Air Separation Module Inlet Cap for Higher Nitrogen Flow Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air separation modules in nitrogen generation systems are limited by their external support structure, constraining the oxygen-depleted air flow generation capacity and volume, which is insufficient for effectively inerting fuel tanks in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The air separation module design includes an inlet cap with an oxygen-enriched air outlet port, containing a portion of the separator and a perforated canister, allowing for a larger separator volume and efficient diversion of oxygen-enriched air to the external environment, while maintaining a high oxygen-depleted air flow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external support structure and framing are used to structurally support the air separation module, then structural stability is improved, but the oxygen-depleted air flow generation capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the canister body to form an integrated component. The canister serves dual functions as both the structural support framework and the containment vessel for the separator, eliminating the need for separate external support structures that would constrain the module's volume and gas flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The canister is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the separator assembly, directs gas flows, and serves as the outlet conduit for oxygen-depleted air. This multi-functionality removes the constraint of dedicated external support structures that would limit the module's internal volume and productivity.
2Productivity
If the separator volume is increased to enhance oxygen-depleted air flow generation, then productivity is improved, but the module occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is nested within the canister structure, with the separator assembly fitting inside the canister's internal volume. The inlet cap contains a portion of the separator, and the canister itself serves as the outer containment structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available internal space, allowing a larger effective separator volume without increasing the external footprint of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is configured with a hollow fiber mat arrangement that utilizes the internal volume of the canister in three-dimensional space. The separator extends axially within the canister, and the hollow fibers provide surface area for separation within the existing volume, maximizing separation capacity without proportionally increasing external dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the canister is designed with a perforated portion to divert oxygen-enriched air, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canister incorporates a perforated portion that allows oxygen-enriched air to pass through the canister wall material. This porous/perforated structure enables passive gas diversion without requiring complex mechanical valves or active control mechanisms, simplifying operation while the perforations can be integrated into the canister manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen-enriched air pathway is extracted from the main canister structure through the perforated portion, allowing it to be diverted to the external environment through a separate outlet port in the inlet cap. This extraction of the oxygen-enriched air flow path from the main oxygen-depleted air flow path simplifies operation and allows independent control of each gas stream.
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
This design enhances the inerting capability of the air separation module by increasing the oxygen-depleted air flow generation relative to its occupied space, effectively reducing the fire hazard in fuel tanks by maintaining low oxygen concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
separate pressurized air into an oxygen-depleted fraction and an oxygen-enriched fraction
Data Source
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AI summary
An air separation module includes a canister (126) having an inlet end and an outlet end arranged along a canister axis, a separator (122) supported within the canister and arranged to separate a compressed air flow received at the air separation module into an oxygen-depleted air flow fraction and an oxygen-enriched air flow fraction, and an inlet cap (128). The inlet cap is seated about the inlet end of the canister, contains therein a portion of the separator, and has an oxygen-enriched air outlet port fluidly separated from the outlet end of the canister by the separator for diverting the oxygen-enriched air flow fraction to the external environment. Nitrogen generation systems and methods of making air separation modules are also described.