Impact of Doering's NASA Project Long Lasting

bladders, the contents wouldn’t release until the extinguisher handle was squeezed, trigger ing the flow. That opened two cartridge valves and allowed the nitrogen and water to mix before discharging through the nozzle. The effervescent water would put out flames in an open cabin, and a special wand extension attached to the nozzle could reach fires behind an instrument rack or wall.

The success of the new extinguisher hinged on one part—a zero-leak valve. Doering Company of Clear Lake, Minnesota, provided that critical part. Zero-leak valves were already part of Doering’s catalog, but the level of performance required by NASA is not the industry standard. Doering was able to make an existing zero-leak valve meet the exacting requirements for space.

During the 10-year development of the fine-water-mist extinguisher, specialists like Doering were contracted to create specialized components such as the zero-leak valve. The project team established fire test standards for microgravity environments and built a technology suitable for use in space and on earth. The final product exceeded the project’s requirements.

Nine new fine-water-mist fire extinguishers built to replace the original CO 2 fire suppression devices arrived on the International Space Station by 2016. Due to a secrecy agreement with NASA, the story of Doering’s zero-leak valve was just released in the last week of April 2020.

Doering’s zero-leak valve is getting ready for another trip into space. NASA is developing the next-generation fine-watermist fire extinguishers using the same valve. The new fire extinguisher is planned for the Orion spacecraft, which is currently at Kennedy Space Center in Florida undergoing final preparations for launch on the unmanned Artemis I mission in 2021. 

IMPACT OF DOERING’S

PROJECT LONG LASTING

By Michael Degan, Editor

Doering's zero leak valve

When U.S. astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken boarded the International Space Station on May 31, a new type of fire extinguisher was at the ready in case of an emergency.

It took 10 years to develop the innovative firefighting device, and a Clear Lake, Minnesota, fluid power company had a hand in producing it.

Wyle Laboratories of Houston, the prime contractor for the fire extinguisher that NASA had ordered for the space station, needed a zero-leak valve and contacted Doering Company, a manufacturer of precision valves and pumps.

“We had a niche market for that type of qualification,” Russ Doering, then-president and CEO of the eponymous company, told Fluid Power Journal. “So they reached out to us based on our reputation.”

Doering said the company already produced the zero-leak valve Wyle needed, but demonstrating that it could do the job was the challenge.

“You have to be able to prove it,” Doering said. “The NASA test engineers developed the criteria that we had to meet as far as leakage to pass the test of holding that pressure for 12 or 15 years at 1,200 psi.

“We bought the same test equipment that NASA was using so that we were on the same page as far as results. It was a matter of elevating our inspection, our validation process, our documentation.”

Though the zero-leak valve needed for the project existed, the company did have to tweak it some.

“I was quite confident from day one that we’d be able to give them what they were looking for. In the journey to get there, we did make some changes to the product to make it even better than it was before we started working with them. We were able to end up meeting their expectations.”

The valve’s job is to hold pressure in the two chambers of the new fine-water-mist portable fire extinguisher.

“Internally the fire extinguisher is separated into two compartments,” Doering said. “One pressurized with 1,200 psi of water. The other chamber is nitrogen, also 1,200 psi. The valves keep those pressurized elements contained. When the fire extinguisher needs to be used, the lever controlled by the operator simultaneously opens both of the Doering valves.”

Doering shipped the valves in the spring of 2014. Within two years, NASA had made nine fire extinguishers and placed them in the International Space Station. Each one contains two Doering valves.

The impact of the developments made in the prestigious project will be long lasting, Doering said.

“It was an existing base product, but there were advances and improvements in design. Those technologies are being applied now to other valves that are available. It has an ongoing life after that particular project.” 

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Filtration Solutions for Low-Flow Applications Anodized aluminum housings with all stainless steel filter elements for flow rates up to 15 gpm and 3000 psi. Pipe sizes ranging from ¼” to 1” npt and SAE straight threads, too. You choose your level of filtration from 5 to 595 microns. Positive o-ring seal and cleanable element. In stock.

