High Energy, Low Temperature Gelled Bi-Propellant Formulation Preparation Method
AssigneeCFD Research Corporation
InventorRoberto DiSalvo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for preparing a gelled liquid propane (GLP) composition comprises the introduction of liquid propane into an evacuated mixing vessel containing a gellant and mixing the liquid propane with the gellant. A bi-propellant system comprising GLP is particularly well-suited for outer planet missions greater than 3 AU from the sun and also functions in earth and near earth environments. Additives such as powders of boron, carbon, lithium, and/or aluminum can be added improve performance or enhance hypergolicity. The gelling agent can be silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers. The bi-propellant system may be, but need not be, hypergolic.
Claims9
1-8. (canceled)
A method for gelling propane comprising:
- a. placing a gellant in a mixing vessel,
- b. applying a vacuum to the mixing vessel,
- c. introducing liquid propane to the mixing vessel,
- d. cooling the mixing vessel to a temperature of less than −30° C., and
- e. mixing the gellant with the liquid propane to produce gelled liquid propane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.