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A centrifugal pump concept was elaborated for a multiple application in future spacecrafts. Based on this concept a prototype of a small centrifugal pump was manufactured and comprehensively tested. The model pump has been approved in different test series with the fluids liquid ammonia and demineralized water. The design of the model pump was driven by the strict requirements of COLUMBUS, namely long life, noiseless operation, minimum mass and low energy consumption. Because of its modular design and as a result of selected materials of multiple compatibility, this pump is suited for the delivery of various further fluids, such as freons, hydrocarbons, propellants (hydrazine) etc.. It is also capable of pumping corrosive or toxic fluids for laboratory processes in space. The wide speed range from about 1,000 to 20,000 rpm which corresponds to a flow from about 1 to 20 l/min, permits an energy saving adaption and flow control.

A pump concept was elaborated based on the COLUMBUS requirements. Mainly the requirements for long life and low-noise operation were taken into consideration in this design. According to the pump concept a model pump for operation in a thermal loop was built and tested with existing Industrial facilities. Tests revealed that this very compact and light pump fulfils already the hydraulic requirements completely and is near to the low-noise requirement. After a running time of 1000 hrs with the fluids water and liquid ammonia the ceramic bearings show no wear at all. The results allow to expect that this pump concept will fulfil the stringent COLUMBUS requirements.