Air sampling system for aircraft
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020220141984
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-10-31
Smart Images

Figure 112022114817628-PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an atmospheric sample collection system for an aircraft, and specifically, to an atmospheric sample collection system for an aircraft capable of collecting atmospheric samples for the observation of trace amounts of chemical substances contained in the atmosphere at various altitudes while performing aircraft observations. Background Technology
[0003] Currently, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) uses weather aircraft to observe climate change-inducing substances at various altitudes. However, since aircraft are observation platforms subject to strong vibrations, they must be equipped exclusively with equipment optimized for the aircraft to produce and collect internationally reliable observational data. To broaden the spectrum of observed substances, atmospheric samples are collected at specific altitudes or points in quantities necessary for analysis for materials that cannot be continuously observed from the aircraft. The collection containers must be specialized to ensure they are free from contamination by the substances to be analyzed, and data must be collected by analyzing the collected samples in a laboratory using specialized analytical equipment.
[0004] However, since aircraft fly at high speeds (70-100 m / s) at low atmospheric pressure (1000-300 hPa), the volume space at the front of the specialized container must be flushed at high speed and air collection must be completed as quickly as possible to collect atmospheric components at the planned location / altitude.
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an atmospheric sample collection system capable of collecting upper atmospheric samples from outside the weather aircraft as quickly and effectively as possible. The problem to be solved
[0007] In this embodiment, we aim to provide an air sample collection system for aircraft that can rapidly and effectively collect air samples at various altitudes while performing aircraft observations. means of solving the problem
[0009] An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment may include a sample intake unit for inhaling upper air samples from outside the aircraft, a sample collection unit for collecting air samples supplied from the air sample intake unit, a pressure control unit located between the sample intake unit and the sample collection unit for controlling the pressure of the air samples supplied to the sample collection unit, a sample discharge unit for discharging the remaining air samples to the outside of the aircraft, excluding the air samples collected by the sample collection unit among the air samples inhaled through the sample intake unit, and a control unit for controlling the operating conditions of the sample intake unit, the sample collection unit, the pressure control unit, and the sample discharge unit through electrical connections.
[0010] A sample intake unit for inhaling upper atmospheric samples from outside the aircraft may include an intake unit into which the air samples from outside the aircraft are introduced, a filter located at the rear end of the intake unit, a first vacuum pump located at the rear end of the filter, and a second vacuum pump located at the rear end of the first vacuum pump.
[0011] The average discharge flow rate of the first vacuum pump is in the range of 10 L / min to 15 L / min, and the average discharge flow rate of the second vacuum pump may be in the range of 25 L / min to 30 L / min.
[0012] In addition, the filter can filter particulate matter of 5㎛ or larger.
[0013] A sample collection unit that collects an atmospheric sample supplied from the above atmospheric sample intake unit,
[0014] It may include one or more cylindrical sample collection containers for storing atmospheric samples supplied from the pressure regulating unit and a check valve located in a connecting pipe penetrating the upper surface of the sample collection containers.
[0015] The pipe transporting the atmospheric sample supplied from the pressure regulating unit and the connecting pipe penetrating the upper surface of the sample collection container can be connected via a quick connector.
[0016] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned cylinder-type sample collection container is sealed and can be prepared in a vacuum state before collecting atmospheric samples.
[0017] In addition, the above-mentioned cylindrical sample collection container 10 before collecting atmospheric samples -3 torr to 10 -2 It can be prepared with a vacuum level in the torr range.
[0018] Two collection kits configured to include the sample collection container, check valve, and quick connector may be arranged in parallel to simultaneously collect atmospheric samples, and one or more collection channels composed of the two collection kits arranged in parallel may be included.
[0019] A pressure regulating unit located between the sample suction unit and the sample collection unit, which regulates the pressure of the atmospheric sample supplied to the sample collection unit, can regulate the pressure of the atmospheric sample supplied from the atmospheric sample suction unit to supply the atmospheric sample to the sample collection unit, and supply the remaining atmospheric sample to the sample discharge unit. Effects of the invention
[0021] The air sample collection system for an aircraft according to the present invention can effectively collect upper-layer air samples outside the aircraft, thereby increasing the accuracy of the analysis results of the collected air samples. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an air sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an air sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of an atmospheric sample collection system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a downward photograph of an air sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment. Figure 5 shows a photograph of a sample collection unit of an atmospheric sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0024] Terms such as first, second, and third are used to describe various parts, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but are not limited thereto. These terms are used solely to distinguish one part, component, region, layer, or section from another part, component, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first part, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second part, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0025] The technical terms used herein are for the reference of specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms used herein include plural forms unless phrases clearly indicate otherwise. As used in the specification, the meaning of "comprising" specifies certain characteristics, areas, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, areas, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components.
