Monitoring system for an air separation module and monitoring method thereof

Abstract

A monitoring system for air separation modules, comprising: a plurality of sampling ports respectively arranged at the outlets of each air separation module branch in the inerting system; a switching valve assembly having a plurality of gas path input ends and an output end; a detection unit in communication with the switching valve assembly; and a controller electrically connected with the switching valve assembly and the detection unit. The controller controls the switching valve assembly to periodically switch to each sampling port, so that the detection unit detects the gas samples collected by each sampling port in time, and generates performance monitoring results of each air separation module based on preset conditions and evaluation of the detection signals. The present application realizes independent monitoring of multiple parallel air separation modules by using a single detection unit, significantly reduces the system weight and manufacturing cost, does not affect the nitrogen production efficiency of the inerting system, can accurately locate the faulty module, and effectively reduces the operating cost. The present application also proposes a method for monitoring air separation modules using the monitoring system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft safety technology, specifically relating to a monitoring system and method for an air separation module. Background Technology

[0002] The inerting system of an aircraft fuel tank effectively prevents combustion or explosion by supplying nitrogen-rich gas to the upper gas phase space of the fuel tank to reduce the oxygen concentration. The nitrogen-rich gas is typically generated by the air separation module, which is the core component of the inerting system. In existing technologies, inerting systems usually employ a parallel architecture of multiple air separation modules to meet the flow requirements of the inerting system at different flight phases. In this parallel architecture, how to independently monitor the health of each air separation module to achieve accurate fault location and avoid complete replacement is a crucial technical issue of concern in this field.

[0003] Several health monitoring schemes for air separation modules have been proposed in the prior art. For example, patent document US12097968B2 discloses an air separation module management system and method. This system installs regulating valves on each air separation module branch or group of air separation module branches. The controller optimizes the workload distribution among the air separation modules by evaluating the status and usage of each module, and adjusts the opening degree of the valves in each branch based on the optimization results. This scheme achieves proactive management of the operating status of the air separation modules through valve adjustment. However, to monitor the performance of a single air separation module, it is necessary to close other air separation module branches or adjust the valves in other branches to a small opening, causing the nitrogen generation efficiency of the inerting system to decrease during the monitoring period. Furthermore, this scheme requires regulating valves on each group of air separation module branches, increasing the system's weight and space requirements.

[0004] For example, patent application US20070144347A1 discloses an inert gas generation system for vehicles. This system includes multiple parallel air separation modules, each with a shut-off valve at its input and an oxygen sensor and a flow sensor downstream. By controlling the shut-off valves of each air separation module branch, a single air separation module can be opened independently, and the oxygen concentration of its output gas can be detected by the downstream sensors, thereby evaluating the performance of that air separation module. This solution enables independent monitoring of individual air separation modules, but requires independent sensors (such as oxygen sensors and flow sensors) on each air separation module branch, significantly increasing the number of sensors, weight, and manufacturing cost of the system. Furthermore, since each branch requires a valve and sensor, the system structure is complex, occupies a large space, and is not conducive to aircraft weight reduction and space optimization.

[0005] Patent application document CN 117848531 A discloses a device and method for monitoring the bleed air temperature of an aircraft fuel tank inerting system. It discloses a method for monitoring temperature indicators in the inerting system and is only used for monitoring the bleed air temperature. However, the device cannot meet the monitoring requirements for temperature and pressure indicators in the inerting system, especially for monitoring the output gas of the air separation module in the inerting system.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a monitoring system and related monitoring methods that can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a monitoring system for an air separation module to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] The monitoring system includes: Multiple sampling ports are provided, each located at the outlet of an air separation module branch in the inerting system, for collecting gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module. A switching valve assembly having an input end and an output end, the input end having multiple air passages, the output end having a single air passage, and the multiple air passages of the input end being respectively connected to the multiple sampling ports; A detection unit, connected to the output terminal of the switching valve assembly, is used to detect the gas sample collected by the sampling port when the output terminal of the switching valve assembly is connected to any sampling port; and The controller is electrically connected to both the switching valve assembly and the detection unit, and is used to control the connection between any sampling port and the output terminal of the valve assembly, receive the detection signal fed back by the detection unit, and evaluate the detection signal based on preset conditions.

