Wireless Integrated Microelectronic Vacuum Sensor System (WIMVSS)

Invocon, Inc.

Conroe, TX

• An innovative Wireless Integrated Microelectronic Vacuum Sensor System for monitoring vacuum-jacketed pipelines for ground testing and launch facilities.
• Uses smart circuitry and low-power, long-range RF transceivers to enable the development of a low-cost, miniature device with sophisticated capabilities.
• The complete, self-contained, battery operated system interfaces with pre-existing vacuum gauges to provide periodic, continuous monitoring of vacuum conditions throughout the entire facility, which reduces labor required for data acquisition.
• Web Interface enables access to data and control of the system throughout the facility, which reduces labor required to meet reporting requirements.

• Invocon delivered a prototype system to NASA Stennis Space Center.
• NASA Stennis Space Center has performed initial field-testing of WIMVSS.
• Additional testing is planned for new infrastructure at NASA SSC.

• Invocon participated in Phase III contract to characterize baseline system performance and plan for enhancements.
• NASA and Invocon are discussing additional applications for WIMVSS both at Stennis Space Center and other NASA facilities.

• Monitoring of vacuum levels throughout ground test facilities, launch sites, and on flight vehicles, both during certification testing and while in space.
• Monitoring lunar/Martian fuel depots. The loss of vacuum in the jackets, if undetected, could cause significant losses of fuels and potentially dangerous conditions.
• Sensing for industrial process control such as chemical processing or power generation where vacuum levels must be monitored.
• Replacement of handheld meters.

Return to NASA SBIR Success Listings

Curator: SBIR Support                10/24/11