Leak - Rate Instrumentation for Saturn Systems

Development is being completed on transducers capable of aerospace flight detection of small gas flowrates. Primarily intended for monitoring of possible leaks from critical joints in the Saturn engine systems, the transducers could find application in other situations involving similar flowrates. Details of methods used on the J-2 and F-1 engines for leak monitoring are given. Principles of operation are given. Leakage rates up to about 25 cubic centimeters per second (standard temperature and pressure) can be measured. The basic types include units for gaseous oxygen, gaseous hydrogen, hot exhaust gases, and RP-1 fuel.