Patent ID: 6767389
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: B01D,B01J

Abstract:
A fuel processor, comprising:a hydrogen-producing region adapted to receive a carbon-containing feedstock and water and produce a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases therefrom; and a membrane module adapted to receive the mixed gas stream and to separate the mixed gas stream into a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases and a product stream containing at least substantially hydrogen gas, the membrane module comprising: a hydrogen-selective membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, wherein the product stream is formed from a portion of the mixed gas stream that passes through the membrane and the byproduct stream is formed from a portion of the mixed gas stream that does not pass through the membrane, wherein the membrane is at least substantially comprised of an alloy comprising palladium and copper and further wherein the membrane has an average thickness of approximately 25 microns or less, and further wherein the membrane includes at least one region containing a patch material that is at least substantially formed from a material having a different composition than the alloy; and a support adapted to support the membrane, wherein the support includes a surface adapted to engage the permeate side of the membrane.