Wicking in fine mesh screens

Wicking is the flow of liquid through or into a porous material driven by capillary forces. Several different fine mesh steel screen specimens were tested for their ability to wick, or stay wet, for sufficient time to conduct screen integrity (bubble point) tests, assuming the screens were part of a propellant acquisition device. Tests were conducted with alcohol and refrigerant 113 primarily, with a few tests using refrigerant 11 included. Data were obtained on the time that the screens would maintain bubble point integrity with each liquid. Some of the effects of screen orientation, pressurant saturation, temperature, double screens, and barriers were determined.