Guide to Thrusters - Revision history

Sneakyranger: /* Modifications and Experimentation */ fixes some stuff that was still outdated

2024-07-17T23:43:25Z

Modifications and Experimentation: fixes some stuff that was still outdated

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:43, 17 July 2024
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	Another simple modification. While it’s not as useful as it once was now that <span style="color:#EF3B1C"> '''Chamber Vents'''</span> can output at 15,000kPa instead of 5,000kPa, it can sometimes be beneficial to increase the volume of the thruster line to make it easier for thrusters to maintain higher or more stable pressures during extended use. There are plenty of ways to do this - use your imagination.		Another simple modification. While it’s not as useful as it once was now that <span style="color:#EF3B1C"> '''Chamber Vents'''</span> can output at 15,000kPa instead of 5,000kPa, it can sometimes be beneficial to increase the volume of the thruster line to make it easier for thrusters to maintain higher or more stable pressures during extended use. There are plenty of ways to do this - use your imagination.

	==== ~~CO2 Filtering~~ ====		==== One Line ====
	This is ~~more of an intermediate modification~~. ~~The idea is to simply filter out~~ the ~~CO2 from~~ the ~~thruster line~~, ~~leaving~~ you with ~~a line of pure phoron~~. ~~How you handle~~ that ~~superheated CO2 is where you have to get a little creative. The main thing you'll want to be mindful of is to make sure~~ the ~~filtering process doesn't clog up~~ the ~~flow to the thrusters too much~~, or you ~~may have difficulty sustaining any reasonable pressure throughout extended use~~.		This is extremely simple but quite useful. There's a valve in space between the two thruster lines that connects the phoron intake for both, allowing you to heat up phoron going in to both thrusters' output pipes with just one burn chamber. Note that this will also heat the phoron entering the gas mixer, should that be relevant for what you are doing.

	==== Heat Exchangers ====		==== Heat Exchangers ====
	~~Heat~~ exchanger related designs are on the advanced end of modifications, and as such are one of the more difficult but productive modifications to tackle.<br>		While the default setup includes heat exchangers, heat exchanger related designs are still on the advanced end of modifications, and as such are one of the more difficult but productive modifications to tackle.<br>

	~~Heat~~ exchangers are devices that equalize temperatures between two networks or systems without allowing their contents to mix together. They come in two forms:		To reiterate: heat exchangers are devices that equalize temperatures between two networks or systems without allowing their contents to mix together. They come in two forms:

	*'''Heat Exchangers''': Also known as heat exchanger plates. In order to operate, a pair of these must be wrenched down facing each other. Each has an end for a pipeline to merge into. The attached pipe networks will automatically exchange heat with each other until their temperature equalizes.		*'''Heat Exchangers''': Also known as heat exchanger plates. In order to operate, a pair of these must be wrenched down facing each other. Each has an end for a pipeline to merge into. The attached pipe networks will automatically exchange heat with each other until their temperature equalizes.
	*'''Heat Exchange Pipes''': Also known as radiators. These act just like regular pipes in terms of flow. Instead of equalizing two pipelines, these equalize the temperature of the pipe’s contents with the surrounding air. Essentially, heat transfer between an open and closed environment.		*'''Heat Exchange Pipes''': Also known as radiators. These act just like regular pipes in terms of flow. Instead of equalizing two pipelines, these equalize the temperature of the pipe’s contents with the surrounding air. Essentially, heat transfer between an open and closed environment.

	~~As for heat exchangers~~, ~~recall above~~ the ~~discussion on~~ the ~~relationship between heat and pressure under The Pressure Limitation, and some ideas might jump~~ in ~~to your head~~.		With these, you can modify the way heat is transferred to the phoron line in many different ways.

	==== Checking Your Work ====		==== Checking Your Work ====

Sneakyranger: Updates the thruster guide.

