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Vapor Containment and Fire Suppression System for Hypergolic Propellants

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2011 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
B2-1676 		Solicitation Year:
2008 		Solicitation Topic Code:
MDA08-046 		Solicitation Number:
2008.3
Small Business Information
IN Space, L.L.C.
3495 Kent Avenue Suite G100 West Lafayette, IN -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2011
Title: Vapor Containment and Fire Suppression System for Hypergolic Propellants
Agency: DOD
Contract: W9113M-11-C-0042
Award Amount: $999,647.00
 

Abstract:

Toxicity and fire risks associated with monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide must be mitigated for the continued fielding of divert and attitude control systems for MDA interceptors. In a Phase I study, IN Space, Ansul and Purdue University characterized a system allowing for simple retrofitting of propulsion systems already designed for the hypergols of interest. With the proposed Vapor Containment and Fire Suppression system, advanced sensing techniques detect a propellant leak and then trigger the injection of a persistent, rapidly expanding foam to extinguish fires and contain propellant vapors to acceptable levels. Experiments led to the identification of a foam capable of containing monomethylhydrazine vapors below 0.2 ppm for 8 hours and nitrogen tetroxide vapors below 1 ppm for 7 hours. This and other evaluated foams exhibit significant potential for improvements in containing vapors, extinguishing hypergol fires, and potentially neutralizing the propellants. In Phase II, the team, strengthened by Northrop Grumman and the capabilities of the NASA White Sands Test Facility, will continue the development and evaluation of candidate foams in lab- and field-scale tests. Detailed prototype designs for naval and portable interceptor systems will be generated using the information gained through development and experimentation.

Principal Investigator:

B.j. Austin
President
(765) 775-2107
bjaustin@inspacellc.com

Business Contact:

Amy Austin
Business Manager
(765) 775-2107
aaustin@inspacellc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

IN Space, L.L.C.
3495 Kent Avenue Suite G100 West Lafayette, IN -

EIN/Tax ID: 061678762
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No