Air Separation Module for Aircraft Fuel Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-board Inert Gas Generating Systems (OBIGGS) face challenges in effectively removing dissolved oxygen from fuel to prevent solid deposits and explosions in aircraft fuel tanks, as existing systems may not adequately control oxygen levels and can lead to fuel flow blockages and heat exchange issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pressurized air source, air separation module, and permeable membranes to generate inert gas by removing oxygen from air, which is then used to stabilize fuel by sparging it into the fuel tank, maintaining low oxygen levels and preventing solid deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OBIGGS process air from bleed air taken from engines to generate deoxygenated air, then inert gas can be generated for fuel tank stabilization, but the system complexity increases and the risk of solid deposits forming in fuel passages remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air separation function and fuel tank inerting function into a single integrated OBIGGS system. The air separation module processes bleed air to remove oxygen, and the deoxygenated air is directly used for fuel tank stabilization, eliminating the need for separate fuel tank inerting systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deoxygenated air generated by the air separation module serves multiple functions: it stabilizes fuel by preventing solid deposit formation, provides inerting protection in fuel tanks, and can be used for other fuel system applications. This multi-functional approach improves reliability while avoiding additional dedicated systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dissolved oxygen reacts with fuel to form solids, then fuel flow may be blocked and heat exchange surfaces fouled, but removing all oxygen may require excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The air separation module uses permeable membranes with specific permeability characteristics to selectively remove oxygen from air. By controlling the membrane properties and operating conditions, the system achieves adequate oxygen reduction (lowering oxygen concentration in fuel) without requiring complete oxygen removal, thus preventing solid deposits while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable membrane acts as an intermediary that selectively allows oxygen to pass through while retaining nitrogen and other gases. This intermediary component enables controlled oxygen removal without requiring complex chemical treatment systems, effectively preventing solid deposit formation through physical separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces oxygen content in fuel, preventing solid deposits and explosions, while also addressing issues of fuel flow and heat exchange, and eliminating the need for separate fuel tank inerting systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air separation module for removing oxygen from the air
Implementation Method 2
which is then used to stabilize fuel by sparging it into the fuel tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for generating inert gas includes a source of pressurized air (26). An air separation module (30) including at least one permeable membrane (38) is operable to separate the pressurized air into oxygen-enriched air and inert gas-enriched air. A fuel tank (22) containing a fuel is arranged downstream from said air separation module. The inert gas-enriched air output from said air separation module interacts with said fuel to remove dissolved oxygen from said fuel.