U.S. patent application number 10/050057 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for fluid separation assembly.
Invention is credited to Frost, Chester B., Krueger, Brett R..
Application Number | 20020124723 10/050057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23675186 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020124723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frost, Chester B. ; et
al. |
September 12, 2002 |
Fluid separation assembly
Abstract
A fluid separation assembly (10) having a fluid permeable
membrane (38 and 62) and a wire mesh membrane (18 and 28) adjacent
the fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62), wherein the wire mesh
membrane (18 and 28) supports the fluid permeable membrane (38 and
62) and is coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The
barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of a nitride,
oxide, boride, silicide, carbide and aluminide. Several fluid
separation assemblies (10) can be used in a module (85) to separate
hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.
Inventors: |
Frost, Chester B.;
(Corvallis, OR) ; Krueger, Brett R.; (Lebanon,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLEGHENY TECHNOLOGIES INCORPERATED
1000 SIX PPG PLACE
PITTSBURGH
PA
15642
US
|
Family ID: |
23675186 |
Appl. No.: |
10/050057 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10050057 |
Jan 14, 2002 |
|
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|
09422505 |
Oct 21, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
95/56 ;
96/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 63/084 20130101;
Y10S 55/05 20130101; C01B 3/503 20130101; B01D 53/22 20130101; B01D
2313/42 20130101; B01D 63/081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
95/56 ;
96/11 |
International
Class: |
B01D 053/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid separation assembly, comprising: a fluid permeable
membrane; and a wire mesh membrane adjacent said fluid permeable
membrane, said wire mesh membrane having an intermetallic diffusion
barrier.
2. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
barrier is a thin film containing at least one of one of the group
consisting of nitrides, oxides, borides, silicides, carbides and
aluminides.
3. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 2, wherein said
barrier is a thin film containing one of an oxide and a
nitride.
4. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
wire mesh membrane is in contact with said fluid permeable
membrane.
5. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
fluid permeable membrane is a substantially planar member having a
centrally disposed opening.
6. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 5, wherein said
wire mesh membrane is a substantially planar membrane having a
centrally disposed opening which is in alignment with said fluid
permeable membrane opening.
7. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 6, wherein said
wire mesh membrane has a mesh count ranging between approximately
19 to 1000 mesh per inch.
8. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 6, further
comprising a slotted permeate plate adjacent to said wire mesh
membrane.
9. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 8, further
comprising a second fluid permeable membrane and a second wire mesh
membrane, wherein said slotted permeate plate has a first side and
a second side and said first permeable membrane is adjacent said
first side of said slotted permeate plate and said first wire mesh
membrane is adjacent said first permeable membrane, and wherein
said second wire mesh membrane is adjacent said slotted permeate
plate second side and said second fluid permeable membrane is
adjacent said second wire mesh membrane.
10. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said slotted permeate plate, said second wire mesh membrane and
said second fluid permeable membrane each also have a centrally
disposed opening and each of said centrally disposed openings are
coaxially aligned and form a central conduit.
11. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said wire mesh membrane is made from stainless steel.
12. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 9, wherein
each of said fluid permeable membranes further comprises a gasket
seat, a membrane gasket, and a washer to form a first and second
membrane subassembly, wherein said gasket seats, said membrane
gaskets and said washers are connected to said fluid permeable
membranes.
13. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising a weld bead connected to each of said first and second
membrane subassemblies.
14. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 13, further
comprising first retainers, one of said first retainers connected
to each of said fluid permeable membranes.
15. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 13, further
comprising second retainers adjacent said slotted permeate
plate.
16. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 13, further
comprising first retainers, one of said second retainers adjacent
each of said fluid permeable membranes.
17. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 13, further
comprising gaskets, one of said gaskets adjacent each of said wire
mesh membranes.
18. A fluid separation assembly, comprising: a slotted permeate
having opposing faces; first and second wire mesh membranes, each
of said wire mesh membranes having a first surface and a second
surface, wherein each of said wire mesh membranes first surfaces
are adjacent said slotted permeate; first and second membranes
permeable to a desired fluid, each of said permeable membranes
adjacent one of said wire mesh membranes second surfaces; a
permeate rim surrounding said slotted permeate; first retainers
adjacent each of said permeable membranes; second retainers
adjacent said slotted permeate and said wire mesh membranes; and
gaskets between each of said wire mesh membranes and said permeable
membranes, wherein said permeate rim, said first retainers, said
second retainers said permeable membranes and said gaskets are
joined together at their peripheries.
19. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, wherein
said permeate rim, said first retainers, said second retainers,
said permeable membranes and said gaskets are jointed together by a
weld bead at their peripheries.
20. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, further
comprising a female gasket seat, a membrane gasket and a washer,
wherein said female gasket seat, said membrane gasket and said
washer are connected to one of said permeable membranes and
comprise a female membrane subassembly.
21. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 20, further
comprising a male gasket seat, a second membrane gasket, and a
second washer, wherein said male gasket seat, said second membrane
gasket and said second washer are connected to the other of said
fluid permeable membranes and comprises a male membrane
subassembly.
22. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 21, wherein
each of said gasket seats, said membrane gaskets, said washers and
said permeable membranes have a centrally disposed opening and said
openings are coaxially aligned and first and second weld beads
connect the components of each subassembly.
23. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, wherein
each of said two wire mesh membranes have an intermetallic
diffusion bonding barrier.
24. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 23, wherein
said intermetallic diffusion bonding barrier is a thin film
containing at least one of the group consisting of oxides,
nitrides, borides, silicides, carbides and aliminides.
25. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, wherein
said first retainers, said second retainers, said gaskets, said
permeate rim and said two membranes are connected at their
peripheries.
26. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 25, wherein a
weld bead is located at said peripheries of each of said first
retainers, said second retainers, said gaskets, said permeate rim
and said two membranes.
27. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, wherein
each of said two wire mesh membranes are stainless steel.
28. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 18, wherein
each of said two wire mesh membranes have mesh counts ranging from
approximately 19 to 1000 mesh per inch.
29. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 28, wherein
each of said two wire mesh membranes have mesh counts ranging from
49 to 1000 mesh per inch.
30. The fluid separation assembly according to claim 26, wherein
each of said permeable membranes and said slotted permeate have a
centrally disposed opening that form a conduit.
31. A fluid separation module, comprising: a plurality of fluid
separation assemblies, wherein each of said fluid separation
assemblies comprises: a slotted permeate having opposing faces;
first and second wire mesh membranes, each of said wire mesh
membranes having a first surface and a second surface, wherein each
of said wire mesh membranes first surfaces is adjacent said slotted
permeate; first and second membranes permeable to a desired fluid,
each of said permeable membranes adjacent one of said wire mesh
membranes second surfaces; a permeate rim surrounding said slotted
permeate; first retainers adjacent each of said permeable
membranes; second retainers between said slotted permeate and each
of said wire mesh membranes; and gaskets between each of said wire
mesh membranes and permeable membranes, wherein said permeate rim,
said first retainers, said second retainers and said gaskets are
joined together at their peripheries.
32. A method for separating a desired fluid from a fluid mixture,
comprising: providing a membrane that is permeable by the desired
fluid and having opposing surfaces; providing a wire mesh membrane
with an intermetallic diffusion bonding barrier, wherein the wire
mesh membrane is adjacent to one of the opposing surfaces of the
fluid permeable membrane; contacting the fluid permeable membrane
with the fluid mixture; and contacting the wire mesh membrane with
the desired fluid permeating the fluid permeable membrane.
33. The method according to claim 32, further comprising: forming
the barrier from a thin film containing at least one of the group
consisting of oxides, nitrides, borides, suicides, carbides and
aluminides.
34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising: forming
the wire mesh membrane from a stainless steel screen having a mesh
count ranging from approximately 19 to 1000 counts per inch.
35. A method of making a fluid separation assembly, comprising:
providing a membrane permeable to a desired fluid and having
opposing surfaces; providing a first retainer adjacent to one of
the opposing surfaces of the fluid permeable membrane; providing a
wire mesh membrane having an intermetallic diffusion bonding
barrier and adjacent to the other one of the opposing surfaces of
the fluid permeable membrane; providing a permeate member adjacent
the wire mesh membrane; providing a gasket between the fluid
permeable membrane and the wire mesh membrane, wherein the
periphery of the gasket extends beyond the periphery of the wire
mesh membrane; providing a second retainer between the gasket and
the permeate plate; and hermetically sealing the first retainer,
the gasket and the second retainer at their peripheries.
36. The method according to claim 35, further comprising: forming
the barrier from a thin film containing at least one of the group
consisting of oxides, borides, suicides, aluminides and
nitrides.
37. The method according to claim 35, further comprising: forming
the wire mesh membrane from a stainless steel screen with a mesh
count ranging from 19 to 1000 mesh per inch.