[0009] Existing monitoring systems involve numerous control valves and sensors, resulting in high cost and weight. Furthermore, monitoring a single air separation module requires shutting down branches of other air separation modules, impacting the nitrogen generation efficiency of the inerting system. The monitoring system provided by this invention achieves the following beneficial effects: Reduced cost and weight: By using a single detection unit in conjunction with a switching valve assembly, independent monitoring of multiple parallel air separation modules can be achieved, eliminating the need for separate sensors on each branch. This significantly reduces the number of sensors, thereby lowering system weight and manufacturing costs.

[0010] No impact on nitrogen production efficiency: Monitoring the system without shutting down or switching any air separation modules ensures a continuous and stable supply of nitrogen-rich gas to the inerting system, and the nitrogen production efficiency remains unaffected.

[0011] Precise fault location: By using time-division sampling, the performance status of each air separation module can be accurately determined. When a module fails, the controller can accurately locate the faulty module and prompt for replacement, avoiding the need to replace all modules at once, thus reducing operating costs and spare parts requirements.

[0012] Preferably, the switching valve assembly is a multi-way directional valve.

[0013] Multi-way directional valves achieve selective switching of multiple gas channels through the rotation or sliding of a single valve core. Compared with the parallel connection of multiple independent switching valves, multi-way directional valves have a high degree of internal flow channel integration, which can reduce pipeline connection points, thereby reducing the risk of leakage, simplifying the system structure, and further reducing the space and weight occupied.

[0014] In another embodiment of the monitoring system according to the present invention, the detection unit includes an oxygen concentration sensor.

[0015] The core function of the air separation module is to reduce the oxygen concentration in the gas to produce nitrogen-rich gas. Oxygen concentration is the most direct and crucial indicator for measuring the separation efficiency of the air separation module (ASM). When the ASM ages, is damaged, or becomes clogged, its oxygen separation capacity decreases, and the oxygen concentration in the output gas increases. By detecting the oxygen concentration and comparing it with a preset threshold, the performance status of the ASM can be accurately determined, enabling a quantitative assessment of its health.

[0016] Preferably, the detection unit includes a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

[0017] The output gas pressure and temperature of the ASM are affected by the upstream bleed air regulation system. By simultaneously detecting oxygen concentration, pressure and temperature, multi-parameter fusion judgment can be achieved, improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring and providing a more comprehensive assessment of the ASM's health status.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention, the controller is configured to issue an alarm signal and / or prompt information to replace the corresponding air separation module when the detection signal received by the controller from the detection unit does not meet the preset conditions.

[0019] The controller compares real-time detection signals with preset thresholds. When a detection value exceeds the normal range, it indicates that the performance of the corresponding ASM has degraded to an unacceptable level. At this point, alarm signals and replacement prompts can accurately locate the faulty module, avoiding the need for maintenance personnel to replace all ASMs.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention, the controller controls the switching valve assembly to periodically connect each sampling port to the output terminal of the switching valve assembly, and performs time-division detection on each of the air separation modules.

[0021] By using a pre-set time-sequenced cyclic detection, each ASM is ensured to be detected once within a fixed time interval. This control method eliminates the need for complex scheduling algorithms; the controller only needs to output switching commands according to a predetermined cycle, reducing the hardware and software complexity of the control system and improving system reliability.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention, the monitoring system further includes an exhaust section, which is connected to the output end of the switching valve assembly and is used to discharge the sampled gas detected by the detection unit into the environment. The exhaust section also includes a flow limiting element for limiting the sampling flow rate.

