Containerized Hydrogen Peroxide Refueling With Integrated Purity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller launch facilities lack the necessary infrastructure for handling and refueling hydrogen peroxide, posing challenges for the use of this environmentally friendly rocket propellant.
Innovation Solution
A mobile hydrogen peroxide supply unit housed in a 20-foot intermodal container, equipped with a tank compartment, metering pump, ultrapure water source, ventilation system, and safety features, enabling safe and efficient refueling of rockets without requiring extensive site infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile hydrogen peroxide supply unit is deployed at smaller launch facilities, then the ability to refuel rockets with environmentally friendly propellant is enabled, but the complexity of infrastructure requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage, metering, purification, and refueling) into a single integrated mobile supply unit. The housing contains the tank compartment with mounting points for drums, a metering pump for controlled dispensing, and an ultrapure water source for contamination prevention, all within one transportable unit that can be deployed at facilities without existing HTP infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile supply unit is designed to serve multiple purposes: storing hydrogen peroxide in drum containers, metering and dispensing the propellant at controlled rates, providing ultrapure water for system purification, and enabling refueling operations. This multi-functional design allows a single unit to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate infrastructure components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrogen peroxide is used as a rocket propellant, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the stability and storability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the concentration and purity parameters of hydrogen peroxide to optimize both stability and performance. By maintaining high purity (90% or higher) and using ultrapure water for all fluid connections and rinsing operations, the system prevents degradation and contamination that would reduce stability. The metering pump operates at controlled rates to minimize exposure time and potential degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ultrapure water (deionized and filtered) to create a chemically inert environment for all hydrogen peroxide handling operations. This prevents contamination from impurities that could catalyze decomposition. The housing and tank compartment are designed to maintain a controlled environment that protects the hydrogen peroxide from external contaminants and stabilizing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a compact mobile supply unit is used, then ease of deployment is improved, but the storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple separate drum containers (each capable of holding 200-300 liters) that can be individually mounted in the tank compartment. This segmentation allows the unit to maintain a compact mobile form factor while providing substantial total storage capacity. The drums can be quickly exchanged or refilled, and the modular design allows the unit to be deployed in configurations suitable for different mission requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a compact and safe means to refuel rockets with hydrogen peroxide, ensuring compliance with transport and safety regulations, and enabling launches from locations without existing HTP infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The tank compartment contains a metering pump that delivers hydrogen peroxide from an inlet to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
the tank compartment contains a source of ultrapure water that can be used to rinse hydrogen peroxide-holding and -conducting equipment
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, water-soluble liquid with the following advantageous properties for use as a rocket propellant: Catalytically biodegradable: Catalytic decomposition enables the construction of reliable, restartable ignition systems or simple monopropeller engines
Implementation Method 4
The housing can be a 20-foot intermodal container that has been modified to serve as a mobile hydrogen peroxide supply unit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Mobile hydrogen peroxide supply unit (1), comprising a housing (4), a tank compartment (2) contained in the housing (4) which is lined with hydrogen peroxide-compatible stainless steel elements; at least one mounting point in the tank compartment (2) for a hydrogen peroxide transport and storage drum (12);a metering pump (14) arranged within the tank space (2), which is fluidically connected or connectable between a hydrogen peroxide inlet of the at least one mounting point (11), to which the hydrogen peroxide transport and storage drum (12) can be fluidically connected, and a hydrogen peroxide outlet, to which a hydrogen peroxide supply line can be fluidically connected, the outlet end of which is located outside the housing (4), and a pure water source located in the tank space (2), which is fluidically connected or connectable to the hydrogen peroxide inlet and/or the metering pump (14) and/or the hydrogen peroxide outlet and/or the hydrogen peroxide supply line.