GoodFabs supports UK space innovation with inconel 625 reactor vessel fabrication

Jun 26
2 min read

At GoodFabs, we are proud to support innovative engineering projects that push the boundaries of technology and manufacturing.

One recent example is our involvement in the fabrication of a specialist reactor pressure vessel for the DISRUPT and OXYGEN programmes, two UK Space Agency-funded initiatives exploring next-generation resource processing technologies for future space missions.

Supporting the future of space exploration

The projects bring together a consortium of leading organisations and academic institutions working to advance Molten Salt Electrolysis (MSE) technology.

The DISRUPT programme is led by Thales Alenia Space, with Metalysis acting as the technical partner, while the OXYGEN programme is led by AVS UK, supported by the University of Glasgow and Cardiff University.

At the heart of both projects is the development of a Molten Salt Electrolysis Reactor (MSER), a technology with the potential to enable the extraction of oxygen and valuable materials from lunar and planetary resources.

GoodFabs' contribution

GoodFabs was responsible for the fabrication of the reactor pressure vessel assembly, manufactured from inconel 625 (nickel alloy 625) to withstand the demanding operating conditions associated with high-temperature electrochemical processing.

Our scope of supply included:

Fabrication of the inconel 625 reactor pressure vessel
Manufacture of the vessel bulkheads
Precision fabrication of the connecting flange assemblies
Specialist welding of nickel alloy components
Assembly support and integration assistance

The project required a combination of advanced fabrication techniques, precision welding, and careful material handling to maintain the integrity of the nickel alloy throughout the manufacturing process.

Engineering for challenging environments

Nickel alloys such as inconel 625 are selected for applications where conventional materials would struggle to perform. Their excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion and aggressive process environments makes them ideal for reactor systems operating in demanding conditions.

Projects like this demonstrate the importance of combining specialist fabrication expertise with innovative research and development programmes to bring emerging technologies from concept to reality.

Collaboration driving innovation

The success of projects such as DISRUPT and OXYGEN relies on close collaboration between industry, academia, and technology partners.

We are pleased to have played a small part in supporting these programmes and look forward to seeing how the technology develops as the projects progress.

At GoodFabs, we continue to support customers operating at the cutting edge of engineering across motorsport, aerospace, defence, energy, and advanced technology sectors.

Advanced fabrication supporting advanced technology.