[0023] After the sampling gas is tested, the gas is directly discharged through the exhaust section, which can maintain the pressure balance in the sampling pipeline, ensure that the gas sampled each time is fresh, and guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of the test results.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention, when the controller controls the switching valve to sample and detect, each branch of the air separation module is in normal working condition.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies that require closing non-detection branch valves for single ASM detection, the monitoring system proposed in this application does not require changing the operating status of the ASMs during monitoring. All ASMs continuously supply nitrogen-rich gas to the fuel tank, thus ensuring that the nitrogen production efficiency of the inerting system remains unaffected during monitoring. This invention's monitoring system employs a time-division multiplexing detection architecture, utilizing a single detection unit in conjunction with a switching valve assembly to achieve independent performance monitoring of multiple parallel air separation modules. This reduces system weight and cost while ensuring that the nitrogen production efficiency of the inerting system remains unaffected during monitoring, and enables precise location and replacement of faulty modules, reducing operating costs.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring an air separation module using a monitoring system employing any of the foregoing solutions, the method comprising the following steps: Gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module are collected through multiple sampling ports at the outlet of each air separation module branch in the inerting system. The sampling port is periodically connected to the detection unit by switching the valve assembly; The detection unit detects the gas sample collected from the currently connected sampling port and acquires the detection signal; and The detection signal is evaluated based on preset conditions to generate the performance monitoring results of the corresponding air separation module.

[0027] In this method, a single detection unit covers all ASM branches through a polling approach. Periodic cycling ensures that each ASM is monitored evenly, preventing missed faults due to a branch not being monitored for an extended period. This method is simple in process, has clear control logic, is easy to automate, and requires no manual intervention, thus reducing equipment costs while ensuring comprehensive and real-time monitoring.

[0028] Preferably, the detection signal includes at least oxygen concentration, gas temperature, and gas pressure.

[0029] Optionally, the method according to the present invention further includes the following steps: When the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, an alarm signal is issued and / or a message is sent to replace the corresponding air separation module.

[0030] This method adds an anomaly handling branch after the evaluation step, transforming the detection results into executable maintenance instructions. Alarm signals enable the unit or maintenance personnel to promptly detect system anomalies, while the prompt to replace the corresponding ASM (Automatic Management System) allows for precise location of the faulty module. This method clearly indicates the fault location, avoiding the need to check or replace all ASMs one by one, effectively shortening fault diagnosis time and maintenance downtime, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0031] Preferably, the method connects one of the plurality of sampling ports to the detection unit cyclically within one cycle until all sampling ports have been detected. This ensures that all sampling ports are covered, guaranteeing detection accuracy.

[0032] This invention enables independent monitoring of multiple parallel air separation modules through the aforementioned monitoring system. It eliminates the need for independent sensors on each branch, significantly reducing the number of sensors, system weight, and manufacturing costs. Through time-division sampling, faulty air separation modules can be accurately located. When a module fails, the controller can precisely pinpoint the faulty module and prompt for replacement, avoiding the need to replace all modules. Furthermore, during the detection process, there is no need to shut down or switch the operating status of any air separation module, ensuring the continuous operation of the inerting system and maintaining its efficiency. In addition, this invention provides a monitoring method utilizing the aforementioned monitoring system. The controller automatically completes the entire process of switching, detection, evaluation, and alarm without manual intervention, improving the real-time performance and reliability of the monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The following figures are only used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this specification. They are used to explain the principles of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0034] In the diagram: Figure 1A schematic diagram of a monitoring system for an air separation module according to the present invention; and Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for monitoring an air separation module according to the present invention.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 1. Air intake regulation system; 2. Temperature isolation valve; 3. Air separation module; 31 Sampling port; 4. Switching valve assembly; 5. Detection unit; 51. Oxygen concentration sensor; 52. Pressure sensor; 53 Temperature sensor; 6. Controller; 7. Fuel tank; 8. Shut-off valve; 9. Exhaust section. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0039] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate directions or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain circumstances to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setting," "arrangement," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral structures; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary, or internal communication between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Additionally, the term "sampling" as used in this application refers to the process of diverting a small amount of gas as a test sample from the main nitrogen-rich gas flow output from each air separation module branch of the inerting system. The sampled gas flow rate is a very small proportion relative to the main gas flow rate of that branch. This sampling operation does not significantly change the flow rate and pressure of the main gas flow, nor does it affect the normal operation of each air separation module in supplying nitrogen-rich gas to the fuel tank.

