Water attack restraining and buffering device for water spraying noise reduction system of rocket launching site

Abstract

The invention discloses a water attack restraining and buffering device for a water spraying noise reduction system of a rocket launching site. The water attack restraining and buffering device is used for solving the problems of the water attack phenomenon caused by opening and closing of a large-flow valve and impact on a high-position water storage device when a rocket is ignited. The device comprises a quick-opening and slow-closing valve group system, a water storage device anti-impact structure and a pipeline buffer connecting structure. The quick-opening and slow-closing valve group system adopts a pneumatic section valve which is opened in two stages, runs at small opening degree and then is quickly and fully opened, and when the valve group system is closed, slow closing is realized by adjusting the throttling rate of an exhaust loop so as to restrain water attack. The anti-impact structure of the water storage device disperses and dissipates the energy of high-speed water flow through the multi-layer porous buffer plate and the flexible buffer layer. The pipeline buffering connecting structure absorbs water spraying vibration through the metal corrugated pipe and the matched support, compensates pipeline displacement, assists in restraining water hammer vibration transmission and is convenient to install and position. The device can effectively restrain water hammer shock waves, protect a pipeline system and valves, relieve impact of a water storage device, prolong the service life of equipment and guarantee reliable operation of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace launch support technology, specifically relating to a water hammer suppression and buffering device for a water spray noise reduction system at a rocket launch site. Background Technology

[0002] During a space launch, rocket ignition generates intense noise exceeding 160 decibels and a high-temperature exhaust plume, typically requiring a high-flow-rate water spray system for noise reduction. This system stores several tons of water in an elevated reservoir and releases a large volume of water to the launch pad area within seconds via a multi-stage water supply pipeline. However, this operation faces three key technical challenges: First, to meet the instantaneous high-flow-rate water supply demand, large-diameter control valves in the pipeline system must open and close rapidly, leading to drastic changes in fluid momentum and causing destructive water hammer. The peak pressure of the high-pressure shock wave generated by water hammer can reach several times the normal operating pressure, seriously threatening the structural safety of the pipeline system, valves, and related connecting equipment. Second, the high-speed water flow injected into the reservoir from the supply pipeline continuously impacts a specific area at the bottom of the tank, and long-term repeated impacts can easily lead to fatigue damage in that area. Third, the strong vibrations generated by the water spray system during operation are transmitted through rigid connecting pipelines, not only generating additional noise but also potentially causing loosening or damage to connecting components, affecting the overall stability of the system.

[0003] In existing technologies, conventional valve control methods struggle to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of rapid response and water hammer suppression; traditional simple buffer structures offer limited protection against continuous high-speed impacts; and ordinary pipe support structures cannot effectively absorb and isolate high-frequency vibrations. Currently, there is a lack of complete technical solutions that can systematically address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems of water hammer damage, impact damage, and vibration transmission in existing technologies, this invention provides a water hammer suppression and buffering device for water jet noise reduction systems at rocket launch sites. Through structural innovation and system integration, this device effectively solves various technical challenges faced by water jet systems during rocket launches.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A water hammer suppression and buffering device for a rocket launch site water spray noise reduction system includes a fast-opening, slow-closing valve assembly system, a water accumulator anti-impact structure, and a pipeline buffer connection structure. The fast-opening, slow-closing valve assembly system is installed on the main water supply pipeline leading to the launch pad and employs a two-stage control strategy: upon receiving an opening signal, it first opens rapidly with a small opening degree, and then quickly switches to a fully open state after the system stabilizes; upon receiving a closing signal, it achieves slow valve closure by precisely adjusting the throttling rate of the actuator's exhaust circuit, effectively suppressing water hammer. The water accumulator anti-impact structure is located on the bottom surface of the high-level water accumulator, directly opposite the water inlet, to buffer the impact of high-speed water flow from the inlet.

[0006] Further optimizations and limitations are as follows: The fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system is specifically installed on the secondary water supply pipeline connected to the main water supply pipeline. This pipeline is sequentially equipped with manual valves and pneumatic sectional valves. The pneumatic sectional valves achieve pipeline opening and closing remotely, featuring a two-stage opening function: a small opening followed by full opening. When closing, the valves achieve a slow closure by adjusting the venting and throttling rate, effectively suppressing water hammer pressure.

