Sierra flow meters aid in NASA testing

Sierra Instruments has revealed the role its mass flow meters have played in NASA shuttle testing.

For the last 25 years, NASA has relied on the accuracy of Sierra Side-Trak Model 830 and 840 thermal mass flow meters to get the right mixture of nitrogen, argon and oxygen to their shuttles during ground testing.

Six years ago, Steve Chism, a sales agent for Sierra in Orlando, Florida, identified a way NASA could upgrade the outdated technology it was using to maintain positive space shuttle cargo door air flow on re-entry.

He was convinced that the Sierra Model 780S thermal mass flowmeter was ideal for this mission-critical function.

Small, compact, accurate and easy to move from shuttle to shuttle, NASA agreed to give the 780S a try and was immediately delighted with its performance.

However, within six months a red flag went up when a third party calibrator reported a 10 per cent margin of error.

Sierra immediately hired CEESI, a world renowned calibration consultant in Colorado, to conduct an in-depth field test.

CEESI determined conclusively that Sierra's meters performed well within specifications.

Sierra's Smart-Trak Model 100, the next generation upgrade for its 830 and 840s, is currently being reviewed by NASA.

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