Foil-Microscreen Membrane Assembly for High-Purity Hydrogen Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen purification devices face challenges in efficiently separating hydrogen gas from mixed gas streams containing impurities, which affects the purity and quality of hydrogen for energy production applications.
Innovation Solution
The hydrogen purification device incorporates a foil-microscreen assembly with hydrogen-selective membranes and a microscreen structure, where the hydrogen-selective membrane is metallurgically bonded to the microscreen structure, enhancing the separation efficiency of hydrogen gas from impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydrogen purification devices are used, then hydrogen separation can be achieved, but the separation efficiency is insufficient and hydrogen purity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite membrane structure consisting of a selective layer and a support layer. The selective layer (made of materials like palladium, palladium alloys, or ceramic compounds) provides hydrogen selectivity, while the support layer (microporous substrate) provides mechanical strength. This composite structure enables both high separation efficiency and high hydrogen purity by combining the advantages of different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes microporous support structures with controlled pore sizes (typically 0.1-10 micrometers) to enhance hydrogen separation. The porous structure provides large surface area for hydrogen permeation while maintaining mechanical integrity. The pore size is optimized to allow hydrogen molecules to pass through while blocking larger impurity molecules, thereby improving both separation efficiency and purity.
2Manufacturing precision
If membrane thickness is increased to improve separation efficiency, then more impurities are removed, but the permeate flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating a membrane structure where different regions have different properties. The selective layer is made very thin (nanometer scale) to maximize hydrogen permeation rate, while the support layer provides mechanical strength. This localized optimization of thickness in different layers resolves the contradiction between separation efficiency and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional thickness parameter to a multi-dimensional structure with selective layer, support layer, and potentially surface modifications. By adding dimensional complexity (layered structure with different functions), the system achieves both high separation efficiency and high flow rate simultaneously, resolving the trade-off.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves the separation efficiency of hydrogen gas, resulting in a higher purity hydrogen stream suitable for energy production applications, such as electrochemical fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogen-selective membrane is metallurgically bonded to the microscreen structure
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrogen purification devices and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include at least one foil-microscreen assembly disposed between and secured to first and second end frames. The at least one foil-microscreen assembly may include at least one hydrogen-selective membrane and at least one microscreen structure including a non-porous planar sheet having a plurality of apertures forming a plurality of fluid passages. The planar sheet may include generally opposed planar surfaces configured to provide support to the permeate side. The plurality of fluid passages may extend between the opposed surfaces. The at least one hydrogen-selective membrane may be metallurgically bonded to the at least one microscreen structure. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame having at least one membrane support structure that spans at least a substantial portion of an open region and that is configured to support at least one foil-microscreen assembly.