Low power nitrogen enriched air generation system
First Claim
1. A method of removing oxygen from air within a fuel distribution system comprising the steps of:
- a. compressing air from a first pressure to a second pressure higher than the first pressure with a first compressor;
b. compressing air at said second pressure to a third pressure higher than said second pressure with a second compressor;
c. removing oxygen from said air with an air separation module;
d. driving said second compressor with energy recovered from said air at said third pressure by a turbine receiving air at said third pressure at an inlet and exhausting air at a fourth pressure lower than said third pressure to the fuel distribution system.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inerting system provides air with reduced oxygen content by flowing and directing air through an air separation module. Optimal working pressure for the air separation module is obtained with two compressors. A first compressor elevates air from the aircraft cabin to a second pressure. The second pressure is at an intermediate level below the working pressure of the air separation module. A second compressor elevates air from the second pressure to the working pressure. The second compressor is driven by air that is exhausted through a turbine. The pressure difference between air at the working pressure and air required by the fuel distribution system is used to power the turbine and drive the second compressor.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of removing oxygen from air within a fuel distribution system comprising the steps of:
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a. compressing air from a first pressure to a second pressure higher than the first pressure with a first compressor;
b. compressing air at said second pressure to a third pressure higher than said second pressure with a second compressor;
c. removing oxygen from said air with an air separation module;
d. driving said second compressor with energy recovered from said air at said third pressure by a turbine receiving air at said third pressure at an inlet and exhausting air at a fourth pressure lower than said third pressure to the fuel distribution system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An inerting system for a fuel distribution system for reducing combustibility by reducing air oxygen content comprising:
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a first compressor drawing in air at a first pressure and exhausting air at a second pressure greater than said first pressure, a second compressor driven by a turbine drawing air from said first compressor at said second pressure and exhausting air at a third pressure greater than said second pressure; and
an air separation module for removing oxygen from said air, said air separation module receiving air at said third pressure from said second compressor;
said turbine including an inlet and an outlet, said inlet receiving air at said third pressure and said outlet exhausting oxygen depleted air at a fourth pressure lower than said third pressure to the fuel distribution system. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification