METHOD OF NEUTRALIZATION OF FUEL AND OXIDIZER IN SEPARABLE STAGES OF LAUNCH VEHICLE AND DEVICE FOR REALIZATION OF THIS METHOD Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC B64G1/00 B64G1/40 B64D37/26 

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; rockets equipped with liquid propellant engine plants working on toxic propellant components: unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine used as fuel and nitric tetroxide used as oxidizer.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method consists in removal of residual propellant from tanks and dead zones through combustion chamber of engine plant. Release of residues is performed according to command for blocking the fuel and oxidizer cutoff valves at first stage and de-energizing the explosive charges of fuel cutoff valves at second stage. Commands are sent after standard separation of first and second stages from launch vehicle, respectively. Proposed device is provided with cutoff valve electric control circuit before combustion chambers of engine plants of first and second stages of launch vehicle. This circuit includes cable main, main and program current distributors and cutoff valve explosive charges. Main distributor of first stage of launch vehicle is provided with diodes, additional relays and contact pair of electromechanical time relays to exclude operation of oxidizer and fuel cutoff valves at first stage. Cable duct at second stage has no current supply command circuits of explosive charges of fuel cutoff valves.

EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of decontamination of toxic propellant residues in separating first and second stage of launch vehicle; reduced area of spread of structural members; reduced effect on fauna, flora and surrounding medium.

3 cl, 8 dwg