Recently, Tsurumi partnered with Zone Industries to support a groundbreaking aerospace project in the southern United States. A goal of this project was to redefine spaceship launchpad technology, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the aerospace industry.
While spaceship launches may reach for the stars, it’s the powerful systems behind the scenes that make them possible. Tsurumi Pump, in partnership with distributor Zone Industries, recently supported the redevelopment of a spaceship launchpad. This collaboration enabled the aerospace company to deliver more frequent, efficient launches, ultimately advancing the future of space exploration from the ground up.
When launching traditional spaceships, upon emission of the rocket’s flame exhaust, a water deluge system releases thousands of gallons of water. The water deluge system aids in cooling the rocket, protecting the concrete launchpad, and absorbing acoustic energy. Due to the high temperatures, most of the water turns to steam, while the remainder must be pumped out.
An aerospace company sought a new approach to launching spaceships by removing the water deluge system. Faced with significant damage to the concrete launchpad caused by releasing the spaceship without water, the aerospace company turned to Zone Industries and Tsurumi to aid in their resolution.
To prevent this issue for future launches, a redesigned deluge system nicknamed a “booster bidet” was developed. This system releases powerful jets of over 360,000 gallons of water at an upward angle of 30 to 60 degrees in eight seconds. The water is delivered from water tanks pressurized with nitrogen through four-foot pipes.
Upon release of the water, Tsurumi’s LH875 and KTZ611 high head dewatering pumps drain the overflow water from the flame trench. By managing water runoff, Tsurumi’s pumps ensure that the site is prepared for repeated launch cycles. When presented with various pump options, “Tsurumi’s double mechanical seal design with oil lifter and potted pump connections made these pumps the top choice” stated Eric Leffler, Inside Sales Manager at Zone Industries. Tsurumi’s pumps were also selected for their reliable, high-powered performance, and seawater-resistant accessories tailored to the coastal site.
“Our LH and KTZ Series pumps are engineered for high volume dewatering, and this project exemplifies the type of challenges that Tsurumi is built to handle” stated Kevin Boicken, Southeast Sales Manager at Tsurumi. “We’re proud to contribute to the success of this launch alongside Zone Industries” Boicken added.
As launch operations increase with the expectation of recurring daily flights in the future, Tsurumi’s pumps will play a quiet, but critical role in keeping infrastructure intact and missions on schedule.