The Hindu Business Line : Keltec starts production of titanium gas bottles

THE state-owned Kerala Hitech Industries Ltd (Keltec), a company specialising in the manufacture of strategic and critical components for the aerospace industry, has started production of titanium gas bottles used in satellites, launch vehicles and missiles.

According to Mr Johnson Peter, Managing Director, Keltec is the only company in the country that has the capability for manufacturing flight quality air bottles right from the raw material to the qualification stage.

Helium or air-filled titanium gas bottles are required by Indian Space Research Organisation and Defence Research and Development Organisation for their launch vehicles, satellites and missiles. These are used for storing light high-pressure gases for propellant pressurisation and control system energisation.

The company started developing titanium alloy gas bottles in 1996 with the active participation of scientists from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

The various stages of production, which were done at different work centres, included hot forming of hemispheres, precise contour machining, electron beam welding and pressure testing. The companies and agencies involved in the process were Bharat Heavy Plates and Vessels in Hyderabad, Keltec and the Liquid Propulsion and Systems Centre. Keltec has now successfully integrated the various stages under one roof, Mr Johnson Peter said.

ISRO has placed an order with Keltec for the manufacture of 50 bottles of 600 mm diameter to be used in PSLV and GSLV flights.

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