[0007] The device also includes a pipeline buffer connection structure, comprising a corrugated metal pipe and a matching support installed between the secondary water supply pipeline and the water storage tank. The corrugated metal pipe primarily absorbs the impact vibration of the water spray, compensates for pipeline installation errors and thermal displacement, and also helps suppress the transmission of vibrations induced by water hammer. The support features a height-adjustable design, which can be adjusted to accommodate the installation space between the secondary water supply pipeline and the bottom of the water storage tank, and effectively suppresses the impact vibration generated during water spraying.

[0008] The fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system includes a main valve and a pilot control circuit. The pilot control circuit precisely controls the opening and closing speed of the main valve, achieving a two-stage opening process from a small opening to full opening and a slow closing process. The main valve is a pneumatic segmented valve equipped with a double-acting actuator and connected to a throttling device. Slow closing is achieved by controlling the throttling rate of the exhaust circuit, with the closing time controlled within the range of 8-15 seconds.

[0009] At the outermost two pipes of the secondary water supply pipeline, manual valves and pneumatic sectional valves are connected in parallel to form a pre-filling pipeline. The pre-filling pipeline is equipped with a manual pre-filling valve and a pneumatic pre-filling switch valve, which are used to achieve rapid filling at the end of the pipeline during the system water injection phase, ensuring the rapid response of the sprinkler system.

[0010] The shock-absorbing structure of the water storage tank includes a multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly and a flexible buffer layer. The multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly is composed of multiple layers of perforated stainless steel plates, with the holes in each layer staggered and the porosity decreasing layer by layer from top to bottom, forming a gradient buffer structure. Each layer of steel plate has a different thickness and pore diameter, and the holes are staggered at a specific angle, effectively achieving gradual deceleration and energy dissipation of high-speed water flow.

[0011] The flexible buffer layer consists of an elastic support base fixed to the bottom of the water tank and wear-resistant buffer blocks laid on it. The elastic support base is made of high-polymer elastic material and has a preset height; the wear-resistant buffer blocks are made of high-polymer wear-resistant material and have a certain thickness. They are fixed to the elastic support base by connectors and absorb the impact energy of the water flow through elastic deformation and dispersion.

[0012] The device also includes a system controller, which is electrically connected to the rocket ignition signal, the fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system, and the pressure sensor. The system controller is a programmable logic controller (PLC) that establishes communication with the rocket ignition signal system, the actuators of the fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system, and the pressure sensor via signal connections. It has a pre-set, comprehensive valve opening and closing control program to achieve precise coordination of the valve opening and closing sequence and real-time monitoring of pipeline pressure throughout the system.

[0013] The quick-opening, slow-closing valve assembly system completes the transition from a small opening to full opening in a short time, and the closing process is completed smoothly within a preset time period by precisely controlling the throttling rate, effectively eliminating the conditions for water hammer. The entire system, through the coordinated work of multiple components, effectively suppresses water hammer and provides comprehensive protection for the system structure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure of the water hammer suppression and buffering device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the anti-impact structure of the water storage device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control system principle of the present invention.

[0015] The components corresponding to the labels in the diagram are as follows: 1- Quick-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system; 101- Manual valve; 102- Pneumatic sectional valve; 103- Pressure sensor; 2- Water accumulator anti-impact structure; 201- Multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly; 202- Perforated steel plate; 203- Holes; 204- Flexible buffer layer; 205- Elastic support seat; 206- Wear-resistant buffer block. 3-Secondary water supply pipeline, 4-High-level water storage tank, 5-Water inlet. 6-Pipe buffer connection structure, 601-Metal corrugated pipe, 602-Support, 7- Nozzle, 8- System controller. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the water hammer suppression and buffering device provided in this embodiment mainly includes a fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system 1 and a water tank anti-impact structure 2. The fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system 1 is installed on the main water supply pipeline 3 leading to the launch station and is used to control the interruption of water flow and suppress water hammer. The water tank anti-impact structure 2 is located in the area on the bottom surface of the high-level water tank 4 directly opposite the inlet 5, and is specifically used to buffer the impact of high-speed water flow from the inlet.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the fast-opening and slow-closing valve assembly system 1 is specifically installed on the secondary water supply pipeline branching off from the main water supply pipeline. This pipeline system is sequentially equipped with a manual valve 101 and a pneumatic sectional valve 102. The manual valve 101 is used for manual flow regulation during system commissioning and maintenance; the pneumatic sectional valve 102 achieves automatic on / off switching of the pipeline through remote control, possessing a unique two-stage opening function: a small opening followed by full opening. The specific working process is as follows: upon receiving an opening signal, the valve first opens rapidly with a small opening, and after the pipeline system pressure stabilizes, it quickly switches to a fully open state; during the closing process, by precisely adjusting the throttling rate of the actuator's exhaust circuit, a slow closing of 8-15 seconds is achieved, effectively suppressing the formation of water hammer pressure waves.

