Gas separation – Plural serial basically diverse separating media – Plural stages in unitary casing
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-05
2004-03-23
Hopkins, Robert A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
Plural serial basically diverse separating media
Plural stages in unitary casing
C055S503000, C096S190000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06709474
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an aircraft component housing, and more particularly, the invention relates to a quick connect housing for a water separator.
Environmental control systems for aircrafts typically employ water separators to separate the water from the air to reduce humidity. Typically the water separators have a volume of approximately 4 liters and are under relatively low pressure, for example 22 psig. A coalescer assembly is arranged within the interior cavity of the separator and condenses and collects a fine water mist which is expelled from the separator. Typically every several hundred hours a mesh coalescer material must be removed and replaced.
Typically the water separator housing is constructed from two halves that are secured to one another utilizing a V-band coupling. This coupling has multiple V-retainer segments attached to a flat metal band. When the coupling is tightened over two flanges, the wedging action of the V-retainer draws the flanges together. When the proper level of torque is reached, a tight connection is established. A plurality of fasteners joining mating annular flanges are also utilized with other aircraft component housings such as those used on pneumatic starters and air cycle machines. More specifically, bolts, washers and nuts are received in apertures located circumferentially around the flanges in the other component housings. The V-band coupling fasteners must be tightened to a desired torque value to ensure that the halves are properly secured. As with the servicing of all aircraft components, it is critical that no loose tools or components be left in the aircraft subsequent to servicing, which may result in a catastrophic failure of an aircraft system. Furthermore, it is desirable to service aircraft components quickly to reduce the down time of the aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The present invention provides a water separator for use in an environmental control system that includes first and second housing portions at least partially defining an interior cavity. A coalescer assembly that may include a mesh material is disposed within the interior cavity for separating water from the air flowing through the interior cavity. First and second interlocking features, which may include a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs received in the slots of circumferentially arranged flanges, secure the housing portions together. The tabs and flanges interlock with one another in response to moving the first and second housings relative to one another from an open position to a closed position in which the housing portions are secured to another. In this manner, the V-band coupling of the prior art may be eliminated and the service time of the water separator may be reduced.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3681899 (1972-08-01), Grote
patent: 5784894 (1998-07-01), Army, Jr. et al.
patent: 6402798 (2002-06-01), Kallsen et al.
Army Jr. Donald E.
Hu Shoufeng
Vatter Thomas
Zaffetti Mark
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Hamilton Sundstrand
Hopkins Robert A.
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