METHOD OF DESTRUCTION OF UNUSABLE RESIDUES OF LIQUID COMPONENTS OF ROCKET PROPELLANT IN USED STAGES OF LIQUID-PROPELLANT ROCKETS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: rocketry; launch vehicles working on toxic and ecologically dangerous components of liquid rocket propellants. SUBSTANCE: destruction of unusable residues is performed by thermal conversion at descent phase of stage during earth entry, orientation of engine compartment forward and inflow of propellant component residues to intake devices of propellant tanks. Oxidizer and fuel are fed simultaneously to special-purpose afterburning chamber where they are mutually destroyed. Delivery is effected due to residual pressure of propellant tank pressurization and hydrostatic column of liquid components. Afterburning chamber is located in lower portion of rocket stage. Combustion products are discharged not into bottom portion of stage. Proposed method provides for destruction of unusable residues before drop of used stages on earth. EFFECT: reduced level of contamination of surrounding medium. 1 dwg