Propellant Management Devices (PMD)

Critical internal tank equipment for fluid management. We design and qualify anti-vortex, anti-sloshing, and anti-wetting devices for LH2, LOX, and LCH4 tanks, ensuring launcher stability and optimal engine feeding under flight conditions.

Ensuring fluid stability in extreme environments

Launchers experience intense vibrations and acceleration that can disrupt propellant behavior. Air Liquide’s Propellant Management Devices (PMD) are engineered to control fluid dynamics inside cryogenic tanks (LH2, LOX, LCH4). By preventing gas ingestion and limiting sloshing, our devices guarantee a continuous, bubble-free fuel supply to the engines, maximizing performance and safety from lift-off to payload separation.

Comprehensive internal tank equipment

We provide a complete range of internal equipment designed, cleaned, and assembled in our ISO08 cleanrooms. Our solutions cover the full spectrum of fluid management needs:

  • Anti-Vortex devices: Prevent the formation of vortices at the tank outlet to ensure pure liquid flow to the turbopumps.
  • Anti-Sloshing systems: Baffles and structures that dampen fluid motion to maintain launcher stability.
  • Liquid collectors & filtering: Optimized designs to maximize propellant usage (minimize residuals) and protect downstream components.
  • Instrumentation: Integration of level gauges and fluid temperature sensors
  • Anti-wetting devices: Limit wetted surfaces and propellant warming and boil-off

Advanced Design & Qualification

Beyond manufacturing, our expertise spans along the complete calculation, design, and optimization cycle.

Using advanced fluid dynamics simulations, we model behavior under microgravity and high-g loads to validate performance before manufacturing. Our qualification process covers mechanical, thermal, and functional aspects, ensuring that every part—assembled by rivets or bolts—can withstand the harsh reality of spaceflight.

Unmatched Flight Heritage

Air Liquide’s PMD technology has flown on every generation of European heavy launchers. We have supplied internal tank equipment for all Ariane launchers from Ariane 1 to Ariane 6.

Optimized for Mass & Performance

In launcher design, every gram counts. Our Propellant Management Devices are optimized to minimize structural mass while maximizing propellant availability. By reducing unusable fuel (residuals) and ensuring consistent flow, we directly contribute to the payload capacity and efficiency of the launch vehicle.

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Our Launchers cryogenic equipment & technologies

  • Insulated & equipped cryogenic tanks
    Advanced insulated cryogenic tanks for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Design authority for Ariane 6 and 800+ flight models delivered for Ariane overall.
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  • Liquid Helium Sub System (SSHeL)
    High-performance liquid helium (LHe) storage for launcher pressurization. Aluminum double-wall vacuum insulated technology with 120+ flight models delivered.
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  • Cryogenic Insulation Systems
    Advanced thermal protection for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Sprayed foam & MLI solutions qualified for Ariane 6.
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  • Cryogenic Level Gauges
    High-precision capacitive level gauges for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Flight-proven technology for Ariane.
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  • Cryogenic lines
    High-performance cryogenic lines for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LHe). Custom aluminum or stainless steel designs with 140+ references for Ariane 6.
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