A Space Pump Prototype Designed for Operation in Thermal Loops

A pump concept was elaborated based on the COLUMBUS requirements. Mainly the requirements for long life and low-noise operation were taken into consideration in this design. According to the pump concept a model pump for operation in a thermal loop was built and tested with existing Industrial facilities.

Tests revealed that this very compact and light pump fulfils already the hydraulic requirements completely and is near to the low-noise requirement. After a running time of 1000 hrs with the fluids water and liquid ammonia the ceramic bearings show no wear at all. The results allow to expect that this pump concept will fulfil the stringent COLUMBUS requirements.