Innovation

1. Spray Quench System for Directional Solidification Furnaces Isothermal Systems Research, Inc. (ISR)Clarkston, WA Innovation A miniature solenoid-operated pressure swirl atomizer which produces a wide, full-cone spray. • Accomplishments • Spray cooling has the highest performance potential of all the heat removal methods. However, the spray quality is critical to achieving this potential. The key accomplishment is a valved micro-atomizer which does produce the appropriate spray characteristics. • The controlled quench system has the potential to significantly reduce the water usage on space-based materials quenching experiments. Reduced operating pressure requirements can also result in a system weight savings. • Commercialization • A prototype system will demonstrate the capability for advanced, high speed qualification testing and speed grading of processor die. • Efforts are underway to integrate the controlled quench system into a light bulb manufacturing process for reduced operating cost, and improved product yield. • Controlled spray quenching will have many applications in industrial processes such as extruding, direct chill aluminum casting, and heat treating. • The actuated atomizer has potential use as a gasoline injector; it is much smaller, has lower operating pressure requirements, and produces superior atomization over current injector technology. Controlled Spray Quench Ring for the Directional Solidification Furnace • Government/Science Applications • Supports NASA materials research programs which require high cooling rates, controlled cooling rates, or minimization of coolant use. • The control system capability needs to be expanded to cover a broader range of cooling requirements. Points of Contact: - NASA (Denise Swain; 256/544-8112) - Isothermal Systems Research (Charles Tilton; 509/758-2613) 1994 SBIR Phase 2; NAS8-40644 Marshall Space Flight Center Date of Update: 9/11/98 Success Story #: 8-021