[0042] Furthermore, in this application, the term "periodicity" refers to the controller sequentially controlling the switching valve assembly according to a preset time interval or time sequence, causing each sampling port to cyclically connect to the output of the switching valve assembly, so that the detection unit pollutes and detects the gas samples of each air separation module branch in a time-sharing manner. The periodicity has two meanings: First, the order in which each sampling port connects to the detection unit is cyclical, i.e., following a fixed order, for example, from the first air separation module to the nth air separation module, and then back to the first air separation module, repeating the process. Second, the time interval between two adjacent sampling ports connected to the detection unit is a preset fixed value or a substantially fixed value, which can be adjusted according to the monitoring requirements of the inerting system. Through this periodic switching control, it is ensured that each air separation module is monitored uniformly and continuously over a continuous period of time.

[0043] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The monitoring system for an air separation module provided by this invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a monitoring system for the air separation modules is illustrated, which includes an aircraft fuel inerting system. The aircraft fuel inerting system includes a bleed air conditioning system 1, multiple air separation modules 3, and a fuel tank 7. The multiple air separation modules 3 are connected together in parallel. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the multiple air separation modules 3 are connected together in parallel, for example... Figure 1 The diagram shows ASM 1, ASM 2, ASM 3...ASM n. The input of each of the multiple air separation modules 3 is connected to the bleed air regulating system 1. The bleed air regulating system 1 provides a stable and suitable air source for the air separation modules 3. The output of each of the multiple air separation modules 3 is connected to the fuel tank 7 to supply nitrogen-rich gas, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration in the fuel tank 7, inertizing the fuel tank 7, and ensuring the safety of the fuel system.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a shut-off valve 8 is also installed in the main gas line between the air separation module 3 and the fuel tank 7 to control the connection and disconnection between the air separation module 3 and the fuel tank 7. The monitoring system also includes multiple sampling ports 31. Each sampling port 31 is located at the output end of a branch of each air separation module 3 in the inerting system, i.e., at the gas outlet. A sampling port 31 is installed on the outlet pipe of each branch of the air separation module 3 to collect nitrogen-rich gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module 3. The sampling port can be a branch pipe interface or a sampling connector on the pipeline. Its orifice is small and is only used to extract a small amount of gas for detection. The sampling flow rate is usually less than 1% of the main channel flow rate, so it will not significantly affect the branch gas flow rate and the normal operation of the inerting system.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the monitoring system also includes a switching valve assembly 4. The switching valve assembly 4 has an input terminal for communication with multiple gas paths and an output terminal. The multiple gas paths at the input terminal of the switching valve assembly 4 are respectively connected to the sampling ports 31 of each air separation module 3, for example, via gas pipelines. In this embodiment, the switching valve assembly 4 can be implemented as one or more multi-way directional valves connected in parallel. The switching valve assembly 4 can selectively connect one of its multiple gas paths at the input terminal to the output gas, thereby delivering the gas sample collected at the corresponding sampling port to the downstream of the switching valve assembly 4.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the monitoring system also includes a detection unit 5. The detection unit 5 is located downstream of the multi-switching valve assembly 4, and its input is connected to the gas output of the switching valve assembly 4 to detect parameters of the gas from the switching valve assembly 4. Thus, when the input of the switching valve assembly 4 is switched to the corresponding sampling port 31 of any air separation module 3, the gas sample collected at that sampling port 31 is transported to the detection unit 5 via the switching valve assembly 4. The detection unit 5 then performs parameter detection on the gas sample.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the detection unit 5 includes at least an oxygen concentration sensor 51 for detecting the oxygen concentration in the gas sample. Oxygen concentration is an important indicator of the nitrogen separation efficiency of the air separation module 3; the lower the oxygen concentration, the higher the performance of the air separation module 3, and vice versa. Furthermore, as shown, the detection unit 5 also includes a pressure sensor 52 and a temperature sensor 53 for detecting the pressure and temperature of the gas sample, respectively. By combining the oxygen concentration, pressure, and temperature data of the gas sample, the performance status of the air separation module 3 can be more comprehensively evaluated. For example, when abnormalities are detected in the oxygen concentration, pressure, and temperature data of the gas sample collected by the current sampling port 31, it can be determined that the air separation module 3 corresponding to that sampling port 31 is malfunctioning.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the monitoring system also includes a controller 6. The controller 6 is electrically connected to the switching valve assembly 4 and the detection unit 5, respectively, and communicates with them, for example, via signal lines or a wireless communication module. The controller 6 performs the following functions: The controller 6 sends control commands to the switching valve assembly 4, controlling the switching valve assembly 4 to cyclically switch the pathways between each input terminal and the unique output terminal according to a predetermined timing sequence. This allows selective connection of the corresponding sampling port 31 of a certain air separation module 3 to the gas in the detection unit 5, thereby enabling the detection of the gas sample collected at the sampling port 31. The controller 6 can realize time-sharing detection control of the air separation modules 3. The controller 6 controls the switching valve assembly 4 to periodically switch to each sampling port 31 to perform time-sharing detection on each air separation module 3. For example, the controller 6 can be set to switch once every time period, collecting and detecting gas samples at the sampling port 31 within this period. Switching once every other time period, sequentially detecting ASM 1, ASM 2, ASM 3, ..., ASM n, and automatically repeating the cycle after completing a full round of detection, realizing continuous monitoring of multiple air separation modules 3. The controller 6 receives the detection signal fed back by the detection unit 5. The detection signal represents the parameters of the gas output by the air separation module 3 corresponding to the sampling port 31 connected through the switching valve assembly 4. The controller 6 internally stores preset conditions, such as threshold values ​​for oxygen concentration, threshold ranges for temperature and pressure, as well as algorithms and programs for evaluating the performance of the air separation module 3 using oxygen concentration, gas temperature, and pressure data. The controller 6 compares the received detection signals with its internally stored preset conditions to determine whether the performance of the corresponding air separation module 3 is normal. When the detection signal received by controller 6 does not meet the preset conditions, controller 6 issues an alarm signal and / or prompts for replacement of the corresponding air separation module 3. The alarm signal can be output to the display system in the aircraft cockpit through the flight control system to alert the crew or ground maintenance personnel in the form of text, indicator lights, or sound.

