Hydrogen-Selective Membrane Assembly for High-Purity Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen generation assemblies produce hydrogen gas with impurities, requiring effective purification methods to increase hydrogen purity for applications like energy production in fuel cells, where existing methods may not adequately remove harmful components like carbon monoxide.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating hydrogen-selective membranes, such as palladium and palladium alloys, in a pressure-driven separation process within a sealed pressure vessel to separate hydrogen gas from impurities, along with additional purification methods like chemical carbon monoxide removal assemblies and pressure swing adsorption systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydrogen-selective membranes are used for purification, then hydrogen purity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple purification functions within a single pressure vessel by nesting chemical carbon monoxide removal assemblies and pressure swing adsorption systems inside the same vessel that contains hydrogen-selective membranes. This nested configuration allows multiple purification mechanisms to work together in a compact arrangement, achieving high hydrogen purity while managing device complexity through spatial integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines physical separation using hydrogen-selective membranes with chemical removal methods for carbon monoxide in a unified purification system. By merging these different purification approaches (membrane separation, chemical reaction, and adsorption) into one integrated device, the system achieves comprehensive impurity removal while optimizing the overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple purification methods are combined, then hydrogen purity is significantly increased, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purification system into distinct functional modules within the pressure vessel: hydrogen-selective membranes for physical separation, chemical carbon monoxide removal assemblies for chemical treatment, and pressure swing adsorption systems for adsorptive removal. Each module is designed and manufactured separately as an independent component, then integrated into the final assembly, making the complex system easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as support structures, flow distributors, and containment housings that facilitate the integration of different purification methods. These intermediary elements mediate between the various purification mechanisms and the overall system, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining high hydrogen purity.
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
Significantly increases hydrogen purity by effectively removing impurities, particularly carbon monoxide, ensuring the hydrogen gas is suitable for use in fuel cells and other energy applications, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydrogen generation assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen purification using one or more hydrogen-selective membranes is a pressure driven separation process in which the one or more hydrogen-selective membranes are contained in a pressure vessel. The mixed gas stream contacts the mixed gas surface of the membrane(s), and the product stream is formed from at least a portion of the mixed gas stream that permeates through the membrane(s).
Implementation Method 2
additional purification methods like chemical carbon monoxide removal assemblies and pressure swing adsorption systems
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.