McDONNELL DOUGLAS (MDC) engineers working on the International Space Station programme have developed a process preventing contaminants escaping into space from tube joints to be used on the Station.
It involves coating the mating surface of the tube ends, or fittings, with a thin layer of easily malleable metal. The tight fit ensures that molecules of fluids carried in the tubes will not escape and yet does not affect tolerances in the joints. This allows standard fittings and joints to be used, keeping costs under control.
Preventing the leakage of fluids is a priority, as re-supply will be costly and difficult.
Source: Flight International