[0019] This valve system employs a pilot control loop combined with a double-acting actuator. The pilot control loop precisely controls the opening and closing speed of the main valve, ensuring smooth execution of the two-stage opening and slow closing. The main valve is a pneumatic segmented valve 102, whose double-acting actuator is connected to a dedicated throttling device. The controllable closing speed is achieved by adjusting the throttling rate of the exhaust circuit.

[0020] To further improve system performance, a pre-filling pipeline is installed in parallel at the two outermost pipes of the secondary water supply pipeline, consisting of a manual valve 101 and a pneumatic sectional valve 102. This pipeline system can quickly complete the filling operation at the end of the pipeline during the system water injection phase, ensuring that the water spraying system can respond to the start command in a timely manner.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, this device also features a dedicated pipe buffer connection structure 6. This structure consists of a metal corrugated pipe 601 and a matching support 602. The metal corrugated pipe 601 is installed between the secondary water supply pipe and the water storage tank 4, and mainly performs the following functions: absorbing the impact vibration generated during water spraying, compensating for pipe thermal displacement and installation errors caused by temperature changes, and simultaneously assisting in suppressing the transmission of vibrations caused by water hammer. The support 602 adopts a height-adjustable design, which can adapt to different installation space requirements by adjusting the height of the support. Its special structure can effectively suppress the impact vibration generated during water spraying, while also accommodating displacement changes in the pipeline system.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the water storage tank's anti-impact structure 2 adopts a composite buffer design, comprising a multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly 201 and a flexible buffer layer 204. The multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly 201 is composed of multiple layers of perforated stainless steel plates 202 stacked together. The holes 203 in each layer of steel plates are arranged at a specific angle and the porosity of each layer decreases progressively from top to bottom, forming an effective gradient buffer structure. This design can gradually decelerate high-speed water flow and effectively dissipate the impact energy of the water flow through a turbulence dissipation mechanism.

[0023] A flexible buffer layer 204 is positioned below the multi-layer porous buffer plate assembly 201 and consists of an elastic support base 205 fixed to the bottom of the water reservoir 4 and wear-resistant buffer blocks 206 laid on the support base. The elastic support base 205 is made of a high-polymer elastic material and has an appropriate preset height; the wear-resistant buffer blocks 206 are made of a high-polymer wear-resistant material, maintaining a certain thickness, and are fixed to the elastic support base 205 by special connectors. This combined structure further absorbs the remaining water flow impact energy through elastic deformation and energy dispersion mechanisms.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the system controller 8, as the control core of the entire device, establishes a complete electrical connection with the rocket ignition signal system, the actuators of the fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system 1, and the pressure sensors 103 distributed at key locations in the pipeline. The system controller 8 adopts a programmable controller, which realizes precise coordination and real-time monitoring of the entire system's operating status through preset valve opening and closing control programs.

