Gas separation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas separation system (1) comprising:-a gas separation unit (2) comprising a body (3) having:-at least one gas inlet (4),-at least one gas outlet (5, 6) and-at least one gas separation membrane (7), at least one gas separation membrane which can be arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); and-a filter member (8) which can be arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane (7), in particular upstream of the gas separation unit (2). Furthermore, the gas separation unit (2) and / or the filter member (8) comprise at least one sensor (20, 21, 22) of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the separation of components present in a gas, particularly to gas separation systems, and more particularly to instruments integrated into gas separation systems.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas separation unit, such as an air separation module, and to a gas separation system that includes such a gas separation unit and allows control of parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, and contaminants) that affect the gas separation performance of such a gas separation system. Background Art

[0003] Gas separation systems are known that are capable of separating different components present in a gas.

[0004] Particularly in the aviation field, an air separation unit (also abbreviated as ASM, Air Separation Unit) is included in systems on civil or military aircraft to produce nitrogen from air. The produced nitrogen is conveyed towards the fuel tank to reduce the oxygen level in the fuel tank, thereby eliminating the risk of explosion.

[0005] When using an ASM-type air separation unit, separation is achieved using a membrane typically formed of polymer hollow fibers encapsulated in a metal tube. The air entering the tube passes through the membrane. This causes the oxygen-rich portion to leave through a first outlet and the nitrogen-rich air portion to leave through a second outlet.

[0006] In addition, the membrane is sensitive to contaminants in the injected air. In particular, ozone, volatile organic compounds, and even fine particles present in the air can damage the membrane and reduce its performance.

[0007] Generally speaking, in this regard, a filtering member is positioned upstream of the ASM-type air separation unit to filter air contaminants (particularly fine particles) before they are conveyed to the membrane. In particular, such a filtering member can include a volatile organic compound (VOC) filter, an ozone filter, and a particle filter, which can be arranged independently of each other or combined together to form a multi-stage unit.

[0008] Since air separation is optimal at a given pressure and temperature of the membrane, in current gas separation systems that include an ASM-type air separation unit, pressure sensors and temperature sensors are arranged upstream of the membrane and allow control of parameters related to pressure and temperature.

[0009] Currently, the ASM-type air separation unit is considered a passive device. The temperature and pressure of the membrane are derived from measurements upstream of the ASM-type air separation unit and do not require direct (i.e., inside the membrane) measurement.

[0010] Therefore, the measurement results of temperature- and pressure-related parameters are unreliable and may lead to an erroneous assessment of the membrane condition.

[0011] Furthermore, failure to detect that the membrane is being used under inappropriate conditions may lead to premature deterioration.

[0012] For these reasons, filter elements need to be replaced regularly to ensure that the membranes are not subjected to conditions that could degrade their performance. Similarly, membranes are also replaced regularly as a preventative measure.

[0013] Therefore, the filter element and the membrane are replaced without considering the actual degradation state of the membrane. Summary of the invention

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to remedy these disadvantages and to propose a gas separation unit comprising a body having:

[0015] - at least one gas inlet,

[0016] - at least one gas outlet, and

[0017] - at least one gas separation membrane which can be arranged within the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one sensor of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane is integrated into the gas separation unit.

[0019] Advantageously, the measuring sensor can be positioned downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a gas separation system, comprising:

[0021] - A gas separation unit, the gas separation unit comprising a body having:

[0022] ○ At least one gas inlet,

[0023] ○ At least one gas outlet, and

[0024] o at least one gas separation membrane, the at least one gas separation membrane being positionable within the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; and

[0025] - A filter member which can be arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane, in particular upstream of the gas separation unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the gas separation unit and / or the filter member comprises at least one sensor of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane.

[0027] Advantageously, the sensor integrated into the gas separation unit is arranged downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane.

[0028] According to one feature, the sensor integrated in the filter member can be arranged downstream and / or upstream of filtering means integrated in the filter member to ensure filtering of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane.

[0029] Advantageously, the sensor integrated into the gas separation unit and / or the filter member may be one of the following sensors:

[0030] - Temperature sensor;

[0031] - pressure sensor; and / or

[0032] - Pollutant sensor.

[0033] Preferably, the gas separation system comprises at least one electrical interface connector connected to the sensor of the gas separation unit and / or the sensor of the filter member, and a management computer connected to the electrical interface connector.

