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), capable of being arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); and - a filtering member (8), capable of being 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 filtering member (8) comprises at least one sensor (20, 21, 22) of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane (7).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Gas Separation System

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates, in general, to the separation of components present within a gas, in particular, to gas separation systems, and more specifically, to instrumentation integrated into gas separation systems.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a gas separation unit, such as an air separation module, and to a gas separation system incorporating such a gas separation unit and allowing the control of parameters, such as temperature, pressure and pollution, influencing the gas separation performance of such a gas separation system.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Gas separation systems are known which allow the separation of different components present within a gas.

[0008] In particular, in the aeronautical field, air separation units, also known by the acronym ASM for "Air Separation Modules" in English, are incorporated into systems on board civil or military aircraft, to produce nitrogen from air. The nitrogen produced is routed to the fuel tanks in order to lower the oxygen level inside them and thus eliminate the risk of explosion.

[0009] In the case of using an ASM type air separation unit, the separation is carried out using a membrane formed, conventionally, by hollow polymer fibers encapsulated in a metal tube. The air admitted into the tube passes through the membrane. This results in an oxygen-rich fraction exiting through a first outlet and a nitrogen-rich air fraction exiting through a second outlet.

[0010] In addition, membranes are sensitive to pollution from the injected air. In particular, ozone, volatile organic compounds or even fine particles present in the air are likely to damage the membrane and reduce its performance.

[0011] Typically, in this regard, a filter element is positioned upstream of the ASM type air separation unit in order to filter air pollution, particularly fine particles, before the latter is conveyed to the membrane. Such filter elements may include volatile organic compound (VOC) filters, ozone filters, particulate filters which may be arranged independently of each other or grouped into a multi-stage unit.

[0012] Since air separation is optimal at a given pressure and temperature at the membrane level, in current gas separation systems that incorporate ASM type air separation units, pressure and temperature sensors are arranged upstream of the membrane and allow the parameters related to pressure and temperature to be monitored.

[0013] Currently, ASM air separation units are passive devices. The membrane temperature and pressure are derived from measurements upstream of the ASM air separation unit, without direct measurement, i.e. inside the membrane.

[0014] The measurement of parameters related to temperature and pressure is therefore unreliable, and can lead to an erroneous judgment of the state of the membrane.

[0015] Furthermore, failure to detect membrane use under inappropriate conditions can lead to premature degradation.

[0016] For these reasons, the filter elements are regularly changed to ensure that the membrane is not subjected to conditions that could degrade its performance. Similarly, the membranes are also regularly changed as a preventative measure.

[0017] Therefore, the filtration elements and membranes are replaced without taking into account the actual state of degradation of the membrane. Disclosure of the invention

[0018] The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a gas separation unit comprising a body comprising:

[0019] - at least one gas inlet,

[0020] - at least one gas outlet, and

[0021] - at least one gas separation membrane, capable of being arranged in the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0022] In addition, at least one sensor of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane is integrated into the gas separation unit.

[0023] Advantageously, the measuring sensor can be positioned downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane.

[0024] The invention also relates to a gas separation system comprising:

[0025] - a gas separation unit comprising a body comprising o at least one gas inlet, o at least one gas outlet, and o at least one gas separation membrane, capable of being arranged in the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; and

[0026] - a filtration member, capable of being arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane, in particular upstream of the gas separation unit.

[0027] Furthermore, the gas separation unit and / or the filtration member comprises at least one sensor of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane.

[0028] Advantageously, the sensor integrated into the gas separation unit can be arranged downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane.

[0029] According to one feature, the sensor integrated into the filtration member may be arranged downstream and / or upstream of filtration means integrated into the filtration member to ensure filtration of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane. Advantageously, the sensor integrated into the gas separation unit and / or the filtration member may be one of the following sensors:

[0030] - a temperature sensor;

[0031] - a pressure sensor; and / or

[0032] - a pollution 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 filtration member, and a management computer connected to the electrical interface connector.

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

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

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

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

[0038] The 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 different characteristics, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

[0042] Brief description of the drawings

[0043] The present invention will be better understood and other aims, advantages and characteristics will emerge from the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given purely for illustrative purposes and made with reference to the appended drawings, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which: [Fig 1] is a schematic sectional view of a gas separation system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

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

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

[0046] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0047] In the description of the invention which is to be made, the expression "at least one" used must be considered as equivalent to the expression "one or more".

