Oxygen separation module and apparatus

An oxygen separator module for an electrically driven oxygen separator apparatus, said oxygen separator module comprising:

• a plurality of tubular membrane elements pneumatically coupled together, each of the tubular membrane elements having an anode layer, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer located between the anode layer and the cathode layer and each of the tubular membrane elements configured to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed stream when an electric potential difference is applied between the anode layer and the cathode layer to induce oxygen ion transport in the electrolyte;
• a plurality of end seals located at opposite ends of the plurality of tubular membrane elements;
• end insulation members located proximate the end seals wherein the plurality of tubular membrane elements are arranged in a bundle and held in place by the end insulation members;
• a plurality of hollow tubes penetrating one or more of the end seals at opposite ends of the plurality of tubular membrane elements, the hollow tubes configured to permit flow of oxygen from the interior of the tubular membrane elements;
• the at least one oxygen separation module further having one or more openings or inlets located within the end insulation members to allow passage of the oxygen containing feed stream through the end insulation members and across exterior surfaces of the plurality of tubular membrane elements between the end insulation members;
• and
• at least one manifold configured to collect the oxygen from the plurality of tubular membrane elements, the at least one manifold connected to the plurality of tubular membrane elements such that oxygen is received by the at least one manifold from some or all of the plurality of tubular membrane elements via one or more of the plurality of hollow tubes.