Counter-flow Gas Separation Module for Aircraft Fuel Tank Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation modules for aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction systems are heavy due to inefficiencies in gas separation efficiency, which decreases with temperature drops along the membrane, leading to increased module size and weight to compensate for reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a counter-current gas separation method where the gas feed flows from the product end to the feed end of the gas separation membrane, segregated from the permeate side, allowing for heat exchange between the feed and membrane flow paths to maintain a consistent temperature and increase separation efficiency, thereby reducing module weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gas separation modules are used, then gas separation function is provided, but temperature drops along the membrane reduce separation efficiency and increase module weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter along the membrane length by introducing a heating medium flow path. The heating medium flows in the same direction as the gas feed, creating a temperature gradient that compensates for the natural temperature drop along the membrane, thereby maintaining higher separation efficiency without increasing module weight
Solution Approach 2:
The gas feed channel serves dual functions: as the flow path for the gas to be separated and as the heating medium channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating channels, avoiding additional weight while maintaining separation efficiency through thermal management
2Productivity
If module size is increased to compensate for reduced separation efficiency, then separation capacity is maintained, but module weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature distribution parameter through the heating medium flow, the patent maintains high separation efficiency throughout the membrane length. This allows the same separation capacity to be achieved with a smaller, lighter module rather than requiring size increases to compensate for efficiency losses
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature is allowed to drop along the membrane, then heat exchange occurs, but separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter profile by introducing controlled heating through the heating medium. This transforms the uncontrolled temperature drop into a controlled temperature gradient that maintains optimal separation efficiency while still allowing beneficial heat exchange between the gas feed and membrane system
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 approach enhances gas separation efficiency by minimizing temperature drops and maintaining a uniform temperature profile, resulting in a lighter and more effective gas separation module for aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction systems.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the retentate interior side with the gas feed in the membrane flow path, permeating at least some of the first gas from the gas feed through the gas separation membrane to the permeate exterior side, and producing retentate that is enriched in the second gas as a result of removing at least some of the first gas from the gas feed
Implementation Method 2
exchanging heat between the feed flow path and the membrane flow path as enabled by the feed flow path being counter to the membrane flow path and, as a result, increasing a separation efficiency of the gas separation module
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A gas separation method includes flowing a gas feed along a feed flow path within a housing directionally from a product end to a feed end of a gas separation membrane. After the feed flow path, the gas feed flows along a membrane flow path defined by the membrane from the feed end to the product end. The feed flow path is counter to the membrane flow path. Heat may be exchanged between the feed flow path and the membrane flow path and increase separation efficiency. Also, heat exchanged may compensate for some temperature drop in the membrane due to enthalpy of gas separation. A gas separation module includes a feed flow path within a housing extending directionally from a product end to a feed end of a membrane. The feed flow path is counter to a membrane flow path defined by the membrane.