[0026] When it is stated that one part is "above" or "on" another part, it may be directly above or on the other part, or other parts may be involved in between. In contrast, when it is stated that one part is "directly above" another part, no other parts are interposed in between.
[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are further interpreted to have meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the present disclosure, and are not interpreted in an ideal or highly formal sense unless otherwise defined.
[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims set forth below.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an air sample collection system for an aircraft according to one embodiment.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an atmospheric sample collection system (10) according to one embodiment may include a sample suction unit (100), a pressure control unit (200), a sample collection unit (300), a sample discharge unit (400), and a control unit (500).
[0034] First, the sample suction part (100) is described.
[0035] The sample suction unit (100) for sucking in an air sample from outside the aircraft may include a suction unit (110) into which an air sample from outside the aircraft is introduced, a filter (120) located at the rear end of the suction unit (110), a first vacuum pump (130) located at the rear end of the filter (120), and a second vacuum pump (140) located at the rear end of the first vacuum pump. Meanwhile, the suction unit (110), the filter (120), the first vacuum pump (130), and the second vacuum pump (140) may be connected through piping, and the piping may be stainless steel piping. This is advantageous for preventing the inflow of contaminants generated in the piping into the air sample being collected.
[0036] The suction unit (110) may be connected to a separate external pipe that transports the air sample being sucked in, serving as an inlet for upper atmosphere samples from outside the aircraft to enter the atmosphere sample collection system (10). Although not shown in FIG. 1, a valve may be located at the front end of the suction unit (110). The valve may be manual and electrically connected to a control unit (500) so that the control unit (500) can control the opening (on) and closing (off) of the valve.
[0037] The filter (120) can filter particulate matter contained in the upper atmosphere sample outside the aircraft that is sucked into the air sample collection system (10), specifically, it can filter particulate matter with a size of 5㎛ or larger.
[0038] A first vacuum pump (130) and a second vacuum pump (140) are positioned consecutively at the downstream end of the filter (120) to suck up upper atmospheric samples from outside the aircraft. The discharge flow rate of the first vacuum pump (130) may be greater than the discharge flow rate of the second vacuum pump (140). Specifically, the first vacuum pump (130) may have an operating pressure of 2 bar and an average discharge flow rate in the range of 10 L / min to 15 L / min, and the second vacuum pump (140) may have an operating pressure of 1 bar and an average discharge flow rate in the range of 25 L / min to 30 L / min. When the first vacuum pump (130) and the second vacuum pump (140) are arranged as described above, it is advantageous to secure a sufficient amount of atmospheric samples and to supply them to the sample collection unit at the desired pressure described later.
[0039] Next, the pressure regulating unit (200) is described.
[0040] The pressure control unit (200) serves to control the pressure of the atmospheric sample sucked in from the sample suction unit (100) and supply it to the downstream sample collection unit (300). The atmospheric sample sucked in from the sample suction unit (100) can be controlled to a pressure of 72 psi or less. Specifically, the pressure of the atmospheric sample can be controlled to about 40 psi and supplied to the downstream sample collection unit (300), and the remaining atmospheric sample can be supplied to the sample discharge unit (400) and discharged outside the aircraft. Here, the pressure control unit (200) may be a back pressure regulator, and the pressure of the atmospheric sample supplied to the sample collection unit (300) can be controlled by a control unit (500) electrically connected to the back pressure regulator.
[0041] Meanwhile, the atmospheric sample whose pressure has been regulated in the pressure regulating unit (200) is supplied to the downstream sample collection unit (300) through a pipe, and a pressure sensor (600) is placed in the pipe to measure the pressure of the atmospheric sample flowing inside the pipe. In addition, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (600) can be checked through a monitor of the electrically connected control unit (500).
[0043] Next, the sample collection unit (300) is described.
[0044] The sample collection unit (300) may include one or more cylindrical sample collection containers (311, 321) that mainly store atmospheric samples supplied from the pressure control unit (200), and a check valve (312, 322) located in a connecting pipe that penetrates the upper surface of the sample collection containers.
