Filter for rocket tank and rocket tank

Abstract

The utility model provides a filter for rocket storage tank and rocket storage tank, the filter is arranged in the back bottom of storage tank, is used for filtering redundant things, the filter for rocket storage tank of the utility model at least includes: filter base, filter skeleton and lateral filter screen subassembly, the filter base is arranged around the outflow port of the back bottom of storage tank as the installation base, filter skeleton and lateral filter screen subassembly are detachable structure, filter skeleton is the hollow structure of cylinder type, is installed in filter base on the axial one side, is equipped with the spherical top cover on the axial other side, lateral filter screen subassembly is arranged in filter skeleton and covers its hollow position, is used for filtering the medium in storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aerospace launch vehicle technology, and in particular to a filter for rocket propellant tanks and a rocket propellant tank. Background Technology

[0002] Managing foreign matter in rocket structural components is a crucial aspect of aerospace production, spanning manufacturing, assembly, and rocket flight. Therefore, even for tanks or pipelines that meet delivery specifications, the presence of foreign matter inside remains a key concern, as excessive foreign matter can even impact the success or failure of a rocket launch. Currently, to prevent foreign matter from entering the engine, the common practice is to weld filter structures onto the pipelines. However, this welded structure hinders filter inspection and replacement, and due to pipeline diameter limitations, the filter's axial dimension is typically designed to be quite long to meet flow area requirements. In this situation, to meet rigidity and strength specifications, the filter needs to be designed with added weight, significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

[0003] In addition, the high flow velocity inside the pipeline results in greater flow resistance, which in turn leads to increased air cushion pressure in the storage tank and increased system weight.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a filter that is easy to inspect and replace, lightweight, and has low flow resistance. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a rocket propellant filter and rocket propellant tank that are easy to inspect and replace, lightweight and with low flow resistance.

[0006] This invention provides a filter for rocket propellant tanks, disposed at the rear bottom of the tank, for filtering out excess material. The rocket propellant tank filter of this invention includes at least: a filter base, a filter frame, and a side filter assembly; the filter base serves as the mounting foundation and is disposed around the outlet at the rear bottom of the propellant tank; the filter frame has a cylindrical hollow structure, with one axial side mounted on the filter base and a spherical top cover on the other axial side; the side filter assembly is disposed on the filter frame and covers its hollow areas, for filtering the medium inside the propellant tank.

[0007] In one embodiment, the convex surface of the spherical top cover is disposed facing inwards towards the filter frame.

[0008] In one embodiment, the diameter ratio of the spherical cap to the spherical crown is greater than 1.5.

[0009] In one embodiment, the filter frame is machined into a cylindrical hollow structure; the flatness of the surface of the filter frame used for mounting with the filter base is not less than 2.

[0010] In one embodiment, the filter base is welded to the outlet at the rear bottom of the tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, the filter frame is fixedly mounted to the filter base by fasteners.

[0012] In one embodiment, the filter skeleton is screwed onto the filter base.

[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the lateral filter assembly is welded and fixed to the filter frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lateral filter assembly includes a stainless steel frame and a filter screen; the filter screen and the stainless steel frame are formed by sintering flat plates and then welded into a cylindrical shape.

[0015] In another aspect, this utility model provides a rocket propellant tank, which includes at least the filter in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] The present invention provides a filter for a rocket propellant tank and a rocket propellant tank, which have at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0017] I. This utility model features an integrated filter structure installed inside the storage tank. The filter body is made of stainless steel parts welded together, which is simple to form and process and has a high yield rate, while also shortening the production cycle.

[0018] Second, the filter of this utility model is placed in a storage tank. The open environment inside the storage tank makes it very convenient to disassemble, install, and maintain. The condition after installation can be visually inspected, which greatly improves the reliability of the filter structure.

[0019] Third, compared with the original pipeline built-in filter, the tank built-in filter of this utility model causes less flow resistance loss, which can reduce the flow resistance by about 0.01MPa and optimize the pressurization performance of the entire system.

