Technologies

Celebrating 50 years since humankind’s lunar landing and our significant role in that achievement 

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched and on July 20 was the first landing of humans on the lunar surface with Parker Aerospace making the journey possible - from blast off to first step, and the return. Parker equipment provided vital functions on all three booster stages (first, second, third stage), the Command Service Module (CSM), the Lunar Module (LM), and even the astronauts’ suits.  

From the development of the program, the early tests of Apollo 7 and Apollo 8, the landmark Apollo 11 landing, and through the final Apollo 17 Mission, Parker played an important role in the historic events. Parker Aerospace is proud of the important role played by our engineers and equipment.  

Preparing to launch 

During prelaunch operations and during the mission, Parker made sure the crew and spacecraft were safe. The ground support shutoff valves located in the launch pad complex directed liquid oxygen and fuel to the various Apollo systems. Eight six-inch ball valves were used during the fuel and oxygen fill operations of the first stage. The valves were also used to drain the vehicle in the event of an extended hold condition on the mission. Ten eight-inch pre-valves were used during the fuel and oxygen fill operations for the vehicle second stage 

 

Fluid systems throughout the Apollo vehicle relied on specially designed Parker seals and fittings to prevent leaks that could cause serious mission delay. Critical sealing applications, such as the vehicle observation windows, relied on Parker seals to safeguard the astronauts. High-precision tube fittings, designed to meet exacting NASA specifications, were used throughout the vehicle to ensure leakproof, dependable connections on essential systems. 

 

Lift-off on Apollo 11 

Beginning with ignition through the entire flight of the first stage, the four-inch ball valves circulated and maintained liquid oxygen (LOX) for the engines while the gaseous oxygen (GOX) flow control valve maintained a constant tank pressure during the first-stage operation.  

After burnout and separation of the first stage, the accumulator reservoir manifold assembly (ARMA) provided the hydraulic energy for positioning the second-stage outer engines to assure proper mission trajectory. One hydrogen control valve and one oxygen control valve regulated the second-stage hydrogen and oxygen flow to the propellant tanks to maintain a constant propellant pressure during operation. Propellant shutoff valves were installed in each of the second-stage engine inlet lines. These valves would close in the event of an emergency, to shut off fuel to the malfunctioning engine.  

Translunar Injection 

When the vehicle reached an altitude of approximately 108 miles above the Earth, the second-stage separated, and the third-stage ignited. At the time of ignition, the LOX check valves served a vital function by preventing liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen backflow into their respective supply tanks. Further protection of the all-important third stage was assured with the use of highly reliable hydraulic check valves throughout the hydraulic system.  

During the entire mission, from countdown to separation of the service module prior to re-entry, the Apollo program utilized the Parker fuel cell reactant supply modules and oxygen and hydrogen modules. The fuel cell reactant supply modules controlled the flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cells, which furnished complete mission electrical power. The oxygen and hydrogen modules controlled the temperature and pressure in the oxygen and hydrogen storage tanks. Oxygen used for cabin pressurization was also controlled by this module.  

The oxygen control assembly performed vital pressure control through the entire mission until lift-off from the lunar surface.

The assembly also controlled the oxygen used to pressurize the LM cabin and the astronauts’ suits. In addition, the oxygen control assembly was used to fill the astronauts’ backpacks for their lunar exploration. This assembly received high-pressure oxygen from the LM supply tanks and regulated the pressure to a usable level.  

 
Columbia and Eagle undocking 

When the moment arrived for the astronauts to leave the lunar parking orbit and proceed to the surface of the moon, a command was given for Lunar Module (LM) separation from the Command Service Module (CSM). From here, the reaction control system (RCS) maneuvered using reaction control valves that were used to turn the LM to the descent attitude and control steering and attitude during descent to the surface of the moon. These valves were also critical to astronaut safety during ascent from the lunar surface and during hover, rendezvous, and docking maneuvers.  

Preparations for landing 

The descent engine was used to slow the LM from the lunar parking orbit and guide it to the lunar surface. The engine propellant tanks were pressurized by a Parker pressurization system. This system was comprised of a helium pressure-reducing valve, quad-check valve, burst disc, and relief valve. The helium pressure-reducing valve regulated the LM high-pressure helium, which forced the fuel and oxidizer into the engine.  

The quad-check valve, used in both descent and ascent operations, prevented any backflow that might allow mixing of propellants. The burst disc acted as a seal, preventing propellant liquid or vapors from reaching the relief valve and, causing a corrosive reaction, worked in conjunction with the relief valve to prevent over pressurization of the system.  

