US 12,128,457 B2
Air separation module (ASM) contamination apparatus and removal process
Jeffrey S. Smith, Coral Springs, FL (US)
Assigned to AeroParts Manufacturing & Repair, Inc., Rio Rancho, NM (US)
Filed by AeroParts Manufacturing & Repair, Inc., Rio Rancho, NM (US)
Filed on Apr. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/301,788.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/331,843, filed on Apr. 17, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0109106 A1, Apr. 4, 2024
Int. Cl. B08B 5/02 (2006.01); B01D 53/22 (2006.01); B01D 65/02 (2006.01); B01D 69/08 (2006.01); B01D 71/64 (2006.01); B08B 13/00 (2006.01)
CPC B08B 5/02 (2013.01) [B01D 53/228 (2013.01); B01D 65/02 (2013.01); B01D 69/08 (2013.01); B01D 71/64 (2013.01); B08B 13/00 (2013.01); B01D 2321/16 (2013.01); B01D 2321/185 (2013.01); B01D 2321/44 (2022.08)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method to remove contaminants and restore an air separation module (ASM), comprising:
connecting an ASM cleaning and restoration apparatus to the ASM,
wherein the ASM cleaning and restoration apparatus comprises a conditioned air supply (dry and oil free), a pressure control valve, a flow meter, an air heater, a hydrocarbon sensor, at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, a fuel collection tank, computer control and software, a supporting frame, power supply, and supply hoses and tubes,
wherein the ASM comprises a nitrogen-enriched air port, an oxygen enriched air port, and an inlet feed air port,
wherein the ASM cleaning and restoration apparatus is connected to the ASM via the inlet feed air port;
removing liquid fuel and other contaminants of the ASM,
wherein the ASM cleaning and restoration apparatus blows air through the ASM in order to remove the liquid fuel and other contaminants,
wherein the liquid fuel and other contaminants are collected in a fuel collection tank,
wherein the air flows freely out of the ASM via the nitrogen-enriched air port and the oxygen enriched air port; and
restoring the ASM,
wherein the ASM cleaning and restoration apparatus blows air through the ASM at a rate of about 4 lb/min at a minimum of 250° F. air temperature, and
wherein the hydrocarbon sensor monitors a level of hydrocarbons in the air as the air exits the ASM via the nitrogen-enriched air port.