[0045] The cylindrical sample collection container (311, 321) may have a volume of 1.2L to 2L and may be designed considering the total volume of the atmospheric sample collection system and available space in the aircraft. Meanwhile, the sample collection container (311, 321) may have a sealed structure and be made of a material capable of withstanding a maximum pressure of 50 psi, specifically, it may be made of stainless steel. The material is not particularly limited as long as no additional reaction occurs with the collected atmospheric sample and no damage, such as deformation or rupture, occurs under the pressure conditions intended in the present invention. In addition, the sample collection container (311, 321) may be prepared in a vacuum state before collecting the atmospheric sample. Specifically in the present invention, 10 -3 torr to 10 -2 It can be prepared with a vacuum level in the torr range. This is advantageous for preventing contamination of the collected atmospheric sample by removing residual component substances inside the sample collection container, and has the advantage of collecting the atmospheric sample more quickly. To create a vacuum inside the sample collection container, the gas inside the sample collection container can be removed using a vacuum pump, and then the gas inside the sample collection container can be removed by heating at a high temperature of 60°C or higher for about 2 hours. It is not particularly limited as long as the inside of the sample collection container can be made into a desired vacuum state.
[0046] The check valve (312, 322) can cause the air sample supplied from the pressure regulating unit (200) to flow only into the sample collection container (311, 321) and prevent the air sample collected inside the sample collection container (311, 321) from flowing back out.
[0047] The other end of the check valve (312, 322) connected to the sample collection container (311, 321) may have a first quick connector connection part (not shown) located thereon. The first quick connector connection part (not shown) may be combined with a second quick connector connection part (not shown) located at the end of the atmospheric sample pipe connected to the pressure regulating unit (200) to form a quick connector (313, 323). That is, the pipe transporting the atmospheric sample supplied from the pressure regulating unit (200) and the connecting pipe penetrating the upper surface of the sample collection container are connected through the quick connector (313, 323), allowing the atmospheric sample supplied from the regulating unit (200) to flow into the sample collection container (311, 321).
[0048] A collection valve (314, 324) may be located at the other end of a quick connector (313, 323) connected to a check valve (312, 322) via piping. The collection valve (314, 324) is opened (on) when collecting an atmospheric sample and can be kept closed (off) when the atmospheric sample is collected in a sample collection container (311, 321). The collection valve (314, 324) can be opened and closed manually or through electrical control by an electrically connected control unit (500).
[0049] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a collection kit (310) comprising a sample collection container (311), a check valve (312), and a quick connector (313), and a collection kit (320) comprising a sample collection container (321), a check valve (322), and a quick connector (323) can be arranged in parallel to form a first collection channel (301). By configuring the first collection channel (301) including collection kits (310, 320) positioned in parallel as described above, air samples under the same conditions can be collected in two sample collection containers, which is advantageous for improving the accuracy of analysis results in terms of mutual comparison of the same samples.
[0050] In the present invention, one or more collection channels identical to the first collection channel (301) may be provided in series, specifically one to three sets. This is advantageous for minimizing the space volume occupied inside the weather aircraft while sufficiently collecting atmospheric samples for analysis.
[0051] Meanwhile, a pressure sensor (not shown) can be placed in a connecting pipe positioned through the upper surface of the sample collection container (311, 321) to check the pressure inside the sample collection container (311, 321). Additionally, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor can be checked through a monitor of an electrically connected control unit (500). When the target pressure of the sample collection container (311, 321) set by the control unit (500) is reached through the pressure sensor, the collection valve (314, 324) can be closed (turned off) via an electrical signal from the control unit (500) to terminate the atmospheric sample collection.
[0052] After completing the collection of atmospheric samples in the first collection channel (301), atmospheric samples can be collected in the second collection channel (not shown) and the third collection channel (not shown). Additionally, the sample collection container, collection kit, and collection channels can be selectively opened as needed to collect atmospheric samples.
[0053] Next, the sample discharge section (400) is described.
[0054] The sample discharge unit (400) can discharge atmospheric samples discharged from the pressure control unit (200) and / or the sample collection unit (300), or atmospheric gas purging the atmospheric sample collection system (10) described below, to the outside of the aircraft. The sample discharge unit (400) may include a discharge unit (410), and said discharge unit (410) may be connected to a separate pipe connected to the outside of the weather aircraft.
[0055] In addition, a flow meter (420) can be placed at the front of the discharge unit (410) to check the flow rate of the discharged gas.
[0057] Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated in the drawing, the sample suction unit (100), pressure control unit (200), sample collection unit (300), and sample discharge unit (400) are connected through a main pipe, and one or more valves are located in the main pipe to control the supply and interruption of atmospheric samples. That is, when all valves located in the main pipe are opened and other valves are closed, atmospheric samples can pass only through the main pipe. In the present invention, when the aircraft reaches a target location, only the valves located in the main pipe are opened and other valves are closed to inhale upper atmospheric gas from outside the aircraft for several seconds to tens of seconds, thereby purging the main pipe. This prevents other component gases, such as air remaining in the atmospheric sample collection system, from mixing with the collected atmospheric samples, which is advantageous for maintaining the component stability of the collected atmospheric samples.