2024-07-16T21:12:53Z

Updates the thruster guide.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 16 July 2024
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	*<span style="color:#49F1ED">'''Mixer Oxygen Regulator:''' </span> Best to leave untouched. Controls the mixer’s oxygen supply, and is automatically set to 15,000kPa. Takes its input directly from the output of the Oxygen Supply Tank in Atmospherics.		*<span style="color:#49F1ED">'''Mixer Oxygen Regulator:''' </span> Best to leave untouched. Controls the mixer’s oxygen supply, and is automatically set to 15,000kPa. Takes its input directly from the output of the Oxygen Supply Tank in Atmospherics.
	*<span style="color:#EE99D8>'''Chamber Fuel Injector:'''</span> Acts as the chamber’s input. The injector pumps fresh fuel mix into the combustion chamber to be burned at a rate of up to 700 L/s. Unlike most devices, the injector has no pressurization limit, but its effectiveness will still be significantly impacted by any large difference between input and output pressures.		*<span style="color:#EE99D8>'''Chamber Fuel Injector:'''</span> Acts as the chamber’s input. The injector pumps fresh fuel mix into the combustion chamber to be burned at a rate of up to 700 L/s. Unlike most devices, the injector has no pressurization limit, but its effectiveness will still be significantly impacted by any large difference between input and output pressures.
	*<span style="color:#EF3B1C"> '''~~Chamber Vents~~:''' </span> ~~Acts as~~ the ~~chamber’s output. These three vents draw gas from~~ the ~~chamber at a rate~~ of ~~up to 200 L/s each, and can pressurize their connected pipeline up to 15,000kPa~~. ~~It’s important~~ to ~~note that~~ these ~~vents only pump gas to the thruster pumps~~, ~~not directly into~~ the ~~thruster line~~.		*<span style="color:#EF3B1C"> '''Heat Exchangers:''' </span> Filled with pure phoron, these heat exchangers equalize the temperature of their contents and the atmosphere of the room they're in. Burning a hydrogen-oxygen mix will transfer the heat to the phoron inside these pipes, should you use the standard setup.
	*'''<span style="color:#E3E3A6">Exterior Blast Door:''' </span> In any emergencies involving a fiery death in propulsion, this is your best friend. Opening the exterior blast doors will vent the chamber very quickly.		*'''<span style="color:#E3E3A6">Exterior Blast Door:''' </span> In any emergencies involving a fiery death in propulsion, this is your best friend. Opening the exterior blast doors will vent the chamber very quickly.
	*'''<span style="color:#F09F25">~~Thruster Pump/Regulator~~:''' </span> ~~These are~~ what actually allow the heated ~~burn mix into~~ the ~~thruster line itself. They draw from the output of the chamber’s vents~~.		*'''<span style="color:#F09F25">Burn Chamber Intake:''' </span> This valve is what actually allow the phoron in to the heat exchange pipes to be heated in the thrusters.
	*<span style="color:#DC0CF3">'''Phoron Bypass ~~Regulator~~:'''</span> Allows flow of phoron from the phoron supply line directly into the thruster line itself, if desired.		*<span style="color:#DC0CF3">'''Phoron Bypass Pump/Valve:'''</span> Allows flow of phoron from the phoron supply line directly into the thruster line itself, if desired. Both a valve and a pump can do this - the valve is two-way, which will heat the phoron in a backflow effect. The pump is a one-way, allowing you to keep the thruster intake a closed circuit. Both have minor advantages and disadvantages.
	*<span style="color:#F3D70C"> '''Thrusters:''' </span> Vroom-vroom. Thrusters are what make the ship go. They act as 200 L containers, open to their connected pipe network (the thruster line). There’s no way to physically interact with these except to destroy them, and they cannot be rebuilt or replaced in-game. Don’t lose them!		*<span style="color:#F3D70C"> '''Thrusters:''' </span> Vroom-vroom. Thrusters are what make the ship go. They act as 200 L containers, open to their connected pipe network (the thruster line). There’s no way to physically interact with these except to destroy them, and they cannot be rebuilt or replaced in-game. Don’t lose them!

