Fluid flow systems often require orifices to control pressure drop or flow rate. These orifices are often retained in bolted housings that require seals and introduce potential leak points into the system.

This locking orifice retaining nut allows for an orifice to be secured inside a fluid flow system and locked in place with redundant locking features to satisfy typical NASA spaceflight requirements, without introducing a fluid leak path.

This seal-freeze design allows for use of a simple disc orifice that can be iteratively tested and sized to optimize system performance characteristics. Because there is no need for a bolted enclosure, or the seals this would require, the invention reduces system complexity and reduces weight.

This work was done by Michael Mowry of Hamilton Sundstrand for Johnson Space Center. For further information, contact the JSC Technology Transfer Office at (281) 483-3809.

Title to this invention has been waived under the provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space Act {42 U.S.C. 2457(f)} to Hamilton Sundstrand. Inquiries concerning licenses for its commercial development should be addressed to:

Hamilton Sundstrand
6633 Canoga Ave.
Canoga Park, CA 91309

Refer to MSC-25336-1.