Patent ID: 6562111
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B01D,B01J,C01B

Abstract:
A fuel processor, comprising:a hydrogen-producing region adapted to receive a feed stream and to produce a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases from the feed stream; a separation region adapted to receive at least a portion of the mixed gas stream and to produce therefrom a hydrogen-rich stream containing at least substantially hydrogen gas, wherein the separation region comprises: an enclosure defining an internal compartment, wherein the enclosure includes at least one input port through which a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas is delivered to the enclosure, at least one product output port through which a permeate stream containing at least substantially pure hydrogen gas is removed from the enclosure, and at least one byproduct output port through which a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases is removed from the enclosure, wherein the hydrogen-rich stream includes at least a portion of the permeate stream; a hydrogen-selective membrane within the compartment, wherein the hydrogen-selective membrane has a coefficient of thermal expansion, a first surface adapted to be contacted by the mixed gas stream, a permeate surface generally opposed to the first surface, and is at least substantially formed from an alloy containing palladium and copper, wherein the permeate stream includes a portion of the mixed gas stream that passes through the hydrogen-selective membrane to the permeate surface, and further wherein the byproduct stream includes a portion of the mixed gas stream that does not pass through the hydrogen-selective membrane; and means for supporting the hydrogen-selective membrane within the enclosure, wherein the means for supporting the hydrogen-selective membrane within the enclosure includes a membrane-contacting structure that is at least partially formed from an alloy that includes nickel and copper and which has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is the same as or within at least approximately 10% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the hydrogen-selective membrane.