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	These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:		These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:
	*Set target output pressure on <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor''' </span> to 15,000 kPa.		*Set target output pressure on <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor''' </span> to 15,000 kPa.
	*Set <span style="color:#DC0CF3"> '''Phoron Bypass ~~Regulator~~''' </span> target pressure to 15,000 kPa, and ~~toggle~~ valve ~~to “Unlocked”~~.		*Set <span style="color:#DC0CF3"> '''Phoron Bypass Pump/Valve''' </span> target pressure to 15,000 kPa, and turn the pump on, or just turn the valve.

	That’s it, really. If done correctly, you will see the meter in front of the pressure regulator begin to fill up to 15,000 kPa.		That’s it, really. If done correctly, you will see the meter in front of the pressure regulator begin to fill up to 15,000 kPa.
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	==== Hot Setup ====		==== Hot Setup ====
	The hot gas setup propels the ship by igniting a fuel rich mixture of ~~phoron~~ and oxygen which is ~~then pumped into and expelled~~ out of the thrusters. This typically produces superheated ~~phoron and~~ CO2, which provides ample pressure just from the high temperatures~~. '''Contrary~~ to ~~intuition, this setup does not produce more thrust than~~ the ~~cold gas setup, but it does make a much more efficient use of~~ phoron~~.''' Why that is is covered [[Guide to Thrusters#The_Pressure_Limitation\|here]] in depth~~.		The hot gas setup propels the ship by igniting a fuel rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen which heats the pure phoron that is ejected out of the thrusters. This typically produces superheated CO2, which provides ample pressure just from the high temperatures transferred to the phoron.

	These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:		These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:
	*(Optional) In Atmospherics just outside of Port Propulsion, set the max output pressure on the Oxygen Supply Monitor to 15,000kPa. This will help speed up fuel mixing.		*(Optional) In Atmospherics just outside of Port Propulsion, set the max output pressure on the Oxygen Supply Monitor to 15,000kPa. This will help speed up fuel mixing.
			*Fill the thruster intake the same way you do in the Cold Setup guide above. Then, turn the '''<span style="color:#F09F25">Burn Chamber Intake''' </span>.
	*Set the max output pressure on the <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor''' </span> to 15,000kPa.		*Set the max output pressure on the <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor''' </span> to 15,000kPa.
	*Open the <span style="color:#0A0995"> '''Fuel Mixer'''</span>, click configure, then click on the green button next to the port corresponding to the red pipeline. This will disconnect the Hydrogen line from the mixer, as it will not be used here. Leave the ratios kept at 80% ~~North~~ (~~Phoron~~), and 20% South (Oxygen). Once done, turn the Fuel Mixer back on.		*Open the <span style="color:#0A0995"> '''Fuel Mixer'''</span>, click configure, then click on the green button next to the port corresponding to the red pipeline. This will disconnect the Hydrogen line from the mixer, as it will not be used here. Leave the ratios kept at 40% West (Hydrogen), and 60% South (Oxygen). Once done, turn the Fuel Mixer back on.
	*Turn on the <span style="color:#0A0995"> '''Mixer ~~Phoron~~ Pump''' </span> just to the ~~north~~ of the mixer, and MAX its target pressure to 15,000kPa. Fuel mix should start filling the Chamber Fuel Injector line now.		*Turn on the <span style="color:#0A0995"> '''Mixer Hydrogen Pump''' </span> just to the west of the mixer, and MAX its target pressure to 15,000kPa. Fuel mix should start filling the Chamber Fuel Injector line now.
	*On the <span style="color:#B3EA2C">'''Atmosphere Monitoring Console'''</span>, set input flow rate limit to 700 L/s and toggle power to “Injecting”. You should now see the chamber filling up with fuel mix on the console readout.		*On the <span style="color:#B3EA2C">'''Atmosphere Monitoring Console'''</span>, set input flow rate limit to 700 L/s and toggle power to “Injecting”. You should now see the chamber filling up with fuel mix on the console readout.
	*Once the chamber reaches 500-1,000kPa, hit the <span style="color:#C6311E">'''Ignition Switch'''</span>.		*Once the chamber reaches 500-1,000kPa, hit the <span style="color:#C6311E">'''Ignition Switch'''</span>.
	*~~Watch~~ the <span style="color:#B3EA2C">'''Atmosphere Monitoring Console'''</span>. ~~Once the temperature has stopped increasing dramatically, and O2 composition is ~2-3%, you can now toggle the chamber output ON. Set the target output pressure to 15,000kPa.~~		*Turn off injection on the <span style="color:#B3EA2C">'''Atmosphere Monitoring Console'''</span>. '''IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL MELT THE THRUSTER WALLS.'''
	*Turn the <span style="color:#F09F25">'''Thruster Pump/Regulator''' </span> on and MAX their target pressure to 15,000kPa.

