N101-007 TITLE: Efficient Multi Fuel Tank Inerting System

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 275, V-22 Program

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OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an efficient multi fuel tank inerting system that requires no bleed air, minimal electrical power and no pre-stored inerting agent.

DESCRIPTION: Aircraft fuel tanks have traditionally been protected from both ballistic and safety fires by either filling the tanks with explosion suppressant foam (ESF) or filling the ullage, the area above the fuel level, with an inert gas. Inert gas is the preferred method since ESF is heavy, reduces fuel tank capacity and is more expensive to maintain. However, traditional On Board Inert Gas Generating Systems (OBIGGS) use a physical separation media that requires more electric power and bleed air to operate than many aircraft have available. OBIGGS can also be difficult to integrate into multi tank applications. An innovative and efficient inerting system that does not rely on a pre-stored inerting agent (such as compressed nitrogen to prevent logistical issues) that is capable of supporting multiple independent tanks would improve the safety and survivability of military aircraft.

PHASE I: Design and develop an innovative approach for a multi-tank inerting system that requires no bleed air, minimal electricity and is capable of inerting multiple independent tanks to less than 9% oxygen concentration by volume without contaminating the fuel. Demonstrate the feasibility of applying the developed approach in a laboratory environment.

PHASE II: Finalize design and demonstrate practical implementation of a production-scalable prototype inerting system. Evaluate the prototype system through demonstration testing on the replica of a military aircraft multi-tank fuel system.

PHASE III: Transition the approach to the fleet and other candidate platforms.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: A rule mandating commercial aircraft center wing tank inerting using OBIGGS or similar systems is pending. Boeing is already installing OBIGGS systems on newer commercial airliners. An innovative inerting system that is more efficient than traditional OBIGGS can be transitioned to the commercial fleet to enhance both safety and reliability.

REFERENCES:
1. McDonald, George H., et al "Catalytic Reactor for Inerting of Aircraft Fuel Tanks." AiResearch Manufacturing Company. 1974

2. Reynolds, Thomas L., "Gas Separation Technology: The State of the Art"; Halon Options Technical Working Conference, 24-26 April 2001.

KEYWORDS: Fuel; Tank; Inerting; OBIGGS; Safety; Survivability

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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