Aircraft Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction Method and System

摘要

An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method includes feeding pressurized air into an air separation module containing a carbon membrane, the air feed exhibiting a normal pressure of no more than 55 psig. The method includes producing nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed. An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction system includes a source for pressurized air, an air separation module configured to receive air feed from the pressurized air source, and a carbon membrane. The carbon membrane is configured to permeate oxygen from the air feed through the carbon membrane at a temperature of at least 120° C. (248° F.) and to produce nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed.

主权项

1. An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method comprising:
feeding pressurized air into an air separation module containing a carbon molecular sieve membrane, the air feed exhibiting a normal pressure of no more than 55 psig; contacting the carbon molecular sieve membrane with the air feed, permeating oxygen from the air feed through the carbon molecular sieve membrane, and producing nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed; and feeding the nitrogen-enriched air into the fuel tank on board the aircraft.