Highly reliable pyrovalves are critical to launch vehicle propulsion systems. The featured normally open redundant pyrovalve is installed on the Pratt and Whitney RL-10 liquid propulsion rocket engine.

The RL-10 engine provides the upper stage propulsion for the Atlas/Centaur and Titan/Centaur launch vehicles. This valve flows gaseous helium at cryogenic temperature (-320° F) for "chilldown" of engine prior to launch. Seconds before launch, both trigger assemblies are fired to close off the helium gas. The valve is then exposed to liquid hydrogen during engine operation.

Upon initiation of each cartridge assembly, a piston within the trigger section is driven downward into the valve body ultimately sealing each internal flow port.

This valve has been fully qualified in accordance with the requirements of specification DOD-E-83578A. Additionally, the valve does not exhibit combustion gas blow-by or produce detrimental particulate contamination.

Additional information may be obtained directly from Conax Florida Corporation.