Patent ID: 6596057
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: B01D,B01J

Abstract:
A fuel processor, comprising:a reforming region containing a reforming catalyst bed, wherein the reforming region is 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 pure hydrogen gas, wherein the membrane module includes a hydrogen-selective metal 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, and further wherein the hydrogen-selective membrane includes an etched region having a reduced thickness compared to an unetched region.