Flow Ezy Filters, Inc. Call today to get a quote and enjoy same day shipping!

Phone: 800-237-1165 Email: fl owezy@fl owezyfi lters.com Website: www.fl owezyfi lters.com Aignep USA is now offering our FLUIDITY line of Fluid Solenoid Valves! A complete range of direct and indirect acting solenoid operated fluid control valves with high end materials of construction provide piece of mind and assured operation in the most demanding applications. Sold fully assembled or by individual component.

Fax: 800-252-1730

www.aignepusa.com

615-771-6650 High Pressure Equipment Introduces T-Series High Performance Liquid Pumps The new T-Series pneumatically operated liquid pumps have been engineered to provide an extremely safe, reliable and durable hydraulic power source for applications up to 68,000 psi. Combining HiP's high pressure expertise with Graco's extensive pump engineering background, T-Series pumps address many of the shortcomings commonly found in today's air-driven liquid pumps. Premium T-Series pumps are built to run at their maximum rated pressure and feature a robust motor and seal design that delivers

Corrosion Resistant Window Sights Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, rust, and staining. It maintains its appearance over long periods and minimizes unwanted bonding between parts. Sight glasses enable viewing inside a reservoir, hydraulic line, or machine compartment. Oil-Rite offers 303 stainless steel window sights with straight or NPT threads. Made in the USA.

Oil-Rite Corporation www.oilrite.com (920) 682-6173 • sales@oilrite.com a long service life. In addition, these pumps do not require a lubricated air source.

HiP T-Series pumps achieve a "bubble tight" pressure stall that can be used for high pressure applications such as bolt tensioning, pressure testing, jacking, hydraulic power units, proof testing components, valve actuation and more.

2955 W. 17th St. • Erie, PA 16505 • Phone: 814-838-2028 pumpsales@highpressure.com • www.HighPressure.com/T-Series

New—Flat Face Design "TVF" HITACHI FLANGELOCK TM Series Quick Disconnect  • Up to 6,000 PSI Operating Pressure— AND CAP KITS AVAILABLE Coupled or Uncoupled  • Full 4:1 Safety Factor  • Superior Flow Characteristics—Minimal Part number Part description Applicable machines Number of parts Pressure Drop Weight (kg)

SWINGFLGLCK2062

SWINGCAP2062

TRAVELFLGLCK2462 Swing hose FlangeLock TM kit

Swing circuit cap kit

Travel hose FlangeLock TM kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000

EX3600, EX5600, EX8000

EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 16 x 2062U - red FlangeLock TM  • RoHS Compliant Plating 6.7

 • Multiple Port Options—Female NPTF, 16 x 2062 - cap 4.5

Female SAE O-Ring, Female BSPP,

16 x 2462U - purple FlangeLock TM 7.7 Code 61 & 62 Flange Port/Head

High Performance PVB Series Pumps TRAVELCAP2462 Travel circuit cap kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 16 x 2462 - cap 6.4 P.O. Box 6479 • Fort Worth, TX 76115 for Industrial Applications FRONTATTFLGLCK326162 Front attachment FlangeLock TM kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 14 x 3262U - black FlangeLock TM 4 x 3261U - black & silver FlangeLock TM 8.9 817.923.1965 • www.hydraulicsinc.com

Our PVB series replacement units are in-line variable displacement piston pumps that have FRONTATTCAP326162 Front attachment cap kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 14 x 3262 - cap 4 x 3261 - cap 9.5 excellent operating features and are capable BOOMARCHFLGLCK3262 Boom arch hose FlangeLock TM kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 20 x 3262U - black FlangeLock TM 9.9 High Pressure Valves of operating with BOOMARCHCAP3262 many types of hydraulic fluid. Boom arch hose cap kit EX3600, EX5600, EX8000 20 x 3262 - cap and Fittings 11.3

