| 摘要 |
A system and method of separating the gaseous components of air to provide a compressed oxygen-enriched gas stream and a nitrogen-enriched gas stream are disclosed. The separation system and method generate an oxygen-enriched stream including substantially pure oxygen, such as about 99% or greater oxygen, and having a pressure of up to about 10,000 pounds per square inch, thereby eliminating the need for a separate compressor to compress the oxygen-enriched gas stream. The oxygen separation system and method are used in aircraft to supply substantially pure oxygen that facilitates in-flight operation of an aircraft emergency power unit, especially at high altitudes. The system includes an oxygen separator, such as a ceramic-type oxygen separator, that is operative during in-flight procedures to derive compressed, substantially pure oxygen from feed air provided to the oxygen separator without the use of a compressor; means for storing the substantially pure oxygen in compressed form; and means coupled between the storing means and an emergency power unit for delivering the compressed oxygen to the power unit whereby such oxygen acts as an oxidizer for fuel fed to the power unit.
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