High-Temperature Air Separation Membrane Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air separation membrane modules are inefficient at high temperatures, requiring cooling and increasing system complexity and weight, as they deteriorate in separation performance above 93°C, limiting their use in applications like aircraft fuel tank explosion prevention.
Innovation Solution
A process and membrane module design that allows for the use of air separation membrane modules at temperatures of 150°C or higher, utilizing high-temperature-resistant hollow fiber membranes with enhanced oxygen-gas permeation rates and selectivity, reducing the need for cooling systems and simplifying equipment by maintaining performance and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air separation membrane modules are used at high temperatures, then the separation performance deteriorates, but the system complexity and weight increase due to required cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from conventional low temperatures to high temperatures (150°C or higher). This is achieved by developing hollow fiber membranes with high-temperature resistance that maintain separation performance in the high-temperature environment, eliminating the need for cooling systems and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful high-temperature environment into a beneficial operating condition. By developing membranes that can withstand and perform well at high temperatures, the previously problematic heat is now utilized to simplify the system by eliminating cooling requirements, thus converting a harmful factor into a beneficial one
2Reliability
If conventional air separation membrane modules are used at high temperatures, then the separation performance deteriorates, but the system weight increases due to required cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter to high temperatures (150°C or higher) by developing temperature-resistant hollow fiber membranes. This eliminates the need for cooling systems and associated heavy equipment, thereby maintaining separation performance while significantly reducing system weight
3Reliability
If cooling systems are added to maintain separation performance at high temperatures, then the separation performance is maintained, but the equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high-temperature environment from a harmful condition requiring cooling into a beneficial operating state. By developing membranes with high-temperature resistance, the system eliminates cooling equipment entirely, maintaining separation performance while reducing equipment complexity
4Reliability
If cooling systems are added to maintain separation performance at high temperatures, then the separation performance is maintained, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter to high temperatures by developing resistant membranes, thereby eliminating cooling systems and their associated weight, while maintaining separation performance
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
Enables the production of nitrogen-rich air with higher concentration and efficiency at high temperatures, reducing system weight and complexity, making it suitable for aircraft explosion-proof systems.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane with selective permeability for gas separation
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature-resistant hollow fiber membranes with enhanced oxygen-gas permeation rates
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing nitrogen-rich air by feeding high temperature air at 150° C. or more to an air separation membrane module is described. After being placed at 175° C. for two hours, the air separation module exhibits a shape-retention ratio of 95% or more in one embodiment. The nitrogen-rich air can be fed to a fuel tank for an aircraft, for example.