These units are durable, offer a long service SPIR STAR is recognized as a life, and are available in six displacements to CONTAMINATION CONTROL leading provider of high-pressure meet the demands of many applications. These Routine and scheduled maintenance of hydraulic systems are vital to getting the most out of your Hitachi Mining Excavator. While fluid control products including hose units are fit, form and function replacements for Vickers® PVB series components. maintenance plays the largest role in the prevention of unnecessary machine downtime, it can also expose the hydraulic system to high levels of contamination rapidly decreasing component longevity. The importance of contamination control is sometimes overlooked when performing maintenance due to incorrect practices being used. assemblies, valves, fittings, adapters, quick disconnects and tubing. SPIR THE FLANGELOCK ™ TOOL AND CIRCUIT BLANKING CAPS STAR valves are trusted and proven The FlangeLock ™ tool and caps are the ultimate contamination control tools for protecting your hydraulic system. The FlangeLock ™ products with a reputation for quality allows for the simple sealing of open hydraulic flanges without tools while the caps can be bolted in place of a flange connection. and durability including needle, Easy on, easy off, they offer a leak-proof solution to hydraulic systems and environmental cleanliness. FlangeLock ™ tools and caps stop the mess. ball and check valves with working

Metaris – A Hydraulex Brand pressures up to 60,000 psi as well as For more information, call us at 1-800-422-4279 or visit www.hydraulex.com HITACHI MAKING CONTAMINATION CONTROL EASY Hitachi have packaged FlangeLock ™ tool and caps specifically for Hitachi mining excavators. The Hitachi customised kits make sure no matter which component routine maintenance is being performed on, you will always have the exact air actuated, relief, double block and bleed and non-standard custom number of FlangeLocks ™ * and caps to help reduce contamination. valves as required. *Note: FlangeLocks ™ are not to be used under pressure

800.890.7827 • sales@spirstar.com spirstar.com • spirstarvalves.com

Call you local Hitachi Muswellbrook representative or the branch on 02 6541 6300 for more information.  • No tools required  • No expensive hardware needed  • No more rags stuffed into hoses  • No more messy plastic caps  • The ultimate contamination control tool  • One hand installation  • Eliminate hydraulic oil spills & clean up  • Quick installation & ease of usage Stop The Mess! SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY SAVE LABOR SAVE OIL Motor Crossover? No Problem! FluiDyne Fluid Power can offer you quick upturn to any downtime with our full line of hydraulic motors. Our high torque, low speed motors are available in J, H, S, 211, 500, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 10,000 series. They are the same form, fit and function as the popular brands: Eaton/Charlynn, White, Ross, Parker, TRW and Danfoss. FluiDyne’s motors are offered in nickel plating and epoxy coating to keep them running strong in severe environments or wash down situations. Our motors are 100% performance tested  • Safe for personnel & environment and are ready for immediate shipment. Each motor has 18 month  • Industry acclaimed warranty, so if you have any problems, we have a solution. Call, For more information, email, chat…we’re ready to help. call 203-861-9400 or email 586.296.7200 sales@flangelock.com. sales@fluidynefp.com www.flangelock.com www.fluidynefp.com

Introducing—9S Series Investment Cast Swivels The "9S" Series swivels represent one of the most complete range of sizes and configurations available to industry. This series has been redesigned to incorporate a one-piece barrel arrangement, thus eliminating the need for braze joints. These swivels are pressure balanced with operating pressures up to 5,000 psi. All configurations are designed with a 4:1 Safety Factor and include RoHS compliant zinc plating.

P.O. Box 6479 • Fort Worth, TX 76115 V. 817/923-1965 • www.hydraulicsinc.com

www.coxreels.com Coxreels TDMP Dual Hydraulics Series The Coxreels dual hydraulic reels feature single sided access for both the spring and the swivel. The supply and return lines are conveniently located on the same side of the reel and hook-up to an external fluid path via a removable dual-port hydraulic swivel and are all installed over an easy-to-service spring cartridge motor.