[0034] Advantageously, the gas separation unit and / or the filter member may comprise at least one reservoir.

[0035] According to one feature, the electrical interface connector may be connected to the memory.

[0036] Advantageously, a code configured to determine the operating time of the gas separation membrane and / or the filter member is integrated into the memory chip.

[0037] Preferably, the code integrated in the memory is encrypted.

[0038] The present invention also relates to an aircraft, comprising:

[0039] - at least one gas separation system as described above; and / or

[0040] - At least one gas separation unit as described above.

[0041] Of course, the various features, alternatives and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other according to various combinations, as long as they are compatible or not mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention may be better understood, and other objects, advantages and features will emerge, from the following detailed description, including examples given for illustrative purposes only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to enhance the understanding of the invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, facilitate its definition, in which:

[0043] [ Figure 1 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas separation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] [ Figure 2 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas separation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] [ Figure 3 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas separation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, these elements have the same structure, size and material properties.

[0047] In the following description of the present invention, the expression “at least one” needs to be considered equivalent to the expression “one or more”.

[0048] Similarly, the terms "downstream" and "upstream" characterize the position of one element relative to another element, depending on the direction of gas flow in the gas separation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a gas separation system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, the gas separation system comprising a gas separation unit 2 .

[0050] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the gas separation unit 2 comprises a body 3 having at least one gas inlet 4 and at least one gas outlet. For example, the body 3 is a metal tubular body.

[0051] according to Figure 1 In the specific example shown, the body 3 of the gas separation unit 2 advantageously comprises at least two gas outlets, namely a first gas outlet 5 and a second gas outlet 6. However, the number of gas outlets may be adjusted depending on the number of gas components to be separated.

[0052] In particular, the first gas outlet 5 is intended to extract nitrogen-rich air and the second outlet 6 is intended to extract nitrogen-depleted air.

[0053] One or more gas separation membranes 7 are arranged in the body 3 of the gas separation unit 2 between the gas inlet 4 and the gas outlet, in particular between the gas inlet 4 and the first gas outlet 5 on the one hand and between the gas inlet 4 and the second outlet 6 on the other hand. The gas separation membrane 7 is intended to separate the gas passing through the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane 7 is held in the body 3 between the gas inlet 4 and the gas outlet (in particular, the first gas outlet 5 and the second gas outlet 6). In particular, Figure 1 The gas separation unit 2 shown comprises a single gas separation membrane 7 .

[0054] In the example shown, the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 is air.

[0055] The gas separation membrane 7 may be formed of a plurality of hollow fibers (particularly, a plurality of polymer hollow fibers), and preferably, the gas separation membrane is encapsulated in the body 3 of the gas separation unit 2 .

[0056] In addition, according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, at least one sensor is included in the gas separation unit 2. This sensor is able to measure a parameter of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0057] More specifically, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the gas separation unit 2 comprises a temperature sensor 20 and a pressure sensor 21 .

[0058] Since the gas separation membrane 7 functions optimally at a given temperature and pressure, the temperature sensor 20 and the pressure sensor 21 make it possible to determine the temperature T and the pressure P within the gas separation unit 2 , in particular the gas separation membrane 7 .

[0059] Furthermore, since the gas separation membrane 7 (particularly, polymer fibers) is sensitive to pollutants (eg, ozone, volatile organic compounds, fine particles, etc.) in the air passing therethrough, the life of the gas separation membrane 7 is affected by air pollutants.

[0060] In the aviation field, the level of air pollutants (under which the aircraft can fly) depends largely on the geographical area and operating conditions. Therefore, the level of air pollutants may change, fluctuate, and reach a critical level that affects the normal operation of the gas separation unit 2 and the life of the gas separation membrane 7.

[0061] In this regard, Figure 1 In the example shown, the gas separation system 1 comprises a filter member 8 which is arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane 7 (in particular, upstream of the gas separation unit 2 ).

[0062] Preferably, the filter member 8 is configured to filter fine particles, ozone and volatile organic compounds from the gas entering the gas separation system 1 and intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7 .