[0020] Upon reading the detailed embodiments and examining the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the filter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the fastener connection position of the filter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an internal unfolded view of the lateral filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1-Filter base, 2-Filter frame, 3-Side filter assembly, 31-Stainless steel frame, 32-Filter screen, 4-Spherical top cover, 5-Fasteners, 100-Storage tank, 101-Outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain this utility model and to exemplarily illustrate the principles of this utility model, and are not configured to limit this utility model. In addition, the structural components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some structural components or regions in the drawings may be enlarged for other structural components or regions to aid in the understanding of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0028] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the embodiments of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure or component that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other structural elements that are not expressly listed or inherent to the structure or component. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the element.

[0030] Spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "under," "low," "above," "on," and "high" are used for descriptive convenience to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element, indicating that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device, in addition to those different from those shown in the figure. Furthermore, phrases such as "one element on / below another element" can indicate that two elements are in direct contact, or that there are other elements between the two elements. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are also used to describe individual elements, areas, parts, etc., and should not be considered limiting. Similar terms are used throughout the description to refer to similar elements.

[0031] For those skilled in the art, this invention can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples.

[0032] See Figure 1 This utility model provides a filter for a rocket propellant tank, which is installed at the rear bottom of the propellant tank 100 to filter the medium inside the propellant tank and prevent foreign matter from entering the engine. In this embodiment, the filter is integrally formed by welding stainless steel and is detachably installed at the outlet 101 of the propellant tank.

[0033] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rocket propellant tank filter of this embodiment includes at least a filter base 1, a filter frame 2, and a side filter assembly 3. As a mounting base, the filter base 1 is fixedly disposed around the outlet 101 at the rear bottom of the propellant tank 100 for mounting and fixing the filter frame. The filter frame 2 has a cylindrical perforated structure, with the perforations distributed circumferentially throughout the filter frame 2. The filter frame 2 is mounted on one axial side of the filter base 1, and a spherical top cover 4 is fixedly mounted on the other axial side to reduce flow resistance. The side filter assembly 3 is disposed on the filter frame 2 and covers its perforated areas for filtering the medium inside the propellant tank.

[0034] In this embodiment, the rocket propellant tank filter is installed inside the tank. The open environment inside the tank facilitates the removal, installation, inspection, and maintenance of the filter, and allows for visual inspection of its installation status, increasing the reliability of the filter installation and use. Compared with existing in-line filters, the tank-mounted filter in this embodiment causes less flow resistance loss because the filter is installed at the beginning of the outlet, where the liquid flow velocity is relatively low, resulting in relatively low flow resistance. Therefore, the tank-mounted filter in this embodiment can reduce flow resistance by approximately 0.01 MPa, contributing to the optimization of the overall system's pressurization performance.

[0035] To further reduce flow resistance, the filter in this embodiment has a circumferential filtration channel and an axially oriented top cover with a spherical cap diameter ratio R / d greater than 1.5, with the convex surface of the spherical top cover facing inwards towards the filter frame. In this embodiment, the spherical top cover increases the filter's load-bearing capacity and enhances fluid robustness to prevent propellant collapse, completely eliminating the potential for increased pressure in the tank cushion.

[0036] The filter in this embodiment can be made of stainless steel, consisting of a filter frame, a side filter assembly, and a spherical top cover, which are then welded together in sequence. For example, commonly used stainless steel materials such as 06Cr19Ni10 can be used.

[0037] In the above embodiments, both the filter base 1 and the filter frame 2 are machined. However, it is crucial to ensure that the flatness of the mating surfaces of the filter base 1 and the filter frame 2 is not less than 2. This design ensures the sealing of the mating surfaces of the filter base 1 and the filter frame 2 after they are fixed by the fasteners 5, thereby reducing the need for sealing rings.

[0038] For example, the filter base 1 is welded around the outlet 101 at the rear bottom of the storage tank 100, and the filter frame 2, side filter screen assembly 3, and spherical top cover 4, which are welded together as a single unit, are installed on the filter base. The filter frame 2 and the filter base 1 can be screwed together by fasteners 5. For example, screw holes can be provided at corresponding positions on the filter base 1 and the filter frame 2, and after they are matched in place, they can be tightened with bolts (e.g. Figure 2 (As shown).

