Liquid-vapor phase separator for a cryogenic liquid in a zero g environment. Part C: Preliminary phase separator system specification
Abstract
A phase separator was investigated with the main application to liquid hydrogen. Nineteen concepts were considered and one basic concept was selected for further detailed study and experimental demonstration of its feasibility. The system selected is the constant pressure heat exchanger phase separator system. Liquid or gaseous or mixed phase hydrogen is released from the H2-tank by a discontinually operating tank exit valve. The H2 is then throttled to a lower constant pressure level and cooled to a lower than the bulk tank temperature. The throttled and cooled hydrogen is in heat exchange with the warmer tank by coils attached to the tank. Hydrogen pressure is maintained within a specified band width. The tank exit valve is controlled by an electronic control unit connected with a tank pressure sensor. The pressure inside the heat exchanger is maintained constant and lower than the tank pressure by a relief-type system exit valve which is arranged at the warm outlet end of the cryogenic cooling system. All hydrogen entering the heat exchanger is completely evaporated there, thus preventing any liquid H2 from exiting the system.
- Publication:
-
Final Report Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm G.m.b.H
- Pub Date:
- October 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982mbbg.reptS.....
- Keywords:
-
- Cryogenic Equipment;
- Equipment Specifications;
- Evaporation;
- Liquid Hydrogen;
- Separators;
- Two Phase Flow;
- Weightlessness;
- Heat Exchangers;
- Phase Transformations;
- Pressure Gradients;
- Spacecraft Components;
- Throttling;
- Engineering (General)