Low Boiloff Transfer Lines

In this phase I effort ultra-light BHL composite transfer lines were shown to reduce chill-down time over 90% compared to equivalent stainless steel lines. BHL tubes have frac14; the mass of comparable systems, and 5-10 times less thermal mass. These benefits are also applicable to BHL tanks. The use of BHL in cryogenic storage and transfer systems will significantly reduce propellant required for pre-chilling lines or tanks, which will reduce waste propellant 5-10 fold. Furthermore, the reduced thermal mass will allow for easier no-vent filling as the system can chill down far easier. This will open up the operational envelope of cryogenic systems in space, improving the efficiency of a cryogenic propellant economy.In this phase II effort, full scale transfer lines will be produced and tested using existing cryogenic test facilities. This effort will culminate in the fabrication of a representative full-scale engine transfer line. This article will be delivered to NASA at the end of the phase II effort. In parallel with BHL line development and testing, a test will be performed on a BHL tank to demonstrate the rapid chill-down of BHL tankage. These articles and tests will increase the TRL of BHL lines and cryo-storage to 6. In addition to the TRL advancement within this effort, a transfer line section will be produced to swap into GTLrsquo;s ACE-Disruptor sub-orbital rocket. This provides a path to TRL 7 once flown in other efforts.