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

[0049] Detailed description of an embodiment

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a gas separation system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a gas separation unit 2.

[0051] In the first embodiment of the 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.

[0052] According to the specific example illustrated in figure 1, the body 3 of the gas separation unit 2 advantageously comprises at least two gas outlets, respectively a first gas outlet 5 and a second outlet 6. However, the number of gas outlets may be adapted according to the number of components of the gas to be separated.

[0053] In particular, the first gas outlet 5 is intended for extraction of nitrogen-enriched air and the second outlet 6 is intended for extraction of nitrogen-depleted air. 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, on the one hand, the gas inlet 4 and, on the other hand, the first gas outlet 5 and the second outlet 6. The gas separation membranes 7 are intended to separate the gas passing through them. The gas separation membranes 7 are 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, the gas separation unit 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 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 by a plurality of hollow fibers, in particular a plurality of hollow polymer fibers, preferably encapsulated in the body 3 of the gas separation unit 2.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one sensor is incorporated into the gas separation unit 2. The sensor is capable of measuring a parameter of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

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

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

[0059] Furthermore, the gas separation membrane 7, in particular the polymer fibers, being sensitive to pollution of the air passing through it, such as ozone, volatile organic compounds, fine particles, etc., the lifetime of the gas separation membrane 7 is therefore impacted by air pollution.

[0060] In the aeronautical field, the level of air pollution in which an aircraft can fly is very dependent on the geographical area and operating conditions. The level of air pollution can therefore vary, fluctuate and reach a critical level for the proper functioning of the gas separation unit 2 and the service life of the gas separation membrane 7.

[0061] In this regard, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the gas separation system 1 comprises a filtration member 8, arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane 7, in particular upstream of the gas separation unit 2.

[0062] Preferably, the filtration 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] Particularly advantageously, the gas separation unit 2 further comprises a pollution sensor 22. In particular, the pollution sensor 22 is integrated into the gas separation unit 2. The pollution measurement sensor 22 makes it possible to determine a pollution rate Pol of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0064] The presence of the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 offers a possibility of measuring the temperature T, the pressure P and the pollution rate Pol of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 and of allowing control of these parameters in real time, punctually or continuously. It is thus possible to regulate these parameters in order to optimize the operation of the gas separation membrane 7.

[0065] The control of the parameters relating to the temperature T, the pressure P and the pollution rate Pol of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7 also makes it possible to envisage 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 filtration member 8 as needed, i.e. when the gas separation membrane 7 and / or the filtration member 8 have lost observed degraded performance and their efficiency does not allow optimal gas separation to be ensured.

[0066] Preferably, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22, advantageously arranged in the gas separation unit 2, are positioned upstream of the gas separation membrane 7 in order to determine the parameters of the gas intended to pass through it, in particular the temperature T, the pressure P and / or the pollution rate 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 pollution sensor 22 are arranged directly upstream of the gas separation membrane 7. Such an arrangement makes it possible to increase the reliability of the control of the parameters of the gas as close as possible to the gas separation membrane 7 intended to be crossed by it, just before entering the gas separation membrane 7.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 can be positioned in a housing 9, in particular a 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] Additionally, it may be envisaged that a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and / or a pollution sensor are integrated into the gas separation unit 2 directly downstream of the gas separation membrane 7, i.e. at an outlet of the gas separation membrane 7. Such a complementary arrangement makes it possible to determine a temperature, a pressure and a pollution rate of the gas after passing through the gas separation membrane 7. It is thus possible to estimate the efficiency and the performance of the gas separation membrane 7 and / or of the filtration member 8, in particular by differential measurement of the parameters relating to the temperature, the pressure and the pollution rate of the gas.

[0070] In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the gas separation unit 2 may further comprise a memory MEM 1, in particular a first memory MEM1.

[0071] The first memory MEM 1 of the gas separation unit 2 is able to be arranged in the housing 9 in which the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 are positioned. Preferably, the first memory MEM 1 is, for example, a non-volatile memory and makes it possible to store the data collected by the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 of the gas separation unit 2. Furthermore, the first memory MEM 1 of the gas separation unit 2 is able to store the data relating to the flight and / or use conditions, to the identification, to the flight phases of the aircraft on which the gas separation unit 2 is mounted. Furthermore, the first memory MEM 1 is also able to store any other relative data specific to the aircraft on which the gas separation unit 2 is mounted transmitted via an on-board avionics system.

