Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Michael J Patrick

Kenneth D Cleveland

John A Talbourdet

Joseph A Colosimo

A pressure relief valve having two rigid sealing surfaces lapped to a smoothness Ra of 8 micro-inches or less, and flatness within 80 micro-inches, forms a reliable seal by direct contact therebetween without an elastomer. The sealing surfaces and surrounding structures can be made of one or more metals, such as alloys of stainless steel, and can be CTE-matched, so that the valve is not impeded by environmental temperature changes. In a disclosed embodiment, a 'poppet' is axially pressed against a seal plate by a spring. The poppet can be axially stabilized by sliding within a surrounding cylinder or spacer, and can contact the surrounding surface with a plurality of 'arms' that reduce friction and enable gas flow therebetween. The poppet can be made from anti-galling Nitronic 60 alloy, and the surrounding structures can be stainless steel. Embodiments are suitable for low-pressure gas applications in extreme environments.

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Andover, MA, United States of America

Michael J Patrick