Overview
Gas separation membranes are much more expensive to replace than a filter. Donaldson aircraft air separation module (ASM) filters can add longevity to your gas separation membranes, saving on maintenance and costs. And as the industry evolves, our experienced engineering teams and R&D laboratories are focused on developing novel solutions and materials analysis capabilities to meet your changing ASM filter requirements.
Features
First used in military applications and now a common feature in commercial jets, aircraft fuel tank inerting systems were developed to reduce the risk of combustion occurring inside the fuel tank. Inerting systems use air separation modules that have membranes to separate nitrogen from bleed air-sourced ambient air. Nitrogen separator membranes are highly sensitive to contaminants that are often found in bleed air (e.g., oil, ozone, particulate); therefore, ASM filters are used to help prevent this contamination from reaching the membrane.
We create innovative filters and assemblies (head, filter element, bowl, O-rings) to clean bleed air before it enters the ASM assembly. Most of our filters are HEPA-grade media particulate filters that clean the air before it’s routed into the ASM for separation. HEPA filters are 99.97% efficient for particles 0.3 microns or larger, although the filters will capture particles both larger and smaller.
Advanced Testing Facilities
We take great pride in our ability to provide you with effective and reliable filtration solutions for inerting systems. Donaldson brings together related technologies and applies them to inerting system filtration, including a significant investment in state-of-the art facilities that test inerting system filtration performance. These highly specialized laboratories focus on creating the same operational environments encountered by aircraft fuel tank inerting systems, including the same temperature, pressure, and flowrate.
The Future for ASM Filtration Systems
Systems that can capture or reduce VOCs are needed, as they can have a negative impact on nitrogen separation membranes. Donaldson has extensive experience in small particle (HEPA) and chemical filtration using a range of technologies, and we are actively working on air separation module filtration systems that can help address VOC contamination.