	~~If done correctly, you should see the meter in front of the thruster pump/regulator begin filling.~~

	~~'''It is strongly advised to keep an eye on the phoron supply~~''', ~~as leaving this setup to mix and inject new fuel mix indefinitely can and will empty the entire phoron tank into the combustion chambers~~. ~~Once in the chamber, this phoron cannot feasibly be retrieved. A good time to shut off a thruster's <span style="color:#13DD2F">~~ '''~~Phoron Supply Monitor's''' </span> output would be when the chamber pressure approaches 12,000 kPa - 15,000 kPa after ignition.~~

	==== Emergency Procedure ====		==== Emergency Procedure ====

La Villa Strangiato at 08:25, 15 October 2023

2023-10-15T08:25:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:25, 15 October 2023
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	{{Engineering}}		{{Engineering}}
	{{~~Gameplay~~ Guides}}		{{Guides}}
	[[Category:Engineering]]		[[Category:Engineering]]
	[[Category:Guides]]		[[Category:Guides]]
	[[Category:Pages]]		[[Category:Pages]]

Sneakyranger: clarifies which setup is preferred, generally

2023-10-08T05:25:00Z

clarifies which setup is preferred, generally

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:25, 8 October 2023
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	==== Cold Setup ====		==== Cold Setup ====
	The cold gas setup propels the ship by expelling pure, cold (20C) phoron out the thrusters. This setup is by far the quickest and simplest there is, and provides considerable thrust. This makes it a very appealing option for those who don’t care to spend much time or effort on thrusters, and should be your main go-to if you’re just a regular engineer.		The cold gas setup propels the ship by expelling pure, cold (20C) phoron out the thrusters. This setup is by far the quickest and simplest there is, and provides considerable thrust. This makes it a very appealing option for those who don’t care to spend much time or effort on thrusters, and should be your main go-to if you’re just a regular engineer or just an atmos tech who doesn't know how to make their own setup yet. Generally speaking, this is the preferred.

	These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:		These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:
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	That’s it, really. If done correctly, you will see the meter in front of the pressure regulator begin to fill up to 15,000 kPa.		That’s it, really. If done correctly, you will see the meter in front of the pressure regulator begin to fill up to 15,000 kPa.

	It's worth noting that this is the least fuel efficient method of propelling the ship, but if the SCC didn't want you doing it, it wouldn't be the recommended basic option. Despite the inefficiency, this setup can provide more thrust than a standard hot gas setup ever possibly could, providing the ship with an acceleration of ~1.34 Gm/h per burn when the thrusters are filled to 15,000 kPa.		'''It's worth noting that this is the least fuel efficient method of propelling the ship, but if the SCC didn't want you doing it, it wouldn't be the recommended basic option. Despite the inefficiency, this setup can provide more thrust than a standard hot gas setup ever possibly could, providing the ship with an acceleration of ~1.34 Gm/h per burn when the thrusters are filled to 15,000 kPa.'''

