Hydrogen purification device

Abstract

Hydrogen purification devices and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the device may include a supply frame and / or permeable frame, each having at least one elongated hole separate from and spaced apart from an opening region, at least one output aperture, and / or at least one input aperture. The elongated hole may be located between the opening region and at least one input aperture. The elongated hole may receive a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region and / or at least one input conduit. The device may further include a gasket frame having at least one notch at one or more ends of a perimeter base. The notch may be in fluid communication with the longitudinal end portion of the elongated hole. The device may further include first and second side plates that collectively surround a plurality of frames.

Description

【Background Art】 【0001】 A hydrogen generation assembly is an assembly that converts one or more feedstocks into a product stream containing hydrogen gas as a main component. The feedstocks can include carbon-containing feedstocks and, in some embodiments, may also include water. The feedstocks are delivered from a feedstock delivery system to the hydrogen generation region of the hydrogen generation assembly, typically under pressure and at elevated temperature. The hydrogen generation region is often associated with a temperature control assembly, such as a heating assembly or a cooling assembly, that consumes one or more fuel streams to maintain the hydrogen generation region within an appropriate temperature range for effectively generating hydrogen gas. The hydrogen generation assembly can generate hydrogen gas via any suitable mechanism, such as steam reforming, autothermal reforming, pyrolysis, and / or catalytic partial oxidation. 【0002】 The product stream can be used in various applications. One such application is energy production, such as in an electrochemical fuel cell. An electrochemical fuel cell is a device that converts a fuel and an oxidant into electricity, reaction products, and heat. For example, a fuel cell can convert hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity. In those fuel cells, hydrogen is the fuel, oxygen is the oxidant, and water is the reaction product. A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells and can be utilized with a hydrogen generation assembly to provide an energy generation assembly. 【0003】 Examples of hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen processing assemblies, and / or components of those assemblies are described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4, U.S. Patent Document 5, Patent Document 6, Patent Document 7, Patent Document 8, Patent Document 9, and Patent Document 10, as well as Patent Document 11, Patent Document 12, Patent Document 13, Patent Document 14, Patent Document 15, Patent Document 16, Patent Document 17, and Patent Document 18. The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent application publications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【Prior Art Documents】 [Patent Documents] 【0004】 [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,861,137 [Patent Document 2] Strength Specification No. 6,319,306 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,494,937 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,562,111 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,063,047 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 7,306,868 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 7,470,293 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 7,601,302 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 7,632,322 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 8,961,627 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0090397 Specification [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0272212 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0266631 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0274904 Specification [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0085434 [Patent Document 16] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0138678 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0230039 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0064887 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent No. 5,997,594 [Patent Document 20] U.S. Patent No. 6,221,117 [Patent Document 21] U.S. Patent No. 6,537,352 [Patent Document 22] U.S. Patent No. 6,152,995 [Patent Document 23] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0402349 [Patent Document 24] U.S. Patent No. 11,141,692 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0005】 However, the generated or produced hydrogen gas may contain impurities. This gas may be called a mixed gas stream, which contains hydrogen gas and other gases. Before use, the mixed gas stream needs to be purified, such as by removing at least some of the other gases. Therefore, a hydrogen generation assembly may include a hydrogen purification device to increase the hydrogen purity of the mixed gas stream. The hydrogen purification device may include at least one hydrogen selective membrane to separate the mixed gas stream into a product stream and a byproduct stream. The product stream contains a higher concentration of hydrogen gas and / or a reduced concentration of one or more other gases from the mixed gas stream. Hydrogen purification using one or more hydrogen selective membranes is a pressure-driven separation process in which one or more hydrogen selective membranes are contained within a pressure vessel. The mixed gas stream is in contact with the mixed gas surface of the membrane, and the product stream is formed from at least some of the mixed gas stream that permeates the membrane. The pressure vessel is typically sealed to prevent gas from entering or leaving the pressure vessel unless it passes through defined inlet and outlet ports or conduits. [Means for solving the problem] 【0006】 To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides first and second end frames, An input port capable of receiving a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases, An output port capable of receiving a permeate stream containing at least one of the following: hydrogen gas at a higher concentration than the mixed gas stream and the other gas at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream, A byproduct port capable of receiving a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases, Including the first and second end frames, At least one hydrogen selective membrane disposed between the first end frame and the second end frame and fixed thereto, wherein the at least one hydrogen selective membrane has a supply side and a permeate side, and at least a portion of the permeate stream is composed of a portion of the mixed gas stream passing from the supply side to the permeate side, and the remaining portion of the mixed gas stream remaining on the supply side forms at least a portion of the byproduct stream, A plurality of frames are positioned between the first and second end frames and the at least one hydrogen selective membrane, and are fixed to the first and second end frames, wherein the plurality of frames include a supply frame positioned between the at least one hydrogen selective membrane and one of the first and second end frames, and the supply frame is Planar periphery shell, An opening region surrounded by the surrounding shell, wherein the opening region is in fluid communication with input apertures of other frames of the plurality of frames, the input apertures collectively form at least one input conduit, and the opening region and the at least one input conduit can receive at least a portion of the mixed gas stream, At least one output aperture in the surrounding shell, wherein the at least one output aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, and forms at least one output conduit together with corresponding output apertures of other frames of the plurality of frames, and the at least one output conduit is capable of receiving at least a part of the transmission stream, the at least one output aperture; At least one elongated hole that is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one output aperture, wherein the at least one elongated hole is disposed between the opening region and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one elongated hole is capable of receiving a part of the mixed gas stream that has leaked from the opening region or the at least one input conduit, the at least one elongated hole; A plurality of frames including; A hydrogen purification device comprising. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0007】 [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an example of a hydrogen generation assembly. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of an example of the hydrogen generation assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen purification device of the hydrogen generation assembly of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an isometric view of an example of the hydrogen purification device of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is an isometric view of the hydrogen purification device of FIG. 4 shown in a state where an exemplary side plate is removed. [Figure 6] It is an exploded isometric view of the hydrogen purification device of FIG. 4 shown in a state without an end frame and in a state where one of two foil micro screen assemblies is disassembled. [Figure 7] It is a partial view of an example of the micro screen support structure of the hydrogen purification device of FIG. 4. [Figure 8]Figure 6 is a partial view of a hydrogen purification device, showing an example of a supply frame and gasket frame. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of an example of a counter-insert for a supply frame. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of another example of a counter-insert for a supply frame. [Figure 11] A partial cross-sectional view of the supply frame of Figure 8, taken along line 11-11 in Figure 13, showing an example of a flow channel provided by the opposing insert in Figure 9 or Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 8 is a top view of the supply frame and gasket frame. [Figure 13] Figure 8 is a top view of the supply frame, showing an example of the flow direction of the mixed gas stream and the leakage flow direction of the mixed gas stream. [Figure 14] Figure 6 is a partial view of a hydrogen purification device showing examples of a transmission frame, foil microscreen assembly, and gasket frame. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a partial view of an example of a support plate for a transparent frame. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a top view of the transparent frame, foil microscreen assembly, and gasket frame. [Figure 17] Figure 14 is a top view of the permeation frame, showing an example of the flow direction of the permeation stream and the flow direction of leakage from the mixed gas stream. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0008】 Figure 1 shows an example of a hydrogen generation assembly 20. Unless otherwise specified, the hydrogen generation assembly 20 may include one or more components of other hydrogen generation assemblies described herein. The hydrogen generation assembly may include any suitable structure configured to generate a product hydrogen stream 21. For example, the hydrogen generation assembly may include a feedstock delivery system 22 and a fuel processing assembly 24. The feedstock delivery system may include any suitable structure configured to selectively deliver at least one supply stream 26 to the fuel processing assembly. 【0009】 In some embodiments, the raw material delivery system 22 may further include any suitable structure configured to selectively deliver at least one fuel stream 28 to a burner or other heating assembly of the fuel processing assembly 24. In some embodiments, the supply stream 26 and the fuel stream 28 may be the same stream delivered to different parts of the fuel processing assembly. The raw material delivery system may include any suitable delivery mechanism, such as a positive displacement or other suitable pump or mechanism for propelling the fluid stream. In some embodiments, the raw material delivery system may be configured to deliver the supply stream 26 and / or the fuel stream 28 without requiring the use of a pump and / or other electric fluid delivery mechanism. Examples of suitable raw material delivery systems that may be used with the hydrogen generation assembly 20 include the raw material delivery systems described in Patent Documents 7 and 8, and Patent Document 11. The full disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0010】 The supply stream 26 may include at least one hydrogen-producing fluid 30, which may include one or more fluids that can be used as reactants to produce the product hydrogen stream 21. For example, the hydrogen-producing fluid may include at least one carbon-containing feedstock such as a hydrocarbon and / or an alcohol. Suitable examples of hydrocarbons include methane, propane, natural gas, diesel, kerosene, and gasoline. Suitable examples of alcohols include methanol, ethanol, and polyols (such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol). Additionally, the hydrogen-producing fluid 30 may include water, for example, when the fuel processing assembly generates the product hydrogen stream via steam reforming and / or autothermal reforming. If the fuel processing assembly 24 generates the product hydrogen stream via pyrolysis or catalytic partial oxidation, the supply stream 26 does not contain water. 