When the LM was unpressurized or the space suit umbilical cord was used, a suit loop pressure switch was incorporated in the system to assure maximum astronaut safety in the event of a torn suit.  

Apollo 11’s touchdown on the moon was famously televised on July 20 and the post-lunar landing conversation between astronauts, “Cycle that Parker Valve,” was heard across the world. These valves were used to isolate the propellant feed systems, which were cycled open and closed immediately after landing. For years after, Parker Hannifin President and CEO Pat Parker would jokingly thank NASA and the astronauts for helping with Parker’s first global television advertisement from the moon.  

 
Yesterday and tomorrow 

Parker’s early work on the frontiers of space technology, made possible by our expert engineers and technicians, played a key role in the design, production, and flight of Apollo spacecraft. Parker equipment directly supported the success of Apollo missions as well as its astronaut’s safety.  

The people of Parker Hannifin felt enormous pride during the years of the Apollo’s design, production, and flight. Today, remembering the part Parker played in this incredible achievement, we are still proud and humbled to be part of history.  

 

This post was contributed by Brian King, eBusiness manager for Parker Aerospace. 

 

 

 

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ISO 14001 is recognized as the international standard for environmental management systems and provides organizations/businesses with criteria to follow, which will identify, control, and reduce their environmental impact. Becoming ISO 14001 certified has numerous benefits to businesses, sectors, and activities large or small. ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard that hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide have chosen to become certified in, uniting them in a global goal to reduce the environmental impacts created by companies and businesses, to preserve the natural Earth for future generations.

ISO 14001: was recently updated to ISO 14001: 2015, which introduces a few requirements to a universally beneficial certification. Key benefits of ISO 14001: 2015 include:

• Improved environmental management - Reduce the resources your business consumes and improve efficiency. 
• Legal compliance - Understand regulatory requirements impact on your business and customers.
• Reduce operating cost - Save money through efficiencies in energy and water usage.
• Improved stakeholder relationships - certifications demonstrated to potential customers that you are proactive and responsible.
• Proven business credentials - verification proves and gives recognition to achievements.
• Increase business - business often requires certification as a condition to supply.

 

Parker reducing environmental impact

When becoming ISO 14001:2015 certified, Parker set ambitious goals. Parker's Precision Fluidics Division was getting two trash and one recycling pickup each week. The goal was to reverse those numbers. It was achieved in 18 months by training, raising awareness to all employees, increasing recycling bins throughout the facility with signs/labeling, and constant monitoring. Goals of this magnitude take time and planning, but the environmental rewards are immense.

 

Helping our customers and our team

Parker Precision Fluidics is a great example of a company set on reducing its environmental impact. A goal was set to improve the durability of product packaging and eliminate landfill waste at a customer location by introducing recyclable materials. A few simple adjustments were made such as using recyclable trays instead of bubble wrap, bubble bags, and foam inside each shipping container. The change resulted in energy savings, trash reduction, and reduction in the weight production needed of each box. The total result was almost 64,000 pieces of foam a year eliminated from landfill, 100% percent recyclable packaging, and a simpler tray packaging system.

Transitioning to a tray system reduced the weight the production team needs to handle when transporting from the production cell to shipping, providing a much-appreciated safety and ergonomic improvement. Another exciting feature of the new packaging is that our product is even more secure during shipment. Following the ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) test procedure, Parker validated the new packaging to be an improvement over the non-recycled foam — reducing the risk of shipping damage and increasing the product quality when it's received at our customers' locations.

 

Reduce, reuse and recycle

Another simple adjustment Parker Precision Fluidics has made is utilizing reusable packaging for component parts from repeat vendors. 

The picture to the left is a rack of recycled plastic trays on Parker Precision Fluidics production floor. These trays come from various vendors that make parts for Parker. After the trays are empty, they are shipped back to the vendor and reused. This is a great example of a very simple way to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

Parker Precision Fluidics is an ISO 14001: 2015 certified division of Parker Hannifin that has set both large and small goals that have been beneficial to the company as a whole, our customers, and best of all, the environment. The above examples show how ambitious yet simple goals can have great impacts. The main objective in ISO-14001: 2015 is having continuous improvement and never being content with what you have achieved. 

 

Becoming certified

The first step in becoming ISO 14001:2015 certified is to define your objective. What does your company want to achieve by getting this certification? Make sure you have the support of senior management. Take the time to review any existing processes and systems pertinent to environmental impact. If desired, third-party certifications are available that will conduct audits of your practices against the requirements standards. ISO does not perform certification. For more information about the certification process, visit www.iso.org.