	==== Hot Setup ====		==== Hot Setup ====
	The hot gas setup propels the ship by igniting a fuel rich mixture of phoron and oxygen which is then pumped into and expelled out of the thrusters. This typically produces superheated phoron and CO2, which provides ample pressure just from the high temperatures. Contrary to intuition, this setup does not produce more thrust than the cold gas setup, but it does make a much more efficient use of phoron. Why is covered [[Guide to Thrusters#The_Pressure_Limitation\|here]] in depth.		The hot gas setup propels the ship by igniting a fuel rich mixture of phoron and oxygen which is then pumped into and expelled out of the thrusters. This typically produces superheated phoron and CO2, which provides ample pressure just from the high temperatures. '''Contrary to intuition, this setup does not produce more thrust than the cold gas setup, but it does make a much more efficient use of phoron.''' Why that is is covered [[Guide to Thrusters#The_Pressure_Limitation\|here]] in depth.

	These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:		These steps should be performed on both the starboard and port thrusters for full effect:
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	If done correctly, you should see the meter in front of the thruster pump/regulator begin filling.		If done correctly, you should see the meter in front of the thruster pump/regulator begin filling.

	It is strongly advised to keep an eye on the phoron supply, as leaving this setup to mix and inject new fuel mix indefinitely can and will empty the entire phoron tank into the combustion chambers. Once in the chamber, this phoron cannot feasibly be retrieved. A good time to shut off a thruster's <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor's''' </span> output would be when the chamber pressure approaches 12,000 kPa - 15,000 kPa after ignition.		'''It is strongly advised to keep an eye on the phoron supply''', as leaving this setup to mix and inject new fuel mix indefinitely can and will empty the entire phoron tank into the combustion chambers. Once in the chamber, this phoron cannot feasibly be retrieved. A good time to shut off a thruster's <span style="color:#13DD2F"> '''Phoron Supply Monitor's''' </span> output would be when the chamber pressure approaches 12,000 kPa - 15,000 kPa after ignition.

	==== Emergency Procedure ====		==== Emergency Procedure ====

Sneakyranger: Guide to Thrusters overhaul, by ShakyJake with contributions from Sneakyranger and Lavillastrangiato.

2023-08-01T01:14:33Z

Guide to Thrusters overhaul, by ShakyJake with contributions from Sneakyranger and Lavillastrangiato.

Show changes

Myazaki: Corrects valve instructions for starboard thruster

2022-05-21T22:34:35Z

Corrects valve instructions for starboard thruster

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 21 May 2022
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	* Maximize the pressure regulator east of the top digital valve.		* Maximize the pressure regulator east of the top digital valve.
	* Go to the Starboard Thruster.		* Go to the Starboard Thruster.
			* Toggle the digital valve so the output is West.
	* Maximize the pressure regulator west of the digital valve.		* Maximize the pressure regulator west of the digital valve.
	* Inform the Bridge the thrusters are filling up.		* Inform the Bridge the thrusters are filling up.
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	* Go to the east console (4) and maximize the output pressure and turn it on.		* Go to the east console (4) and maximize the output pressure and turn it on.
	* Go to the Starboard Thruster.		* Go to the Starboard Thruster.
	* Toggle the digital valve so the output is south.
	* Maximize all the high-power gas pumps.		* Maximize all the high-power gas pumps.
	* Maximize and turn on the chamber input. Make sure the the output is off.		* Maximize and turn on the chamber input. Make sure the the output is off.

Myazaki at 17:24, 17 May 2022

2022-05-17T17:24:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 17 May 2022
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	* Go to Port Thruster.		* Go to Port Thruster.
	* Toggle the digital valve (1) so the cold phoron flows directly to the thrusters.		* Toggle the digital valve (1) so the cold phoron flows directly to the thrusters.
			* Toggle the digital valve (2) so the cold phoron will flow to the starboard thrusters.
	* Max the phoron storage tank output pressure via the west console (3).		* Max the phoron storage tank output pressure via the west console (3).
	* Toggle the starboard feed digital valve so the green icon points north (2).		* Toggle the starboard feed digital valve so the green icon points north (2).

