Program.

Now Hoffer flow meters will be used for testing the first and second stage engines on NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the SLS or Space Launch System. Designed to carry astronauts back to the moon and beyond to Mars, the SLS provides the US with its first manned flight capability since the end of the Space Shuttle Program in August 2011.

NASA Testing of Rocket Engines and Engine Components

NASA conducts most rocket engines and engine components at its state-of-the-art facilities at the John C. Stennis Space Center. Hoffer has a long-standing relationship of supplying the center with flow meters used in the various test programs.

Custom flow meter applications include the smaller size meters 2” and component testing to 8” to 16” meters used for live-fire engine tests conducted at one of the many engine test stands. Fluids measured range from liquid hydrogen and oxygen at cryogenic temperatures down to -400°F and below and various other liquid rocket fuels and gases with operating pressures to as much as 15,000 PSIG.

HO12″X8″ flow meter

Hoffer recently supplied an HO12″X8″ flow meter for testing the second stage engine and its components for the SLS. Moreover, this meter was constructed from a single piece of 316/316L stainless steel material for the high-pressure body. The end connections are Grayloc 12” hub and clamp style connectors with a bore through the body for 8” Hoffer turbine flow meter internals.

With an 8,500 PSIG MAWP and a 5,000 GPM flow rate capacity, the meter weighs in at a hefty 500+ pounds without the mating hubs and connectors. Furthermore, this is but one example of Hoffer’s ability to engineer and construct custom flow measurement solutions. Above all, not only the rigors of rocket engine testing but for a wide variety of other demanding environments.

Hoffer can deliver the solution, whether the application calls for the ability to measure high velocity cryogenic or hypergolic fuels, high operating pressures, special construction materials, or most any other out-of-the-box specification.

Hoffer meters’ success and track record in contributing to the US space program has made them a natural choice for many of the private launch rocket builders that have come into the industry in the past few years.

The United States Air Force also uses Hoffer meters in advanced propulsion system development and is the first choice for several foreign space agencies. We look forward to helping meet the next challenges as humankind moves towards an ever-increasing presence in space for science, exploration, and commercial enterprise.

About Hoffer Flow Controls

Hoffer Flow Controls has been designing and manufacturing quality turbine flowmeters and related process instrumentation for more than fifty years. Our initial experience was in the field of cryogenic flow measurement. Today our reputation in this field is synonymous with quality. Today Hoffer Flow Controls manufactures high-precision turbine flowmeters to measure clean liquids and gases throughout the processing industries. Please be sure to follow Hoffer Flow Control on Linked In

Also, see
Turbine flow meters
Cryogenic Flowmeters