Pressure Test Rigs: Aerospace
For a safe flight
Automated load tests for media-carrying components and systems
Testing systems from Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau put fluid systems and components for aerospace applications through tough trials. In service life tests they are subjected to thousands of load cycles. Weak points can thus be identified and eliminated at an early stage. In this way, a level of quality is achieved that meets the highest safety requirements and strengthens confidence in the technology, which further advances the fascination for aerospace.
Flying looks so easy. But the aptitude tests are very challenging. Because if you want to get high, you play it safe. All components and systems are therefore rigorously tested. This applies in particular to the components of the hydraulic system, which sets the elevator and rudder or the landing gear in motion, or the heating and cooling circuits, which ensure that nothing gets too cold or overheats. Hoses, tube lines, tanks and housings of drives, pumps and actuators as well as valves, fittings and screwed connections are subjected to significantly higher stresses in service life tests than in normal operation. This ensures that the systems function reliably even in extraordinary load situations. The risk buffer increases safety for passengers and freight.
Stay cool when the pressure rises
With the PPM 432 pulse test stand, Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau offers a powerful system for testing cooling elements for the aerospace industry. The electronics on board produce a lot of heat which has to be dissipated to ensure that the systems function reliably. The pulse test stand is used to simulate a controlled pressure change in different frequencies and pressure ranges. The system consists of two modules. The supply unit houses the pressure intensifiers, cooling and heating units and the control system. The actual testing takes place in a climate chamber in which the test specimens are tested at a media temperature of -40°F (-40°C) to +320°F (+160°C) and varying environmental conditions from -58°F (-50°C) to +320°F (+160°C). Simultaneously, up to four components can be tested independently of each other in the climatic chamber with the PPM 432. The pressure intensifiers are designed differently for this purpose: One generates a pressure of up to 1000 psi (70 bar), two are designed for up to 4000 psi (275 bar) and one for up to 6000 psi (414 bar). Aerospace oil is used as the test medium.
The PPM 432 pressure pulsation test rig tests cooling elements for the aerospace industry. The pressure changes can be performed in different frequencies and pressure ranges with a sinusoidal or trapezoidal test curve up to 6000 psi (414 bar).
Equipped for every test
The PPM 432 can change the pressure in up to 100 load steps per minute and sets pulses with a frequency of 0.2 Hz to 5 Hz. The test curve is usually controlled with a sinusoidal or trapezoidal curve. But also pressure holding tests and individual pressure curves with 10 points can be performed. Thus, all common test standards, such as ISO, UNI, SAE, ARP or MIL, can be flexibly fulfilled. The test stand is operated via an internal programmable logic controller (PLC) and a panel PC directly at the machine. The integrated LabView software from National Instruments enables efficient data acquisition and visualization. All test procedures and data are automatically stored by the system and can be exported to the network for evaluation. The open software structure allows additional sensors and data to be integrated during the tests. Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau adapts each system individually to the specific needs of the customer and also offers numerous testing services, remote maintenance and technicians on-site.
Time-lapse for long-term tests
A long-term test usually takes 20-30 days, depending on the frequency of the load changes. The temperature and volume flow of the test medium as well as the ambient temperature (if the test takes place in the climatic chamber) vary according to the test specification.
Safe and easy to use
Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau test systems are easy to operate and extremely safe. The test chamber consists of welded stainless steel and a high-strength polycarbonate safety window. Any test sequences created on the PC can simply be called up manually via coded recipe management or by a handheld scanner. The integrated LabView software from National Instruments enables efficient data acquisition and visualization. Test procedures and data are automatically stored on the system and can be exported to the network for evaluation. The open software structure makes it possible to integrate additional sensors and data during testing. Poppe + Potthoff Group can provide numerous testing services, remote maintenance and on-site technicians, if necessary.