Adaptive Venturi for Surge Pressure Mitigation

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to complete development of a unique venturi for propellant feed systems that uses a passively controlled throat area to rapidly and automatically adjust flow rate. The Adaptive Venturi is a safety device that eliminates fluid hammer in gaseous, liquid, and cryogenic systems by adjusting flow rate to prevent pressure surges. These benefits are achieved without adding weight or volume. No sensors or electronics are used and no power is required. For high-pressure oxygen systems, the Adaptive Venturi eliminates the risk of ignition caused by adiabatic compression. This device has been demonstrated with a prompt response time and zero evidence of instability.nbsp;In Phase I, PSIrsquo;s existing Adaptive Venturi was optimized specifically for high-pressure oxygen applications. The componentrsquo;s performance was evaluated using gaseous nitrogen to quickly iterate and improve the geometric design. This effort resulted in an optimized design that reduces gas pressurization rates by more than 85% in comparison to a conventional orifice or venturi.nbsp;In Phase II, the Adaptive Venturirsquo;s ability to prevent ignition due to fluid impact will be demonstrated in the most extreme application, gaseous oxygen at pressures greater than 8,000 psi. This program will result in a final product at the conclusion of the Phase II program, offering a low risk, near-term transition to NASA and commercial propulsion facilities.nbsp;