[0039] Alternatively, an internal thread can be provided on the inner wall of the filter base 1, and an external thread can be provided on the outer wall of the end of the filter frame 2 that is used to mate with the filter base 1, so that the filter frame 2 can be screwed onto the filter base 1 and tightened.

[0040] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In any of the above embodiments, the lateral filter assembly 3 includes a stainless steel frame 31 and a filter screen 32. For example, the stainless steel frame 31 has a thickness of 1 mm, the filter screen 32 is located inside the stainless steel frame 31, and the outer surface of the filter screen 3 is flush with the outer contour of the stainless steel frame 31. The mesh size of the filter screen 32 can be 187 mesh, 172 mesh, or 110 mesh, depending on the requirements.

[0041] Previously, multi-curved filters were commonly used on launch vehicles. However, multi-curved filter screens are not only difficult to form, but also suffer from low sintering success rates due to their structure, often resulting in defects at the interface between the filter screen and the metal substrate, thus increasing manufacturing difficulty. To address the low sintering success rate of curved filter screen assemblies, this embodiment uses a process where multiple flat stainless steel frames and filter screens are sintered one by one to form semi-finished filter screen assemblies. These semi-finished assemblies are then rolled up and welded into a cylindrical shape, which is then welded and fixed to the filter frame. The welding method can be either cold welding or fusion welding. Figure 2 As shown, fillet welds exist at the joints of the semi-finished filter components.

[0042] This embodiment effectively solves the problem of low sintering success rate of filter components and significantly reduces manufacturing difficulty.

[0043] The rocket propellant tank filter in any of the above embodiments is applicable to propellant tanks with different material systems. Its stainless steel material is also suitable for environments with different propellants, exhibiting good compatibility. Furthermore, its height, diameter, shape, filter mesh count, and installation method can be modified according to the location and shape requirements of the outlet to meet the outflow requirements.

[0044] Another aspect of this utility model provides a rocket propellant tank, in which a filter for rocket propellant tanks as described in any of the above embodiments is installed. The rocket propellant tank of this embodiment is used to provide propellant to downstream equipment (such as an engine). Specifically, after the propellant in the tank is filtered by a filter located at the outlet, excess material is blocked by the filter, and the propellant enters the outlet and is then transported to the downstream equipment via pipeline.

[0045] The above embodiments can be combined with each other and have corresponding technical effects.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A filter for a rocket propellant tank, disposed at the rear bottom of the propellant tank, characterized in that, At least including: The filter base, serving as the mounting base, is positioned around the outlet at the rear bottom of the storage tank; The filter frame has a cylindrical hollow structure, with one axial side installed on the filter base and a spherical top cover on the other axial side; A side filter assembly is disposed on the filter frame and covers its open portion, for filtering the medium in the storage tank.

2. The filter for rocket propellant tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex surface of the spherical top cover is positioned facing inwards towards the filter frame.

3. The filter for rocket propellant tanks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter ratio of the spherical cap to the d is greater than 1.

5.

4. The filter for rocket propellant tanks according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter frame is machined into a cylindrical hollow structure; the flatness of the surface of the filter frame used for mounting with the filter base is not less than 2.

5. The filter for rocket propellant tanks according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter base is welded and installed around the outlet at the rear bottom of the storage tank.

6. The filter for a rocket propellant tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filter frame is fixed to the filter base by fasteners.

7. The filter for a rocket propellant tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filter frame is screwed onto the filter base.

8. The filter for a rocket propellant tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The side filter assembly is welded and fixed to the filter frame.

9. The filter for a rocket propellant tank according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side filter assembly includes a stainless steel frame and a filter screen; the filter screen and the stainless steel frame are formed by sintering flat plates and then welded into a cylindrical shape.

10. A rocket propellant tank, characterized in that, It includes at least the rocket propellant filter as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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