【0011】 In some embodiments, the raw material delivery system 22 may be configured to deliver a hydrogen-producing fluid 30 comprising a mixture of water and a carbon-containing raw material miscible with water (such as methanol and / or another water-soluble alcohol). The ratio of water to carbon-containing raw material in such a fluid stream may vary according to one or more factors such as the specific carbon-containing raw material used, user preference, the design of the fuel processing assembly, and the mechanism used by the fuel processing assembly to generate the product hydrogen stream. For example, the molar ratio of water to carbon may range from about 1:1 to 3:1. Additionally, a mixture of water and methanol may be delivered at a molar ratio of 1:1 or close to it (37 wt% water, 63 wt% methanol), and a mixture of hydrocarbons or other alcohols may be delivered at a water-to-carbon molar ratio greater than 1:1. 【0012】 When the fuel processing assembly 24 generates a product hydrogen stream 21 via reforming, the supply stream 26 may contain, for example, about 25–75 volume percent methanol or ethanol (or another suitable water-miscible carbon-containing feedstock) and about 25–75 volume percent water. For supply streams containing at least substantially methanol and water, those streams may contain about 50–75 volume percent methanol and about 25–50 volume percent water. Streams containing ethanol or other water-miscible alcohols may contain about 25–60 volume percent alcohol and about 40–75 volume percent water. An example of a supply stream for a hydrogen generation assembly 20 utilizing steam reforming or autothermal reforming contains 69 volume percent methanol and 31 volume percent water. 【0013】 Although the raw material delivery system 22 is shown as being configured to deliver a single supply stream 26, the raw material delivery system may be configured to deliver two or more supply streams 26. These streams may contain the same or different raw materials, have different compositions, have at least one common component, have no common component, or have the same composition. For example, a first supply stream may contain a first component, such as a carbon-containing raw material, and a second supply stream may contain a second component, such as water. Additionally, in some embodiments, the raw material delivery system 22 may be configured to deliver a single fuel stream 28, but the raw material delivery system may be configured to deliver two or more fuel streams. The fuel streams may have different compositions, have at least one common component, have no common component, or have the same composition. Furthermore, the supply streams and fuel streams may be discharged from the raw material delivery system at different stages. For example, one of the streams may be a fluid stream and the other a gas stream. In some embodiments, both streams may be fluid streams, and in other embodiments, both streams may be gas streams. Furthermore, although the hydrogen generation assembly 20 is shown to include a single raw material delivery system 22, the hydrogen generation assembly may include two or more raw material delivery systems 22. 【0014】 The fuel processing assembly 24 may include a hydrogen generation region 32 configured to produce a power stream 34 containing hydrogen gas via any suitable hydrogen generation mechanism. The power stream may contain hydrogen gas as at least a major component and may contain additional gaseous components. Thus, the power stream 34, which contains hydrogen gas as its major component but also contains other gases, may be referred to as a "mixed gas stream". 【0015】 The hydrogen production region 32 may include any suitable catalyst-containing bed or region. If the hydrogen production mechanism is steam reforming, the hydrogen production region may include a suitable steam reforming catalyst 36 to facilitate the production of the output stream 34 from the supply stream 26 containing carbon-containing feedstock and water. In such embodiments, the fuel processing assembly 24 may be referred to as the “steam reformer,” the hydrogen production region 32 may be referred to as the “reforming region,” and the output stream 34 may be referred to as the “reforming stream.” Other gases that may be present in the reforming stream may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, steam, and / or unreacted carbon-containing feedstock. 【0016】 If the hydrogen production mechanism is autothermal reforming, the hydrogen production region 32 may include a suitable autothermal reforming catalyst to facilitate the production of an output stream 34 from a supply stream 26 containing water and carbon-containing feedstock in the presence of air. Additionally, the fuel processing assembly 24 may include an air delivery assembly 38 configured to deliver an air stream to the hydrogen production region. 【0017】 In some embodiments, the fuel processing assembly 24 may include a purification (or separation) region 40 which may include any suitable structure configured to produce at least one hydrogen-rich stream 42 from the output (or mixed gas) stream 34. The hydrogen-rich stream 42 may contain a higher hydrogen concentration than the output stream 34 and / or a reduced concentration of one or more other gases (or impurities) that were present in the output stream. The product hydrogen stream 21 contains at least a portion of the hydrogen-rich stream 42. Thus, the product hydrogen stream 21 and the hydrogen-rich stream 42 may be the same stream and may have the same composition and flow rate. Alternatively, a portion of the purified hydrogen gas in the hydrogen-rich stream 42 may be stored in a suitable hydrogen storage assembly and / or consumed by the fuel processing assembly for later use. The purification region 40 may also be referred to as a "hydrogen purification device" or "hydrogen processing assembly". 【0018】 In some embodiments, the purification area 40 may generate at least one byproduct stream 44 which may contain or may not contain hydrogen gas. The byproduct stream may be discharged and sent to the burner assembly and / or other combustion sources for use as a heated fluid stream, stored for later use, and / or otherwise utilized, stored, and / or discarded. Additionally, the purification area 40 may release the byproduct stream as a continuous stream in response to the delivery of the output stream 34, or it may release the stream intermittently, such as in a batch process or when the byproduct portion of the output stream is held at least temporarily in the purification area. 【0019】 The fuel processing assembly 24 may include one or more purification regions configured to produce one or more byproduct streams containing a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas to be used as a fuel stream (or raw material stream) for the heating assembly for the fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the byproduct streams may have a sufficient fuel value or hydrogen content to allow the heating assembly to maintain the hydrogen production region at a desired operating temperature or a selected temperature range. For example, the byproduct streams may contain hydrogen gas such as 10-30 volume% hydrogen gas, 15-25 volume% hydrogen gas, 20-30 volume% hydrogen gas, at least 10 or 15 volume% hydrogen gas, or at least 20 volume% hydrogen gas. 【0020】 The purification region 40 may include any suitable structure configured to concentrate (and / or increase) the concentration of at least one component in the output stream 21. In most applications, the hydrogen-rich stream 42 will have a higher hydrogen concentration than the output stream (or mixed gas stream) 34. The hydrogen-rich stream may also include a reduced concentration of one or more non-hydrogen components that were present in the output stream 34, with the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-rich stream being higher, the same as, or lower than that of the output stream. For example, in a conventional fuel cell system, even the presence of a few ppm of carbon monoxide can damage the fuel cell stack, while other non-hydrogen components present in the output stream 34, such as water, will not damage the stack even at much higher concentrations. Therefore, in such applications, the purification region may not increase the overall hydrogen concentration, but it will reduce the concentration of one or more non-hydrogen components that are harmful or potentially harmful to the desired application in the product hydrogen stream. 【0021】 Examples of devices suitable for the purification region 40 include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes 46, a chemical carbon monoxide removal assembly 48, and / or a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system 50. The purification region 40 may include two or more types of purification devices, which may have the same or different structures and / or operate by the same or different mechanisms. The fuel processing assembly 24 may include at least one limiting orifice and / or other flow limiter downstream of the purification region, such as one or more product hydrogen streams, a hydrogen-rich stream, and / or byproduct streams. 【0022】 The hydrogen-selective membrane 46 is permeable to hydrogen gas but at least substantially (if not completely) impermeable to the other components of the output stream 34. The membrane 46 can be formed from any hydrogen-permeable material suitable for use in the operating environment and parameters in which the purification region 40 operates. Examples of materials suitable for the membrane 46 include palladium and palladium alloys, in particular thin films of such metals and metal alloys. Palladium alloys, especially palladium containing 35% to 45% by weight of copper, have proven particularly effective. Palladium-copper alloys containing about 40% by weight of copper have proven particularly effective, although other relative concentrations and components may also be used. Three other particularly effective alloys are palladium containing 2% to 20% by weight gold, especially palladium containing 5% by weight gold; palladium containing 3% to 10% by weight indium and 0% to 10% by weight ruthenium, especially palladium containing 6% by weight indium and 0.5% by weight ruthenium; and palladium containing 20% ​​to 30% by weight silver. When palladium and palladium alloys are used, the hydrogen-selective film 46 is sometimes referred to as a “foil.” A typical thickness of a hydrogen-permeable metal foil is less than 25 micrometers, preferably 15 micrometers or less, and most preferably between 5 and 12 micrometers. The foil can be of any suitable dimensions, such as 110 mm × 270 mm. 【0023】 A chemical carbon monoxide removal assembly 48 is a device that chemically reacts carbon monoxide and / or other undesirable components of the output stream 34 to form other compositions that are less potentially harmful. Examples of chemical carbon monoxide removal assemblies include a water-gas shift reactor configured to produce hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide from water and carbon monoxide, a partial oxidation reactor configured to convert carbon monoxide and oxygen (usually from air) into carbon dioxide, and a methanation reactor configured to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen into methane and water. The fuel treatment assembly 24 may include two or more types and / or a number of chemical removal assemblies 48. 【0024】 Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is a chemical process in which gaseous impurities are removed from an output stream 34 based on the principle that, under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, certain gases are adsorbed more strongly onto an adsorbent material than other gases. Typically, non-hydrogen impurities are adsorbed and removed from the output stream 34. Adsorption of impurity gases occurs at high pressure. As the pressure decreases, the impurities are desorbed from the adsorbent material, thus regenerating the adsorbent material. Typically, PSA is a cyclic process and requires at least two beds for continuous operation (as opposed to batch). Examples of suitable adsorbent materials that can be used in the adsorption beds are activated carbon and zeolites. The PSA system 50 also provides an example of a device for use in a purification area 40 where by-products or removed components are not directly discharged from the area as a gas stream simultaneously with the purification of the output stream. Instead, these by-product components are removed when the adsorbent material is regenerated or otherwise removed from the purification area. 【0025】 In Figure 1, the refining region 40 is shown within the fuel processing assembly 24. Alternatively, the refining region may be located separately downstream from the fuel processing assembly, as schematically shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. The refining region 40 may also include parts inside and outside the fuel processing assembly. 【0026】 The fuel processing assembly 24 may also include a temperature control assembly in the form of a heating assembly 52. ​​The heating assembly may be configured to produce at least one heated exhaust stream (or combustion stream) 54 from at least one fuel stream 28, which is typically burned in the presence of air. The heated exhaust stream 54 is schematically shown in Figure 1 as heating the hydrogen production region 32. The heating assembly 52 may include any suitable structure configured to generate a heated exhaust stream, such as a burner or combustion catalyst, in which the fuel is burned with air to produce the heated exhaust stream. The heating assembly may include an igniter or ignition source 58 configured to initiate the combustion of the fuel. Examples of suitable ignition sources include one or more spark plugs, glow plugs, combustion catalysts, pilot lamps, piezoelectric igniters, spark igniters, and hot surface igniters. 【0027】 In some embodiments, the heating assembly 52 may include a burner assembly 60 and may be referred to as a combustion-based or combustion-driven heating assembly. In a combustion-based heating assembly, the heating assembly 52 may receive at least one fuel stream 28 and be configured to burn the fuel stream in the presence of air to provide a high-temperature combustion stream 54 which can be used to heat at least the hydrogen production region of the fuel processing assembly. Air may be delivered to the heating assembly via various mechanisms. For example, an air stream 62 may be delivered to the heating assembly as a separate stream, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively or additionally, the air stream 62 may be delivered to the heating assembly together with at least one of the fuel streams 28 for the heating assembly 52 and / or drawn from the environment in which the heating assembly is utilized. 