Myazaki: Adds guide to thrusters.

2022-05-17T15:24:21Z

Adds guide to thrusters.

New page

== Guide to Thrusters ==

'''''This guide assumes a basic knowledge of pipes and gas mechanics, if you need to brush up on those read the [[Guide_to_Atmospherics|Guide to Atmospherics]]'''''

So the Bridge are pressuring you to set up the thrusters asap so they can go drive into a meteor field and cause you more problems, what do you do? There are two propulsion rooms on the SCCV Horizon at the aft of Deck 1 and these control gas flow to three thrusters each.

The SCCV Horizon's thrusters run on Phoron, and they have two operational modes. One where you simply dump cold Phoron directly from the storage tank and out into space, and one where you mix the Phoron with Oxygen and ignite it which is both a significantly more efficient use of expensive Phoron and much more effective as you can reach maximum pressure very easily.

=== Phoron Storage Tank ===

[[File:Phoron-supply-thruster.PNG]]

Atmospherics has a tank just outside the hull where the ship's supply of phoron is stored. It has outputs that lead to the filtering and mixing apparatus as well as directly to the port thruster room. The west-most console in the port thruster controls the output vent that leads to the thrusters.

=== Port Thruster ===

The Port Thruster is accessible through the atmospherics room and is only accessible to [[Atmospheric_Technician|Atmospherics Technicians]] <s>or Engineers that try hard enough if there are no [[Atmospheric_Technician|Atmos Techs]].</s>

[[File:Starboard-thruster2.PNG]]

This room contains pipelines for bringing phoron and oxygen to the thrusters, a mixer for setting the desired ratio of oxygen and phoron, and a reaction chamber where you will ignite your mixture. There are two digital valves that allow you to set the hot/cold gas mode of the thrusters. It also has a console for controlling the phoron tank output and for controlling the input and output vents of the reaction chamber.

Importantly the port thruster has a pipe that leads from the mixer all the way to the starboard thruster. All mixing is done in the port thruster and the resulting mixture is provided to the starboard thruster.

The port thruster also has an airlock into space which can come in handy for fixing meteor damage to the exterior, or creating a breach yourself in case of an accidental phoron fire!

=== Starboard Thruster ===

The Starboard Thruster room is accessed through maintenance and is on the other side of aft Deck 1 from the port thruster. It is accessible to all engineering personnel. The machinery here behaves exactly the same as the port thruster with the exception that no mixing happens here. There is a direct line from the port thruster that will feed phoron or phoron-oxygen mix to this area.

=== Setting up the Thrusters ===

These instructions are simplified, suggested values for pressures are slightly arbitrary, and it does not go into detail. The operating principles are covered later in this guide in full.

===== Cold Phoron Mode =====

For the simplest and safest setting, you can simply pump cold phoron into the thrusters. The Port Thruster is initially in this mode, with the top digital valve being set to accept cold phoron from the phoron storage tank and output it to the pressure regulator on the east side of it. However, the other digital valve that controls the feed to the starboard thruster is intiailly set to accept from the empty mix pipe.

The setup procedure is:
* Go to Port Thruster.
* Toggle the digital valve (1) so the cold phoron flows directly to the thrusters.
* Max the phoron storage tank output pressure via the west console (3).
* Toggle the starboard feed digital valve so the green icon points north (2).
* Maximize the pressure regulator east of the top digital valve.
* Go to the Starboard Thruster.
* Maximize the pressure regulator west of the digital valve.
* Inform the Bridge the thrusters are filling up.

After a few minutes the thrusters will have enough gas pressure to produce a modest acceleration. It is bottle-necked by the output flow from the phoron storage tank, however and the thrust will drop quickly when the thrusters are fired repeatedly.

