Inert gas generation for aircraft safety

Advanced OBIGGS generating nitrogen-enriched air to render aircraft fuel tanks non-flammable, reducing explosion risks and ensuring compliance with strict aviation safety standards.

Fuel tank inerting is vital for aircraft safety, requiring high-performance, compact solutions. Air Liquide uses proprietary hollow fiber membranes to efficiently generate nitrogen-enriched air (NEA) on-board or on the ground for uncompromising protection.

On-Board Inert Gas Generating Systems (OBIGGS)

Air Liquide is a leading supplier of permeable membrane-based OBIGGS for military and commercial aviation. Our proprietary membrane technology, made of advanced hollow polymer fibers, is the heart of the system, filtering the incoming air stream to reduce the oxygen content in the fuel tank to below 9%. This process effectively displaces the flammable fuel/air mixture, preventing ignition and enhancing safety.

Key benefits of Air Liquide OBIGGS membranes:

  • Proven reliability: Over a decade of involvement in key military and commercial programs.
  • Optimal performance: Produces the most productive and energy-efficient nitrogen-enriched air (NEA).
  • Compact & lightweight: Installed  directly into OBIGGS systems translates to lower weight and smaller space requirements.

Ground-based inerting solutions

Leveraging our extensive experience with onsite gas generation, Air Liquide also provides ground-based inerting equipment. This methodology supplies safe, inert gas to blanket fuel tanks during maintenance or pre-flight operations, offering a reliable, low-cost solution that eliminates logistics challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an OBIGGS system?

An On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) uses hollow fiber membranes to filter incoming air, delivering nitrogen-enriched air to aircraft fuel tanks to prevent combustion.

What are the benefits of Air Liquide's OBIGGS membranes?

Our proprietary polymer membranes are highly energy-efficient, compact, and lightweight, providing essential explosion protection while minimizing the payload impact on the aircraft.

Does Air Liquide offer ground-based inerting?

Yes. We provide reliable ground-based inerting equipment to supply safe, nitrogen-enriched gas to blanket fuel tanks during maintenance or pre-flight operations

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