[0063] In a particularly advantageous manner, the gas separation unit 2 further comprises a pollutant sensor 22. In particular, the pollutant sensor 22 is integrated into the gas separation unit 2. The pollutant sensor 22 can determine a pollutant level Pol in the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0064] The presence of the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 makes it possible to measure the temperature T, the pressure P and the pollutant level Pol of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 and to monitor these parameters in real time, occasionally or continuously. These parameters can therefore be adjusted to optimize the operation of the gas separation membrane 7.

[0065] The monitoring of parameters related to the temperature T, the pressure P and the contaminant level Pol of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 also allows for predictive maintenance of the gas separation system 1. In particular, it is thus possible to consider replacing the gas separation membrane 7 and / or the filter element 8 when necessary, i.e. when the gas separation membrane 7 and / or the filter element 8 has lost its observed capacity and its efficiency is no longer sufficient to ensure optimal gas separation.

[0066] Preferably, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 are advantageously arranged in the gas separation unit 2 and positioned upstream of the gas separation membrane 7 to determine the parameters of the gas intended to pass through the membrane, in particular, the temperature T, the pressure P and / or the pollutant level Pol of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0067] Advantageously, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 are arranged directly upstream of the gas separation membrane 7. Such an arrangement enables the gas separation membrane 7, through which the gas is intended to pass, to be as close as possible just before the gas enters the gas separation membrane 7, increasing the reliability of the control of the gas parameters.

[0068] According to alternative embodiments, the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 may be positioned in the housing 9 , in particular the first housing 9 , preferably arranged between the gas inlet 4 of the gas separation unit 2 and the inlet of the gas separation membrane 7 .

[0069] Furthermore, temperature sensors, pressure sensors and / or contaminant sensors may be integrated into the gas separation unit 2, directly downstream of the gas separation membrane 7 (i.e., at the outlet of the gas separation membrane 7). This additional arrangement makes it possible to determine the temperature, pressure and contaminant level of the gas after passing through the gas separation membrane 7. Thus, the efficiency and performance of the gas separation membrane 7 and / or the filter element 8 can be evaluated, in particular, by differential measurements of parameters related to the temperature, pressure and contaminant level of the gas.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the gas separation unit 2 may further include a memory MEM1 (particularly, a first memory MEM1 ).

[0071] The first memory MEM1 of the gas separation unit 2 may be arranged in a housing 9 in which the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 are located.

[0072] Preferably, the first memory MEM1 is, for example, a non-volatile memory and is used to store data collected by the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 of the gas separation unit 2. In addition, the first memory MEM1 of the gas separation unit 2 is capable of storing data related to flight and / or use conditions, identification and flight phases of the aircraft in which the gas separation unit 2 is installed. In addition, the first memory MEM1 is also capable of storing all other data related to the aircraft in which the gas separation unit 2 is installed, which are transmitted via the onboard avionics system.

[0073] The MEM1 memory of the gas separation unit 2 can record, store and / or refer to changes in parameters measured by the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 .

[0074] By referring to the data stored in the first memory MEM1, the stress applied to the gas separation membrane 7 and the use conditions of the gas separation membrane can be characterized.

[0075] Monitoring can identify any abnormal stresses on the gas separation membrane 7, which may lead to defects in the gas separation membrane during its life cycle. In particular, this may occur when a gas separation unit 2 in which a defect has been detected is put back into service after repair.

[0076] Therefore, the return of the gas separation unit 2 under warranty may be validated or revoked based on the determined operating conditions.

[0077] Of course, other measuring sensors may be provided instead of or in addition to the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 , which are suitable for measuring other parameters within the gas separation membrane 7 and characteristic quantities of the gas passing through the membrane.

[0078] In the example shown, the gas separation system 1 further comprises an electrical interface connector 10 , in particular a first electrical interface connector 10 , which is connected to a temperature sensor 20 , a pressure sensor 21 and a contaminant sensor 22 , and to a first memory MEM1 of the gas separation unit 2 .

[0079] Furthermore, the gas separation system 1 comprises a management computer 11 which is connected to the electrical interface connector 10 .

[0080] Preferably, a code configured to determine the operating time of the gas separation membrane 7 is integrated into the first memory MEM1 of the gas separation unit 2 .

[0081] The filter member 8 may also contain a memory MEM2 (in particular, a second memory MEM2). Preferably, the second memory MEM2 is, for example, a non-volatile memory and is advantageously connected to the management computer 11.