【0028】 The combustion stream 54 may be used additionally or alternatively to heat the fuel processing assembly and / or other parts of the fuel cell system in which a heating assembly is used. Additionally, other configurations and types of heating assemblies 52 may be used. For example, the heating assembly 52 may be an electrically heated assembly configured to heat at least the hydrogen production region 32 of the fuel processing assembly 24 by generating heat using at least one heating element, such as a resistance heating element. In those embodiments, the heating assembly 52 does not need to receive and burn a combustible fuel stream to heat the hydrogen production region to a suitable hydrogen production temperature. Examples of heating assemblies are disclosed in Patent Document 9, the full disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0029】 The heating assembly 52 may be housed in a shell or housing common to the hydrogen generation region and / or separation region (discussed further below). The heating assembly may be located separately from the hydrogen generation region 32, but may be in thermal and / or fluid communication with that region to provide the desired heating of the hydrogen generation region. The heating assembly 52 may be located partially or completely within a common shell, and / or at least part (or all) of the heating assembly may be located outside that shell. If the heating assembly is located outside the shell, hot combustion gases from the burner assembly 60 may be transported to one or more components within the shell via appropriate heat transfer conduits. 【0030】 The heating assembly may also be configured to heat the raw material delivery system 22, the raw material supply stream, the hydrogen production area 32, the purification (or separation) area 40, or any suitable combination of those systems, streams, and areas. Heating the raw material supply stream may include vaporizing the liquid reactant stream or components of the hydrogen production fluid used to produce hydrogen gas in the hydrogen production area. In that embodiment, the fuel processing assembly 24 may be described as including a vaporization area 64. The heating assembly may additionally be configured to heat other components of the hydrogen production assembly. For example, a heated exhaust stream may be configured to heat a pressure vessel and / or other canister containing heated fuel and / or hydrogen production fluid that forms at least a portion of the supply stream 26 and the fuel stream 28. 【0031】 The heating assembly 52 can achieve and / or maintain any suitable temperature in the hydrogen production region 32. The steam reformer typically operates at temperatures in the range of 200°C to 900°C. However, temperatures outside this range are within the scope of this disclosure. When the carbon-containing feedstock is methanol, the steam reforming reaction typically operates in a temperature range of about 200 to 500°C. Exemplary subsets of that range include 350 to 450°C, 375 to 425°C, and 375 to 400°C. When the carbon-containing feedstock is hydrocarbons, ethanol, or another alcohol, a temperature range of about 400 to 900°C is typically used for the steam reforming reaction. Exemplary subsets of that range include 750 to 850°C, 725 to 825°C, 650 to 750°C, 700 to 800°C, 700 to 900°C, 500 to 800°C, 400 to 600°C, and 600 to 800°C. The hydrogen production region 32 may comprise two or more zones or sections, each of which may operate at the same or different temperatures. For example, if the hydrogen production fluid contains hydrocarbons, the hydrogen production region 32 may comprise two different hydrogen production sections or regions, one of which operates at a lower temperature than the other to provide a pre-reforming region. In those embodiments, the fuel processing assembly may also be referred to as comprising two or more hydrogen production regions. 【0032】 The fuel stream 28 may contain any combustible liquid and / or gas suitable for consumption by the heating assembly 52 to provide the desired heat output. Some fuel streams may be gases when delivered and burned by the heating assembly 52, while others may be delivered to the heating assembly as liquid streams. Examples of suitable heating fuels for the fuel stream 28 include carbon-containing feedstocks such as methanol, methane, ethane, ethanol, ethylene, propane, propylene, and butane. Additional examples include low molecular weight condensable fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, ammonia, lightweight amines, dimethyl ether, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons. Still other examples include hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In embodiments of the hydrogen generation assembly 20, which includes a temperature control assembly in the form of a cooling assembly (which may be used when an exothermic hydrogen generation process, e.g., partial oxidation, is utilized instead of an endothermic process such as steam reforming), the feedstock delivery system may be configured to supply a fuel or coolant stream to the assembly. Any suitable fuel or coolant may be used. 【0033】 The fuel processing assembly 24 may further include a shell or housing 66 containing at least a hydrogen production region 32, as shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, a vaporization region 64 and / or a purification region 40 may be additionally included within the shell. The shell 66 may allow components of a steam reformer or other fuel processing mechanism to be moved as a unit. The shell may also protect components of the fuel processing assembly from damage by providing a protective enclosure and / or reduce the heating demand of the fuel processing assembly as the components are heated as a unit. The shell 66 may include insulating material 68 such as solid insulating material, blanket insulating material, and / or air-filled cavities. The insulating material may be inside the shell, outside the shell, or both. If the insulating material is outside the shell, the fuel processing assembly 24 may further include an outer cover or jacket 70 outside the insulating material, as schematically shown in Figure 1. The fuel processing assembly may include different shells containing additional components of the fuel processing assembly, such as a raw material delivery system 22 and / or other components. 【0034】 One or more components of the fuel processing assembly 24 may extend beyond the shell or be located outside the shell. For example, the refining region 40 may be located outside the shell 66, such as being spaced apart from the shell but having fluid communication through appropriate fluid communication conduits. As another example, a portion of the hydrogen generation region 32 (such as a portion of one or more reforming catalyst beds) may extend beyond the shell, as schematically shown by the dashed lines representing alternative shell configurations in Figure 1. Examples of suitable hydrogen generation assemblies and their components are disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 19, and 20, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0035】 Another example of the hydrogen generation assembly 20 is shown in Figure 2, and the whole is shown in Figure 72. Unless otherwise specified, the hydrogen generation assembly 72 may include one or more components of the hydrogen generation assembly 20. The hydrogen generation assembly 72 may include a raw material delivery system 74, a vaporization region 76, a hydrogen generation region 78, and a heating assembly 80, as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation assembly 20 may also include a purification region 82. 【0036】 The raw material delivery system may include any suitable structure configured to deliver one or more supply streams and / or fuel streams to one or more other components of the hydrogen generation assembly. For example, the raw material delivery system may include a raw material tank (or container) 84 and a pump 86. The raw material tank may contain any suitable hydrogen-producing fluid 88, such as water and a carbon-containing raw material (e.g., a methanol / water mixture). The pump 86 may have any suitable structure configured to deliver the hydrogen-producing fluid, which may be in the form of at least one liquid-containing supply stream 90 containing water and a carbon-containing raw material, to the vaporization area 76 and / or the hydrogen-producing area 78. 【0037】 The vaporization region 76 may include any suitable structure configured to receive and vaporize at least a portion of a liquid-containing supply stream, such as a liquid-containing supply stream 90. For example, the vaporization region 76 may include a vaporizer 92 configured to at least partially convert the liquid-containing supply stream 90 into one or more vapor supply streams 94. In some embodiments, the vapor supply stream may contain a liquid. An example of a suitable vaporizer is a coiled tube vaporizer, such as a coiled stainless steel tube. 【0038】 The hydrogen generation region 78 may include any suitable structure configured to receive one or more supply streams, such as a steam supply stream 94 from the vaporization region, to generate one or more output streams 96 containing hydrogen gas as the main component and other gases. The hydrogen generation region may generate the output streams via any suitable mechanism. For example, the hydrogen generation region 78 may generate the output streams 96 via a steam reforming reaction. In that example, the hydrogen generation region 78 may include a steam reforming region 97 having a reforming catalyst 98 configured to facilitate and / or promote the steam reforming reaction. When the hydrogen generation region 78 generates the output streams 96 via a steam reforming reaction, the hydrogen generation assembly 72 may be referred to as a “steam reforming hydrogen generation assembly,” and the output streams 96 may be referred to as “reformed streams.” 【0039】 The heating assembly 80 may include any suitable structure configured to generate at least one heated exhaust stream 99 for heating one or more other components of the hydrogen generation assembly 72. For example, the heating assembly may heat the vaporization region to any suitable temperature, such as at least the minimum vaporization temperature, or the temperature at which at least a portion of the liquid-containing supply stream is vaporized to form a vapor supply stream. Additionally or alternatively, the heating assembly 80 may heat the hydrogen generation region to any suitable temperature, such as at least the minimum hydrogen generation temperature, or the temperature at which at least a portion of the vapor supply stream is reacted to produce hydrogen gas to form an output stream. The heating assembly may be in thermal communication with one or more components of the hydrogen generation assembly, such as the vaporization region and / or the hydrogen generation region. 【0040】 The heating assembly may include a burner assembly 100, at least one blower 102, and an igniter assembly 104, as shown in Figure 2. The burner assembly may include any suitable structure configured to receive at least one air stream 106 and at least one fuel stream 108, and to burn at least one fuel stream within a combustion region 110 to generate a heated exhaust stream 99. The fuel stream may be supplied by a raw material delivery system 74 and / or a purification region 82. The combustion region may be housed within an enclosure of the hydrogen generation assembly. The blower 102 may include any suitable structure configured to generate the air stream 106. The igniter assembly 104 may include any suitable structure configured to ignite the fuel stream 108. 【0041】 The purification region 82 may include any suitable structure configured to produce at least one hydrogen-rich stream 112 that may contain a higher hydrogen concentration than the output stream 96, and / or a reduced concentration of one or more other gases (or impurities) that were present in the output stream. The purification region may produce at least one byproduct stream or fuel stream 108 that can be sent to the burner assembly 100 and used as a fuel stream for that assembly, as shown in Figure 2. The purification region 82 may include a flow-limiting orifice 111, a filter assembly 114, a membrane assembly 116, and a methanation reactor assembly 118. The filter assembly (e.g., one or more high-temperature gas filters) may be configured to remove impurities from the output stream 96 before the hydrogen purification membrane assembly. 【0042】 The membrane assembly 116 may include any suitable structure configured to receive an output or mixed gas stream 96 containing hydrogen gas and other gases, and to produce a permeate or hydrogen-rich stream 112 containing hydrogen gas at a higher concentration than the mixed gas stream and / or other gases at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream. The membrane assembly 116 may incorporate planar or tubular hydrogen permeable (or hydrogen-selective) membranes, and two or more hydrogen permeable membranes may be incorporated into the membrane assembly 116. The permeate stream may be used for any suitable application, such as one or more fuel cells. In some embodiments, the membrane assembly may produce a byproduct or fuel stream 108 containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases. The methanation reactor assembly 118 may include any suitable structure configured to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen into methane and water. The purification region 82 is shown to include the flow limiting orifice 111, the filter assembly 114, the membrane assembly 116, and the methanation reactor assembly 118, but the purification region may have fewer than all of those assemblies and / or may include, alternatively or additionally, one or more other components configured to purify the output stream 96. For example, the purification region 82 may include only the membrane assembly 116. 