This design, unique to the industry, allows for service of the main components without removal of the reel when the reel is installed into truck body boxes. The TDMP is robustly built for capacities up to 50’, with triple axel support, dual arm guides, heavy gauge steel construction, durable polyester powder coat, rolled and ribbed discs, and stainless steel hose guide rollers. Go ahead. Push me. Ordinary heavy duty not heavy enough?

Heavy-Duty Mill Cylinders for:

 • Induction-Hardened, Chrome-Plated Rods  • Heavy Wall Tubing  • Replaceable Glands & Retainer Rings  • High-Load Piston Design

Think indestructible and call Yates. www.yatesind.com

Yates Industries (HQ) 586.778.7680 Yates Cylinders Alabama 256.351.8081 Yates Cylinders Georgia 678.355.2240 Yates Cylinders Ohio 513.217.6777

TARGET

YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH

GEO-FENCING

Reach attendees at industry events via Fluid Power Journal’s geo-fencing program. Through geo-fencing you will be able to tap into a highly targeted audience of potential clients who are actively in the market for your products and services. With geo-fencing we are able to create a virtual geographic boundary around an area by means of GPS or RFID technology. We are then able to serve your digital marketing message to people that enter this virtual fence and have their mobile location services turned on.

Contact your FPJ sales rep for more information.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING Programmatic Division

ADVERTISER INDEX

Company...........................................................Page ..................... Phone............................................................................................Web AGI - American Grippers Inc. ........................................ 24 ............ 203-459-8345.........www.agi-automation.com/product-category/o-ring-assembly Aignep USA..........................................Inside back, 25, 36 ............ 615-771-6650..............................................................................www.aignepusa.com CFC Industrial Training .................................................. 27 .........1-513-874-3225....................................................................... cfcindustrialtraining.com Clippard Instrument Lab Inc. ....................Back cover, 25 ............ 877-245-6247..................................................................................www.clippard.com COXREELS .................................................................. 7, 38 ............ 480-820-6396................................................................................. www.coxreels.com Creative Services............................................................ 11 ............ 610-923-0380.............................................................................www.idpcreative.com Emerson Automation Solutions/ASCO ................. 12, 21 .........1-800-972-2726..........................................................Emerson.com/foodandbeverage Festo Corp .................................................Inside front, 12 .........1-800-993-3786................................................................................ www.festo.us/stars Flange Lock ................................................................ 9, 37 ............ 203-861-9400..............................................................................www.flangelock.com Flow Ezy Filters Inc ........................................................ 36 ........... 1-88-237-1165.........................................................................www.flowezyfilters.com Fluidyne Fluid Power................................................ 23, 37 ............ 586-296-7200 ..............................................................................www.fluidynefp.com Graco High Pressure Equipment Company................ 36 ............ 814-838-2028.........................................................www.HighPressure.com/T-Series Hydraulex.................................................................. 11, 37 .........1-800-323-8416............................................................................... www.hydraulex.com Hydraulics International Inc. ..................................... 5, 12 ............ 818-407-3400 ...........................................................................................hiigroup.com Hydraulics, Inc. ............................................... 7, 30, 37, 38 ............ 817-923-1965......................................................................... www.hydraulicsinc.com Innovative Hydraulics LLC....................................16 to 17 ............ 715-803-2600..................................................................... https://innovativehyd.com Inserta Products......................................................... 5, 24 ............ 215-643-0192 ...................................................................................www.inserta.com Lubriplate, Inc. ...................................................................3 ............ 800-733-4755................................................................................www.lubriplate.com Main Manufacturing Products Inc. .............................. 12 .........1-800-521-7918.......................................................................... www.mainmfg.com/fpj MOCAP INC .................................................................... 30 ............ 800-633-6775 ...................................................................................www.mocap.com Oil-Rite Corp.................................................................... 36 ............ 920-682-6173...................................................................................... www.oilrite.com Spir Star Inc............................................................... 22, 37 .........1-800-890-7827...................................................................................www.spirstar.com Targeted Display Advertising........................................ 38 ............ 610-923-0380......................... fluidpowerjournal.com/targeted-display-advertising VEST Inc......................................................................... 39 .........1-248-649-9550.................................................................................. www.vestusa.com Yates Industries Inc. ...................................... 1, 12, 22, 38 ............ 586-778-7680................................................................................. www.yatesind.com