[0082] Preferably, the code configured to determine the runtime of the filtering member 8 is integrated into the memory MEM2 of the filtering member 8 .

[0083] Advantageously, the code integrated into the first memory MEM1 of the gas separation unit 2 is encrypted. Therefore, such an encrypted code can prove the authenticity of the gas separation unit 2 (more particularly, the gas separation membrane 7) and prevent counterfeiting. In addition, such an encrypted code enhances the security and integrity of the gas separation system 1.

[0084] The second MEM2 memory of the filter member 8 is advantageously connected to a management computer 11 .

[0085] Advantageously, the code integrated into the second memory MEM2 of the filter member 8 is encrypted. Therefore, this encrypted code can prove the authenticity of the air separation unit 2 (more particularly, the filter member 8) and prevent counterfeiting. In addition, this encrypted code can enhance the safety and integrity of the gas separation system 1.

[0086] Figure 2 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the gas separation system 1. Figure 1 The first embodiment shown differs in that the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the contamination sensor 22 are positioned differently.

[0087] Thus, in the second embodiment, at least one sensor is comprised in the filter member 8 . This sensor is able to measure a parameter of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7 .

[0088] More specifically, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the filter component 8 comprises a temperature sensor 20 , a pressure sensor 21 and / or a contaminant sensor 22 positioned in the filter component 8 .

[0089] By having the filter member 8 comprise a temperature sensor 20 , a pressure sensor 21 and / or a contaminant sensor 22 , a gas separation system 1 comprising a conventional air separation unit but adapted to control parameters of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 may be provided.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the electrical interface connector 13 (particularly, the second electrical interface connector 13 ) connects the temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 and / or the contamination sensor 22 to the management computer 11 .

[0091] Advantageously, a temperature sensor 20 , a pressure sensor 21 and / or a pollutant sensor 22 integrated in the filter member 8 are arranged at the outlet of the filter member 8 in order to characterize the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7 after filtration.

[0092] Therefore, preferably, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollutant sensor 22 are arranged in the filter member 8 and are located downstream of the filter device ( Figure 2 ), which is integrated into the filter member 8 to ensure that the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7 is filtered.

[0093] The temperature sensor 20 , the pressure sensor 21 , and / or the pollutant sensor 22 integrated in the filter member 8 may be positioned in the housing 14 (particularly, the second housing 14 ).

[0094] In the second embodiment, the first memory MEM1 of the air separation unit 2 may be arranged in the air separation unit 2 , or on the air separation unit, or in the second housing 14 , and is adapted to be directly connected to the management computer 11 .

[0095] Furthermore, the second memory MEM2 of the filter member 8 may be connected to the electrical interface connector 13 .

[0096] The memory MEM2 of the filter member 8 may be positioned in the housing 14 .

[0097] Alternatively, the sensors integrated in the filter element 8 (eg, the temperature sensor 20 and the pressure sensor 21) may also be arranged at the inlet of the filter element 8, in particular, at the upstream of the filter device ( Figure 2(not shown)), the filtering device is integrated in the filter member 8 to ensure filtering of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0098] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a gas separation system 1 incorporating a filter member 8 similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment and a gas separation unit 2 similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0099] Therefore, according to the third embodiment of the gas separation system 1 , the filter member 8 includes a temperature sensor 20 , a pressure sensor 21 and / or a pollutant sensor 22 (particularly, a first temperature sensor 20 , a first pressure sensor 21 and / or a first pollutant sensor 22 ).

[0100] Similarly, in the same third embodiment of the gas separation system 1, the gas separation unit 2 also includes a temperature sensor 20, a pressure sensor 21 and / or a contaminant sensor 22 (particularly, a second temperature sensor 20, a second pressure sensor 21 and / or a second contaminant sensor 22).

[0101] According to the third embodiment of the gas separation system 1 , the first temperature sensor 20 and the second temperature sensor 20 may be the same or different, the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 21 may be the same or different, and the first pollutant sensor 22 and the second pollutant sensor 22 may be the same or different.

[0102] The integration of sensors (e.g., temperature sensor 20, pressure sensor 21 and / or contaminant sensor 22) for measuring parameters of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 makes it possible to optimize the operating point of the gas separation membrane 7, in particular with regard to temperature, pressure and contaminant levels. Thus, the performance of the gas separation membrane 7 can be optimized by directly measuring the parameters.

