Eaton Corporation

Miller Waster Mills

Miller Waste Mills D/b/a Rtp Company

Edward W S Bryant

Clifton Paul Breay

Sara D Pfannenstiel

Stephen C Matthews

The invention comprises dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube. In another embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube, an outer annular portion, and an interconnecting web, each constructed from the composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes. This later embodiment is an integrally formed one-piece structure. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 10&#x3a9; to 10&#x3a9; at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one fitting to the other fitting.

Dielectric isolators

The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 10&#x3a9; to 10&#x3a9; at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one coupling to the other coupling.

A thermoplastic composite material, which includes a thermoplastic, organic polymer; and a plurality of carbon nanotubes, is provided. The thermoplastic composite material exhibits a bulk volume resistivity of about 10&#x3a9;-cm (ohm cm) to 10&#x3a9;-cm at 5,000 volts. Such thermoplastic composite materials may find utility in applications that require the thermoplastic to be capable of withstanding high voltage spikes, as would be encountered during a lightning strike.

Injection moldable, thermoplastic composite materials

The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube. In another embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube, an outer annular portion, and an interconnecting web, each constructed from the composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes. This later embodiment is an integrally formed one-piece structure. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 10&#x3a9; to 10&#x3a9; at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one fitting to the other fitting.

Growing community of inventors

Winona, MN, United States of America

Edward W S Bryant