PASSIVE BEWIRTSCHAFTUNGSANORDNUNG FUER TREIBSTOFF.

摘要

A passive propellant management system for a spacecraft liquid propellant tank (1) comprises several preferably V-shaped channels (2) which communicate liquid propellant from regions within the tank (1) to an outlet port (8), which expels liquid propellant but not pressurant gas. A liquid/bubble chamber assembly (9) couples the channels (2) with the outlet port (8). The channels (2) comprise relatively open portions (11) and relatively closed portions (10). In the relatively open portions (11), liquid is retained in a gap (12) between open ends of the V channels (2) and the inner wall of the tank (1). In the relatively closed portions (10), a screen, mesh or perforated plate (14) covers the open end of the V channels (2), intermediate the V channels (2) and the inner wall of the tank (1). The placement of the relatively open and closed portions (11, 10), respectevely is intentionnally preselected based upon mission requirements. Where pressurant gas ullage is expected to be present, e.g., during period of high g, relatively open portions (11) are used. Where liquid propellant is expected to be present, e.g., during periods of relatively low g, relatively closed portions (10) are used. The liquid/bubble chamber assembly (9) comprises a liquid trap (27) and bubble trap (28), which operate synergistically with each other and with the channels (2) to provide optimum liquid flow during all phases of the spacecraft mission.