Vulcain 2 engine liquid oxygen turbopump

The Vulcain 2 (Mk2) turbopump is common to both the Ariane 5 program and the Ariane 6 launcher family currently under development.

The Vulcain 2 (Mk2) liquid oxygen turbopump offers a flow rate and outlet pressure that are 30% higher than the Vulcain 1. As compared with its predecessor, the Mk2 turbopump features a host of improvements in hydraulics, balance, sealing, and turbine performance.

In particular, Avio improved the Dynamic Seal Package (DSP) which acts as the physical separation between the hot gasses that feed the turbine (which have a temperature up to +600°C) and the liquid oxygen on the pump side (which has a temperature of -180°C), and the Active Balancing System (ABS), which compensates for the axial forces generated by the turbine.

 

Vinci engine liquid oxygen turbopump

The Vinci liquid oxygen turbopump has a lower flow rate and outlet pressure than the Vulcain 2. Avio developed and tested numerous key technologies for the unit, including a new, more compact type of Dynamic Seal Package (DSP) which acts as the physical separation between the hot gasses that feed the turbine (+600°C) and the liquid oxygen on the pump side (-180°C).

Avio uses various facilities and dedicated test benches for the development of its liquid oxygen turbopumps and works jointly with the University of Liege in Belgium.