San Bernardino

Element San Bernardino Rocket and Fluids test laboratory provides specialized fluids testing with high-level expertise in space applications, including high pressure/high flow fluid and rocket engine static test capabilities.

Located at the San Bernardino International Airport, our facility supports the strictest testing requirements of aerospace, renewable energy, oil and gas and Navy Nuclear, high pressure/high flow.

Element San Bernardino Expertise 

High Pressure/High Flow Fluid and Rocket Engine Testing

We are a robust ground test facility for aerospace propulsion development testing; staffed by experienced managers, engineers and technicians. In more than 50 years of operation, we’ve maintained a superior performance record and an excellent safety record. Our premier facility hosts specialized test equipment and offers unique test capabilities for high pressure fluids. 

Our facility is designed in accordance with API and ASME power piping codes, and all pressure vessels are ASME coded and commissioned for use in California. In addition, we are in full compliance with all federal, state and local agency requirements, including the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Rocket Testing: Thrust Stand and Exhaust Duct

• Our thrust measuring system (TMS) can measure to 50,000-lbf thrust and 8,000-lbf side or asymmetric loads. 
• Fluid Flow: Hydrogen — 7 lbs/sec (GH2), 700 gpm (LH2); Oxygen — 3.2 lbs/sec (GOX), 5000 gpm (LOX); Nitrogen — 60 lbs/sec (GN2), 5000 gpm (LN2)

Cryogenic to 6000 psi Helium, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Methane, Carbon Dioxide

Our cryogenic fluid storage area consists of:

• Three 13,000 gallon liquid nitrogen tanks
• One 13,000 gallon liquid oxygen tank
• One 9,000 gallon liquid hydrogen storage tank

All pressure piping conforms to ASME B31.3 code design and is installed by certified welders with post-weld X-ray inspection as required. This site has the capability to store LH2, LO2, LN2, liquid CO2 and liquid methane as well as pump and vaporize cryo fluids up to 12 lbs. per second.

High Temperature at High Pressure (+1500 F at 2500 PSI)

• Three vacuum jacketed stainless steel propellant run tanks in 2,500, 3,000 and 5,000 gallons to support many different propellant combinations 
• Eight gaseous nitrogen vessels, each with a volume of approximately 600 cubic feet and a maximum allowed working pressure of 5,500 psig at -20°F to 150°F 

High-Pressure Steam and Water Flow Test Systems (+700 F at 3100 PSI)

We have a large blow down tank capacity with over 800 feet of ASME-coded vessels rated at 4,475 psig at 700°F. 

Structure Borne and Airborne Noise Measurement Capability

We've designed, built and verified a quiet technology test facility to MIL STD-1474 (Appendix E); MIL-STD-740-1 (SH); and MIL-STD-740-2 (SH). The 17.5′ x 12′ soundproof enclosure is capable of a minimum pressure of 5 psig, minimum flow of 5 SCFM, and a maximum pressure of 5,500 psig with maximum flow of 20,000 SCFM.

Data Acquisition and Control System

Our equipment is designed to give you the best results with regard to data acquisition to help with the detection of leaks and life cycling predictions. 

Video Data Systems

Our sophisticated video event recording system can record at 200 frames/sec and was designed so images from 8 cameras can be displayed in real time.