[0025] During actual operation, upon receiving the rocket ignition signal, the system controller 8 immediately initiates the execution program of the fast-opening, slow-closing valve group system 1: first, it controls the pneumatic segmented valve 102 to open rapidly with a small opening, and then quickly switches to a fully open state after the system pressure stabilizes, ensuring the instantaneous high-flow-rate water supply demand. After the rocket launch mission is completed, the system controller 8, according to a preset program, controls the valve to complete the slow closing process within 8-15 seconds by adjusting the throttling rate of the actuator exhaust circuit, smoothly reducing the flow velocity in the pipeline and fundamentally eliminating the conditions for water hammer. The entire control logic follows this process: after receiving the rocket ignition signal, the valve is first controlled to open with a small opening, and then controlled to reach the fully open position after the system stabilizes; during operation, pipeline pressure changes are monitored in real time; after the mission is completed, the valve is slowly closed by adjusting the throttling rate according to a preset program.

[0026] This invention effectively suppresses water hammer during valve operation through a special opening and closing control method of the fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system 1; the composite buffer design of the water storage anti-impact structure 2 significantly reduces the impact damage of high-speed water flow to the bottom of the water storage; the metal bellows 601 and the support 602 in the pipeline buffer connection structure 6 work together to absorb water jet impact vibration, compensate for pipeline displacement, and assist in suppressing the transmission of water hammer vibration; combined with the intelligent coordination control of the system controller 8, the entire water jet noise reduction system is ensured to operate reliably and stably during rocket launch.

[0027] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water hammer suppression and buffering device for a water spray noise reduction system at a rocket launch site, characterized in that: It includes a fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system (1) and a water storage anti-impact structure (2); the fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system (1) is installed on the main water supply pipeline (3) leading to the launch station. Its opening process is to first open quickly with a small opening, and then quickly reach the fully open position after the system stabilizes. The closing process is to achieve slow closing by controlling the throttling rate of the exhaust circuit of the actuator; the water storage anti-impact structure (2) is set in the area of ​​the bottom surface of the high-level water storage tank (4) facing the water inlet (5) to buffer the water flow impact at the water inlet.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system (1) is installed on the secondary water supply pipeline branched off from the main water supply pipeline. The pipeline is equipped with a manual valve (101) and a pneumatic sectional valve (102) in sequence. The pneumatic sectional valve (102) realizes the opening and closing of the pipeline through remote control, has a two-stage opening function of first opening with a small degree and then opening fully, and can achieve slow closing by adjusting the exhaust throttling rate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pipeline buffer connection structure (6), which consists of a metal corrugated pipe (601) and a support (602); the metal corrugated pipe (601) is installed between the secondary water supply pipeline and the water storage tank (4), mainly to absorb the impact vibration of water spray, compensate for pipeline installation errors and thermal displacement, and at the same time assist in suppressing the vibration transmission caused by water hammer; the support (602) is used to support and fix the metal corrugated pipe, and its structure can adapt to pipeline displacement and effectively suppress the impact vibration of water spray.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bracket (602) adopts a height-adjustable structure, and the height of the bracket can be adjusted to meet the installation space requirements between the secondary water supply pipeline and the bottom of the water storage tank (4).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system (1) includes a main valve and a pilot control circuit (102). The opening and closing speed of the main valve is regulated by the pilot control circuit (102) to achieve two-stage opening and slow closing, starting with a small opening and then fully opening. The main valve is a pneumatic segmented valve (102).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pneumatic segmented valve (102) of the fast-opening and slow-closing valve group system (1) adopts a double-acting actuator and is equipped with a throttling device. It achieves slow closure by controlling the throttling rate of the exhaust circuit, and the closing time is controlled within the range of 8-15 seconds.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: At the two outermost pipes of the secondary water supply pipeline, a pre-filling pipeline is set in parallel at the positions of the manual valve (101) and the pneumatic sectional valve (102) to achieve rapid filling at the end of the pipeline during the system water injection stage.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage shockproof structure (2) includes a multi-layer porous buffer plate group (201), which is composed of several perforated steel plates (202) stacked together. The holes (203) of each layer of steel plates (202) are arranged in an alternating manner, and the porosity of each layer of steel plates decreases sequentially from top to bottom, forming a gradient buffer structure.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage anti-impact structure (2) is also provided with a flexible buffer layer (204), which consists of an elastic support base (205) installed at the bottom of the water storage (4) and a wear-resistant buffer block (206) laid on the support base. It absorbs the impact energy of water flow through elastic deformation and dispersion.

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