Aerospace / Space

Typical aerospace applications

Propulsion R&D and thruster testing

From satellite thrusters to air breathing test articles, propulsion labs require repeatable gas/liquid mass flow control, rapid set point changes, hazardous area options, and high pressure operation.

Relevant products:

• Alicat CODA Coriolis meters/controllers – direct mass flow & density for gases/liquids, up to 240 bar option; excellent at low flows and resistant to vibration.
• Alicat ISMCQ Intrinsically Safe MFCs - ATEX/IECEx Zone 0, up to 22 bar; ideal where explosive atmospheres may be present.
• Alicat MCR High Flow Gas MFCs - up to 10 000 SLPM for purge, inerting and high volume supply on engine/combustion rigs.

• Key benefits:

  • Accuracy & repeatability - at both ultra low and very high flows improves test fidelity and data correlation
  • Safety & compliance - via ATEX/IECEx options for fuels/oxidisers test areas
  • Fast dynamics (ms level response) - reduce settling time between points to accelerate test schedules

Fuels & hydraulics (Skydrol® and fuels)

Aircraft hydraulic systems use phosphate ester fluids (e.g., Skydrol®). Test rigs also monitor fuel, lube and coolant flows with high accuracy and robustness.

Relevant products:

• Lake P Series Variable Area meters (Phosphate Ester) – built for Skydrol® type fluids, up to 414 bar, choice of seals and sizes.
• LX Liquid Turbine Flowmeters – ±0.5% of reading, low pressure drop, ATEX intrinsically safe pickoffs/displays available.

• Key benefits:

  • Fluid compatibility with phosphate esters to avoid seal/swelling issues on hydraulics rigs.
  • High linearity and repeatability for fuel/coolant characterization and endurance testing.

Altitude and vacuum simulation

Environmental labs simulate high altitude/space vacuum conditions; tight, hysteresis free control is essential for chambers and ejector systems.

Relevant products:

• Equilibar EVR Vacuum Regulators – high resolution vacuum control from ¼" to 4"; stainless or polymer bodies for chemical compatibility.
• Equilibar Dome loaded Back Pressure Regulators (GSD series) – ultra stable upstream pressure for recirculation loops, ejector primaries and injector testing.

• Key benefits:

  • Frictionless diaphragm technology eliminates stiction for fast, stable control across wide flow ranges.
  • Wide materials/temperature range for compatibility with harsh test media and conditions.

Synthetic atmospheres & gas mixing

Combustion studies, sensor calibration and environmental simulation demand precise multi gas recipes with fast step changes and robust data logging.

Relevant products:

• Fusion Flow MXM Precision Gas Mixers – up to 10 channels, ±0.6% accuracy, 25ms response, flows from 200SCCM to 50,000SLPM
• Fusion Flow IMX Industrial Gas Mixers – up to 4 channels, ruggedised for 24/7 factory use.

• Key benefits:

  • Repeatable synthetic atmospheres and stoichiometry control improve experiment consistency.
  • Industrial integration (Modbus/Ethernet, touchscreen, data logging) speeds setup and traceability.

Compressed air systems & GSE energy management

Hangars and production sites rely on compressed air; energy costs are significant. Monitoring flow, balancing loads and eliminating leaks deliver major savings.

Relevant products:

• CS Instruments VA 570 Inline Flow Meter – stainless wetted parts, ATEX options, Modbus/PoE; DN8–DN80
• Compressed Air & Gas portfolio – meters, loggers, power/quality, leak management.

• Key benefits:

  • Real time consumption & balancing spotlight inefficiencies; integration to BMS/PLC for alarms/analytics.
  • Documented savings and ISO style reporting across sites and shifts.

Fluid transfer & dosing on test rigs

Clean, repeatable liquid transfer for calibration fluids, coolants and additives—on benches and portable rigs.

Relevant products:

• Longer Industrial Peristaltic (G100/G300/G600 1L) – IP66, Modbus/RS 485, timed/volume modes; 0.15µL/min to 3.25L/min (model dependent).
• Longer BT100 3J Bench Pump – compact, external control (0–10V/4–20mA/RS 485) for labs

• Key benefits:

  • Media isolation & cleanliness (no valves, fluid only in tubing) and quick changeover.
  • Flexible control for batching, continuous dosing and remote automation.

Test bench liquid measurement (lube/coolant/fuel)

Engine/APU/actuator benches require accurate volumetric measurement with low pressure drop and robust electronics.

Relevant products:

• LX Liquid Turbine with displays/4–20mA/pulse; ATEX IS versions available.

• Key benefits:

  • ±0.5% reading accuracy with scalable outputs and batching options; friendly integration to PLCs.

Air & gas quality / breathing air compliance

Dry, clean air/gas is critical for breathing systems, inerting and environmental chambers.

Relevant products:

• CS Instruments FA 515 Ex Dew Point – ATEX Zone 1 transmitter, −80…+20°Ctd, up to 500bar
• CS Instruments FA 550 Dew Point – IP67 rugged housing with dual 4–20mA/Modbus options.

• Key benefits:

  • Compliance ready dew point monitoring for breathing air and inert gas lines.
  • Harsh environment deployment (outdoor/GSE) with waterproof, vibration resistant design.