Design of Gelled Hypergolic Propulsion Systems for Transportation Vessel Safety

EERGC Corporation, in cooperation with subcontractor Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST), proposes to address the solicitation objective through a two-pronged approach which (1) improves the inherent safety of Liquid Hypergolic Propulsion (LHP) systems, by gelling the liquid propellants, and (2) developing a robust cleanup system to quickly neutralize hypergolic propellants in the event of accidental release during storage, handing, or transportation. The concept of the cleanup system is based on rapid neutralization of exposed hypergolic propellants by rapid dilution, closely coupled with rapid capture and sequestration of the neutralized waste. The cleanup system is general in its nature and can work with either gelled or liquid propellants. However, the use of gelled hypergolic propellants as an alternative to the equivalent neat liquid will be shown to be fundamentally safer in accidental release scenarios in the avoidance of accidental ignition, minimization of the extent of propellant and vapor spread, and in enabling more expedient mitigation with the device. The approach will utilize and expand upon the past experience of EERGC and NGST in fuel and propellant development, through a number of current and recent programs funded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and NASA.