Hydrogen-permeable metal membrane and method for producing the same
Patent 6152995 Issued on November 28, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date: March 22, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
96/4, APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE DIFFUSION OF GASES (E.G., SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE, ETC.)95/56, Elemental metal or alloy barrier216/46, Masking of sidewall216/53, Nongaseous phase etching216/108Etchant contains acid
A hydrogen-permeable metal membrane with increased hydrogen flux compared to conventional metal membranes is disclosed. Without sacrificing selectivity, the membrane enables a greater throughput of purified hydrogen. A method for preparing the invention includes at least one etching step in which a controlled volume of etchant is used to selectively remove material from the membrane's surface. Methods for repairing holes or other defects in the membrane are also disclosed.
Other References
Adris, A. M., et al., "A Fluidized Bed Membrane Reactor for the Steam Reforming of Methane," The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 69, pp. 1061-70 (Oct., 1991)
Amphlett, J. C., et al., "On Board Hydrogen Purification for Steam Reformer/PEM Fuel Cell Vehicle Power Plants," Energy Progress X, Proceedings of the 10th World Hydrogen Energy Conference, Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.A., vol. 3, pp. 1681-90 (Jun., 1994)
Amphlett, J. C., et al., "Simulation of a 250kW Diesel Fuel Processor/PEM Fuel Cell System," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K., p.8 (Sep. 22-25, 1997)
Chai, M., et al., "Promotion of Methane Steam Reforming Using Ruthenium-Dispersed Microporous Alumina Membrane Reactor," Chemistry Letters, The Chemical Society of Japan, pp. 41-44 (1993)
"Compact, Lightweight Fuel Reformer for Fuel Cells," Argonne National Laboratory/U.S. Department of Energy (Jul., 1996)
Edlund, Dr. David and William Pledger, "Development of a Compact and Economical Steam Reformer for Fuel-Cell Systems," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K., p. 6 (Sep. 22-23, 1997)
Edlund, David J. and William A. Pledger, "The Practical Use of Metal-Membrane Reactors for Industrial Applications," The 1995 Membrane Technology Reviews, pp. 89-97 (Nov., 1994)
Emonts, B., et al., "Compact Methanol Reformer Test for Fuel-Cell Powered Light-Duty Vehicles," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K., p. 42 (Sep. 22-25, 1997)
Emonts, B., et al., "Compact Methanol Reformer Test for Fuel-Cell Powered Light-Duty Vehicles," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K., (no page no.), (Sep. 22-25, 1997)
Jørgensen, S. Lægsgaard, et al., "Application of Pd-Membranes for the Production of Pure Hydrogen in Methanol-Based Fuel Cell Powered Vehicles," Proceedings of Fourth Workshop: Optimisation of Catalytic Membrane Reactor Systems, ESF Network, Catalytic Membrane Reactors, Oslo, Norway, pp. 51-57 (May 30-31, 1997)
Knapton, A. G., "Palladium Alloys for Hydrogen Diffusion Membranes," Plantinum Metals Review, vol. 21, 44-50 (1977)
Ledjeff-Hey, K., et al., "Compact Hydrogen Production Systems for Solid Polymer Fuel Cells," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commowealth Institute, London, U.K., p. 17 (Sep. 22-25, 1997)
Menzer, R., et al., "Fuel Processing in Fuel Cell Systems for Mobile Applications--Gasoline as Energy Carrier On-Bord," Fifth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K., (no page no.), (Sep. 22-25, 1997)
Minet, R. G., et al., "Experimental Studies of A Ceramic Membrane Reactor for the Steam/Methane Reaction at Moderate Temperatures (400-700°C)," Symposium on Natural Gas Upgrading II Presented before The Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Inc., Meeting of American Chemical Society, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., pp. 245-48 (Apr., 1992)
Oertel, Michael, et al., "Steam Reforming of Natural Gas with Integrated Hydrogen Separation for Hydrogen Production," Chemical Engineering Technology, vol. 10, pp. 248-55 (1987)
Shu, J., et al., "Catalytic Palladium-Based Membrane Reactors: A Review," The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 69, pp. 1036-60 (Oct., 1991)
Teagan, W. P., et al., "Cost Reduction of Fuel Cells for Transportation Applications--Fuel Processing Options," Fifth Grove Cell Symposium, Commonwealth Institute, London, U.K. (Sep. 22-25, 1997