【0043】 In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation assembly 72 may include a shell or housing 120 that may at least partially include one or more other components of the assembly. For example, the shell 120 may at least partially include a vaporization region 76, a hydrogen generation region 78, a heating assembly 80, and / or a purification region 82, as shown in Figure 2. The shell 120 may include one or more exhaust ports 122 configured to discharge at least one combustion exhaust stream 124 generated by the heating assembly 80. 【0044】 The hydrogen generation assembly 72 may, in some embodiments, include a control system 126 which may include any suitable structure configured to control the operation of the hydrogen generation assembly 72. For example, the control assembly 126 may include a control assembly 128, at least one valve 130, at least one pressure relief valve 132, and one or more temperature measuring devices 134. The control assembly 128 may detect the temperature in the hydrogen generation region and / or purification region via the temperature measuring devices 134 which may include one or more thermocouples and / or other suitable devices. Based on the detected temperature, the operator of the control assembly and / or control system may adjust the delivery of the supply stream 90 to the vaporization region 76 and / or hydrogen generation region 78 via the valve 130 and the pump 86. The valve 130 may include a solenoid valve and / or any suitable valve. The pressure relief valve 132 may be configured to ensure that excess pressure in the system is released. 【0045】 In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation assembly 72 may include a heat exchange assembly 136 which may include one or more heat exchangers 138 configured to transfer heat from one part of the hydrogen generation assembly to another. For example, the heat exchange assembly 136 may transfer heat from the hydrogen-rich stream 112 to the supply stream 90 in order to increase the temperature of the supply stream before it enters the vaporization region 76 and to cool the hydrogen-rich stream 112. 【0046】 An example of the purification region 40 (or hydrogen purification device) of the hydrogen generation assembly 20 in Figure 1 is shown as a whole in 144 in Figure 3. Unless otherwise specified, the hydrogen purification device may include one or more components of other purification regions described herein. The hydrogen purification device 40 may include a hydrogen separation region 146 and an enclosure 148. The enclosure may define an internal volume 150 having an inner circumference 152. The enclosure 148 may include at least a first portion 154 and a second portion 156, which are integrally coupled to form a body 149 in the form of a sealed pressure vessel, which may include defined input and output ports. These ports may define fluid paths through which gases and other fluids are delivered to or removed from the internal volume of the enclosure. 【0047】 The first and second parts 154 and 156 may be joined together using any suitable retaining mechanism or structure 158. Examples of suitable retaining structures include welding and / or bolting. Examples of seals that may be used to provide a fluid-tight interface between the first and second parts may include gaskets and / or welds. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second parts 154 and 156 may be fixed together such that at least a predetermined amount of compression is applied to the various components defining the hydrogen separation region within the enclosure and / or other components that may be incorporated into the hydrogen generation assembly. The applied compression may ensure that the various components are held in the appropriate position within the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the compression applied to the various components defining the hydrogen separation region and / or other components may provide a fluid-tight interface between the various components defining the hydrogen separation region, between various other components, and / or between the components defining the hydrogen separation region and other components. 【0048】 The enclosure 148 may include a mixed gas region 160 and a permeate region 162, as shown in Figure 3. The mixed gas and permeate region may be separated by a hydrogen separation region 146. At least one input port 164 may be provided through which a fluid stream 166 is delivered to the enclosure. The fluid stream 166 may be a mixed gas stream 168 containing hydrogen gas 170 and other gases 172 delivered to the mixed gas region 160. The hydrogen gas may be the main component of the mixed gas stream. The hydrogen separation region 146 may extend between the mixed gas region 160 and the permeate region 162 such that the gas in the mixed gas region must pass through the hydrogen separation region in order to enter the permeate region. The gas may need to pass through at least one hydrogen selective membrane, for example, as will be discussed further below. The permeate region or mixed gas region may be of any appropriate relative size within the enclosure. 【0049】 The enclosure 148 may include at least one product output port 174 from which a permeation stream 176 can be received and removed from the permeation region 162. The permeation stream may include at least one of hydrogen gas at a higher concentration than the mixed gas stream, and another gas at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream. In some embodiments, the permeation stream 176 may initially include at least a carrier or sweep gas component, which can be delivered as a sweep gas stream 178 via a sweep gas port 180 that is in fluid communication with the permeation region. The enclosure may also include at least one byproduct output port 182 from which a byproduct stream 184 is removed from the mixed gas region, which includes at least one of the other gas 172 and hydrogen gas 170 at a reduced concentration (relative to the mixed gas stream). 【0050】 The hydrogen separation region 146 may include at least one hydrogen selective membrane 186 having a first or mixed gas surface 188 oriented for contact with the mixed gas stream 168, and a second or permeable surface 190 substantially opposite to the surface 188. The mixed gas stream 168 may be delivered to the mixed gas region of the enclosure so as to contact the mixed gas surfaces of one or more hydrogen selective membranes. The permeable stream 176 may be formed from at least a portion of the mixed gas stream that passes through the hydrogen separation region to the permeable region 162. The byproduct stream 184 may be formed from at least a portion of the mixed gas stream that does not pass through the hydrogen separation region. In some embodiments, the byproduct stream 184 may include a portion of the hydrogen gas present in the mixed gas stream. The hydrogen separation region may also be configured to trap or otherwise retain at least a portion of other gases, which may be removed as a byproduct stream when the separation region is replaced, regenerated, or otherwise refilled. 【0051】 In Figure 3, streams 166, 176, 178, and / or 184 may include two or more actual streams flowing into or out of the hydrogen purification device 144. For example, the hydrogen purification device may receive multiple mixed gas streams 168, a single mixed gas stream 168 which is split into two or more streams before contacting the hydrogen separation region 146, a single stream delivered to the internal volume 150, and so on. Thus, the enclosure 148 may include two or more input ports 164, a product output port 174, a sweep gas port 180, and / or a byproduct output port 182. 【0052】 Hydrogen-selective membranes can be formed from any hydrogen-permeable material suitable for use in the operating environment and parameters in which the hydrogen purification device operates. Examples of hydrogen purification devices are disclosed in Patent Documents 19 and 21, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In some embodiments, hydrogen-selective membranes can be formed from at least one of palladium and palladium alloys. Examples of palladium alloys also include alloys of palladium containing copper, silver, and / or gold. Examples of various membranes, membrane configurations, and / or methods for preparing membranes and membrane configurations are disclosed in Patent Documents 22, 20, 2, and 21, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0053】 In some embodiments, multiple spaced hydrogen-selective membranes 186 may be used in the hydrogen separation region to form at least a portion of the hydrogen separation assembly 192. If present, the multiple membranes may collectively define one or more membrane assemblies 194. In such embodiments, the hydrogen separation assembly may generally extend from a first portion 154 to a second portion 156. Thus, the first and second portions can effectively compress the hydrogen separation assembly. In some embodiments, the enclosure 148 may additionally or alternatively include end plates (or end frames) coupled to both sides of the main body portion. In such embodiments, the end plates can effectively compress the hydrogen separation assembly (and other components that may be housed within the enclosure) between a pair of end plates on both sides. 【0054】 Hydrogen purification using one or more hydrogen-selective membranes is typically a pressure-driven separation process in which a mixed gas stream is delivered so as to contact the mixed gas surface of the membrane at a pressure higher than that of the gas in the permeate region of the hydrogen separation region. The hydrogen separation region may be heated to a high temperature via any suitable mechanism, if in some embodiments the hydrogen separation region is used to separate the mixed gas stream into a permeate stream and a byproduct stream. Examples of suitable operating temperatures for hydrogen purification using palladium membranes or palladium alloy membranes include temperatures of at least 275°C, at least 325°C, at least 350°C, temperatures in the range of 275–500°C, temperatures in the range of 275–375°C, temperatures in the range of 300–450°C, temperatures in the range of 350–450°C, and so on. 【0055】 An example of the hydrogen purification device 144 is shown as a whole in 196 in Figures 4-5. Unless otherwise specified, the hydrogen purification device 196 may include one or more components of other hydrogen purification devices and / or purification regions described herein. The hydrogen purification device 196 may include a shell or enclosure 198 which may include a first end plate or end frame 200 that collectively encloses a plurality of frames as discussed further below, a second end plate or end frame 202, a first side plate 204, and a second side plate 206. The first and second end plates may be configured to be fixed and / or compressed to each other to define a sealed pressure vessel having an internal compartment 207 (shown in Figure 6) in which a hydrogen separation region is supported. The first and / or second end plates may include various input ports, output ports, sweep gas ports, control ports, and byproduct ports 210, similar to the hydrogen purification device 144. 【0056】 The first and second side plates 204, 206 may be attached to and / or to the first and second end frames 200, 202. In some examples, the first and second side plates may be seal-welded to each other and / or to the first and second end frames. Each side plate may include an elongated base member 212 having a leak port or mixed gas port 213, and side members 215 attached to or formed with the longitudinal ends of the elongated base member. The leak ports may be configured to receive gas leaking from one or more different areas, regions, and / or conduits of the hydrogen purification device, such as between adjacent frames and / or interfaces between adjacent frames, as will be discussed further below. In other words, gas leaking from the frame of the hydrogen purification device may accumulate in the internal space 217 between the first and second side plates and the frame and be removed from that internal space through the leak port 214. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the side members are mounted perpendicularly to the elongated base member or formed together with the elongated base member. However, other examples of the hydrogen purification device 196 may include side plates 204, 206 having side members that are mounted to the elongated base member in an orientation other than vertical, or formed together with the elongated base member, to conform to the shape of the frame. 【0057】 As shown in Figure 6, the hydrogen purification device 196 may also include at least one foil microscreen assembly 208, which may be positioned between a first end plate and a second end plate, and / or fixed to the first and second end plates. The foil microscreen assembly may include at least one hydrogen selective membrane 210 and at least one microscreen structure 212. The hydrogen selective membrane may be configured to receive at least a portion of a mixed gas stream from an input port and separate the mixed gas stream into at least a portion of a permeate stream and at least a portion of a byproduct stream. The hydrogen selective membrane 210 may include a supply side 214 and a permeate side 216. At least a portion of the permeate stream is formed from a portion of the mixed gas stream passing from the supply side to the permeate side, and the remainder of the mixed gas stream remaining on the supply side forms at least a portion of the byproduct stream. 