FLOW MANAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR CRYOGENIC LIQUID

Abstract

In a tank 10 for cryogenic liquid to be used in a low-gravity environment (e.g., on a space vehicle), a liquid transfer apparatus 15 (which comprises an elongate array of fins 32 and a sponge structure formed from panels 31) functions to transfer cryogenic liquid from the interior of the tank 10 to a bowl structure 20 defining a reservoir region adjacent an outlet of the tank 10. A perforated plate 22 disposed between the sponge structure and the outlet of the tank 10 causes cryogenic liquid to pass through the outlet into an outlet line 40 in a regular and generally unbroken flow. To prevent any substantial amount of heat transfer into the reservoir region of the tank 10, the bowl structure 20 is separated from the inner surface of the tank 10 by a capillary distance in order to provide a thermally insulating space therebetween. A well for cryogenic fluid, which is in communication with the thermally insulating space between the bowl structure 20 and the inner surface of the tank 10, is formed around an outlet duct 21 leading from the bowl structure 20 in order to prevent any significant transfer of heat into cryogenic liquid that is being withdrawn from the tank 10 through the outlet duct 21.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1R. K. GROVE

Technology Domains

Click a domain to browse all patents in this category.