Model of the pressure manifold

Pressure Manifold:

The purpose of the pressure manifold is to evenly pressurize the system using a single pressure source. When the pressure tank is at the optimum pressure the solenoid valve will open. The single stream of pressurized gas will then be split into the t-stoff and gasoline tanks to charge the system and force the oxidizer out through the injectors. This system was chosen for its simplicity and to eliminate the the need for pumps and a payload of batteries.


Pressure Manifold Construction:

For simplicity, the pressure manifold will initially be constructed using brass fittings available at any hardware store. The initial low pressure tests will use quick connect hoses to connect the manifold to the tanks. Using the standard fittings will allow us to easily replace the hoses with metal tubing if needed. The aluminum flange shown in the model (green flange) will be used to mount the manifold to the fuselage. The solenoid will need to be a normally open (open when de-energized) and have a pressure differential that will match the system's operational pressure.

Pressure manifold model	Pressure manifold components
Isoview of the pressure manifold	Another view of the manifold.

Pressure Manifold Final Configuration:

As stated above, the pressure manifold was constructed using brass fittings. We found a supplier that carried high pressure hose and quick connects (rated at 270 psi) for about the same price as the low pressure hose connects that you typically find in a hardware store. Since the hose was rated well above the predicted system pressure, we kept it in the final configuration. A spring actuated ball valve was used instead of a solenoid valve because for the predicted system pressure, a solenoid valve would have cost around 100 USD. The cheaper valve configuration can be seen in the graphic below. A spring was attached between the valve handle and the flange f06. Initially the valve was set in the closed position and secured with nylon fishing line. A small igniter was wrapped around the nylon line in order to burn through the line and open the valve when the ignition switch on the launch box was activated. Although the valve configuration may be a little unorthodox, it proved to be a cheap and reliable alternative to the solenoid valve. If a shutoff valve is required, a second valve actuated in the opposite direction can be used.

Pressure manifold and valve.	Final configuration.
Close up of spring actuated valve.
High pressure hose connection at the top of the t-stoff tanks.