【0058】 One or more of the hydrogen-selective membranes can be metallurgically bonded to the microscreen structure 212. For example, the permeable side of a hydrogen-selective membrane can be metallurgically bonded to the microscreen structure. In some embodiments, one or more hydrogen-selective membranes 210 (and / or permeable sides thereof) can be diffusion-bonded to the microscreen structure to form a solid-phase diffusion bond between the membrane and the microscreen structure. For example, the permeable side of the membrane and the microscreen structure can be brought into contact with each other and exposed to high temperature and / or high pressure to allow the surfaces of the membrane and the microscreen structure to intersect over time. 【0059】 The microscreen structure 212 may include any suitable structure configured to support the hydrogen selective membrane. For example, the microscreen structure may include a non-porous planar sheet 218 having a plurality of apertures 224 that form a plurality of fluid passages extending between the opposing surfaces, allowing the permeation stream to flow through the microscreen structure, as shown in Figure 7, with generally opposing surfaces 220 and 222 configured to provide support to the permeation side 216. The apertures may be formed on the non-porous planar sheet by electrochemical etching, chemical etching, laser drilling, and other mechanical forming processes such as stamping or die cutting. In other words, the planar sheet may be made from one or more materials that are not porous and / or do not contain any openings or apertures, and the only aperture or opening on the sheet is added by one or more of the above methods. In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of the apertures may be formed on the non-porous planar sheet such that their longitudinal axes, or the longitudinal axes of the fluid passages, are perpendicular to the plane of the non-porous planar sheet. Non-porous planar sheets can have any suitable thickness, such as between 50 microns and approximately 200 microns. 【0060】 In some embodiments, the microscreen structure 212 may include one or more perforated regions (or portions) 226 containing multiple apertures, and one or more non-perforated regions (or portions) 228 that do not contain (or exclude) multiple apertures, as shown in Figure 7. The apertures 224 are distributed throughout the entire length and width of only the perforated portions. The perforated regions may be separated or spaced apart from one or more other perforated regions. The apertures 224 may include any suitable pattern, shape, and / or size. In some embodiments, the apertures may be formed using one or more patterns that maximize the combined aperture area while maintaining sufficiently high rigidity of the microscreen structure to prevent excessive deflection under pressure load. The apertures 224 may be circular (annular), elongated (as shown in Figure 7), racetrack or stadium shape, oval, ellipse, hexagon, triangle, square, rectangle, octagon, and / or other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, the aperture 224 in the perforated region may have a single, consistent shape, as shown in Figure 7. In other embodiments, the aperture 224 in the perforated region may have any suitable combination of two or more different shapes, such as two or more of the shapes described above. 【0061】 The aperture 224 may have any suitable orientation and / or be any suitable pattern. For example, the aperture 224 may be oriented in series in parallel rows along the longitudinal direction (or along the length of the perforated area or planar sheet). Alternatively, the aperture 224 may be oriented laterally (or along the width of the perforated area or planar sheet). In addition, other embodiments of the planar sheet 218 may include apertures 224 having two or more directions and / or orientations. For example, the apertures 224 may be arranged in a staggered pattern such that each aperture in each row or column is oriented differently from the apertures in each adjacent row or column (e.g., 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 degrees). In one example, the apertures 224 may also be oriented in series in diagonal and parallel rows such that each row of apertures is oriented at approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent rows of apertures. Alternatively or additionally, one or more apertures 224 in one or more rows and / or columns may be oriented differently from one or more other apertures in the same row and / or column. 【0062】 The aperture can be any appropriate size. For example, if the aperture is circular, the diameter can range from approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.020 inches. Additionally, if the aperture is oval or elliptical, the radius of the rounded end of the oval or elliptical can range from 0.001 inches to approximately 0.010 inches, and the length of the oval or elliptical can be up to 10 times the radius. Furthermore, if the aperture is elongated circular or stadium-shaped, the width or diameter can range from 0.005 inches to 0.02 inches, and the length can be 10 times or more the diameter, such as 0.05 inches to 0.8 inches. 【0063】 In some examples, one or more apertures 224 may be sized to cover the entire or substantially the entire width or length of the perforated area. For example, a stadium-shaped aperture may be oriented laterally and / or be the entire or substantially the entire width of the perforated area or portion such that the aspect ratio (length / width) is much greater than 10. An example of such aperture dimensions is a width of 0.005 to 0.02 inches and a length of up to 8 inches. Apertures may be spaced about 0.006 inches apart from each other (i.e., the width of the non-perforated portion or solid land between adjacent apertures) to provide a total opening area of ​​up to about 62.5%. 【0064】 In some examples, aperture 224 may have a combination of sizes. For example, aperture 224 may be sized such that the planar sheet 218 includes rows and / or columns of apertures having (1) a smaller number of apertures having one or more longer lengths, and (2) a larger number of apertures having one or more shorter lengths. In some examples, rows and / or columns with fewer apertures having longer lengths may stagger with rows and / or columns with more apertures having shorter lengths. For example, aperture 224 may be oriented such that each row and / or column staggers between two apertures having longer lengths and three apertures having shorter lengths. The lengths of the apertures in each row and / or column may be the same or different. An example of such aperture dimensions is a width of 0.005 inches to 0.02 inches and a length of 0.05 inches to 8 inches. The apertures may be spaced about 0.006 inches apart from each other (i.e., the width of the non-perforated portion or solid land between adjacent apertures). Other combinations of patterns, sizes, orientations, and / or shapes of the apertures 224 are possible and are included within this disclosure. 【0065】 The nonporous planar sheet may include any suitable material. For example, the nonporous planar sheet may include stainless steel. The stainless steel may include 300 series stainless steel (e.g., stainless steel 303 (aluminum modified), stainless steel 404, etc.), 400 series stainless steel, 17-7PH, 14-8PH, and / or 15-7PH. In some embodiments, the stainless steel may contain about 0.6% to about 3.0% by weight of aluminum. In some embodiments, the nonporous planar sheet may include carbon steel, copper or copper alloys, aluminum or aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel-copper alloys, and / or base metals plated with silver, nickel, and / or copper. The base metal may include carbon steel or one or more of the stainless steels discussed above. 【0066】 The hydrogen-selective membrane 210 can be sized larger than the porous regions or fields of the microscreen structure so that when the hydrogen-selective membrane is metallurgically bonded to the microscreen structure, the peripheral portion of the hydrogen-selective membrane contacts one or more non-porous regions 228 of the microscreen structure. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, a single hydrogen-selective membrane can be metallurgically bonded to a single microscreen structure. In other embodiments, two or more hydrogen-selective membranes 210 can be metallurgically bonded to a single microscreen structure 212. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more hydrogen-selective membranes 210 can be metallurgically bonded to a single microscreen structure 212. When two or more hydrogen-selective membranes 210 are metallurgically bonded to a microscreen structure, the microscreen structure may include two or more distinct porous regions separated by one or more non-porous regions 228. 【0067】 The microscreen structure 212 may be sized to be contained within (e.g., fully contained within) the open region of the transmission frame and / or supported by a membrane support structure within the open region, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the microscreen structure may be sized so as not to contact the periphery shell of the transmission frame when the microscreen structure and the transmission frame are fixed or compressed to the first and second end frames. Alternatively, the microscreen structure may be supported and / or fixed to a non-porous periphery wall portion or frame (not shown), such as the periphery shell of the transmission frame. When the microscreen structure is fixed to a non-porous periphery wall portion, the microscreen structure may be referred to as the “porous central region portion.” Examples of other microscreen structures are discussed in Patent Document 18, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0068】 In some embodiments, the microscreen structure may be coated with a thin layer of metal or an intermediate bonding layer to facilitate diffusion bonding. For example, a thin coating of nickel, copper, silver, gold, palladium, or other metals suitable for solid-phase diffusion bonding, but (1) not melting below 700°C and not entering the liquid phase, and (2) forming a low-melting-point alloy below 700°C upon diffusion into the hydrogen-selective film. The thin metal layer may be applied to the microscreen structure via a suitable deposition process (e.g., electrochemical plating, vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.) of a thin coating of the intermediate bonding layer onto the surface of the microscreen structure that will come into contact with the hydrogen-selective film. In some embodiments, the foil microscreen assembly 208 comprises only the hydrogen-selective film and the microscreen structure (with or without the above coating) and does not include any other frames, gaskets, components, and / or structures attached, bonded, and / or metallurgically bonded to either or both the hydrogen-selective film and / or the microscreen structure. In other embodiments, the hydrogen-selective film may be fixed to at least one film frame (not shown), which may then be fixed to first and second end frames. Although it has been discussed that the hydrogen-selective film 210 and the microscreen structure 212 are metallurgically bonded to each other, other examples of the foil microscreen assembly 208 may include a hydrogen-selective film 210 and a microscreen structure 212 that are not metallurgically bonded to each other. Additional examples of the foil microscreen assembly 208 are shown in Patent Document 23, the complete disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0069】 The hydrogen purification device 196 may also include a plurality of plates or frames 230 positioned between and fixed to first and / or second end frames. The frames may include any suitable structure and / or be any suitable shape such as square, rectangular, or circular. For example, frame 230 may include a perimeter base or shell 232, as shown in Figure 6. The perimeter shell may be planar and / or define an open region or region 234. Additionally, the perimeter shell 226 may include first and second opposing sides 238 and 240 and third and fourth opposing sides 242 and 244, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the perimeter shell 226 may include at least one input aperture 246 and / or at least one output aperture 248. The input apertures of frame 230 may collectively form at least one input conduit 250 configured to receive at least a portion of the mixed gas stream. Similarly, the output aperture of frame 230 may collectively form at least one output conduit 252 configured to receive at least a portion of the transparent stream. The output aperture 248 is shown to extend longitudinally over the surrounding shell, and the input aperture 246 is shown to extend laterally over the surrounding shell, however the output aperture may instead extend laterally over the surrounding shell, and the input aperture may instead extend longitudinally over the surrounding shell. 【0070】 The frame 230 may include, as shown in Figures 6 to 17, at least one supply frame 260, a plurality of gaskets or gasket frames 262, and at least one perforation frame 264. The supply frame 260 may be positioned between one of the first and second end frames and at least one foil microscreen assembly 208, or between two foil microscreen assemblies 208. The supply frame may include, as shown in Figure 8, a supply frame periphery shell 266, a supply frame opening region 268 surrounded by the supply frame periphery shell, at least one supply frame output aperture 270 within the supply frame periphery shell, a first supply frame support member 272, a second supply frame support member 274, and at least one supply frame leak hole, slot, or aperture 276 within the supply frame periphery shell. Although the supply frame 260 is shown to include first and second supply frame support members, other examples of the supply frame 260 may omit both of those support members or include only one of them. 