Large storage tank mass determination study second quarterly report, oct. - dec. 1964
Optical absorption, neutron moderation, and gamma and beta absorption and backscatter relating to mass of large storage tanks
OPTICAL ABSORPTION↗
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Self evacuated multilayer insulation of lightweight prefabricated panels for cryogenic storage tanks
Evaluation of self-evacuating multilayer radiation shields for cryogenic storage tanks
Dengler, R. P.↗
Liquid storage tank venting device for zero gravity environment Patent
Venting device for liquid propellant storage tank using magnetic field to separate liquid and gaseous phases
Graham, R. W.↗
Fluid manifold design for a solar energy storage tank
A design technique for a fluid manifold for use in a solar energy storage tank is given. This analytical treatment generalizes the fluid equations pertinent to manifold design, giving manifold pressures, velocities, and orifice pressure differentials in terms of appropriate fluid and manifold geometry parameters. Experimental results used to corroborate analytical predictions are presented. These data indicate that variations in discharge coefficients due to variations in orifices can cause deviations between analytical predictions and actual performance values.
Humphries, W. R.↗
Stratification calculations in a heated cryogenic oxygen storage tank at zero gravity
A cylindrical one-dimensional model of the Apollo cyrogenic oxygen storage tank has been developed to study the effect of stratification in the tank. Zero gravity was assumed, and only the thermally induced motions were considered. The governing equations were derived from conservation laws and solved on a digital computer. Realistic thermodynamic and transport properties were used. Calculations were made for a wide range of conditions. The results show the fluid behavior to be dependent on the quantity in the tank or equivalently the bulk fluid temperature. For high quantities (low temperatures) the tank pressure rose rapidly with heat addition, the heater temperature remained low, and significant pressure drop potentials accrued. For low quantities the tank pressure rose more slowly with heat addition and the heater temperature became high. A high degree of stratification resulted for all conditions; however, the stratified region extended appreciably into the tank only for the lowest tank quantity.
Shuttles, J. T.↗
Temperature distribution of a hot water storage tank in a simulated solar heating and cooling system
A 2,300-liter hot water storage tank was studied under conditions simulating a solar heating and cooling system. The initial condition of the tank, ranging from 37 C at the bottom to 94 C at the top, represented a condition midway through the start-up period of the system. During the five-day test period, the water in the tank gradually rose in temperature but in a manner that diminished its temperature stratification. Stratification was found not to be an important factor in the operation of the particular solar system studied.
Namkoong, D.↗
Modeling Autogenous Pressurization and Draining of a Cryogenic Storage Tank in Normal Gravity
A two-phase CFD model for autogenous pressurization and draining of a cryogenic storage tank is presented using both the Sharp Interface and Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) approaches for capturing the front and the associated interfacial heat, mass and momentum transfer between the liquid and vapor regions. Both models are validated against data provided by the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Engineering Development Unit (EDU) experiment. The results of the autogenous pressurization are presented first, focusing on the phase change and turbulence effects on the tank pressure and temperature predictions. Both the Sharp Interface (SI-CFD) and VOF (VOF-CFD) multiphase models predict tank pressure during pressurization within 3% of the measured values. The sensitivity of key physical and numerical parameters of the problem are tested using the Sharp Interface model. Effects of the accommodation coefficient (AC), and the computational grid structure are studied. The second part of this paper is devoted to validating the SI-VOF model, with an enhanced capability of moving the liquid-vapor interface, against the draining segment of the EDU experiment. The VOF-CFD model was also used to simulate tank draining and its results were compared with the results of the Sharp Interface model with the moving interface. Both models predict tank pressure during draining within 3.5% of the measured values. Pressure decrease rate is underpredicted by both models during the first 100 seconds of draining but matches the experimental rate for the rest of the simulation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics↗
Modeling Autogenous Pressurization and Draining of a Cryogenic Storage Tank in Normal Gravity
A two-phase CFD model for autogenous pressurization and draining of a cryogenic storage tank is presented using both the Sharp Interface and Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) approaches for capturing the front and the associated interfacial heat, mass and momentum transfer between the liquid and vapor regions. Both models are validated against data provided by the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Engineering Development Unit (EDU) experiment1. The results of the autogenous pressurization are presented first, focusing on the phase change and turbulence effects on the tank pressure and temperature predictions. Both the Sharp Interface (SI-CFD) and VOF (VOF-CFD) multiphase models predict tank pressure during pressurization within 3% of the measured values. The sensitivity of key physical and numerical parameters of the problem are tested using the Sharp Interface model. Effects of the accommodation coefficient (AC), and the computational grid structure are studied. The second part of this paper is devoted to validating the SI-VOF model, with an enhanced capability of moving the liquid-vapor interface, against the draining segment of the EDU experiment. The VOF-CFD model was also used to simulate tank draining and its results were compared with the results of the Sharp Interface model with the moving interface. Both models predict tank pressure during draining within 3.5% of the measured values. Pressure decrease rate is underpredicted by both models during the first 100 seconds of draining but matches the experimental rate for the rest of the simulation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics↗
Self-pressurization of a spherical liquid hydrogen storage tank in a microgravity environment
Thermal stratification and self-pressurization of partially filled liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks under microgravity condition is studied theoretically. A spherical tank is subjected to a uniform and constant wall heat flux. It is assumed that a vapor bubble is located in the tank center such that the liquid-vapor interface and tank wall form two concentric spheres. This vapor bubble represents an idealized configuration of a wetting fluid in microgravity conditions. Dimensionless mass and energy conservation equations for both vapor and liquid regions are numerically solved. Coordinate transformation is used to capture the interface location which changes due to liquid thermal expansion, vapor compression, and mass transfer at liquid-vapor interface. The effects of tank size, liquid fill level, and wall heat flux on the pressure rise and thermal stratification are studied. Liquid thermal expansion tends to cause vapor condensation and wall heat flux tends to cause liquid evaporation at the interface. The combined effects determine the direction of mass transfer at the interface. Liquid superheat increases with increasing wall heat flux and liquid fill level and approaches an asymptotic value.