To learn more about Parker Precision Fluidics Division, visit our website or call 603-595-1500 to speak with an engineer.

 

Article contributed by Jamie Campbell, pump product manager, Parker Precision Fluidics Division, Mooresville, NC. Jamie is constantly looking for new ways to reduce and recycle at the Mooresville location. 

 

 

 

 

 

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ISO 14001 is recognized as the international standard for environmental management systems and provides organizations/businesses with criteria to follow, which will identify, control, and reduce their environmental impact. Becoming ISO 14001 certified has numerous benefits to businesses, sectors, and activities large or small. ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard that hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide have chosen to become certified in, uniting them in a global goal to reduce the environmental impacts created by companies and businesses, to preserve the natural Earth for future generations.

ISO 14001: was recently updated to ISO 14001: 2015, which introduces a few requirements to a universally beneficial certification. Key benefits of ISO 14001: 2015 include:

• Improved environmental management - Reduce the resources your business consumes and improve efficiency. 
• Legal compliance - Understand regulatory requirements impact on your business and customers.
• Reduce operating cost - Save money through efficiencies in energy and water usage.
• Improved stakeholder relationships - certifications demonstrated to potential customers that you are proactive and responsible.
• Proven business credentials - verification proves and gives recognition to achievements.
• Increase business - business often requires certification as a condition to supply.

 

Parker reducing environmental impact

When becoming ISO 14001:2015 certified, Parker set ambitious goals. Parker's Precision Fluidics Division was getting two trash and one recycling pickup each week. The goal was to reverse those numbers. It was achieved in 18 months by training, raising awareness to all employees, increasing recycling bins throughout the facility with signs/labeling, and constant monitoring. Goals of this magnitude take time and planning, but the environmental rewards are immense.

 

Helping our customers and our team

Parker Precision Fluidics is a great example of a company set on reducing its environmental impact. A goal was set to improve the durability of product packaging and eliminate landfill waste at a customer location by introducing recyclable materials. A few simple adjustments were made such as using recyclable trays instead of bubble wrap, bubble bags, and foam inside each shipping container. The change resulted in energy savings, trash reduction, and reduction in the weight production needed of each box. The total result was almost 64,000 pieces of foam a year eliminated from landfill, 100% percent recyclable packaging, and a simpler tray packaging system.

Transitioning to a tray system reduced the weight the production team needs to handle when transporting from the production cell to shipping, providing a much-appreciated safety and ergonomic improvement. Another exciting feature of the new packaging is that our product is even more secure during shipment. Following the ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) test procedure, Parker validated the new packaging to be an improvement over the non-recycled foam — reducing the risk of shipping damage and increasing the product quality when it's received at our customers' locations.

 

Reduce, reuse and recycle

Another simple adjustment Parker Precision Fluidics has made is utilizing reusable packaging for component parts from repeat vendors. 

The picture to the left is a rack of recycled plastic trays on Parker Precision Fluidics production floor. These trays come from various vendors that make parts for Parker. After the trays are empty, they are shipped back to the vendor and reused. This is a great example of a very simple way to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

Parker Precision Fluidics is an ISO 14001: 2015 certified division of Parker Hannifin that has set both large and small goals that have been beneficial to the company as a whole, our customers, and best of all, the environment. The above examples show how ambitious yet simple goals can have great impacts. The main objective in ISO-14001: 2015 is having continuous improvement and never being content with what you have achieved. 

 

Becoming certified

The first step in becoming ISO 14001:2015 certified is to define your objective. What does your company want to achieve by getting this certification? Make sure you have the support of senior management. Take the time to review any existing processes and systems pertinent to environmental impact. If desired, third-party certifications are available that will conduct audits of your practices against the requirements standards. ISO does not perform certification. For more information about the certification process, visit www.iso.org.

To learn more about Parker Precision Fluidics Division, visit our website or call 603-595-1500 to speak with an engineer.

 

Article contributed by Jamie Campbell, pump product manager, Parker Precision Fluidics Division, Mooresville, NC. Jamie is constantly looking for new ways to reduce and recycle at the Mooresville location. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parker’s 2018 Sustainability Report Highlights Commitment to Social Responsibility

Parker’s Sustainability Report Highlights Local Impact of Global Commitment to Responsible Operations

 

Whether it be a classic automotive transmission design or the latest in electric vehicle technology, there is always a need to move high-pressure fluid through different operational systems.

