Hydraulic Control Valve for Aircraft Engine Test Facility

T-T Pumps supplied a high-pressure hydraulic control valve as part of an overhaul at a specialist aeronautical fan testing facility, one of only three in the world able to simulate bird strike and fan blade-out tests.

The Problem

Our client was working with a global aircraft engine manufacturer to provide the next generation of high-performance composite fan blades for increased aircraft efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. The manufacturer is a world leader in aeronautical engines for civil and defense aircraft, being involved with the production of engines for Trent, General Electric and many more.

During an overhaul of the cooling system at the company’s advanced aircraft engine test facility near Rugby, there was a requirement for a high-pressure hydraulic control valve capable of withstanding the demands of numerous test simulations. One test undertaken involves observing how complex composite materials respond while subjected to prolonged exposure to high-pressure water jets.

The Solution

Working alongside the client’s principal engineer with a background in Composite Structure and Transmission Engineering, T-T were approached to supply a reliable and accurate pressure reducing valve capable of withstanding the demands of various test simulations.

T-T offered a full-bore hydraulic control valve that automatically reduces and stabilises the downstream pressure to a constant value regardless of variation in demands and upstream pressure conditions.

The supplied valve features a globe-style fusion bonded epoxy-coated ductile iron body, reinforced elastomer diaphragm and corrosion-resistant stainless steel internals for longevity. Meanwhile, the external stainless steel needle valves accurately maintain the desired pre-set downstream pressure requirements, and WRAS-listed materials comply with drinking water regulations. The valve is designed to reduce head-loss, throttling noise, and for low flow stability with cavitation prevention.

T-T Pumps offers a comprehensive range of control valves for controlling process media within a system, including hydraulic models with a reinforced diaphragm and external pilots. 

View our complete range of valves, including control valves, here on our website. Need some expert advice when selecting the right valve for your application? Contact us today on +44 (0)1630 647200