38. A method for supporting a fluid permeable membrane, comprising:
providing a membrane that is permeable by a desired fluid and
having opposing surfaces; and providing a wire mesh membrane with
an intermetallic diffusion bonding barrier, wherein the wire mesh
membrane is adjacent to one of the opposing surfaces of the fluid
permeable membrane.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for
separation of a desired fluid from a fluid mixture. More
particularly, the present invention is generally directed to a
fluid separation assembly having a membrane permeable to a desired
fluid and a wire mesh membrane support that supports the permeable
membrane and has a barrier that prevents intermetalic diffusion
bonding.
[0005] 2. Description of the Invention Background
[0006] Generally, when separating a gas from a mixture of gases by
diffusion, the gas mixture is typically brought into contact with a
nonporous membrane which is selectively permeable to the gas that
is desired to be separated from the gas mixture. The desired gas
diffuses through the permeable membrane and is separated from the
other gas mixture. A pressure differential between opposite sides
of the permeable membrane is usually created such that the
diffusion process proceeds more effectively, wherein a higher
partial pressure of the gas to be separated is maintained on the
gas mixture side of the permeable membrane. It is also desireable
for the gas mixture and the selectively permeable membrane to be
maintained at elevated temperatures to facilitate the separation of
the desired gas from the gas mixture. This type of process can be
used to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.
Thus, in this application, the permeable membrane is permeable to
hydrogen and is commonly constructed from palladium or a palladium
alloy. The exposure to high temperatures and mechanical stresses
created by the pressure differential dictates that the permeable
membrane be supported in such a way that does not obstruct passage
of the desired gas through the membrane.
[0007] One type of conventional apparatus used for the separation
of hydrogen from a gas mixture employs a woven refractory-type
cloth for supporting the permeable membrane during the separation
process. The disadvantage of this type of conventional membrane
support is that the cloth support is susceptible to failure when it
is exposed to high mechanical stresses associated with the
differential pressure required to effect diffusion through the
membrane material.
[0008] Another conventional permeable membrane support is a metal
gauze structure placed adjacent to the permeable membrane. The
disadvantage of this type of support is that intermetallic
diffusion bonding occurs between the membrane support and the
permeable membrane when they are exposed to high pressures and high
temperatures. The high pressure tends to compress the permeable
membrane and the metal gauze together and the high temperatures
tend to deteriorate the chemical bonds of those materials. Such
undesirable condition results in migration of the molecules of the
permeable membrane to the metal gauze membrane and the migration of
molecules of the metal gauze membrane to the permeable membrane
until a bond is formed between those two structures. This
intermetallic diffusion bonding results in a composite material
that is no longer permeable by the hydrogen gas.
[0009] Thus, the need exists for a method and apparatus for
separating a desired fluid from a fluid mixture that can reliably
withstand high operating pressures and temperatures.
[0010] Another need exists for a permeable membrane and support
arrangement for separating a desired fluid from a fluid mixture,
wherein the permeable membrane is not susceptible to breakage or
intermetallic diffusion bonding.
[0011] Yet another need exists for a method of supporting a
membrane that is permeable to a fluid, wherein the fluid permeable
membrane is exposed to high temperatures and high pressures.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a fluid separation assembly
having a fluid permeable membrane and a wire mesh membrane support
adjacent the fluid permeable membrane, wherein the wire mesh
membrane support has an intermetallic diffusion bonding
barrier.
[0013] The present invention further provides a method for
separating a desired fluid from a fluid mixture comprising a
membrane that is permeable by the desired fluid, providing a wire
mesh membrane support with a intermetallic diffusion bonding
barrier, wherein the wire mesh membrane support is adjacent to the
fluid permeable membrane, contacting the fluid permeable membrane
support with the fluid mixture and contacting the wire mesh
membrane support with the desired fluid permeating the fluid
permeable membrane.
[0014] The present invention further provides for a method of
making a fluid separation assembly comprising providing a membrane
permeable to a desired fluid, providing a first retainer, providing
a wire mesh membrane support having an intermetallic diffusion
bonding barrier and placing it adjacent the fluid permeable
membrane, providing a permeate member adjacent the wire mesh
membrane support, providing a gasket adjacent the fluid permeable
membrane, providing a second retainer adjacent the wire mesh
membrane support and joining the first retainer, the gasket and the
second retainer at their peripheries.