[0072] The MEM 1 memory of the gas separation unit 2 makes it possible to record, store and / or consult a change in the parameters measured by the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22.

[0073] By consulting the data stored in the first memory MEM 1, it is possible to qualify the constraints exerted on the gas separation membrane 7 and the conditions of use of the latter.

[0074] The inspection makes it possible to determine the abnormal stresses that the gas separation membrane 7 may have undergone, which could make it defective during its life cycle. This may be the case, in particular, when a gas separation unit 2 is returned to after-sales service after having been detected as defective.

[0075] It is thus possible to validate or revoke returns of the gas separation unit 2 under warranty depending on the operating conditions determined.

[0076] Of course, other measuring sensors may be provided, as a substitute for or in addition to the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22, suitable for measuring other parameters within the gas separation membrane 7 and characteristic quantities of the gas passing through it.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the gas separation system 1 further comprises an electrical interface connector 10, in particular a first electrical interface connector 10, connected to the temperature sensor 20, to the pressure sensor 21 and to the pollution sensor 22 and to the first memory MEM 1 of the gas separation unit 2.

[0078] Furthermore, the gas separation system 1 comprises a management computer 11 connected to the electrical interface connector 10.

[0079] Preferably, a code configured to determine an operating time of the gas separation membrane 7 is integrated into the first memory MEM 1 of the gas separation unit 2.

[0080] The filtration member 8 may also integrate 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.

[0081] Preferably, a code configured to determine an operating time of the filtration member 8 is integrated into the memory MEM2 of the filtration member 8.

[0082] Advantageously, the code integrated into the first memory MEM 1 of the gas separation unit 2 is encrypted. Thus, such an encrypted code makes it possible to attest to the authenticity of the gas separation unit 2, and more particularly of the gas separation membrane 7, against counterfeits. In addition, such an encrypted code makes it possible to reinforce the security and integrity of the gas separation system 1.

[0083] The second memory MEM2 of the filtration unit 8 is advantageously connected to the management computer 11.

[0084] Advantageously, the code integrated into the second memory MEM 2 of the filtration member 8 is encrypted. Thus, such an encrypted code makes it possible to attest to the authenticity of the air separation unit 2, and more particularly of the filtration member 8, in the face of counterfeits. In addition, such an encrypted code additionally makes it possible to reinforce the security and integrity of the gas separation system 1.

[0085] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of a gas separation system 1. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 by a different positioning of the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22. Thus, in the second embodiment, at least one sensor is incorporated into the filtration member 8. The sensor is capable of measuring a parameter of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0086] More specifically, in the example illustrated in Figure 2, the filtration member 8 comprises a temperature sensor 20, a pressure sensor 21 and / or a pollution sensor 22 positioned in the filtration member 8.

[0087] From the filtration member 8 incorporating the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22, it is thus possible to provide a gas separation system 1 incorporating a conventional air separation unit but nevertheless adapted to control the parameters of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0088] In the second embodiment, an electrical interface connector 13, in particular a second electrical interface connector 13, connects the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 to the management computer 11.

[0089] Advantageously, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 integrated into the filtration member 8 are arranged at the outlet of the filtration member 8 in order to characterize the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7 after filtration.

[0090] Thus, preferably, the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 are arranged in the filtration member 8 and downstream of filtration means, not shown in FIG. 2, integrated into the filtration member 8 to ensure filtration of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0091] The temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22 integrated into the filtration member 8 can be positioned in a housing 14, in particular a second housing 14.

[0092] According to the second embodiment, the first memory MEM 1 of the air separation unit 2 can be arranged in or on the gas separation unit 2 or in the second housing 14 and is capable of being directly connected to the management computer 11.

[0093] Furthermore, the second memory MEM2 of the filtration member 8 can be connected to the electrical interface connector 13.

[0094] The memory MEM2 of the filtration member 8 can be positioned in the housing 14.

[0095] Alternatively, it may also be provided that the sensors, such as temperature sensors 20 and the pressure sensor 21 integrated into the filtration member 8 are arranged at the inlet of the filtration member 8, in particular upstream of the filtration means, not shown in FIG. 2, integrated into the filtration member 8 to ensure filtration of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane 7.

