Author Topic: Is the spherical LOX tank at 39A used for F9/FH? (Read 3191 times)

IanThePineapple · « **on:** 12/19/2017 02:09 pm »

As the title asks. Thanks for the answers!

whitelancer64 · « **Reply #1 on:** 12/19/2017 02:17 pm »

Yes.

old_sellsword · « **Reply #2 on:** 12/19/2017 02:17 pm »

LouScheffer · « **Reply #3 on:** 12/19/2017 02:45 pm »

Quote from: IanThePineapple on 12/19/2017 02:09 pm

As the title asks. Thanks for the answers!

Probably not for the sub-cooled LOX. The tank is (or at least was) insulated with perlite and dry nitrogen. Sub-cooled LOX would cause the nitrogen to condense. They would need to switch to a vacuum in the gap, but unlike the liquid hydrogen tanks, I don't think these tanks are designed for it.

speedevil · « **Reply #4 on:** 12/19/2017 04:01 pm »

Quote from: LouScheffer on 12/19/2017 02:45 pm

Quote from: IanThePineapple on 12/19/2017 02:09 pm
As the title asks. Thanks for the answers!
Probably not for the sub-cooled LOX. The tank is (or at least was) insulated with perlite and dry nitrogen. Sub-cooled LOX would cause the nitrogen to condense. They would need to switch to a vacuum in the gap, but unlike the liquid hydrogen tanks, I don't think these tanks are designed for it.

In principle, swapping in Neon might be rather easier, it is likely to be moderately worse at thermal insulation, but it remains gaseous well below the freezing point of oxygen.
(it does cost $200/m^3 or so at 150K though)

old_sellsword · « **Reply #5 on:** 12/19/2017 06:37 pm »

Quote from: LouScheffer on 12/19/2017 02:45 pm

Quote from: IanThePineapple on 12/19/2017 02:09 pm
As the title asks. Thanks for the answers!
Probably not for the sub-cooled LOX. The tank is (or at least was) insulated with perlite and dry nitrogen. Sub-cooled LOX would cause the nitrogen to condense. They would need to switch to a vacuum in the gap, but unlike the liquid hydrogen tanks, I don't think these tanks are designed for it.

From what I remember reading on this forum they don't store the LOX in the storage tanks at the subcooled temperatures, just normal LOX temperatures. When they fuel the vehicle they chill after it leaves the tanks, on the way out to the pad. Jim has spoken on this before, I can't remember when or where though.