【0071】 The supply frame surrounding shell 266 defines a longitudinal axis 277 and a transverse axis 279 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The opening region 268 can be fluidly connected to and / or in fluid communication with the input conduit 250. The opening region may be separate from and / or spaced apart from the supply frame output aperture 270 and the supply frame leak aperture 276. The opening region may be configured to receive at least a portion of the mixed gas stream. The supply frame output aperture 270, together with the corresponding output apertures of other frames of the frame 230, may form part of the output conduit 252. The supply frame output aperture may be spaced apart from and separate from the opening region 268. 【0072】 The first and second feed frame support members 272 and 274 may include any suitable structures configured to support the foil microscreen assembly 208, to induce mixing (turbulence) in the mixed gas stream, and / or to support the feed frame periphery shell 266 so as not to deflect outward from the feed frame opening region 268. The first and second feed frame support members may be spaced apart from each other, separate from each other, and / or coplanar with each other. Although the first and second feed frame support members are shown to extend entirely across the opening region connecting the longitudinal sides of the feed frame, other examples of the feed frame 260 may include first and / or second feed frame support members that do not extend entirely across the opening region, and / or extend from the same side or different sides. The first and second feed frame support members may be the full thickness of the periphery shell, or less than the full thickness of that shell. 【0073】 In the example shown in Figure 8, the supply frame 260 also includes first and second supply frame membrane support assemblies 278 and 280 that are received within notches 281 of the supply frame surrounding shell 266. These notches are in fluid communication with the opening region 268. In other embodiments, the supply frame may omit the above-mentioned notches, and the supply frame membrane support assemblies may be attached to the supply frame. Additionally, the first and second supply frame membrane support assemblies 278 and 280 provide a flow path for the mixed gas stream. First and second supply frame support members 272 and 274 may be positioned between the first and second membrane support assemblies 278 and 280. However, other examples of the supply frame 260 may include other configurations, such as first and second membrane support assemblies positioned between the first and second supply frame support members. Additionally, other examples of the supply frame 260 may include more or fewer membrane support assemblies. In one example, the supply frame may include three, four, or more membrane support assemblies, with or without supply frame support members. In another example, the supply frame may exclude membrane support assemblies and include only supply frame support members. 【0074】 Each of the first and second supply frame membrane support assemblies may include a first supply frame membrane support plate 282 and a second supply frame membrane support plate 284, as shown in Figure 8. The first supply frame membrane support plate may include a first surface 286 and a second opposing surface 290. Similarly, the second supply frame membrane support plate 284 may include a first surface 292 and a second opposing surface 294. The first surfaces of the first and / or second supply frame membrane support plates may include microgrooves 296. Additionally, the first surfaces of the first and second supply frame membrane support plates may face each other. In other words, the first and second membrane support plates may be stacked in a supply frame membrane support assembly such that the first surface of the first supply frame membrane support plate faces and / or contacts the first surface of the second supply frame membrane support plate, and / or vice versa. 【0075】 The microgrooves 296 provide and / or facilitate a flow path for the mixed gas stream received within the opening region of the feed frame. In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, the microgrooves 296 are oblique or inclined with respect to the sides of the first and second feed frame membrane support plates. The first and second feed frame membrane support plates may be arranged such that the microgrooves of the first feed frame membrane support plate are substantially parallel or perpendicular to the microgrooves of the second feed frame membrane support plate, as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the first and second feed frame membrane support plates may be arranged such that the microgrooves of the first feed frame membrane support plate extend substantially perpendicular, substantially oblique, or across the microgrooves of the second feed frame membrane support plate, as shown in Figure 10. 【0076】 Referring to Figure 8, the supply frame leak aperture 276 may be configured to receive a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region and / or the input conduit, such as across and / or between the interfaces of adjacent frames. The supply frame leak aperture is separate from and may be spaced apart from the opening region 268 and the supply frame output aperture 270, and / or may be located between the opening region 268 and the supply frame output aperture 270. If the supply frame 260 includes the supply frame output aperture 270 on opposing sides of the supply frame, each of those sides may include at least one supply frame leak aperture 276 located between the opening region of that side and the supply frame output aperture. 【0077】 A supply frame leak aperture may at least substantially surround the supply frame output aperture 270 to ensure, for example, that any mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region and / or input conduit is received by the supply frame leak aperture and not by the supply frame output aperture and output conduit. In the example shown in Figure 8, the supply frame leak aperture 276 surrounds the supply frame output aperture 270 by at least 180 degrees, or surrounds it along three of its four sides (i.e., two of the two transverse sides and one of the two longitudinal sides), with the remaining unenclosed side being closest to or adjacent to the end of the supply frame. In other examples, a supply frame leak aperture may surround the supply frame output aperture at an angle greater than 180 degrees, such as 200, 220, 250, or 270 degrees around the supply frame output aperture. In further examples, a supply frame leak aperture may extend beyond the length of the supply frame output aperture without enclosing it. In other words, the supply frame leak aperture may cross only one side of the supply frame output aperture and extend beyond it. 【0078】 The supply frame leak aperture 276 can be of any suitable shape and / or size, and / or terminate at any suitable location on the supply frame. In the example shown in Figure 8, the supply frame leak aperture 276 is elongated and terminates at a location spaced apart from the longitudinal end 297 of the periphery shell of the supply frame 260. In other words, the supply frame leak aperture 276 does not terminate at the longitudinal end of the periphery shell of the supply frame in order to maintain the mechanical integrity of the supply frame. 【0079】 The supply frame 260 may include any appropriate number of supply frame leak apertures 276. For example, the supply frame 260 may include two or more leak apertures 276 for increased mechanical integrity of the supply frame compared to a single leak aperture 276 having the full length of two or more leak apertures. If the supply frame 260 includes two or more supply frame leak apertures 276 on the same side of the supply frame, those apertures may be separate from each other and spaced apart, portions of the supply frame leak apertures may overlap each other, and / or be formed to ensure that leaked mixed gas streams do not flow between the supply frame leak apertures and into or leak out of the supply frame output apertures. In the example shown in Figure 8, the supply frame leak aperture 276 includes a first supply frame leak aperture 298 and a second supply frame leak aperture 300 spaced apart from the first supply frame leak aperture and separate from the first supply frame leak aperture. A substantial portion 302 of the first supply frame leak aperture 298 may lie collinear with a substantial portion 304 of the second supply frame leak aperture 300. 【0080】 The first supply frame leak aperture 298 may include opposing longitudinal end portions 306 and 308, and the second supply frame leak aperture 300 may include opposing longitudinal end portions 310 and 312. End portions 306 and 312 may wrap around the supply frame output aperture 270 and (as will be discussed further below) may be fluid-connected or in fluid communication with the notch of the gasket frame. Additionally, end portion 310 may wrap around and / or overlap with end portion 308 to minimize the flow of leaked mixed gas between the first supply frame leak aperture and the second supply frame leak aperture, such as minimizing the flow of leaked mixed gas parallel to the transverse axis of the surrounding shell. In other words, end portion 310 may be coaxial with end portion 308 along multiple transverse axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the supply frame surrounding shell. The end portion 310 may be spaced apart from the end portion 308 for increased mechanical integrity of the supply frame. 【0081】 The supply frame leak aperture 276 can be formed by any suitable method. For example, metal etching can be used to form these apertures. In metal etching, a mask is applied to a suitable sheet of metal to protect specific areas from chemical attack by the etching solution. Generally, the etching solution is applied to both sides of the metal simultaneously, thereby causing etching from both sides at approximately the same rate. As a result, the etching is only slightly more than half the thickness of the material, which means etching is performed across the entire thickness of the metal. The etching typically results in a depth characteristic of at least 1.5 times the depth of the etching. Other suitable methods for forming supply frame leak apertures are laser cutting and milling. Supply frame leak apertures are sometimes also called "supply frame weep channels". 【0082】 The gasket frame 262 may include any suitable structure configured to provide a mechanical seal between two or more adjacent frames and / or components. For example, each gasket frame may include a perimeter base or shell 314, an opening region or region 316 enclosed by the perimeter base, at least one gasket input aperture 318 within the perimeter base, at least one gasket output aperture 320 within the perimeter base, and at least one notch 322 within the perimeter base, as shown in Figure 8. The opening region 316 may be fluid-connected and / or in fluid communication with the opening region 268 of the supply frame. The opening region is separate from and can be spaced apart from the gasket input aperture 318 and the gasket output aperture 320. The gasket input aperture 318 may be spaced apart from and can be spaced apart from the opening region 316 and the output aperture 310. The gasket input aperture, together with the corresponding input apertures of other frames of frame 230, forms part of the input conduit 250. 【0083】 The gasket output aperture 320 may be spaced apart from and separate from the opening region 316 and the input aperture 318. The gasket output aperture may form part of the output conduit 252 together with the corresponding output apertures of other frames of frame 320. The notch 322 may be located within or along the opposing longitudinal ends 324, 326 of the perimeter base 314. In other words, unlike the supply frame leak aperture, the notch 322 may terminate at the opposing longitudinal ends of the perimeter base. The notch 322 may be fluid-connected or in fluid communication with the end portions 306 and 312 of the first and second leak supply frame apertures, as shown in Figure 12. The location of the notch at the end of the supply frame allows leaked mixed gas to leak out of the frame 230 and be collected in the internal space between the frame and the first and second side plates to flow through the leak ports of the first and second side plates. The hydrogen purification device 196 includes any appropriate number of gasket frames 262, which may be positioned between the foil microscreen assembly, the supply frame, and / or the transmission frame. In the example shown in Figures 6-7, each supply frame 260 is positioned between the first gasket frame 328 and the second gasket frame 330. Other examples of the hydrogen purification device 196 may include more or fewer gasket frames 262. 【0084】 During operation, the mixed gas stream generally flows across the opening area of ​​the supply frame, as shown in 332 of Figure 13. Any deviation from the general flow described above, such as a leak between the supply frame and the adjacent gasket frame, should flow at least substantially into the supply frame leak aperture (instead of into the supply frame output aperture and output conduit) at 334 and out of the frame through the notch 322 of the gasket frame. Any leaked gas accumulates in the internal space between the frame and the first and second side plates until those gases are removed through the leak ports 214 of one or both of the first and second side plates. 