SYSTEM FOR FILLING THE UPPER STAGE OXIDIZER TANK WITH SUPERCOOLED OXYGEN Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC B64G5/00 F17C6/00 

FIELD: systems for filling the propellant tanks of rocket engine plants with cryogenic components.

SUBSTANCE: proposed system for filling the upper stage oxidizer tank with supercooled oxygen includes cryogenic filling line with liquid oxygen pump connected to onboard filling line and heat exchanger-cooler which is made in form of cryogenic reservoir with inner vessel inside it. Formed in between inner surface of cryogenic reservoir and outer surface of inner vessel is hermetic cavity filled with liquid cryogenic agent whose upper part is brought in communication via valve with unit discharging the cooling agent vapor. Lower part of inner vessel is brought in communication with cryogenic liquid oxygen filling reservoir through two shutoff valves, liquid oxygen pump and third valve; it is also brought in communication with upper stage oxidizer tank through first and fourth shut-off valves, detachable joint and onboard filling valve. Upper part of inner vessel is provided with drainage branch pipe fitted with safety drainage valve. Tubular manifold for delivery of gaseous helium is laid in inner vessel near its bottom lengthwise in plane of symmetry. This manifold has holes along its length for delivery of gaseous helium. Manifold is connected to helium source via control helium flow valve and helium supply valve. Pipe line for supercharging the inner vessel with gaseous helium is also connected to helium source via supercharging valve.

EFFECT: reduction of time required for supercooling of liquid oxygen; reduction of thermal residue; facilitated procedure of preparation and charging of supercooled oxygen.

2 dwg