Spiral Reactor-Separator Element for Hydrogen Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for hydrogen gas production and separation are inefficient in achieving high purity hydrogen, particularly in processes like steam-methane reforming and water gas shift reactions, where hydrogen is not effectively separated from mixed gas streams.
Innovation Solution
A reactor/separator element with a central gas-permeable core and a selective separation layer, shaped to form a spiral channel, allowing hydrogen to permeate through while constraining other gases, utilizing materials that are impermeable to hydrogen species under specific conditions, such as mixed ionic electronic conductors or proton conducting materials, to enhance hydrogen separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used for hydrogen gas production, then the separation process is simple, but the efficiency and purity of hydrogen separation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reactor and separator functions into a single integrated element. The spiral wound structure integrates the reaction chamber and separation membrane in one component, allowing hydrogen production and separation to occur simultaneously within the same device, thereby improving separation efficiency while managing device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The separation layer is disposed upon and conforms to the outer surface of the central core, creating a nested structure where the membrane is integrated onto the reactor surface. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available surface area for separation while maintaining a compact overall device structure
2Manufacturing precision
If a separation layer is added to improve hydrogen separation, then hydrogen purity increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin separation layer (membrane) that is disposed on the central core surface. This thin film approach provides high separation selectivity for hydrogen while minimizing material usage and maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The membrane's thin structure enables effective separation without adding excessive complexity to the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The central core is made of a porous gas-permeable material that supports the separation layer. This porous structure facilitates gas transport and provides a robust substrate for the separation membrane, enabling effective hydrogen separation while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of well-established porous material fabrication techniques
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
The reactor/separator element significantly increases surface area and control over hydrogen flux, enabling efficient separation and production of hydrogen gas, improving the efficiency of processes like steam-methane reforming and water gas shift reactions by selectively permeating hydrogen while maintaining the integrity of other gases.
Implementation Method 1
a separation layer, disposed on the central core and conforming to the shape of the outer surface of the central core element, said separation layer being formed from a material that is impermeable to gases other than hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
proton conducting materials that are permeable to protons in response to an applied potential difference
Data Source
AI summary
Reactor/separator elements for performing the generation and/or separation of hydrogen gas with improved efficiency have a central core and a separation layer that, in combination, define at least one spiral gas flow channel extending from one end of the central core to the opposite end of the central core. In use, the reactor/separator element may be placed in a housing which constrains gas on the outside of the reactor/separator element into the spiral channel defined by the outside of the separation layer.