[0050] Of course, the controller 6 is not limited to the above functions and can be adjusted according to actual needs. The functions of the controller 6 described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the controller 6.

[0051] The monitoring system of this application does not affect the nitrogen production efficiency of the inerting system when it detects the air separation module 3, mainly in the following two aspects. First, when the controller 6 controls the switching valve assembly 4 to perform sampling detection, all branches of the air separation module 3 are in normal working condition, that is, there is no need to shut down or switch the working mode of any air separation module 3. Second, the monitoring system of this application detects only a small amount of gas, which does not affect the normal output of nitrogen-rich gas in the main circuit, thus ensuring that the nitrogen production efficiency of the inerting system is not affected.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the monitoring system also includes an exhaust section 9. The exhaust section 9 is connected to the output of the detection unit 5 and is used to discharge the sampled gas detected by the detection unit 5 into the environment. For example, the exhaust section 9 can be an exhaust pipe whose end is connected to the outside of the fuselage or the atmospheric environment. Directly discharging the sampled gas detected by the detection unit 5 avoids pressure interference caused by gas accumulation in the loop, thus preventing any impact on the accuracy of subsequent detections. In aircraft applications, the sampled gas is nitrogen-rich, meaning it has a high nitrogen content, low oxygen content, and no polluting gases; direct discharge will not adversely affect the atmospheric environment. Furthermore, the exhaust section 9 is also equipped with a flow-limiting element to restrict the sampling flow rate.

[0053] Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific parameters in the above embodiments, such as the switching cycle and the threshold values ​​in the preset conditions, can be adjusted according to the actual needs of different aircraft models and inerting systems. The switching valve assembly 4 is not limited to a single multi-way directional valve; it can also employ a structure of multiple independent switching valves connected in parallel. The detection unit 5 can be selected as one or more combinations of oxygen concentration sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors as needed.

