Ultrasonic Pulser-Receiver for Onboard Propellant Gauging of spacecraft

1.

Title of Product/Design/Equipment.

Ultrasonic Pulser-Receiver for Onboard Propellant Gauging of spacecraft

2.

IPR Status

Patent/Abroad IPR Details

3.

Application/Uses

Propellant availability onboard is one of the main factors determining the spacecraft life. It is essential to gauge the propellant accurately for estimation of spacecraft end-of-life (EOL) and to optimize mission strategy. Project aimed for GEOSAT class Spacecrafts and interplanetary missions. The developed ultrasonic flow meter can be integrated in the spacecraft for onboard propellant gauging. Can also be used as a gas and liquid flow meter for ground based applications.

4.

Salient Technical Feature including Competing Feature

Measurement accuracy < 1%

Flow rate range 0 - 100cc/s (0-6 liters per min (LPM))

Power consumption < 5W

Mass = 750 gm (Sensor + Electronics-onboard)

Interface weldable tube or Screwed fitting

Operating temperature range -40 to +200^oC

Pulser with Two Transmitters fires simultaneously

Two Receivers, able to distinguish two received signals (downstream and upstream) with high accuracy

5.

Level/Scale of Development

TRL 5

6.

Environmental Consideration

Nil

7.

Status of Commercialization

8.

Major Raw Material to be Utilized

Electronic components, Piezo-electric sensors, ICs, cabinet, connectors etc.

9.

Major Raw Plant Equipment and Machinery Required

10.

Techno-Economics

11.

Technology Package

(a) Details of equipment, (b) Operating Manual, (c) Application notes & d) Operating Training.