Cooling systems are required for the battery storage compartment in both hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Whether the system is water or oil cooled, these fluids need to be pushed around and through various components to dissipate the unwanted heat.

 

Space limitations allow no room for leak paths

Automatic transmissions have an elaborate series of fluid circuits, or passages, required to feed the oil necessary to engage the hydraulic clutches. This is especially true with the newer eight, nine, and ten-speed transmissions. This increase in the components within the transmission also reduces the amount of available space for each clutch requiring that all space within the transmission case be used with the utmost efficiency.

Movement of fluid from the pump to the main control, to the appropriate clutch, sometimes requires the most direct route. This can require cutting through and/or across different components opening up potential leak paths in the circuit. In other applications, the circuit may need to be manipulated around components or systems that cannot be moved. A large leak can cause only partial engagement of the clutch piston resulting in a burnt clutch and very costly repair or even rebuild of the transmission. Even a small fluid leak results in a loss of system overall efficiency.

In the past, many of these joints were sealed utilizing an O-ring placed in a shallow counterbore and compressed axially against the mating component. These seals were prone to becoming dislodged before the mating component could be assembled resulting in cut seals or even the seals missing altogether. In addition, having different sized ports in close proximity to each other often resulted in the O-rings being mixed up into the wrong locations.

 

Customizable fluid transfer sealing reduces warranty costs

Parker engineers have developed multiple fluid transfer sealing technologies that can be customized for different applications. Designed with a metal insert to provide resistance to seal extrusion into the gap between components under fluid pressure, the boot type sealing lip configuration can accommodate wider axial tolerance stack conditions without losing sealing performance. In addition, the ribbed outer diameter provides a low assembly force interference fit into the bore. Secure positioning of the seal in the bore is ensured until the mating component is secured into place. Mis-builds are eliminated, thus improving first time through capability and reducing warranty costs.

Custom multi-port configurations can be designed to meet specific application needs. The positioning of the different seals in the carrier reduces complexity by providing a single component solution. Mixed seal locations are also eliminated.

Many different elastomers are also available to meet specific application requirements. Our Parker chemists have compounds available to ensure performance for chemical compatibility to the media being sealed, as well as solutions for very high or even very low-temperature applications. Custom materials can also be developed to satisfy unique requirements.

Please contact one of Parker O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division applications engineers who can assist you in solving your fluid transfer sealing system needs.

 

Article contributed by Scott A. Van Luvender, automotive applications engineering manager, Engineered Materials Group.

 

 

 

 

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Mixing high- and medium-pressure fittings or incompatible parts makes systems unstable, inefficient and potentially dangerous. At worst, it can cause a potentially fatal explosion.

At Parker, we’re all about making our products safe as possible and helping customers to minimise risk. Safety doesn’t happen by accident, so you need to know how to avoid the risk and what to do if you come across a mixed-pressure connection that could be hazardous.

Dangerous connections

Our engineers have recently come across situations where customers have created system connections using components with different pressure ratings. These instances are rare, but they can and do happen; creating unnecessary risks for everyone using the system.

If a Medium pressure tube is machined with High pressure tooling, this reduces the wall thickness below safe limits, and can lead to catastrophic failure. Similarly, combining a High pressure fitting with a Medium pressure tube means the male and female connections will not fit correctly. It may seem like the threads match, but the gland nuts will not engage to the required depth for the system to remain safe. The mechanical properties of the metals used in High and Medium pressure fittings are very different, meaning medium pressure units cannot withstand the application of high pressure.

Different pressure-rated fittings just don’t mix, and there’s no safe way to combine Medium and High pressure elements. Mixing different types of connections, product lines or parts from different manufacturers is also dangerous and removes any warranties.

Remember, just because something "can be done", doesn't mean that it "should be done"!

How it happens

The diagram below shows how the positions of collars and glands are different, depending on the pressure of the connection.

Fig. 1. The difference in positions of collars and glands in medium and high pressure connections.

Avoiding and reducing risk

We recommend that you never mix together:

• High pressure and Medium pressure Parker Autoclave Engineers parts
• Parker parts with those from other manufacturers.

All Parker Autoclave Engineers fittings carry our manufacturer’s name, part number, material, heat code and maximum pressure rating. We also make it easy to distinguish between different pressure ranges by clear notch markings on High pressure nuts.

