Air Separation Module Tangential Drain for Condensate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitrogen generation systems face limitations in air separation module capacity due to the space occupied by external drain lines, which divert oxygen-enriched air and condensate, reducing the oxygen-depleted air flow generating capacity.
Innovation Solution
The air separation module incorporates a tangentially extending drain portion from the cylindrical canister, allowing oxygen-enriched air to drive condensate away, and is arranged unevenly along the canister to minimize pressure drop, eliminating the need for a radially extending overboard drain conduit, thus increasing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an external drain line is used to divert oxygen-enriched air and condensate, then condensate removal is achieved, but the oxygen-depleted air flow generating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drain function with the canister structure by integrating a drain portion directly into the canister wall. This eliminates the need for a separate external drain line, freeing up space that can be used to increase the canister diameter and thereby improve oxygen-depleted air flow generating capacity while maintaining effective condensate removal
Solution Approach 2:
The canister structure is given multiple functions: it serves as both the housing for the air separation module and as the drain system through the integrated drain portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated drain components, optimizing space utilization and improving productivity
2Productivity
If a radially extending outlet is used to divert oxygen-enriched air, then condensate can be removed, but space is consumed that would otherwise increase inerting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet function is merged with the canister structure through the integration of the drain portion that extends tangentially from the canister. This eliminates the need for separate radially extending outlet structures, freeing up space that can be used to increase the canister diameter and improve inerting capability
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 configuration enhances the oxygen-depleted air flow generating capacity of the air separation module, allowing for larger diameter canisters and increased inerting capability while maintaining efficient condensate removal.
Implementation Method 1
the drain portion is arranged along the lower portion of the canister relative to gravity, allowing the oxygen-enriched air flow to drive the condensate from the canister
Data Source
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AI summary
An air separation module includes a cylindrical canister (122) and a separator. The cylindrical canister has a longitudinal axis (126), an inlet (105), an oxygen-depleted air outlet (107), and a drain portion (124) with an oxygen-enriched air outlet (170). The separator is arranged within the cylindrical canister to separate a compressed air flow into an oxygen-depleted air flow fraction and an oxygen-enriched air flow fraction, the oxygen-depleted air flow fraction provided to the oxygen-depleted air outlet and the oxygen-enriched air flow fraction to the drain portion of the canister. The drain portion (124) extends tangentially from the cylindrical canister to issue the oxygen-enriched air flow fraction with entrained condensate from the oxygen-enriched air outlet with a tangential flow component. Nitrogen generation systems and methods of removing condensate from air separation modules are also described.