Lin, C. S.↗
Self-pressurization of a spherical liquid hydrogen storage tank in a microgravity environment
Thermal stratification and self-pressurization of partially filled liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks under microgravity condition is studied theoretically. A spherical tank is subjected to a uniform and constant wall heat flux. It is assumed that a vapor bubble is located in the tank center such that the liquid-vapor interface and tank wall form two concentric spheres. This vapor bubble represents an idealized configuration of a wetting fluid in microgravity conditions. Dimensionless mass and energy conservation equations for both vapor and liquid regions are numerically solved. Coordinate transformation is used to capture the interface location which changes due to liquid thermal expansion, vapor compression, and mass transfer at liquid-vapor interface. The effects of tank size, liquid fill level, and wall heat flux on the pressure rise and thermal stratification are studied. Liquid thermal expansion tends to cause vapor condensation and wall heat flux tends to cause liquid evaporation at the interface. The combined effects determine the direction of mass transfer at the interface. Liquid superheat increases with increasing wall heat flux and liquid fill level and approaches an asymptotic value.
Lin, C. S.↗
Effect of entry of subcooled cryogen on thermal stratification in a cryogenic storage tank
The purpose of this study was to predict if subcooled cryogenic liquid entering the bottom of a storage tank will destroy the thermal stratification of the tank. After an extensive literature search, a formula for maximum critical Reynolds Number which used to predict the destratification of a cryogenic tank was found. Example of calculations and graphics to determine the mixing of fluid in the tank were presented.
Wang, Pao-lien↗
Cryogenic Storage Tank Non-Destructive Evaluation
This slide presentation reviews the work in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of cryogenic storage tanks. Four large cryogenic tanks, constructed in 1965 with perlite insulation in the annular regions, are of concern. The construction of the tanks, two Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and two Liquid Hydrogen (LH2), are described. The loss rate for the LOX tank at Pad A is slightly higher than that for the one at Pad B. The concerns for the LH2 tank at Pad B are that there is a significantly higher boil-off rate than that at Pad A, that there is mold growth, indicative of increased heat flow, that there is a long down-time needed for repairs, and that 3 of 5 full thermal cycles have been used on the Pad B LH2 tank. The advantages and disadvantages of thermal imaging are given. A detailed description of what is visible of the structures in the infra-red is given and views of the thermal images are included. Missing Perlite is given as the probable cause of the cold spot on the Pad B LH2 tank. There is no indications of problematic cold regions on the Pad A LH2 tank, as shown by the thermal images given in the presentation. There is definite indication of a cold region on the Pad A LOX tank. There is however concerns with thermal imaging, as thermal images can be significantly effected by environmental conditions, image differences on similar days but with different wind speeds. Other effects that must be considered include ambient temperature, humidity levels/dew, and cloud reflections
Arens, Ellen↗
Experimental Investigation of Jet-Induced Mixing of a Large Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank
Experiments have been conducted to investigate the effect of fluid mixing on the depressurization of a large liquid hydrogen storage tank. The test tank is approximately ellipsoidal, having a volume of 4.89 m(exp 3) and an average wall heat flux of 4.2 W/m(exp 2) due to external heat input. A mixer unit was installed near the bottom of the tank to generate an upward directed axial jet flow normal to the liquid-vapor interface. Mixing tests were initiated after achieving thermally stratified conditions in the tank either by the introduction of hydrogen gas into the tank or by self-pressurization due to ambient heat leak through the tank wall. The subcooled liquid jet directed towards the liquid-vapor interface by the mixer induced vapor condensation and caused a reduction in tank pressure. Tests were conducted at two jet submergence depths for jet Reynolds numbers from 80,000 to 495,000 and Richardson numbers from 0.014 to 0.52. Results show that the rate of tank pressure change is controlled by the competing effects of subcooled jet flow and the free convection boundary layer flow due to external tank wall heating. It is shown that existing correlations for mixing time and vapor condensation rate based on small scale tanks may not be applicable to large scale liquid hydrogen systems.