[0054] The following is combined Figure 2The method of using the above-mentioned monitoring system for monitoring will be further explained. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the monitoring method of the monitoring system using the aforementioned air separation module 3 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps: Step ST1: Collect gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module 3 through multiple sampling ports 31 located at the outlets of the branches of each air separation module 3 in the inerting system.

[0055] Specifically, in the aircraft fuel inerting system, multiple air separation modules 3 are connected in parallel. A sampling port 31 is installed on the nitrogen-rich gas outlet pipe of each branch of the air separation module 3. When the inerting system is operating normally, each air separation module 3 operates simultaneously, outputting nitrogen-rich gas from its respective outlet. The sampling port 31 of each air separation module 3 also collects gas samples output from the corresponding air separation module 3 in real time, which are used as samples for subsequent detection and analysis. This sampling process does not affect the normal operation of the air separation modules 3; that is, each air separation module 3 maintains normal operation throughout the sampling process without needing to be shut down or its operating mode switched.

[0056] Step ST2: Connect the i-th sampling port 31 among the multiple sampling ports 31 to the detection unit 5 through the switching valve assembly 4.

[0057] Where i is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n, and n is the number of air separation modules 3 in the inert system. Specifically, the controller 6 controls the switching valve assembly 4 to operate periodically according to a preset timing sequence. The switching valve assembly 4 has an input end with multiple air paths and an output end. The multiple air paths in the input end are respectively connected to the aforementioned multiple sampling ports. The output end is in gas communication with the detection unit 5. The controller 6 sequentially opens the channel between each sampling port 31 and the switching valve assembly 4, so that the current sampling port 31 is in fluid communication with the detection unit 5, while the other sampling ports 31 are in a closed or non-connected state. Every certain time interval, i.e., a predetermined single switching cycle (e.g., several seconds or tens of seconds), the controller 6 controls the switching valve assembly 4 to switch to the next sampling port 31, that is, to switch to the input end connected to the next sampling port 31 and the unique output end. This cycle is repeated to achieve time-division sampling of each sampling port 31. The above switching cycle can be set according to actual detection needs, for example, it can be set to complete one round of detection of all sampling ports 31 per minute.

[0058] Step ST3: The gas sample collected by the currently connected sampling port 31 is detected by the detection unit 5, and a detection signal is generated.

[0059] Specifically, after the switching valve assembly 4 connects a sampling port 31 to the detection unit 5, the gas sample collected by the sampling port 31 is transported to the detection unit 5 via the switching valve assembly 4. The detection unit 5 performs parameter detection on the gas sample, such as detecting the oxygen concentration, pressure, and / or temperature. The detection unit 5 converts the detection results into detection signals, including electrical signals, and sends them to the controller 6 in real time. This detection signal characterizes the characteristics of the output gas of the air separation module 3 corresponding to the sampling port 31 currently connected to the detection unit 5, thereby reflecting the nitrogen separation efficiency and performance status of the corresponding air separation module 3.

[0060] Step ST4: Evaluate the detection signals in ST3 based on preset conditions and generate the corresponding performance monitoring results of the air separation module 3.

[0061] Specifically, the controller 6 internally stores preset conditions, such as preset oxygen concentration thresholds, pressure thresholds, and / or temperature thresholds. The controller 6 compares the received detection signal with the preset conditions.

[0062] Step ST4.1: Determine whether the detection signal meets the preset conditions.

[0063] If the detection signal meets the preset conditions (e.g., oxygen concentration is below or equal to a threshold), the current air separation module 3 is determined to be functioning normally, as shown in step ST4.2; if the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions (e.g., oxygen concentration is above a threshold), the current air separation module 3 is determined to be malfunctioning or failed, as shown in step ST4.3. If the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, the controller 6 issues an alarm signal and / or prompts for replacement of the corresponding air separation module 3. Specifically, the controller 6 can issue visual alarms, such as text prompts, flashing indicator lights, and / or audible alarms through the aircraft cockpit display system, while indicating the number or location of the specific air separation module 6 that is malfunctioning, so that ground maintenance personnel can accurately replace the faulty module without replacing all air separation modules 3 as a whole.

