Hermetic feedthrough change-out module device and method for use in a pressurized spacecraft hull

摘要

A hermetic feedthrough change-out module device which can be mounted on a wall of a pressurized vessel includes a mounting base ring attached to the pressurized vessel wall about an access opening therein, and a feedthrough seal module removably mated in sealing relation to the mounting base ring. The seal module is adapted to mount at least one sealable feedthrough connector which is operable for attaching utility components thereto for routing utility services from the exterior to the interior of the pressurized vessel. The module device also includes inner and outer covers. The inner cover is removably mountable in sealing relation to the seal module for sealing off the interior of the pressurized vessel from the seal module and a feedthrough connector when the latter is mounted thereon. The outer cover is removably mountable in sealing relation to the mounting base ring for sealing off the seal module from the exterior of the pressurized vessel. Venting elements are mounted to the inner cover and seal module that are operable respectively for equalizing the pressure at the interior of the pressurized vessel with the pressure between the inner cover and seal module and for equalizing the pressure at the interior of the pressurized vessel with the pressure between the outer cover and seal module.