Analysis of Propellant Storage Tanks After Four Years Hydrazine Storage

Abstract

This report covers the examination and metallurgical evaluation of four tanks after they had been subjected to over four years storage with hydrazine propellant. The tank materials included 17-7 PH stainless steel and AM350, also a precipitation hardened stainless steel. Only one instance of serious corrosion was found in the tanks and that was found to be most likely caused by an external source in the over one year time elapsed between removal of the tanks from hydrazine storage, and the start of evaluation. The hydrazine storage occurred in two periods, the first of which was one year during the temperature control was a problem (nominal 83.3 F). During this time some hydrazine decomposition did occur and venting was required to relieve pressure buildup. After modification and improvement of the insulation and temperature control equipment in the building, a temperature of 120 F was held steadily for the 3-1/3 years of remaining storage time, with no further pressure rise or hydrazine decomposition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA046204

Entities

People

  • E. J. King
  • H. G. Kammerer

Organizations

  • Bell Aircraft Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Facilities
  • Alloys
  • Corrosion
  • Decomposition
  • Fabrication
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Metallurgical Laboratories
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Sheet Metal
  • Stainless Steel
  • Steel
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature Control
  • Test Facilities

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics