Patent ID: 6547858
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: B01D,B01J,C01B

Abstract:
A hydrogen purification assembly, comprising:a membrane assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other components and to separate the mixed gas stream into a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream, wherein the membrane assembly includes at least one hydrogen permeable metal membrane through which a portion of the mixed gas stream passes and a portion of the mixed gas stream does not pass, wherein the portion of the mixed gas stream that passes through the membrane forms the product stream and contains hydrogen gas and the portion of the mixed gas stream that does not pass through the membrane forms the byproduct stream and contains at least a substantial portion of the other components, wherein the at least one hydrogen permeable metal membrane includes an etched region having a reduced thickness compared to an unetched membrane region, and further wherein the etched region is formed by an etching process that provides the etched region with an irregular, non-uniform thickness and therefore an increased surface area compared to a uniformly etched or unetched region.