Filter Granules for Aircraft Cabin Air Using Ionic Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems in aircraft, particularly those using activated charcoal and catalytic oxidation, are inefficient in removing oil residues and pollutants from bleed air and cabin air due to low absorption capacity and complex operation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A filter granulate comprising three components: activated carbon for physisorption, peptides or proteins for chemisorption, and ionic liquids for dissolving oil components, which together provide rapid and permanent removal of pollutants and odors from gas flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If activated charcoal filters are used for filtering bleed air and cabin air, then some pollutants can be removed through physisorption, but the absorption capacity is relatively low and pollutants can be released again under higher loads
Solution Approach 1:
The filter granulate combines three distinct components (activated carbon for physisorption, peptides/proteins for chemisorption, and ionic liquids for oil dissolution) into a single composite material system. This allows the filter to simultaneously perform multiple removal mechanisms, increasing both the quantity of pollutants removed and the reliability of removal under varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the filter material by introducing ionic liquids with specific properties (low vapor pressure, high oil solubility) and peptides/proteins with chemisorption capabilities. These parameter changes enable the filter to handle higher pollutant loads irreversibly, preventing the release problem associated with pure physisorption.
2Reliability
If catalytic oxidation systems are used to remove unwanted components from cabin air, then pollutants can be effectively removed, but the systems are very complex to install and operate requiring temperatures over 200°C or UV radiation supply
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical and thermal systems required for catalytic oxidation (heating elements, temperature control systems, UV lamps) with a passive chemical filtration system. The ionic liquids and peptides/proteins perform pollutant removal through chemical absorption and chemisorption at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for complex installation and operation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter granulate performs pollutant removal autonomously without requiring external energy input or complex control systems. The ionic liquids and peptides/proteins naturally absorb and chemisorb pollutants as air passes through the filter, making the system self-service and operationally simple while maintaining high reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filters are used to remove oil residues from bleed air, then some filtration can be achieved, but oil residues can lead to unpleasant smell and harmful components remain in the cabin air
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful oil residues into a beneficial state by using ionic liquids that specifically dissolve oil components. The ionic liquids trap the oil residues within their structure, preventing them from volatilizing and creating unpleasant smells or harmful emissions. This transforms the harmful oil contamination into a contained, harmless solution within the filter media.
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 filter granulate effectively and irreversibly removes pollutants and odors, improving air quality in aircraft cabins by combining physisorption, chemisorption, and oil dissolution capabilities, ensuring safe and quick filtration of breathing air.
Implementation Method 1
a) a component for physisorption of components selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, bentonite, silica and zeolites
Implementation Method 2
b) a component for chemisorption of components selected from the group consisting of peptides or proteins
Implementation Method 3
c) a component for dissolving oil components containing ionic liquids
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to filter granules for binding constituents of a gas stream with filter particles which have the following components: a) one component for physisorption of constituents, b) one component for chemisorption of constituents, c) one component for dissolving oil constituents.