A Magnetostrictive Actuated, Multi-Function Xenon Gas Valve

Marotta Scientific Controls, Inc. has conceived a new, multi-function Xenon gas control valve concept for isolation, pressure regulation and flow control. Xenon gas propellant is used at very low flow rates in several types of next-generation electric thrusters, including the Russian Stationary Plasma Thrusters. The Multi-function control valve uses a magnetostrictive actuator. This new actuation method can operate the valve as a simple on-off valve, or it can be precisely controlled in a modulating mode to continuously regulate the pressure or flow rate of Xenon gas. It can be operated open loop, or closed loop using pressure, flow rate or another "thrust level indicative" signal for feedback control. For very low flow rate applications such as the Stationary Plasma Thruster, magnetostrictive materials such as "Terfenol-D" promise great benefits in valving. These benefits include: 1. Simplification of the system by combining on-off and regulating valves in one multi-function valve; 2. Increased reliability and increased tolerance to contamination due to very high operating forces; 3. Simple designs, amenable to miniaturization; 4. Higher frequency response than solenoid valves; 5. Electronic adjustment of setpoint and dynamic operating characteristics. Benefits include simplification, miniaturization, increased reliability, flexibility of operation, and elimination of redundant system hardware. Commercial applications include commercial satellites/smallsats, ambulatory medical devices, gas chromatographs and other instruments.