초록 ▼

A method and apparatus detects and locates perforations in membranes used in electrochemical cells. The membrane has first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces. The first surface is exposed to a first reactant fluid, preferably a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen, while the second su

A method and apparatus detects and locates perforations in membranes used in electrochemical cells. The membrane has first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces. The first surface is exposed to a first reactant fluid, preferably a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen, while the second surface is exposed to a second reactant fluid, preferably ambient air comprising oxygen. The first and second reactant fluids are substantially fluidly isolated from each other by the membrane when no perforations are present in the membrane. The first reactant fluid contacts the second reactant fluid when at least one perforation is present in the membrane. The first and second reactant fluids exothermically react upon contact, preferably in the presence of a catalyst, to generate heat, which is then detected using an infrared thermal detector or thermal imaging device or a layer of thermally sensitive film positioned in proximity with the membrane.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of detecting and locating perforations in a membrane for an electrochemical cell, said membrane having first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces, the method comprising:exposing said first surface to a first reactant fluid while exposing said second

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of detecting and locating perforations in a membrane for an electrochemical cell, said membrane having first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces, the method comprising:exposing said first surface to a first reactant fluid while exposing said second surface to a second reactant fluid, said first and second reactant fluids substantially fluidly isolated from each other by said membrane when no perforations are present in said membrane, said first reactant fluid contacting said second reactant fluid when at least one perforation is present in said membrane, said first and second reactant fluids exothermically reacting upon contact to generate heat;detecting said exothermically generated heat and determining the location at which said heat is generated.