[0059] Next, the control unit (500) will be described.
[0060] The control unit (500) may include a power switch, a collection channel switch, a vacuum pump switch, and a touch screen. The power switch serves as the total power switch for the atmospheric sample collection system and can supply or cut off power to the atmospheric sample collection system.
[0061] A collection channel switch is installed for each collection channel, and when a collection channel switch is changed to the operating mode, the switch turns bright, and can also function as a lamp indicating that the corresponding collection channel is collecting atmospheric gas.
[0062] The above collection channel switch can be electrically connected to a valve corresponding to the sample collection container of the collection channel. When the collection channel switch is changed to an operating mode, the corresponding valve is opened by the control unit (500) to collect an atmospheric sample. Additionally, when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (600) or the pressure sensor (not shown) mounted on the sample collection container reaches the pressure set by the control unit (500), the valve is closed (off) through the control of the control unit (500), and the collection channel switch can also be automatically changed to an operating stop mode. That is, atmospheric sample collection in the collection channel is terminated.
[0063] The above vacuum pump switch is installed to correspond to the first vacuum pump (130) and the second vacuum pump (140) placed in the sample suction part (100) and can control the start and stop of operation of the above first vacuum pump (130) and the second vacuum pump (140). The above vacuum pump switch can be controlled manually and can be controlled via the touch screen of the control unit (500).
[0064] The current time, the final target pressure of the sample collection container, the maximum collection time, etc., can be set on the touch screen above.
[0065] By setting the current time mentioned above, the start and end times of atmospheric sample collection can be accurately recorded, and time data can be collected. This is necessary to verify the location of the collected atmospheric sample outside the aircraft. By setting the final target pressure of the sample collection container, atmospheric sample collection can be stopped by the control unit electrically closing the valve located corresponding to the sample collection container when the atmospheric sample is collected in the container and the pressure inside the container reaches the set pressure. Additionally, even if the pressure inside the sample collection container does not reach the set pressure, atmospheric sample collection can be stopped by the control unit electrically closing the valve located corresponding to the sample collection container when the set maximum collection time is reached. This is advantageous for maintaining the stability of the aircraft's power by preventing excessive power consumption caused by operating the atmospheric sample collection system for a long period.
[0066] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned touch screen can function as a monitor, and information such as pressure and time can be checked on the touch screen.
[0067] In addition, the control unit (500) can be controlled through electrical connections with the sample suction unit (100), pressure control unit (200), sample discharge unit (400), pressure sensor (600), and other components, as described in the above description, and a detailed explanation is omitted.
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an atmospheric sample collection system according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a front view of an atmospheric sample collection system according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 is a downward view of an atmospheric sample collection system according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a photo of a sample collection unit according to one embodiment.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the atmospheric sample collection system (10) according to the present invention may include a system case (700). The system case (700) may be made of a metal material, specifically an aluminum material. This is necessary to protect the equipment from strong vibrations by being sturdy and having a low weight, while protecting the internal components of the case and securely fixing it to the aircraft.
[0071] The control unit (500) and the pressure control unit (200) are installed so as to be recessed into the front wall of the system case (700), and the sample suction unit (100) and the sample discharge unit (400) may be located behind the control unit (500). At this time, the suction unit (110) and the discharge unit (410) of the sample suction unit (100) may be located in the rear direction of the system case (700). The sample collection unit (300) may be located in the internal space of the system case (700). By configuring as above, the arrangement structure of the atmospheric sample collection system (10) is made as compact as possible, thereby minimizing the volume occupied inside the aircraft and providing the advantage of being able to easily operate the atmospheric sample collection system (10) while protecting it.
[0073] A method for collecting upper atmospheric samples outside a weather aircraft using an atmospheric sample collection system according to the present invention may be as follows.
[0074] First, turn on the power switch on the control unit and touch the reset button on the touchscreen to change to the standby sample collection ready state. Touch the time setting button to enter the current time, and touch the menu button to enter the final pressure of the sample collection container for each collection channel.
[0075] During the above preparation process, all valves located in the atmospheric sample collection system remain in a closed state.