[0064] Step ST5: Determine whether the detection of all sampling ports 31 in all air separation modules 3 has been completed, and cycle through the control steps.

[0065] Specifically, after completing the detection and corresponding branching process of a sampling port 31, the controller 6 checks whether sampling, detection, and evaluation have been completed for all sampling ports 31, i.e., all air separation modules 3, in this round of detection. If the detection of all sampling ports 31 has not been completed, then i = i + 1, and the process returns to step ST2, controlling the switching valve assembly 4 to switch to the next sampling port 31, repeating steps ST2 to ST5. If the detection of all sampling ports 31 has been completed, the current round of monitoring ends. Optionally, after the current round of monitoring ends, the next round of monitoring can be automatically started after a preset time interval to achieve continuous and periodic monitoring of the performance of all air separation modules 3 in the system. It should be noted that the continuous running time of the specific monitoring system can be set by the controller 6, or controlled by an external switch or command system.

[0066] The implementation of this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be adjusted and optimized according to different design requirements and usage environments. The scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the content of the claims, and not limited to the embodiments described above. Although this invention has been described through specific embodiments, any modifications, changes, and combinations made by those skilled in the art to the various embodiments and implementation methods of this invention without departing from the spirit of this invention should be within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for an air separation module (3) in an inerting system, characterized in that, include: Multiple sampling ports (31) are respectively set at the outlet of each branch of the air separation module (3) in the inerting system, and are used to collect gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module (3); The switching valve assembly (4) has an input end and an output end. The input end has multiple air paths, and the output end has a single air path. The multiple air paths of the input end are respectively connected to the multiple sampling ports (31). The detection unit (5) is connected to the output end of the switching valve assembly (4) and is used to detect the gas sample collected by the sampling port (31) when the output end of the switching valve assembly (4) is connected to any sampling port (31). as well as The controller (6) is electrically connected to the switching valve assembly (4) and the detection unit (5) respectively, and is used to control the connection between any sampling port (31) and the output terminal of the valve assembly, receive the detection signal fed back by the detection unit (5), and evaluate the detection signal based on preset conditions.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching valve assembly (4) is a multi-way directional valve.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit (5) includes an oxygen concentration sensor (51).

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit (5) includes a pressure sensor (52) and / or a temperature sensor (53).

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (6) is configured to issue an alarm signal and / or prompt the replacement of the corresponding air separation module (3) when the detection signal received by the controller (6) from the detection unit (5) does not meet the preset conditions.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (6) controls the switching valve assembly (4) to periodically connect each sampling port (31) to the output terminal of the switching valve assembly (4) to perform time-division detection on each air separation module (3).

7. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring system also includes an exhaust section (9), which is connected to the output end of the switching valve assembly (4) and is used to discharge the sampled gas detected by the detection unit (5) into the environment. The exhaust section (9) also has a flow limiting element for limiting the sampling flow rate.

8. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the controller (6) controls the sampling detection of the switching valve, each branch of the air separation module (3) is in normal working condition.

9. A method for monitoring an air separation module (3) using a monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: Gas samples output by the corresponding air separation module (3) are collected by multiple sampling ports (31) at the outlet of each branch of the air separation module (3) in the inerting system. The sampling port (31) of the plurality of sampling ports (31) is periodically connected to the detection unit (5) by the switching valve assembly (4); The gas sample collected from the currently connected sampling port (31) is detected by the detection unit (5), and a detection signal is obtained; and The detection signal is evaluated based on preset conditions to generate the performance monitoring results of the corresponding air separation module (3).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The detection signal includes at least oxygen concentration, gas temperature, and gas pressure.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, an alarm signal is issued and / or a message is sent to replace the corresponding air separation module (3).

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method connects one of the plurality of sampling ports (31) to the detection unit (5) in a cycle until all sampling ports (31) are detected.

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