===== Hot Phoron Mode =====

This requires a bit more setup, but will produce significantly better results. Instead of just pumping phoron into the thrusters, you first mix it with oxygen and pump it into a chamber where the oxygen is burned. This produces a very hot Carbon Dioxide and Phoron mixture that can be then pumped into the thrusters.

The setup procedure is:
* Go to the Port Thruster.
* Maximize and turn on all the high-power pumps and pressure regulators in the room.
* Go to the east console (4) and maximize the chamber input and turn it on. Make sure the output is off.
* Wait until the chamber reaches around 300 kPA pressure.
* Hit the igniter button on the wall (5).
* Go to the east console (4) and maximize the output pressure and turn it on.
* Go to the Starboard Thruster.
* Toggle the digital valve so the output is south.
* Maximize all the high-power gas pumps.
* Maximize and turn on the chamber input. Make sure the the output is off.
* Wait until the chamber reaches around 300 kPA, again.
* Hit the ignition switch.
* Maximize and turn on the chamber output.
* Inform the Bridge the thrusters are warming up.

=== Operating Principles ===

Thrust is based on the pressure and mass of the propellant. For this reason Phoron makes the best propellant, as it has a high mass. The limitation on the thruster output is the maximum allowed pressure in a pipe, which is around 15,000 kPA. The ideal situation is one in which you maintain 100% Phoron in the thruster pipes at 15,000 kPA and replace all propellant that is used between thruster firings, which can happen every few seconds if the helm requires it. However this is not possible by simply pumping gas out of the phoron storage tank.

Therefore it is beneficial to heat up the Phoron so that you can reach high pressures with less Phoron removed from the storage tank. A higher temperature means you have used less phoron. The temperature can be controlled by adjusting the mixer in the Port thruster. A higher percentage of Oxygen in the mixture will result in higher temperature, but also a higher percentage of Carbon Dioxide in your propellant which is less massive than Phoron.

It is also important to note that you can melt the walls of the reaction chamber if you burn too hot. Which can cause extreme damage to the Horizon and its personnel.

=== Emergency Procedures ===

In the event that there is damage to repair, you put the wrong mix in, or you're about to melt the walls - There are buttons on the walls in each propulsion room that operate the blast doors around the reaction chambers. You can open the exterior one and vent all your gas out into space. Make sure to turn off the input when you do this as well!

=== Improving the Thrusters ===

It is very possible to improve the design of the thrusters by replacing a few pipes. To address certain limiting factors:

===== Gas Flow to the Thrusters =====

Pressure regulators can be useful, but are largely not in the thruster design especially when you are using the hot phoron mode and they essentially act like a normal straight pipe segment. You can replace these with high-power pumps to improve gas flow - Note that high-power pumps can have a significant power usage when pumping from low to high pressures and adding more of these puts more strain on the APC.

===== Improving Hot Gas Capacity =====

[[File:Port-thruster2.PNG]]

When the Helm thrusts, it will remove a portion of the gas from the thrusters and therefore lower the pressure in the pipeline. You can help keep the thrusters at a high pressure for longer in extended use by increasing the amount of hot gas that can be held at one time. The easiest way to do this is to add some connectors and canisters as in the above image. In this example the amount of gas readily available is increased by around 60%.

===== Carbon Dioxide Filtering =====

It is possible to filter out the Carbon Dioxide from the hot propellant, leaving only the Phoron. This means that the average mass of the propellant is higher, and so the thrust is higher. It may be necessary to use multiple filters to keep up with the required flow rate, and you will have to figure out where to put the Carbon Dioxide you have removed. Will you send it to scrubbers, store it in canisters or dump it directly into space?

===== Power Usage =====

The thrusters use a significant amount of power when pulsed, and the pumps will as well. It can be worth getting some higher capacity power cells in the APCs. If your propulsion room runs out of power the Bridge won't be able to thrust at all with those!

{{Gameplay_Guides}}