FILL OUT THIS CARD COMPLETELY, DETACH, AND MAIL OR FAX IT TO START YOUR SUBSCRIPTION MAIL TO: PO BOX 2548 • ORLANDO, FL 32802-9830 • FAX: 1-866-207-1450 YOU CAN ALSO SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WWW.FLUIDPOWERJOURNAL.COM.

01  YES! Please start/continue my complimentary subscription to the Fluid Power Journal 02 

NO. Not interested.

Signature (required) Title (required) Date (required)

Telephone Fax E-mail

Please Type or Print Clearly:

First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Company Division Web Address

Address Mail Stop

City State Zip Code

 Check here if you would like to keep your name, address, phone and fax numbers confidential, and not released to third parties The address above is my:  Home Address  Business Address

Which edition would you like to receive?

Print Digital Both

(View a sample of our PAPERLESS digital edition at www.fluidpowerjournal.com)

1. Do you specify, select or influence the purchase of components & systems, on new or existing machinery? 03  Yes 04  No.

If yes, which technologies? (check all that apply) 05  Hydraulic 06  Pneumatic 07  Vacuum 08  Electronic Controls 09  None of These

2. What is your primary job title? (check only one) 10  Administration: Chairman, President, V.P., Secretary, Treasury, General Manager, Owner, Business Manager, Director, etc. 11  Plant Operations: VP of Manufacturing/ Operation/ Production, Plant Management/ Director/ Manager/ Supervisor/ Superintendent/ Foreman/ Safety Director, etc. 12  Engineering: V.P. Eng., Eng., Design Eng., Director of Eng., Staff Specialist, Chief Eng., Senior Eng., Maintenance/Production Eng., etc. 13  Technical: Chief Tech., Fluid Power Tech., etc. 14  Mechanical: Chief Master Mech., Master Mech., Fluid Power Mech., etc. 15  Purchasing: VP/Director of Purch., Procurement Manager, Buyer, Purch., etc. 16  Other: (please specify)_________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Number of employees at this location?

A  1-19 B  20-49 C  50-99 D  100-249 E  250-499 F  500-999 G  1000+

4. What is the primary business activity at this location?

In the Fluid Power Industry, Outside the Fluid Power Industry 56  Manufacturer 57  Distributor 58  Education 59  Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) 60  End User of Fluid Power Products 61  Other: (please specify)__________________________________________

5. Which of the following best describes your market focus?

A  Aerospace A  Marine & Offshore Equipment

B  Agricultural Machinery B  Material Handling Equipment

C  Automotive C  Mining Machinery

D  Civil Engineering D  Packaging Machinery

E  Cranes E  Plastic Machinery

F  Drills & Drilling Equip. F  Presses & Foundry

G  Flame Cutting/Welding Equip. G  Railroad Machinery

H  Food Machinery H  Road Construct/Maint. Equip.

I  Forestry I  Simulators & Test Equipment

J  Furnaces J  Snow Vehicles, Ski Lifts

K  Gas & Oilfield Machinery K  Steel Plants & Rolling Mills

L  Heavy Construction & Equip. L  Truck & Bus Industry

M  Military Vehicles M  Textile Machinery

N  Construction & Utility Equip. N  Woodworking Machines

O  Machine Tools O  Other (specify)_____________

P  Government Related P  Fluid Power Industry MY COMPANY SHOULD BE ADVERTISING IN OR SUBMIT AN ARTICLE TO THE FLUID POWER JOURNAL. PLEASE CONTACT THIS PERSON:

NAME: _____________________________________

TITLE: ______________________________________

SCAN HERE