【0085】 The permeable frame 264 may be positioned between the foil microscreen assemblies 208, as shown in Figures 6 and 14. The permeable frame may include, as shown in Figure 14, a permeable frame periphery shell 336, a permeable frame opening region 338 surrounded by the permeable frame periphery shell, a permeable frame film support plate 340 housed within the permeable frame opening region and extending substantially thereto, at least one permeable frame input aperture 342 within the permeable frame periphery shell, and at least one permeable frame leak hole, slot, or aperture 344 within the permeable frame periphery shell. The permeable frame film support plate 340 may be configured to contact and / or support the foil microscreen assemblies 208. The permeable frame film support plate may include a plurality of holes 346, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, the permeable frame film support plate 340 may include surface grooves extending from one end to the opposite end, as shown in Patent Document 24, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 【0086】 The permeable frame perishell 336 and the permeable frame membrane support plate 340 may define at least one permeable frame output aperture 348 between them, as shown in Figure 17. In other words, the permeable frame membrane support plate may be sized to provide one or more gaps between the permeable frame membrane support plate and the permeable frame perishell that define a permeable frame output aperture. The permeable frame output aperture may form part of the output conduit 252 together with the corresponding output apertures of other frames of frame 230. The permeable frame output aperture may be spaced apart from and separate from the permeable frame input aperture 342 and the permeable frame leak aperture 344. 【0087】 The transparent frame input aperture 342 is spaced apart from and may be separate from the transparent frame opening region 338, the transparent frame leakage aperture 344, and the transparent frame output aperture 348. The transparent frame input aperture may form part of the input conduit 250 together with the corresponding input apertures of other frames of frame 230. 【0088】 The permeable frame leak aperture 344 may be configured to receive a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the permeable frame opening region and / or input conduit, such as across and / or between the interfaces of adjacent frames. The permeable frame leak aperture is separate from and may be spaced apart from the permeable frame opening region 338, the permeable frame input aperture 342, and the permeable frame output aperture 348, and / or may be positioned between the permeable frame opening region 338 and the permeable frame input aperture 342. The permeable frame leak aperture may at least substantially enclose, or completely enclose or surround, the permeable frame input aperture 342 to ensure, for example, that any mixed gas stream leaking from the input conduit is received by the permeable frame leak aperture and not by the permeable frame output aperture. In the example shown in Figure 13, the permeable frame leak aperture 344 encloses one side of the permeable frame input aperture 342 of the permeable frame input aperture. In other examples, a transparent frame leak aperture may enclose a transparent frame input aperture at an angle greater than 180 degrees, such as 200 degrees, 220 degrees, 250 degrees, or 270 degrees. 【0089】 The permeable frame leak aperture 344 can be of any suitable shape and / or size, and / or terminate at any suitable location on the surrounding shell of the permeable frame. In the example shown in Figure 13, the permeable frame leak aperture 344 is elongated and terminates at a position spaced apart from the longitudinal end 350 of the surrounding shell of the permeable frame 264. In other words, the permeable frame leak aperture 344 does not terminate at the longitudinal end of the surrounding shell of the supply frame in order to maintain the mechanical integrity of the permeable frame. The permeable frame leak aperture is sometimes referred to as a "permeable frame weep channel." 【0090】 The permeable frame 264 may include any appropriate number of permeable frame leak apertures 344. In the example shown in Figure 14, the permeable frame 264 includes one permeable frame leak aperture 344 for each permeable frame input aperture 342. However, other examples of the permeable frame 264 may include two or more permeable frame leak apertures 344 per side or per permeable frame input aperture 342. If the permeable frame 264 includes two or more permeable frame leak apertures 344 per permeable frame input aperture 342, some of the permeable frame leak apertures may be formed to overlap each other and / or to ensure that leaked mixed gas streams do not flow between leak apertures and into or leak out of permeable frame output apertures. The permeable frame leak aperture 352 may include opposing longitudinal end portions 356 and 358 that can fluidly connect or communicate with the notch 322 of the gasket frame, as shown in Figure 16. The transmission frame leakage aperture 352 can be formed by any suitable method such as etching, laser cutting, and milling, as discussed above for the supply frame leakage aperture. 【0091】 During operation, the permeate stream generally flows across the permeate frame membrane support plate 340 toward the permeate frame output aperture 348 opposite the permeate frame, as shown in 364 of Figure 17. If there is leakage of the mixed gas stream from the permeate frame input aperture 342, such as leakage between the permeate frame and one or more adjacent components, those leaks flow at 366 (instead of flowing into the permeate frame output aperture 348) to at least substantially the permeate frame leak aperture, exit the frame through the notch 322 of the gasket frame, and flow into the internal space between the frame and the first and second side plates for removal through the leak ports of one or both of the first and second side plates. 【0092】 In some embodiments, the end plates, foil microscreen assemblies, and frame 224 can be fixed together or compressed, such as by being mechanically fixed and / or mechanically compressed via bolts and / or other fasteners, without any metallurgical joints and / or other types of chemical joints between two or more components of the hydrogen purification device (other than the metallurgical joints described above between the hydrogen selective film and the coated or uncoated microscreen structure within the foil microscreen assembly). For example, there can be no gaskets and / or frames that are metallurgically or otherwise chemically bonded to the hydrogen selective film and / or microscreen structure of the foil microscreen assembly, as well as to all other components of the hydrogen purification device. [Industrial applicability] 【0093】 This disclosure, including hydrogen purification devices and components thereof, is applicable to fuel processing and other industries in which hydrogen gas is purified, produced, and / or utilized. 【0094】 The above disclosures encompass several distinct inventions having independent utility. While each of these inventions is disclosed in its preferred form, the particular embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered in a restrictive sense, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and partial combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Similarly, where any claim describes "one" or "first" element or its equivalent, such claim should be understood to include the incorporation of one or more such elements, and does not require or exclude two or more such elements. 【0095】 Inventions embodied in various combinations and partial combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by presentation of new claims in a related application. Such new claims, whether directed to different inventions or the same invention, shall also be considered to fall within the scope of the subject matter of the inventions of this disclosure, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal to the scope of the original claims. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0096】 20 Hydrogen generation assembly 21. Product Hydrogen Stream 22 Raw Material Delivery System 24 Fuel Processing Assembly 26 supply streams 28 Fuel Stream 30 Hydrogen-generating fluids 32 Hydrogen Production Area 34. Output stream, output (or mixed gas) stream, output stream (or mixed gas stream) 36. Steam reforming catalyst 38 Air Delivery Assembly 40 Purification (or separation) area, purification area, hydrogen purification device 42 Hydrogen-rich stream 44 By-product streams 46 Hydrogen-selective membrane, membrane 48 Chemical carbon monoxide removal assembly, chemical removal assembly 50 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Systems, PSA Systems 52 Heating Assembly 54. Heated exhaust stream (or combustion stream), heated exhaust stream, high-temperature combustion stream 58 Ignition device or ignition source 60 Burner Assembly 62 Air Stream 64 Vaporization Region 66 Shell or housing, shell 68. Insulation materials 70 Outer cover or jacket 72 Hydrogen generation assembly 74 Raw Material Delivery System 76 Vaporization Region 78 Hydrogen Production Area 80 Heating Assembly 82 Purification area 84. Raw material tank (or container) 86 Pumps 88 Hydrogen-producing fluids 90 liquid-containing supply streams 92 Vaporizer 94 Steam supply stream 96 Output stream, output or mixed gas stream 97 Steam Reforming Area 98 Reforming catalyst 99 Heating exhaust stream 100 Burner Assembly 102 Blower 104 Ignition Assembly 106 Air Stream 108 Fuel stream, by-product, or fuel stream 110 Combustion Range 111 Flow limiting orifice 112 Hydrogen-rich stream, permeation or hydrogen-rich stream 114 Filter Assembly 116 Membrane Assembly 118 Methanation Reactor Assembly 120 Shell or housing, shell 122 Exhaust Ports 124 Combustion Exhaust Stream 126 Control systems, control assemblies 128 Control Assembly 130 valve 132 Pressure relief valve 134 Temperature measuring devices 136 Heat exchange assembly 138 Heat exchanger 144 Hydrogen purification devices 146 Hydrogen Separation Area 148 Enclosure 149 Main unit 150 internal volume 152 Inner circumference 154 Part 1 156 Part 2 158 Retention mechanism or structure 160 Mixed gas range 162 Transparent area 164 input ports 166 Fluid streams, streams 168 Mixed gas stream 170 Hydrogen gas 172 Other gases 174 Product Output Ports 176 Transparent Stream, Stream 178 Sweep gas stream, stream 180 Sweep Gasport 182 By-product output port 184 By-product stream, stream 186 Hydrogen-selective membrane 188 First or mixed gas surface, surface 190 Second or transparent surface 192 Hydrogen Selective Assembly 194 Membrane Assembly 196 Hydrogen purification devices 198 Shell or Enclosure 200 First end plate or end frame, first end frame 202 Second end plate or end frame, second end frame 204 First side plate 206 Second side plate 207 Interior Compartments 208 Foil Microscreen Assembly 210 Input port, output port, sweep gas port, control port, and byproduct port, hydrogen selective membrane 212 Elongated base component, microscreen structure, foil microscreen structure 213 Leak port or mixed gas port 210 Hydrogen-selective membrane 212 Microscreen Structure 214 Supply side, leak port 215 Side members 216 Transmission side 217 Interior space 218 Non-porous flat sheets, flat sheets 220 Surface 222 Surface 224 Aperture 226 Perforated region (or portion), perforated area, surrounding shell 228 non-porous area (or part), non-porous area 230 Plate or Frame, Frame 234 Open area or region 238 First opposing side 240 Second opposing side 242 The third opposing side 244 The fourth opposing side 246 Input Aperture 248 output apertures 250 input conduits 252 Output conduit 260 supply frames 262 Gasket or gasket frame, gasket frame 264 transparent frames 266 Supply Frame Surround Shell 268 Supply frame opening area, opening area 270 Supply frame output aperture 272 First supply frame support member 274 Second supply frame support member 276 Supply frame leak holes, slots, or apertures, supply frame leak apertures, leak apertures 277 Longitudinal axis 278 First supply frame membrane support member, first membrane support assembly 279 Horizontal axis 280 Second supply frame membrane support member, second membrane support assembly 281 Notches 282 First supply frame membrane support plate 284 Second supply frame membrane support plate 286 First side 290 Second opposing surface 292 First side 294 The second opposing surface 296 Micro groove 297 Longitudinal end 298 First supply frame leakage aperture 300 Second supply frame leakage aperture 302 Substantive portion 304 Substantive portion 306 Longitudinal end portion, end portion 308 Longitudinal end portion, end portion 310 Longitudinal end portion, end portion 312 Longitudinal end portion, end portion 314 Peripheral base or shell, peripheral base 316 Opening area or region, opening area 318 Gasket input aperture 320 Gasket Output Aperture 322 Notches 324 End 326 End 328 First Gasket Frame 330 Second gasket frame 336 Transparent frame surrounding shell 338 Translucent frame aperture area 340 Permeable frame membrane support plate 342 Transparent Frame Input Aperture 344 Transparent frame leak holes, slots, or apertures, transparent frame leak apertures 346 holes 348 Transparent Frame Output Aperture 350 Longitudinal end 352 Transparent frame leakage aperture 356 Longitudinal end portion 358 Longitudinal end portion

Claims

