Delta Faucet Co. is collaborating with the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory to study the formation of water droplets, water flow and pressure in microgravity. The experiment is meant to further Delta Faucet Co.‘s proprietary H2OKinetic Technology to shed light on water flow in microgravity and deliver an enhanced shower experience for consumers.
At the NASA press conference today at 3 p.m. EST, Dr. Michael Roberts, deputy chief scientist at the ISS National Lab, explained several institutions are utilizing the resupply mission to experiment on their products.
“There is a lot of science poised in the rocket to go up,” said Roberts, adding that right now the rocket has an on-time launch. “The study done by Delta Faucet will explore ways to better control shower droplets.”
Delta Faucet created H2OKinetic Technology to sculpt shower water into a unique pattern by manipulating the size of water droplets, providing three times the coverage of a standard showerhead. However, in space, the impact of gravity on water droplet formation and size has the potential to transform the technology into something completely different.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with CASIS – manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory – and are eager to send our innovative technology to space to glean unique research and insights,” said Paul Patton, senior manager of innovation and regulatory for Delta Faucet Co. (retired). “The results of this investigation will be incredibly important to our future work. The potential to expand our knowledge of how water droplets are formed, and potentially enhance everyday experiences in the shower, will increase the boundaries of our technology and the impact we can make for consumers.”
With the help of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory and CASIS officials, astronauts and investigators from dlhBOWLES, Delta Faucet plans to launch the microgravity investigation from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., in March 2020. Once the testing is complete, the same study will be conducted on Earth to compare results.
“The research Delta Faucet and CASIS will compile this year has the potential to truly impact the plumbing industry, as well as other spray applications,” said Russell Hester, director of business development at dlhBOWLES. “As a key player in fluid management systems, we are fascinated with the opportunities research in a microgravity situation will uncover.”
Results of the testing will be made final after a successful launch to the International Space Station.
