Inert Gas Sparging in Propellant Mixing to Prevent Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing gases from propellant compositions are inefficient, time-consuming, and can lead to propellant compaction, affecting the quality of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus involving a mixing container that rotates while sparging with inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium, to continuously expose fresh propellant surfaces and facilitate gas removal, preventing compaction and allowing unsupervised operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If extended shaking is used to remove evolved gases from propellant composition, then gas removal efficiency is improved, but propellant compaction occurs and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by flowing an inert gas through the propellant composition during mixing to remove dissolved gases. The inert gas bubbles through the composition, carrying evolved gases out through a vent, thereby achieving efficient gas removal without mechanical shaking that causes compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert gas atmosphere to remove evolved gases from the propellant composition. The inert gas creates a protective atmosphere that prevents unwanted reactions while facilitating gas removal through sparging, maintaining propellant quality without the need for extended shaking.
2Loss of time
If mixing process is extended beyond workday, then gas removal is improved, but propellant compaction and settlement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inert gas sparging system allows for extended mixing periods without compaction by continuously removing evolved gases through gas flow. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical shaking, enabling unsupervised operation while maintaining propellant uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing container with inert gas sparging enables self-service operation during off-hours. The system automatically maintains propellant quality through continuous gas flow and evolution gas removal, eliminating the need for manual intervention or supervision.
3Device complexity
If traditional shaking method is used for gas removal, then equipment complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and supervision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic system with inert gas inlet and vent to automate gas removal. This replaces manual shaking with an automated gas flow process, reducing labor intensity while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas sparging system enables self-service operation, where the mixing process automatically removes evolved gases without requiring continuous human supervision or intervention, thereby improving ease of operation.
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
Efficient and safe removal of dissolved gases from propellant compositions, ensuring high-quality curing without prolonged mixing times and potential compaction issues, enabling operation during off-hours.
Implementation Method 1
flowing an inert gas through the uncured propellant composition to remove an evolved gas from the uncured propellant composition
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing a gas from a propellant composition includes providing an uncured propellant composition comprising a bonding agent, energetic particles, and a polymeric binder, and flowing an inert gas through the uncured propellant composition to remove an evolved gas from the uncured propellant composition.