[Claim 1] First and second end frames, An input port capable of receiving a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases, An output port capable of receiving a permeate stream containing at least one of hydrogen gas at a higher concentration than the mixed gas stream, and the other gas at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream, A byproduct port capable of receiving a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases, Including the first and second end frames, At least one hydrogen selective membrane disposed between the first end frame and the second end frame and fixed thereto, wherein the at least one hydrogen selective membrane has a supply side and a permeate side, and at least a portion of the permeate stream is composed of a portion of the mixed gas stream passing from the supply side to the permeate side, and the remaining portion of the mixed gas stream remaining on the supply side forms at least a portion of the byproduct stream, A plurality of frames are disposed between the first and second end frames and the at least one hydrogen selective membrane, and are fixed to the first and second end frames, wherein the plurality of frames include a supply frame disposed between the at least one hydrogen selective membrane and one of the first and second end frames, and the supply frame is Planar periphery shell, An opening region surrounded by the surrounding shell, wherein the opening region is in fluid communication with input apertures of other frames of the plurality of frames, the input apertures collectively form at least one input conduit, and the opening region and the at least one input conduit can receive at least a portion of the mixed gas stream, At least one output aperture in the surrounding shell, wherein the at least one output aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, and together with corresponding output apertures in other frames of the plurality of frames, forms at least one output conduit, and the at least one output conduit can receive at least a portion of the transmission stream, At least one elongated hole separate from and spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one output aperture, wherein the at least one elongated hole is positioned between the opening region and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one elongated hole is capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region or the at least one input conduit, Multiple frames, including, A hydrogen purification device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The plurality of frames include first and second gasket frames, the supply frame is positioned between the first gasket frame and the second gasket frame, and each of the first and second gasket frames is Planar perimeter base, The opening region surrounded by the aforementioned surrounding base, At least one input aperture in the surrounding base, wherein the at least one input aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, and the at least one input aperture forms part of the at least one input conduit, At least one output aperture in the surrounding base, wherein the at least one output aperture is separate from the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and is spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and the at least one output aperture together with the at least one output aperture of the supply frame forms part of the at least one output conduit, At least one notch at one or more ends of the surrounding base, wherein the at least one notch is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, the at least one input aperture, and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one notch is in fluid communication with the longitudinal end portion of the at least one elongated hole of the supply frame, The device according to claim 1, including the device described in claim 1. [Claim 3] The plurality of frames further include a permeation frame, and the at least one hydrogen selective membrane is positioned between the permeation frame and the supply frame, and the permeation frame is Planar periphery shell, The opening region surrounded by the aforementioned surrounding shell, A support plate received within a substantial portion of the opening region and extending over a substantial portion of the opening region, wherein the support plate is in contact with and supports the at least one hydrogen selective membrane, the support plate and the surrounding shell define at least one output aperture between them, and the at least one output aperture, together with the at least one output aperture of the supply frame and the at least one output aperture of the first and second gasket frames, forms part of the at least one output conduit. At least one input aperture in the surrounding shell, wherein the at least one input aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture together with the input apertures of the first and second gasket frames forms part of the at least one input conduit, At least one elongated hole separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture, wherein the at least one elongated hole is positioned between the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and the at least one elongated hole is capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the at least one input conduit, The device according to claim 2, including the device described in claim 2. [Claim 4] The device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one notch of the first and second gasket frames is in fluid communication with the longitudinal end portion of the at least one elongated hole of the perforated frame. [Claim 5] The device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one elongated hole of the supply frame extends longitudinally along the surrounding shell of the supply frame, and the at least one elongated hole of the transmission frame extends laterally along the surrounding shell of the transmission frame. [Claim 6] The plurality of frames further include a permeation frame, and the at least one hydrogen selective membrane is positioned between the permeation frame and the supply frame, and the permeation frame is Planar periphery shell, The opening region surrounded by the aforementioned surrounding shell, A support plate received within a substantial portion of the opening region and extending over a substantial portion of the opening region, wherein the support plate is in contact with and supports the at least one hydrogen selective membrane, the support plate and the surrounding shell define at least one output aperture between them, and the at least one output aperture together with the at least one output aperture of the supply frame forms part of the at least one output conduit, At least one input aperture in the surrounding shell, wherein the at least one input aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture forms part of the at least one input conduit, At least one elongated hole separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture, wherein the at least one elongated hole is positioned between the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and the at least one elongated hole is capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the at least one input conduit, The device according to claim 1, including the device described in claim 1. [Claim 7] The device according to claim 1, further comprising opposing side plates attached to each other and to the first and second end frames, wherein the opposing side plates and the first and second end frames collectively surround the plurality of frames. [Claim 8] The device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the opposing side plates includes a mixed gas port capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region of the supply frame and at least one of the at least one input conduit. [Claim 9] The device according to claim 7, wherein each of the opposing side plates includes an elongated base member having opposing longitudinal ends and a side member attached to or formed together with each of the opposing longitudinal ends. [Claim 10] The device according to claim 9, wherein each side member is attached perpendicularly to the corresponding longitudinal end of the opposing longitudinal ends, or is formed together with the corresponding longitudinal ends of the opposing longitudinal ends. [Claim 11] The device according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding shell of the supply frame includes opposing notches that are in fluid communication with the opening region, and further comprises at least one membrane support plate having opposing longitudinal end portions that are received within the opposing notches. [Claim 12] The device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one membrane support plate comprises first and second membrane support plates, each of the first and second membrane support plates having a first surface having a plurality of grooves capable of providing flow channels for at least a portion of the mixed gas stream, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first and second membrane support plates are stacked such that the first surface of the first membrane support plate faces the first surface of the second membrane support plate. [Claim 13] The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated hole in the supply frame extends at least 180 degrees around the at least one output aperture of the supply frame. [Claim 14] The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated hole in the supply frame is spaced apart from the end of the surrounding shell of the supply frame. [Claim 15] The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated hole in the supply frame does not terminate at the end of the surrounding shell of the supply frame. [Claim 16] The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated hole in the supply frame includes a first elongated hole and a second elongated hole that is separate from the first elongated hole and spaced apart from the first elongated hole. [Claim 17] The device according to claim 16, wherein a substantial portion of the first elongated hole lies collinear with a substantial portion of the second elongated hole. [Claim 18] The device according to claim 16, wherein the surrounding shell of the supply frame defines a longitudinal axis, and the end portion of the second elongated hole is coaxial with the end portion of the first elongated hole along a plurality of transverse axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. [Claim 19] The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one microscreen structure having a plurality of microscreen apertures, wherein the at least one hydrogen selective film is metallurgically bonded to the at least one microscreen structure. [Claim 20] First and second end frames, An input port capable of receiving a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases, An output port capable of receiving a permeate stream containing at least one of the following: hydrogen gas at a higher concentration than the mixed gas stream and the other gas at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream, A byproduct port capable of receiving a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases, Including the first and second end frames, At least one hydrogen selective membrane disposed between the first end frame and the second end frame and fixed thereto, wherein the at least one hydrogen selective membrane has a supply side and a permeate side, and at least a portion of the permeate stream is composed of a portion of the mixed gas stream passing from the supply side to the permeate side, and the remaining portion of the mixed gas stream remaining on the supply side forms at least a portion of the byproduct stream, A plurality of frames are disposed between the first and second end frames and the at least one hydrogen-selective membrane, and are fixed to the first and second end frames, wherein the plurality of frames include a permeable frame disposed between the at least one hydrogen-selective membrane and the first end frame, and the permeable frame is Planar periphery shell, The opening region surrounded by the aforementioned surrounding shell, A support plate that is received within a substantial portion of the opening region and extends to a substantial portion of the opening region, in contact with and supporting the at least one hydrogen selective membrane, wherein the support plate and the surrounding shell define at least one output aperture between them, the at least one output aperture together with corresponding output apertures of other frames of the plurality of frames form part of at least one output conduit, and the at least one output conduit can receive at least part of the permeation stream, At least one input aperture in the surrounding shell, wherein the at least one input aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture, together with corresponding input apertures in other frames of the plurality of frames, forms part of at least one input conduit, and the at least one input conduit can receive at least part of the mixed gas stream, At least one elongated hole separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, the at least one output aperture, and the at least one input aperture, wherein the at least one elongated hole is positioned between the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and the at least one elongated hole is capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the at least one input conduit, Multiple frames, including, A hydrogen purification device equipped with the following features. [Claim 21] The plurality of frames include first and second gasket frames, the perforated frame is positioned between the first gasket frame and the second gasket frame, and each of the first and second gasket frames is Planar perimeter base, The opening region surrounded by the aforementioned surrounding base, At least one input aperture in the surrounding base, wherein the at least one input aperture is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, and together with the at least one input aperture of the transparent frame, forms part of the at least one input conduit. At least one output aperture in the surrounding base, wherein the at least one output aperture is separate from the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and is spaced apart from the opening region and the at least one input aperture, and the at least one output aperture together with the at least one output aperture of the transparent frame forms part of the at least one output conduit, At least one notch at one or more ends of the perimeter base, wherein the at least one notch is separate from and spaced apart from the opening region, the at least one input aperture, and the at least one output aperture, and the at least one notch is in fluid communication with the longitudinal end portion of the at least one elongated hole of the permeable frame, The device according to claim 20, including the device described in claim 20. [Claim 22] The device according to claim 20, further comprising opposing side plates attached to each other and to the first and second end frames, wherein the opposing side plates and the first and second end frames collectively surround the plurality of frames. [Claim 23] The device according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the opposing side plates includes a mixed gas port capable of receiving a portion of the mixed gas stream leaking from the opening region of the supply frame and at least one of the at least one input conduit.

Images