Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gesellschaft MIT Beschrankter Haftung

Walter Weirich

Rudolf Schulten

Friedrich Behr

Heiko Barnert

Michael Oertel

Michael Pietsch

Bernd Kugler

A non-porous hydrogen diffusion membrane, and the utilization thereof for e separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures. The non-porous hydrogen diffusion membrane distinguishes itself in that it is constituted of TiNi or TiAg with an atom ratio of about 1:1. These titanium alloys presently contain about 45 to 55% of atoms of one or the other of the components and are utilized at temperatures in excess of 300.degree. C. in the form of thin sheets of foils.

Non-porous hydrogen diffusion membrane and utilization thereof

A process and apparatus for convertion of steam and hydrocarbon, or steam and coal, into a product gas which contains hydrogen. The conversion rate is augmented by effective extraction and removal of hydrogen as and when hydrogen is generated. Within a reaction vessel wherein the conversion takes place, a chamber for collection of hydrogen is formed by the provision of a hydrogen-permeable membrane. The chamber is provided with a hydrogen extraction means and houses a support structure, for example, in the form of a mesh providing structural support to the membrane. The membrane may be of a pleated or corrugated construction, so as to provide an enlarged surface for the membrane to facilitate hydrogen extraction. Also, to further facilitate hydrogen extraction, a hydrogen partial pressure differential is maintained across the membrane, such as, for example, by the counter pressure of an inert gas. A preferred configuration for the apparatus of the invention is a tubular construction which houses generally tubular hydrogen extraction chambers.

Process and apparatus for conversion of water vapor with coal or

For separation of hydrogen and its isotopes by diffusion through a membrane irtually impermeable to other gases, a non-porous hydrogen-permeable metallic membrane is provided on the gas access side with a coating of an alloy of palladium with at least 45 atomic % Cu or at least 50 atomic percent Ag or at least 7 atomic % Y, the membrane itself containing Cu, Ag or Y respectively in a concentration at least equilibrated with the coating at operation temperature. Preferably the membrane consists of a metal of niobium and/or tantalum bases especially of an alloy containing from 10 to 30 % Ti, 3 to 10 % V, 0 to 25 % Nb and at least 30 % Ta, all by weight, and preferably it is of a composition of 20 to 25 % Ti, 5 to 7,5 % V, 0 to 25 Nb, and at least 50 % Ta, being saturated with copper and or silver, while a copper and/or silver palladium alloy coating is used. Such inherently oxidation sensitive membranes can be stabilized by provision of an internal intermediate layer in the form of a melt forming or containing an alkaline metal hydride and/or an alkaline earth metal hydride. A melt containing alkaline metal and/or alkaline earth metal which forms a hydride, brought into contact on the secondary side of a membrane in accordance with the invention, provides a hydrogen sink on the secondary side and inhibits internal hydride formation and secondary side oxidation of the membrane.

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Aachen, Germany

Walter Weirich