[0076] When the aircraft reaches the target location, the valves located in the main pipe are opened, and the first vacuum pump (130) and the second vacuum pump (140) are operated to draw in the air outside the aircraft, pass it through the main pipe, and then discharge it outside the aircraft. After maintaining it for about 10 seconds, the valve located in the main pipe at the rear end of the sample collection unit (300) is closed, and the collection valves (314, 324) located in the first collection channel (301) are opened to collect the air sample. At this time, the air sample can be collected by opening only one of the collection valves (314) and (324). When the pressure of the sample collection container (311) and / or sample collection container (321) located in the first collection channel (301) reaches the set pressure, the collection valves (314) and / or collection valves (324) are closed by the control unit (500). Next, the collection valves of the second collection channel (not shown) and the third collection channel (not shown) located at the rear end can be opened sequentially to sequentially collect atmospheric samples. Alternatively, the process of purging the main piping using the atmosphere above the aircraft can be repeated.
[0077] After completing the collection of atmospheric samples in the above collection channel, the operation of the first vacuum pump (130) and the second vacuum pump (140) can be stopped, the valves located in the main pipe can be closed, and the power switch can be turned off to stop the operation of the atmospheric sample collection system.
[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols
[0081] 10: Atmospheric sample collection system 100: Sample suction port 110: Intake unit 120: Filter 130: First pump 140: Second pump 200: Pressure regulator 300: Sample collection unit 301: Collection Channel 310: Collection Kit 311, 321: Sample collection containers 312, 322: Check valve 313, 323: Quick Connector 314, 324: Collection valve 400: Sample discharge section 410: Exhaust unit 420: Flow meter 500: Control unit 600: Pressure sensor 700: System Case
Claims
Claim 1 An air sample collection system for an aircraft comprising: a sample intake unit for inhaling upper atmospheric samples from outside the aircraft; a sample collection unit including a cylindrical sample collection container for storing atmospheric samples supplied from the air sample intake unit; a pressure control unit located between the sample intake unit and the sample collection unit and for controlling the pressure of atmospheric samples supplied to the sample collection unit; a sample discharge unit for discharging the remaining atmospheric samples to outside the aircraft, excluding the atmospheric samples collected by the sample collection unit from the atmospheric samples inhaled through the sample intake unit; and a control unit for controlling the operating conditions of the sample intake unit, the sample collection unit, the pressure control unit, and the sample discharge unit via electrical connections; wherein the control unit further includes a touch screen, and the current time, the final target pressure of the sample collection container, the maximum collection time, etc. are set on the touch screen, and when the pressure inside the sample collection container reaches the set pressure, air sample collection is stopped, and when the pressure inside the sample collection container does not reach the set pressure, air sample collection is stopped when the set maximum collection time is reached. Claim 2 An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the sample intake unit for inhaling upper atmosphere samples from outside the aircraft comprises: an intake unit into which air samples from outside the aircraft are introduced; a filter located at the rear end of the intake unit; a first vacuum pump located at the rear end of the filter; and a second vacuum pump located at the rear end of the first vacuum pump. Claim 3 An atmospheric sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 2, wherein the average discharge flow rate of the first vacuum pump is in the range of 10 L / min to 15 L / min, and the average discharge flow rate of the second vacuum pump is in the range of 25 L / min to 30 L / min. Claim 4 An air sample collection system for an aircraft, wherein, in paragraph 2, the filter filters particulate matter of 5㎛ or larger. Claim 5 An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the sample collection unit for collecting air samples supplied from the air sample intake unit comprises: one or more cylindrical sample collection containers for storing air samples supplied from the pressure regulating unit; and a check valve located in a connecting pipe penetrating the upper surface of the sample collection containers. Claim 6 An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 5, wherein the piping for transporting the air sample supplied from the pressure regulating unit and the connecting piping penetrating the upper surface of the sample collection container are connected via a quick connector. Claim 7 An air sample collection system for an aircraft, wherein, in paragraph 5, the above-mentioned cylinder-type sample collection container is sealed and prepared in a vacuum state before collecting air samples. Claim 8 In paragraph 7, the above-mentioned cylinder-type sample collection container is 10 before collecting an atmospheric sample -3 torr to 10 -2 An atmospheric sample collection system for aircraft, prepared with a vacuum level in the torr range. Claim 9 An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 6, wherein two collection kits comprising the sample collection container, check valve, and quick connector are arranged in parallel to simultaneously collect air samples. Claim 10 An atmospheric sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 9, comprising one or more sets of collection channels composed of two collection kits arranged in parallel. Claim 11 An air sample collection system for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein a pressure control unit located between the sample suction unit and the sample collection unit and controlling the pressure of the air sample supplied to the sample collection unit controls the pressure of the air sample supplied from the air sample suction unit to supply the air sample to the sample collection unit and supplies the remaining air sample to the sample discharge unit.
Citation Information
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