Air Separation Module Insulation Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

External insulating blankets used in fuel tank inerting systems can impede maintenance, are costly, and vulnerable to damage, as they need to be secured to air separation modules, which are critical for preventing heat loss in low-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

An air separation module with an integrated insulating element, such as fiberglass or a vacuum space, within its housing to retain heat and reduce heat loss, allowing for efficient oxygen separation without the need for external blankets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If external insulating blankets are used to prevent heat loss from air separation modules, then heat retention is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element is integrated directly into the housing structure of the air separation module, merging the insulation function with the housing. This eliminates the need for separate external insulating blankets that would impede maintenance, while still providing the necessary thermal insulation to prevent heat loss from the membrane element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with a removable cover or access panel that segments the housing structure, allowing maintenance personnel to access the membrane element and internal components without removing the entire housing or insulation system. This maintains thermal insulation while enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If external insulating blankets are used to insulate air separation modules, then heat retention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation function is merged into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external insulating blankets and their associated mounting hardware. This integration reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system while maintaining effective thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If external insulating blankets are used to prevent heat loss, then heat retention is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidinsulation durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element is integrated into the permanent housing structure, which provides mechanical protection and structural support. This eliminates the vulnerability of separate external blankets to damage from handling, weathering, or leaking, while maintaining the thermal insulation function throughout the module's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of energy

If external insulating blankets are used to insulate air separation modules, then heat retention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation function is integrated into the housing structure during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate procurement, handling, and installation of external insulating blankets. This integration reduces overall system cost while maintaining effective thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances the efficiency of oxygen separation by minimizing heat loss, facilitating easier maintenance and reducing costs associated with external insulation, while protecting the system from damage.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating element (38) positioned inward of an outer perimeter of the housing (28), such that the insulating element (38) substantially surrounds the air separation element (36)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

an air separation element (36) positioned inward of an outer perimeter of the housing (28)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3117893B1Air separation membrane module with insulation

Publication Date: 2021.04.14 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An air separation module includes a housing, an air separation element (36), and an insulating element (38). The housing has an inlet and two outlets. The air separation element (36) is enclosed within the housing (28) and extends along a length of the housing (28). The insulating element (38) is positioned inward of an outer perimeter of the housing (28) and substantially surrounds an outer perimeter of the air separation element (36) along a length of the air separation element (36).