Oxygen Sensor Placement in Air Separation Module Outlet Header

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air separation systems for aircraft nitrogen generation suffer from oxygen sensor placement issues, leading to NEA loss and increased space requirements due to the need for a slip gas flow and separate oxygen sensor positioning.

Innovation Solution

Locating the oxygen sensor in the outlet header of the air separation module eliminates the need for a slip gas flow, allowing all NEA to be routed for inerting and reducing system size by integrating the sensor within the module, enabling efficient monitoring of oxygen concentration and membrane health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the oxygen sensor is positioned in a separate slip gas flow stream, then the oxygen concentration can be measured, but nitrogen-enriched air is lost and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen concentration measurementVSAvoidnitrogen-enriched air loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The oxygen sensor is integrated directly into the outlet header of the air separation module, merging the measurement function with the existing NEA flow path. This eliminates the separate slip gas flow requirement, allowing all NEA to be routed to fuel tanks while maintaining oxygen concentration monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If the oxygen sensor is positioned in a separate slip gas flow stream, then the oxygen concentration can be measured, but the system occupies additional space within the aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen concentration measurementVSAvoidsystem space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet header serves multiple functions: it collects nitrogen-enriched air from the membrane separation process, provides a flow path for NEA to the fuel tanks, and incorporates the oxygen sensor for monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures all generated NEA is used for inerting, reduces system size, and allows for timely membrane replacement, thereby enhancing safety and reducing costs by preventing unnecessary repairs.

Implementation Method 1

The ASM typically includes a polymeric membrane for separating ambient air into NEA and OEA

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

an oxygen sensor located in the outlet header and configured to sense a concentration of oxygen in the nitrogen-enriched air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10016720B2Oxygen sensing for fuel tank inerting system

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

An air separation system includes an air separation module configured to receive feed air and separate the feed air into nitrogen-enriched air and oxygen-enriched air. The air separation module includes an inlet header, an outlet header, and an oxygen sensor located in the outlet header and configured to sense a concentration of oxygen in the nitrogen-enriched air.