Filtration & Flow Control for Spacecraft
Learn how advanced filtration improves propulsion reliability and system performance in space applications.
Featured Speaker
Key Takeaways
Importance of filtration in spacecraft system reliability
Managing contamination in propulsion and fluid systems
Trade-offs between pressure drop and flow performance
Role of porous metal in precision flow control
Design considerations for harsh aerospace environments
Key Questions from the Webinar
How are 3D printed filters mechanically qualified for aerospace applications?
Additively manufactured filters at Mott are qualified through a combination of rigorous process control, application-specific testing, and close collaboration with aerospace customers. Our team supports programs from early design through qualification, performing analytical and destructive testing to validate performance under mission conditions. Components are evaluated for structural integrity, flow performance, and durability to ensure they meet the reliability standards required for flight-critical systems.
What flow rates can be supported for liquid propellant systems?
Flow rates in Mott propellant filtration systems are highly application-specific, ranging from less than 1 SCCM to over 40,000 SCCM depending on system requirements. Filters are engineered to balance flow capacity, pressure drop, and contamination control, with designs tailored to propulsion system needs. Mott also supports custom flow configurations and integrates filtration with flow restrictors and manifolds to ensure stable, repeatable performance across mission-critical operating conditions.
What post-processing is required for LPBF components?
LPBF components at Mott undergo post-processing steps focused on achieving final dimensional accuracy, material integrity, and consistent flow performance. This includes powder removal, machining where needed for critical features, and finishing processes to meet tight tolerances. Post-processing is integrated into a broader manufacturing workflow that includes inspection and validation testing to ensure components meet aerospace performance and qualification requirements.
How does filtration help eliminate porosity in AM parts?
In additive manufacturing, porosity can be either an unintended defect or a deliberately engineered feature. At Mott, porosity is controlled as part of the design, enabling precise pore size, permeability, and flow characteristics for filtration and fluid control applications. Rather than eliminating porosity, Mott’s additive manufacturing processes are optimized to produce consistent, repeatable porous structures that deliver predictable performance in mission-critical systems.
What factors impact flow performance over the product lifecycle?
Flow performance over a product’s lifecycle is influenced by fouling, clogging, and changes in operating conditions. Particles, or other contaminants can accumulate within the filter media, increasing pressure drop and restricting flow. Factors such as flow rate, fluid chemistry, temperature, and system design also play a role. Mott addresses these challenges through engineered pore structures and uniform flow distribution, enabling more predictable pressure drop and stable performance over time in mission-critical applications.
Are any non-metallic porous materials available, such as ceramics?
High-temperature materials, including advanced ceramics, are an important part of Mott’s filtration and flow control solutions, particularly for extreme aerospace environments. Mott develops both porous metal and porous ceramic components engineered for high-temperature stability, corrosion resistance, and demanding fluid management applications. Ceramic materials are used in systems such as thermal protection, thermal management, life support and microgravity fluid control, where performance depends on both material durability and controlled porosity. Material selection ultimately depends on application requirements, including temperature, chemistry, and system design constraints.
