Rocket pollution reduction system

Patent · Tue Jan 04 00:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:6882275

Geisler, R L

A system is provided for reducing the emissions of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from solid fuel rockets, especially during ground disposal. An aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide is injected as a mist into the rocket chamber as the rocket fuel is burned. The reaction of the alkali metal with hydrogen chloride (HCl) produces a salt and thereby minimizes the presence of hydrochloric acid in the rocket exhaust. An injected neutralizing material which reduces hydrochloric acid, but which produces less thrust than an equal weight of rocket fuel, can be injected into an operating rocket which carries a payload high above the earth, with the injected material being injected only while the rocket is at a lower altitude when hydrochloric acid is most undesirable. The injected material can be produced by a small auxiliary rocket device whose exhaust is delivered directly to the main rocket chamber, and with the exhaust of the auxiliary rocket device including a high proportion of magnesium to react with the hydrochloric acid with minimal degradation of rocket performance. 4 figs.

• Assignee: Wyle Labs., El Segundo, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5274998; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-911184
• OSTI ID: 6882275
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 6 Jul 1992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HYDROCHLORIC ACID
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
ROCKETS
EXHAUST GASES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
CONTROL
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
WASTES
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)