Membrane-Based Fuel Deoxygenation for Coke Suppression
Abstract
A prototype membrane module for on-line removal of dissolved oxygen, that would otherwise react to form coke precursors, was constructed and successfully demonstrated. Fuel flows over the polymer membrane, while oxygen diffuses through it at a rate that is proportional to the difference in oxygen partial pressures across the surface. Tests were conducted with membranes of different thickness, and over a range of fuel flow rates (residence times) and temperatures. The membrane was shown to be capable of removing essentially all of the dissolved oxygen (to <1 ppm). Fuel deoxygenation proved to be very effective in suppressing autoxidative coke formation, making it possible to increase the maximum allowable temperature and more than double the available heat sink. Moreover, deoxygenated Jet A was shown to perform as well as JP-7, the Air Force's highest thermal stability fuel. An analytical model for oxygen permeation through the membrane was formulated, and used in conjunction with the test data to show that practical size (i.e., low-volume/high-flow rate) deoxygenators can be designed for use in aircraft 5 systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406601
Entities
People
- Louis J. Spadaccini
- Steven H. Huang
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation