Question

2. During an emergency launch operation, to fill a missile with RP-4 (a kerosene-based fuel), the ullage volume of the fuel storage tank is first pressurized with air from atmospheric pressure to a pressure of 200 psia. The air is available from large external storage tanks at high pressure (1200 psia, 70oF). This operation is to be completed as rapidly as possible. After the 200 psia pressure level is reached, the main transfer valve is opened and fuel flows at a steady rate until the missile is loaded. It is necessary to maintain a constant gas pressure of 200 psia inside the fuel tank during transfer. The fuel storage tank can be approximated as a right circular cylinder 40 ft tall and 10 ft in diameter and is originally filled to 90% of capacity. Transfer of fuel to a residual volume of 10% must be completed in 18 minutes. a. Assuming no mixing between the original and the incoming air, what problems would you anticipate if the inlet gas control valve were to malfunction and the gas space above the fuel were to reach full storage pressure (1200 psia)

Answer 1

Answer:

As per given cases, some issues are written below

Explanation:

If the inlet gas control valve malfunction; then could be several issues

Constant pressure of 200psi wont be maintained fuel storage tank.

The time required to fill the fuel is 18 mins, incase of malfunctioning this would not be maintained.

Due to valve fluctuation, the flow will become turbulent

Now if the gas space above the fuel were to reach full pressure of 1200 psi, there is possibility that the fuel tank might explode.

The fuel going in the engine would also get too much pressurized.