[0096] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the gas separation system 1, combining both the filtration member 8, similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment and the gas separation unit 2, similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0097] Thus, according to the third embodiment of the gas separation system 1, the filtration member 8 integrates a temperature sensor 20, a pressure sensor 21 and / or a pollution sensor 22, in particular a first temperature sensor 20, a first pressure sensor 21 and / or a first pollution sensor 22.

[0098] Likewise, in this same third embodiment of the gas separation system 1, the gas separation unit 2 also integrates a temperature sensor 20, a pressure sensor 21 and / or a pollution sensor 22, in particular a second temperature sensor 20, a second pressure sensor 21 and / or a second pollution sensor 22.

[0099] According to the third embodiment of the gas separation system 1, the first temperature sensor 20 and the second temperature sensor 20 may be identical or different, the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 21 may be identical or different and the first pollution sensor 22 and the second pollution sensor 22 may be identical or different. The integration of gas parameter measurement sensors, such as the temperature sensor 20, the pressure sensor 21 and / or the pollution sensor 22, passing through the gas separation membrane 7 makes it possible to optimize the operating point of the gas separation membrane 7, in particular in temperature, pressure and pollution rate. It is thus possible to optimize the performance of the gas separation membrane 7 by direct measurement of the parameters.

[0100] The gas separation system 1 makes it possible to adapt the replacement of the filtration member 8 and the gas separation membrane 7 to just what is necessary depending on the observed deterioration in performance.

[0101] In the illustrated examples, the gas separation system 1 is an air separation system of an aircraft and the gas separation unit 2 is an air separation unit of the ASM type intended to produce nitrogen from the air passing through the gas separation system 1.

[0102] Alternatively, it may be provided that the gas separation system 1 incorporates all types of gas separation membrane 7.

[0103] Thus, the invention also finds an application for gas mixture treatment units, such as pressure swing adsorption units, also known by the acronym APM for "Air Preparation Modules" or by the acronym PSA for "Pressure Swing Adsorption" in English, which are incorporated into systems on board civil or military aircraft, to allow the separation of gas mixtures by adsorption of a gas by a solid or a liquid at a given pressure, then by desorption of the latter at a lower pressure.

[0104] Furthermore, the invention also finds an application for on-board oxygen generation systems, also known by the acronym OBOGS for “OnBoard Oxygen Gas Generation System” in English, supplied with air from a compressor of one or more of the engines.

[0105] Finally, the invention also finds an application for on-board oxygen generator systems which may comprise a molecular sieve oxygen generating system, also referred to by the acronym MSOGS for "Molecular Sieve Oxygen Generating Systems" in English, arranged to provide oxygen-enriched air of a desired oxygen concentration value by adsorbing nitrogen from the air supplied to the system. In the detailed presentation of the invention which is given above, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiments set out in the description which has just been set out, but should be interpreted to include all equivalents whose prediction is within the reach of those skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

[0106] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Gas separation unit (2) comprising a body (3) comprising: - at least one gas inlet (4), - at least one gas outlet (5, 6), and - at least one gas separation membrane (7), capable of being arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); 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. Unit according to claim 1, wherein the measuring sensor (20, 21, 22) is positioned downstream and / or upstream of the gas separation membrane (7).

3. Gas separation system (1) comprising: - a gas separation unit (2) comprising a body (3) comprising o at least one gas inlet (4), o at least one gas outlet (5, 6), and o at least one gas separation membrane (7), capable of being arranged in the body (3) between the gas inlet (4) and the gas outlet (5, 6); and - a filtration member (8), capable of being arranged upstream of the gas separation membrane (7), in particular upstream of the gas separation unit (2), characterized in that the gas separation unit (2) and / or the filtration member (8) comprises at least one sensor (20, 21, 22) of a parameter of the gas passing through the gas separation membrane (7).

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

5. Gas separation system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the sensor (20, 21, 22) integrated into the filtration member (8) is arranged downstream and / or upstream of filtration means integrated into the filtration member (8) to ensure filtration of the gas intended to pass through the gas separation membrane (7).

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

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

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

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

10. Gas separation system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a code, configured to determine an operating time of the gas separation membrane (7) and / or the filtration member (8), is integrated into the memory chip (MEM1, MEM2). 1 1. Gas separation system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the code integrated into the memory (MEM1, MEM2) is encrypted.

12. Aircraft comprising: - at least one gas separation system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11; and / or - at least one gas separation unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2.

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