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Vertical Planetary Mixer

 

Vertical Planetary Mixer


Context:
ISRO, in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, has successfully developed the world’s largest vertical planetary mixer with a 10-tonne capacity. This innovation marks a significant milestone in solid propellant manufacturing for space missions.

What is a Vertical Planetary Mixer?

A vertical planetary mixer is a high-capacity mixing system specifically designed to process solid propellants used in rocket motors. It ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive components, which is essential for improving the performance and efficiency of rocket motors.

Key Developer:

  • Developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO.
  • Collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru.
  • Part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to strengthen India’s self-reliant space technology capabilities.

How Does a Vertical Planetary Mixer Work?

  • Mixing Mechanism: Multiple hydrostatic-driven agitators are used to ensure uniform mixing of all solid propellant components.
  • Control System: Operated remotely using a PLC-based control system connected to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations.
    • SCADA stations monitor and control physical processes in real-time for precision and safety.
    • This remote control feature reduces human intervention, enhancing safety when handling hazardous materials.

Key Features of the Vertical Planetary Mixer

  1. Largest Capacity: Can mix up to 10 tonnes of solid propellant in a single batch, making it the largest of its kind globally.
  2. High Precision: Ensures uniform composition for improved rocket motor performance and reliability.
  3. Safety & Reliability: Designed to handle hazardous materials with strict quality and safety controls.
  4. Automation: Fully automated with remote operation to enhance operational efficiency.
  5. Massive Structure: The mixer weighs 150 tonnes with dimensions of 5.4 meters in length, 3.3 meters in breadth, and 8.7 meters in height.

Significance of the Vertical Planetary Mixer

  1. Enhanced Rocket Motor Production:

    • The mixer significantly improves productivity, quality, and throughput in the manufacturing of solid propulsion systems.
    • Ensures consistency in the solid propellant composition, a critical factor for rocket stability and performance.

  2. Indigenous Capability:

    • Reduces dependency on imported equipment or foreign technology, advancing India’s goals of self-reliance in space technology.
    • Contributes to the larger ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission for technological independence.

  3. Support for Future Space Missions:

    • Strengthens ISRO’s various launch programs, including PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), and upcoming heavy-lift launch vehicles.
    • Facilitates the development of larger rocket motors for future space exploration and satellite launches.

  4. Innovation Through Collaboration:

    • The development of this mixer highlights the role of collaboration between ISRO, academia, and industry in fostering innovation and advancing space manufacturing technologies.

Future Implications

The successful deployment of the vertical planetary mixer opens new avenues for space exploration and propellant development in India. It ensures the production of safer, more efficient propellants and contributes to ISRO’s ambitions of expanding its space exploration and satellite deployment programs.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

  1. Which organization collaborated with ISRO to develop the 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer?
    a) Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
    b) Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)
    c) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    d) National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
    Answer: b) Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)

  2. What is the primary purpose of a vertical planetary mixer in space technology?
    a) Cooling rocket engines
    b) Assembling satellites
    c) Mixing solid propellants for rocket motors
    d) Launching spacecraft
    Answer: c) Mixing solid propellants for rocket motors

  3. What control system is used to operate the vertical planetary mixer?
    a) Manual switches
    b) IoT-based control
    c) PLC-based system with SCADA stations
    d) AI-driven automation
    Answer: c) PLC-based system with SCADA stations

  4. What is the capacity of the vertical planetary mixer developed by ISRO?
    a) 5 tonnes
    b) 7 tonnes
    c) 10 tonnes
    d) 15 tonnes
    Answer: c) 10 tonnes

  5. Which Indian government initiative is aligned with the development of this mixer?
    a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    b) Make in India
    c) Atmanirbhar Bharat
    d) Skill India
    Answer: c) Atmanirbhar Bharat

Mains Question (UPSC CSE)

Q: Discuss the significance of ISRO’s development of the 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer in the context of India’s self-reliance in space technology. How can such innovations support future space exploration?

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