Parker Instrumentation Products Division provides specialist SBEx (Small Bore Expert) safety training on correct and safe assembly of instrument connections to improve safety and skills across the engineering sector. For further support you can contact your local Parker Instrumentation Products distributor or visit our website.

Fig. 2. Notch marking on Parker Autoclave Engineer's High pressure fitting nuts provides differentiation from Parker's other pressure fittings.

Making a safe connection

If you need to assemble Medium pressure with High pressure in one system, we recommend the use of Parker adapters. For safety reasons, the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) rating is based on the lowest rating of any component (Maximum 20,000 psi).

Fig 3. Male-to-male medium-pressure to high-pressure adapter.

The second adapter (Fig. 4) overcomes the problem of the final rotational position not being predictable, making it safe and practical to use when positioning elbow/tee fittings and valves.

Fig. 4. Male-to-male adapter.

 

Download Parker Autoclave Engineers adapters technical catalogue.

If you find a mixed-build connection

If you come across a mixed-pressure arrangement, you should immediately isolate, remove and replace it with a proper connection using matching and compatible Parker parts. Otherwise, there is a real risk of failure or burst that could lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in injury or death.

Learn more about Parker Autoclave Engineers range of fittings and tubing suitable for low, medium and high pressure applications:

Parker Autoclave Engineers cone and thread fittings - up to 150,000 psi

Parker Autoclave Engineers Tubing - from 15,000 psi to 150,000 psi

 

Article contributed by Franck Grignola, product manager EMEA - high pressure, Instrumentation Products Division Europe.

 

 

 

 

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The situation More about catalytic (CAT) fines

Cat fines will damage fuel injection equipment. The fines are particles of spent aluminium and silicon catalyst that arise from the catalytic cracking process in the refinery. The fines are in a form of complex alumino-silicates and, depending on the catalyst used, vary both in size and hardness. If not reduced by suitable treatment, the abrasive nature of these fines will damage the engine, particularly fuel pumps, injectors, piston rings and liners.

 

Catalyst Fines (Al & Si)

If stored for long periods of time, catalyst fines may settle out of the fuel and build up as sediment in storage tanks.  If the tanks are not drained regularly, this sludge can be disturbed in heavy weather and enter the fuel system.
 

The figure shows the distribution of combined aluminium and silicon in residual fuel worldwide. It may be seen that over 90% of the samples have a combined aluminium value less than 40 mg/kg. ISO 8127:2010 contains a limit for aluminium and silicon combined of 60mg/kg for residual fuel categories RMG and RMK. There are lower limits for lower viscosity fuels.

 

 

Reduction of catalyst fines to an acceptable level for inlet to the engine takes place in the settling tank and the centrifuge. The extent of this reduction depends on the water content of the fuel, as catalyst fines are “hydrophilic”, in that they attract water and become contained in a water shell. Inclusion in the fuel of significant volumes of used lube oil may also limit the effective removal of fines.

The rate of settling is determined by Stokes’ Law, which takes account of the particle size, difference in density of the catalyst fine and the fuel, and the viscosity of the fuel. Various values are quoted for the density of catalyst fines, but in reality, they may be likened to honeycombed structures, which retard the rate of separation. This is further hindered by the outer shell of water by virtue of the close proximity of the density of water to that of the fuel.

The extent of the removal also depends on the height of the tank (fixed) and the size of the particles (variable). As far as the centrifuge is concerned, the critical factor is the relationship between the actual viscosity of the fuel and that for which the centrifuge was sized. If there is a difference in viscosity, the residence time of the fuel in the centrifuge will be greater than the design value; hence directionally the centrifuge should be able to remove fines of a smaller size. Whilst this approach is theoretically correct, the operational result is totally dependent on the size distribution of the fines. With the introduction of modern centrifuges without gravity discs, the recommendation is now to operate all available in parallel, which enables the flow through each to be reduced to the minimum practical level. The fuel is afforded the longest residence time in the centrifuges and the highest separation efficiency can be achieved.  Combined output should be equal to the consumption. The temptation of using a higher rate so the daily service tank overflows back to the settling tank and is re-circulated should be avoided.

 

To learn how the combination of offline and online condition monitoring techniques, both on-board and on-shore, can be successfully used to prevent engine damage and avoid unplanned maintenance, download our white paper "The Importance of Effective Cylinder Oil Condition Monitoring in Two-Stroke Diesel Engines".

 

Article contributed by the Hydraulic Filtration Team, Parker Kittiwake, part of Parker's Hydraulic and Industrial Process Filtration Division. 

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