Proton-PM automated tests of engine turbine impeller

As part of the modernization of the testing base of the Scientific and Production Association “Energomash” named after academician V.P. Glushko (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation), Proton-PM specialists have developed and put into operation an automated system designed to control tests of the rocket engine turbine impeller.

“The created system not only helps to achieve the specified parameters for testing the unit for strength, but also to maintain them in a fairly narrow range throughout the entire process,” explains Alexander Zyryanov, head of the Proton-PM automated process control systems department. “For this purpose, we have developed PID controllers, which, continuously monitoring the parameters, automatically maintain them in the desired range of values.”

The system allows you to automatically control the actuators of the stand, display control parameters in real time in the form of mnemonic diagrams, register measurement information, process parameters, and generate a test report. The interface and operating principles are intuitive, which makes it easier for users to learn. Moreover, the developers have provided a margin for measurement and control channels, for equipment, which means that the system can be reprogrammed to meet new challenges.

“With the commissioning of a new system, turbine impeller tests will be more efficient,” emphasizes Pavel Sukhinin, deputy head of department 754 for production at NPO Energomash. – Previously, it was necessary to involve five specialists at once: two worked at the electrical panels, two more registered and measured the parameters, one manually controlled the temperature of the hot gas from the pneumatic panel. Now the test can be carried out by one specialist from an automated workstation. In addition, emergency protection is provided, which, if the parameters are exceeded or underestimated, will automatically stop testing. ”

Proton-PM continues to fulfill its contractual obligations as part of the modernization of the NPO Energomash test base. By the end of 2020, it is planned to commission two more automated test control systems: oxidizer bearings, as well as fuel and impeller bearings. Both of them have already been installed at the customer’s sites. In 2021, the company’s specialists intend to complete a project to create a modern system for recording parameters during firing tests of rocket engines.

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