Lin, C. S.↗
Optimizing insulation weight on cryogenic storage tanks
Mathematical model uses boil-off rate, insulation density, tank surface area, performance level, and mission requirements to arrive at approximate insulation requirements for cryogenic storage tanks.
Safar, L. A.↗
Self-pressurization of a flightweight liquid hydrogen storage tank subjected to low heat flux
Results are presented for an experimental investigation of self-pressurization and thermal stratification of a 4.89 cu m liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tank subjected to low heat flux (0.35, 2.0, and 3.5 W/sq m) under normal gravity conditions. Tests were performed at fill levels of 83 to 84 percent (by volume). The LH2 tank was representative of future spacecraft tankage, having a low mass-to-volume ratio and high performance multilayer thermal insulation. Results show that the pressure rise rate and thermal stratification increase with increasing heat flux. At the lowest heat flux, the pressure rise rate is comparable to the homogenous rate, while at the highest heat flux, the rate is more than three times the homogeneous rate. It was found that initial conditions have a significant impact on the initial pressure rise rate. The quasi-steady pressure rise rates are nearly independent of the initial condition after an initial transient period has passed.
Hasan, M. M.↗
Modeling Self-Pressurization and Spray Bar Pressure Control of a Cryogenic Storage Tank in Normal Gravity
This paper presents Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for simulating self-pressurization and spray bar cooling processes in a large-scale liquid hydrogen storage tank under normal gravity. The self-pressurization model utilizes the kinetics-based Schrage equation with the Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) model to account for the evaporative and condensing interfacial mass fluxes. It uses a laminar approach to model natural convection and compares the pressures and temperatures predicted by the CFD model with experimental data from the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) self-pressurization experiment. Additionally, the predicted interfacial mass flux is presented. A CFD model for simulating pressure control using a spray bar is also presented. An Eulerian-Lagrangian approach models the interactions between the discrete droplets and the continuous ullage phase. The spray model is coupled with the VOF model by tracking particles in the ullage, removing particles from the ullage when they reach the interface, and then adding their contributions to the liquid. The T-sat model is used to calculate the droplet-ullage heat and mass transfer. In this model, droplets warm up to the saturation temperature corresponding to the ullage vapor pressure thereafter evaporating while remaining at the saturation temperature. The tank pressure, vapor, and liquid temperature evolutions are validated against data from the MHTB spray bar mixing experiment.
Self-Pressurization↗
Thermal stratification in liquid storage tanks
Comprehensive literature survey indicates thermal stratification in solarenergy/liquid-storage tank improves system performance by as much as 15 percent. Collector efficiency increases when collector inlet fluid is drawn from bottom of storage tank, where fluid is coolest; warmest liquid drawn top of tank to satisfy thermal load.
Christensen, D. L.↗
Polymer/Silicate Nanocomposites Used to Manufacture Gas Storage Tanks With Reduced Permeability
Over the past decade, there has been considerable research in the area of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites. This research has shown that the dispersion of small amounts of an organically modified layered silicate improves the polymer strength, modulus, thermal stability, and barrier properties. There have been several reports on the dispersion of layered silicates in an epoxy matrix. Potential enhancements to the barrier properties of epoxy/silicate nanocomposites make this material attractive for low permeability tankage. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) have several advantages for cryogenic storage tanks. They are lightweight, strong, and stiff; therefore, a smaller fraction of a vehicle's potential payload capacity is used for propellant storage. Unfortunately, the resins typically used to make PMC tanks have higher gas permeability than metals. This can lead to hydrogen loss through the body of the tank instead of just at welds and fittings. One approach to eliminate this problem is to build composite tanks with thin metal liners. However, although these tanks provide good permeability performance, they suffer from a substantial mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion, which can lead to failure of the bond between the liner and the body of the tank. Both problems could be addressed with polymersilicate nanocomposites, which exhibit reduced hydrogen permeability, making them potential candidates for linerless PMC tanks. Through collaboration with Northrop Grumman and Michigan State University, nanocomposite test tanks were manufactured for the NASA Glenn Research Center, and the helium permeability was measured. An organically modified silicate was prepared at Michigan State University and dispersed in an epoxy matrix (EPON 826/JeffamineD230). The epoxy/silicate nanocomposites contained either 0 or 5 wt% of the organically modified silicate. The tanks were made by filament winding carbon fibers with the nanocomposite resin. Helium permeability was measured by Northrop Grumman, showing that the leak rate/day of the nanocomposite matrix tank was approximately 80-percent less than that of the neat epoxy matrix tank.
Campbell, Sandi G.↗