[0103] The gas separation system 1 can adjust the replacement of the filter elements 8 and the gas separation membranes 7 as strictly necessary, depending on the observed performance degradation.

[0104] In the example shown, the gas separation system 1 is an aircraft air separation system and the gas separation unit 2 is an ASM-type air separation unit designed to produce nitrogen from air passing through the gas separation system 1 .

[0105] Alternatively, the gas separation system 1 may comprise all types of gas separation membranes 7 .

[0106] Therefore, the present invention is also applicable to units for processing gas mixtures, such as pressure swing adsorption units (also called "Air Preparation Modules" (abbreviated as APM) or "Pressure Swing Adsorption" (abbreviated as PSA)), which are included in the onboard system of civil aircraft or military aircraft and achieve separation of gas mixtures by adsorbing the gas with a solid or liquid at a given pressure and then desorbing the solid or liquid at a lower pressure.

[0107] Furthermore, the present invention can also be used in onboard oxygen generation systems (also referred to as “onboard oxygen generation systems” (abbreviated as OBOGS, OnBoard Oxygen Gas Generation System)) which are supplied with air by compressors of one or more engines.

[0108] Finally, the present invention may also be used with onboard oxygen generator systems which may include a molecular sieve oxygen generating system (also referred to as a "molecular sieve oxygen generating system" (abbreviated as MSOGS)) arranged to provide oxygen-enriched air of a desired oxygen concentration value by absorbing nitrogen from the air supplied to the system.

[0109] In the detailed description of the present invention given above, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to the embodiments disclosed in the given specification, but should be interpreted as including all equivalents that can be foreseen by those skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teachings just disclosed thereto.

[0110] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and is provided only as an example. The above-described embodiments cover various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art in the context of the present invention, in particular any combination of the above-described various operating modes, which can be adopted individually or in combination.

Claims

1. A gas separation unit (2), comprising a body (3), wherein the body has: - at least one gas inlet (4), - at least one gas outlet (5, 6), and - at least one gas separation membrane (7) which can be arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); It is characterized in that At least one sensor (20, 21, 22) of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane (7) is integrated into the gas separation unit (2).

2. The unit according to claim 1, in, The measuring sensors (20, 21, 22) are positioned downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane (7).

3. A gas separation system (1), wherein the gas separation system include: - A gas separation unit (2), comprising a body (3), the body having: o at least one gas inlet (4), o at least one gas outlet (5, 6), and o at least one gas separation membrane (7), which can be arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); and a filter member (8) which can be arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane (7), in particular upstream of the gas separation unit (2), It is characterized in that the gas separation unit (2) and / or the filter element (8) comprises at least one sensor (20, 21, 22) of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane (7).

4. The gas separation system (1) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The sensor (20, 21, 22) integrated into the gas separation unit (2) is arranged downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane (7).

5. The gas separation system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, It is characterized in that The sensor (20, 21, 22) integrated in the filter member (8) is arranged downstream and / or upstream of a filter device integrated in the filter member (8) to ensure filtering of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane (7).

6. The gas separation system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, It is characterized in that The sensor (20, 21, 22) integrated into the gas separation unit (2) and / or the filter member (8) is one of the following sensors: - a temperature sensor (20); - a pressure sensor (21); and / or - Pollutant sensor (22).

7. A gas separation system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, It is characterized in that The gas separation system comprises at least one electrical interface connector (10, 13) connected to the sensor (20, 21, 22) of the gas separation unit (2) and / or the sensor (20, 21, 22) of the filter element (8), and a management computer (11) connected to the electrical interface connector (10, 13).

8. The gas separation system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, It is characterized in that The gas separation unit (2) and / or the filter element (8) comprises at least one memory (MEM1, MEM2).

9. Gas separation system (1) according to claims 7 and 8, It is characterized in that The electrical interface connector (10, 13) is connected to the memory (MEM1, MEM2).

10. The gas separation system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that Code configured to determine the operating time of the gas separation membrane (7) and / or the filter member (8) is integrated into the memory (MEM1, MEM2) chip.

11. The gas separation system (1) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The code integrated in the memory (MEM1, MEM2) is encrypted.

12. An aircraft, the aircraft include: - at least one gas separation system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11; as well as - At least one gas separation unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2.

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