Tank Transfers
AMPAC-ISP Westcott supplies stainless steel transfer tanks that are designed for the safe containment of propellant or simulant for storage and transport purposes. Each 520 liter (137 gallon) vessel is fully certified according to International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) and European Agreement concerning International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Legislation. The design is suitable for use with a wide range of chemicals. AMPAC-ISP UK provides a service for the periodic pressure testing and recertification of transfer tanks within ADR and IMDG regulations.
Pressure Test Facilities
The pressure test facilities at our Westcott site are for conducting high-pressure
tests on complete spacecraft propulsion modules. The facility includes a
test cell and control room with closed circuit television to monitor the
spacecraft during testing.
Pneumatic pressure testing can also be conducted on spacecraft-size systems up to 350 bar (5000 psia), with CCTV monitoring.
Pressurant Supply Facility
The pressurant supply facility provides a mobile, controllable source of high-pressure gas suitable for use in clear rooms and equipment assembly areas where installation of permanent systems is uneconomical.
Flow Calibration Facility
An accurate flow calibration facility is available for the testing of orifices, injectors and similar flow devices. The custom-built flow test facility is situated adjacent to a Class 100,000 clean room manufacturing cell, to reduce production times.
Vibration Test Services
AMPAC-ISP Westcott offers vibration test services for both random and sinusoidal requirements with a force capability of more than 21 kN, with displacements to ± 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Vibration test equipment is housed in a Category 1.3 explosive licensed site, to permit for testing of propellant loaded systems.
Additional Tests
X-ray, magnetic particle and dye penetrant inspection can also be performed at AMPAC-ISP Westcott. High-energy X-ray inspection uses 420 kV Philips equipment that is housed in a Category 1.3 explosive-licensed site, with staff qualified to ASNT Level 3. Magnetic particle inspection is carried out with Johnson & Allen Model 2000 equipment. Dye penetrant inspection uses red or fluorescent dye, to British and ISO standards. Hardness testing is also available using an Avery-Denison Model 6406 Hardness Tester.
High-Altitude Test Facility
AMPAC-ISP Westcott also maintains a high-altitude test facility for evaluating small engine performance with storable propellants under near-vacuum conditions. The test cell is a spherical pressure vessel of approximately 3500 liter (925 gallon) capacity and is fitted with two sapphire windows for thermal imaging, one video camera window and multiple pass-throughs for pressure, temperature, and flow measurements. The thrust stand utilizes a 0.1% accuracy 220 N load cell configured for firing in a horizontal position. The two-stage steam ejection system can achieve an equivalent of 160,000 feet of altitude (0.9 millibar) with an 11 N engine firing. Propellant temperatures of -10°C to 60°C can be achieved.
