Air Separation Module Contamination Removal Process

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Air separation modules (ASMs) used in fuel tanks for aircraft are prone to contamination from fuel and other substances, leading to degradation of the fibers and reduced performance, necessitating frequent replacement, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for cleaning and restoring ASMs using a system comprising a conditioned air supply, pressure control, air heater, hydrocarbon sensor, and temperature control to remove contaminants and restore the fibers, specifically designed for ASMs with cross-linked polyimide hollow fibers, allowing for effective and inexpensive maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ASMs are used in fuel tanks for aircraft inerting systems, then nitrogen-enriched air can be generated to reduce combustion risk, but the fibers become contaminated by fuel and other substances leading to degradation and reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion prevention capabilityVSAvoidfiber contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful contamination (fuel and substance deposits on fibers) into a benefit by using the same contaminants as a fuel source. The heating element burns off the accumulated fuel contaminants during a regeneration cycle, restoring the fibers' performance while eliminating the harmful buildup. This transforms the contamination problem into a self-cleaning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the ASM fibers from normal operating conditions to elevated temperatures (approximately 200-400°C) during a regeneration cycle. This temperature change enables the combustion of accumulated fuel contaminants on the fibers, thereby restoring their separation performance without requiring physical removal or replacement of the fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If ASMs are frequently replaced due to contamination, then system reliability is maintained, but operational costs and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveASM performanceVSAvoidreplacement downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the ASM performs its own maintenance through an integrated regeneration cycle. The system uses a heating element to automatically burn off contaminants during scheduled maintenance periods, eliminating the need for external service intervention or physical replacement of the fibers. This self-maintenance capability significantly reduces downtime and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary cleaning action by regularly burning off fuel contaminants before they can cause significant degradation to the fibers. The regeneration cycle is scheduled to occur during planned maintenance windows, preventing the accumulation of harmful levels of contamination and extending the operational life of the ASM without requiring frequent replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If ASMs are exposed to fuel contaminants over time, then the fibers degrade at various rates depending on polymer type, but eventual replacement becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveASM service lifeVSAvoidfiber performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful long-term exposure to fuel contaminants into a benefit by utilizing controlled combustion during regeneration cycles. Instead of allowing gradual degradation from continuous exposure, the system periodically burns off the accumulated contaminants at elevated temperatures, resetting the fibers' performance and effectively extending their service life beyond what would be possible with passive exposure alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method effectively removes contaminants and restores the performance of ASMs, extending their operational life and maintaining their ability to generate nitrogen-enriched air, thereby reducing the risk of fuel tank explosions and improving safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the heating element heats the fibers to a temperature sufficient to burn off fuel and contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

An air separation module (ASM) uses fiber membranes to remove oxygen from the supplied pressurized air stream and generates nitrogen-enriched air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas separation and enrichment: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS12128457B2Air separation module (ASM) contamination apparatus and removal process

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 AEROPARTS MFG & REPAIR INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for cleaning and restoring air separation modules (ASMs). The present invention cleans and restores ASMs that comprise a gas permeable fiber module that uses a fiber composition in the polyimide hollow fiber family. The present invention removes contaminants, such as fuel, from an ASM by blowing air at environmental temperature into the ASM, and then restores the ASM by blowing hot air into the ASM.