Patent ID: 8375697

Claim:
A torch suitable for incorporation in a main injector apparatus of a liquid-propellant rocket engine, the torch comprising a combustion chamber and an electrolytic ignitor, which electrolytic ignitor comprises a first electrode, a second electrode that is electrically insulated from the first electrode by an insulator, an injector, an electrolyte tank, and an electrolyte distribution channel, wherein said injector includes a fuel injector device, an oxidizer injector device, and an electrolyte injector device, wherein said injector constitutes said first electrode, wherein the second electrode extends downstream beyond the injector, wherein the electrolytic ignitor comprises an electrical power supply circuit adapted to raise the second electrode to a potential lying in a range of 50 V to 1000 V relative to a potential of the first electrode, and wherein the electrolyte distribution channel opens out via at least one injection hole situated in a vicinity of outlets of the fuel injector device and of the oxidizer injector device in such a manner that an electrolyte injected via the at least one injection hole constitutes a free jet that strikes the second electrode in a zone that is situated outside a body of the injector constituted by the first electrode, such that electrolysis and ignition of a gaseous mixture take place downstream from the injector within the combustion chamber of the torch.