Patent ID: 8230594
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of joining a plurality of tubes to a base plate to form a dense matrix of parallel tubes for use in a hydrogen gas processing cell, said method comprising the steps of: providing a base plate having a plurality of holes formed therethough; providing a plurality of tubes, each tube being fabricated from a palladium alloy, wherein each of said tubes defines a central conduit and has flange at one end; providing a laser welder; providing an automated imaging system for controlling said laser welder; inserting said tubes into said holes on said base plate so that each said flange abuts against said base plate; locating said central conduit of each of said tubes utilizing said automated imaging system; and directing said laser welder to weld in a circular pattern a predetermined distance around each said central conduit, therein laser welding each said flange to said base plate.