Investigation of large dynamic range helium II liquid/vapor phase separator for SIRTF

摘要

A large dynamic range superfluid helium, helium II,liquid-vapor phase separator is required for the thermal design ofthe Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). A porous plug typephase separator is adopted for SIRTF mission. A candidate porousplug was tested using two different types of experimentalapparatus to obtain the exact flow characteristics. Mass flow rate,pressure and temperature differences across the porous plug weremeasured in this experiment. The experimental data are comparedwith the theoretical predictions. The fundamental feature of theflow phenomena through the tested porous plug provides valuabledata for the practical design of a phase separator for SIRTF needs.