Chinese Space Science and Technology ›› 2012, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (3): 78-83.doi: 10.3780/j.issn.1000-758X.2012.03.012

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Compression Mass Gauge Method for Liquid Propellant Residue

 FU  Juan, CHEN  Xiao-Qian, HUANG  Yi-Yong   

  1. (National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073)
  • Received:2011-09-09 Revised:2012-06-25 Published:2012-06-25 Online:2012-06-25

Abstract: The measurement methods for liquid propellant residue was mainly discussed and the theory of compression mass gauge (CMG) was introduced. Firstly, thermodynamic models were established based on the gas in tank. According to the real thermodynamic process of the gas, the process exponential could be calculated, and the gas and liquid volume could be computed respectively. Then, the thermodynamic models for isothermal, adiabatic and normal conditions were deduced based on the tank system. Heat and mass transfer between gas and tank/liquid were considered. The compression adiabatic model was selected. Secondly, measurement errors were analyzed and the relevant modifications were put forward. Finally,  the accuracy for liquid propellant residue volume reached 1% of the total tank volume. The problems were studied, such as the selection of the compression frequency, volume change and measurement equipment.  With proper design, CMG is an available method for liquid propellant residue with high accuracy.

Key words: Compression mass gauge, Liquid propellant residue measurement, Thermodynamic modelsMeasurement error, Compression frequency, Spacecraft