초록 ▼

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

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. The invention also includes a membrane module adapted for use in purifying hydrogen streams, such as those produced by fuel processors.

대표청구항 ▼

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

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. The invention also includes a membrane module adapted for use in purifying hydrogen streams, such as those produced by fuel processors. rugation at least partially located between the first and second ends; and (b) aligning selected flutes of fluted filter media with the region of corrugation; and (c) winding the fluted filter media around the center board. 2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising: (a) before the step of aligning, applying adhesive to the region of corrugation. 3. A method according to claim 1 further comprising: (a) after said step of winding, securing the center board to a frame construction. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein: (a) said step of securing includes engaging a hook on the center board to a support brace on the frame construction. 5. A center board for use in a filter element; the center board comprising: (a) an extension having first and second, opposite ends; (i) a handle member forming said first end; and (ii) a fastening member forming said second end; (A) said fastening member being constructed and arranged to connect to a frame construction of the filter element; (b) a region of corrugation located on said extension between said first and second ends; (i) said region of corrugation including a plurality of peaks alternating with a plurality of troughs; each of the peaks being spaced from a next adjacent peak by a distance of at least 5 mm; each of the troughs being spaced from a next adjacent trough by a distance of at least 5 mm. 6. A center board according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said region of corrugation includes at least 5 peaks and at least 5 troughs. 7. A center board according to claim 6 wherein: (a) said region of corrugation includes no more than 50 peaks. 8. A center board according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said handle member comprises at least a single aperture through said extension. 9. A center board according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said fastening member includes a hook construction. 10. A center board according to claim 9 wherein: (a) said extension includes a first side edge extending between said first and second ends; and an opposite, second side edge extending between said first and second ends; and (b) said hook construction includes: (i) a first hook cantilevered from said extension; said first hook being along said first side edge; (ii) a second hook cantilevered from said extension; said second hook being along said second side edge. 11. A center board according to claim 10 wherein: (a) said extension defines a first cut-out adjacent to said first hook; said first hook being constructed and arranged to deflect at least 1 mm; and (b) said extension defines a second cut-out adjacent to said second hook; said second hook being constructed and arranged to deflect at least 1 mm.