[0015] The present invention provides for a method for supporting a
fluid permeable membrane comprising providing a membrane that is
permeable by a desired fluid, and providing a wire mesh membrane
support with an intermetallic diffusion bonding barrier, wherein
the wire mesh membrane support is adjacent and supports the fluid
permeable membrane.
[0016] Other details, objects and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent with the following description
of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For the present invention to be readily understood and
practiced, preferred embodiments will be described in conjunction
with the following figures wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a fluid separation
assembly of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the fluid separation
assembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the female permeable
membrane subassembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the male permeable
membrane subassembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a sectional isometric view of the fluid separation
assembly of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section A of the fluid
separation assembly shown in FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid separation
assembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 taken along line
7-7;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an isometric sectional diagrammatical view of a
module employing several fluid separation assemblies of the present
invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is an enlarged section B of the module shown in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention will be described below in terms of
apparatuses and methods for separation of hydrogen from a mixture
of gases. It should be noted that describing the present invention
in terms of a hydrogen separation assembly is for illustrative
purposes and the advantages of the present invention may be
realized using other structures and technologies that have a need
for such apparatuses and methods for separation of a desired fluid
from a fluid mixture containing the desired fluid.
[0028] It is to be further understood that the Figures and
descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to
illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of
the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity,
other elements and/or descriptions thereof found in a hydrogen
separation assembly. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that other elements may be desirable in order to
implement the present invention. However, because such elements are
well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better
understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such
elements is not provided herein.
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the fluid
separation assembly 10 of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2 is
an exploded view of the fluid separation assembly 10 shown in FIG.
1. The fluid separation assembly 10 comprises first membrane
retainers 12, a female membrane subassembly 14, a first membrane
gasket 16, a first wire mesh membrane support 18, second membrane
retainers 20, a slotted permeate plate 22, a permeate rim 24, a
second wire mesh membrane support 28, a second membrane gasket 30
and a male membrane subassembly 32. In one embodiment, the first
retainers 12 may be substantially flat ring members having an
outside diameter equal to the diameter of the female and male
membrane subassemblies 14 and 32 and a thickness of between
approximately 0.001 inches and 0.060 inches. The first membrane
retainers 12 each have a centrally disposed opening 13 and 35. The
first membrane retainers 12 may be made from Monel 400 (UNS N
04400); however, other materials that are compatible with the
welding process, discussed below, may also be used. It will also be
appreciated that while first retainers 12 are shown as comprising
substantially annular members they may have other desired shapes
and other thicknesses without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a female permeable membrane
subassembly 14. In this embodiment, female membrane subassembly 14,
comprises a female gasket seat 36, a hydrogen permeable membrane
38, an inner diameter membrane gasket 40 and a center support
washer 42. In this embodiment, the female gasket seat 36 is a
substantially flat ring member 44 having a raised face 46 extending
around the ring member 44 and a centrally disposed opening 45. It
will be appreciated that while this embodiment is shown with gasket
seats with this configuration, there may be other geometries of
gasket seats specific to other gasket configurations or materials
that may be used without departing from the spirit and the scope of
the present invention. The female gasket seat 36 may be made from
Monel 400; however, other materials such as nickel, copper, nickel
alloys, copper alloys, or other alloys that provide for compatible
fusion with the chosen permeable membrane material during welding
may be used. In this embodiment, the hydrogen permeable membrane 38
is a substantially planar member having a circular configuration,
opposing sides 48 and a centrally disposed circular opening 50. The
inner diameter membrane gasket 40 is also a flat ring member having
a centrally disposed opening 51. Also in this embodiment, the inner
diameter membrane gasket 40 may be made from Monel 400 (UNS N
04400); however, other materials such as nickel, copper, nickel
alloys, copper alloys, or other alloys that provide for compatible
fusion with the chosen permeable membrane material during welding
may be used. The center support washer 42 is a flat ring member
having a centrally disposed opening 53. The center support washer
42 may be made of Monel 400 (UNS N 04400); however, other materials
such as nickel, copper, nickel alloys, copper alloys, or other
alloys that provide for compatible fusion with the chosen permeable
membrane material or alloy during welding may be used.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the first and
second membrane gaskets 16 and 30 are each a substantially flat
ring member having a centrally-disposed opening 55 and 57,
respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second membrane
gaskets 16 and 30 may be made from Monel 400 alloy (UNS N 004400),
nickel, copper, nickel alloys, copper alloys or other precious
alloys or other alloys compatible with the weld that is used to
join the components of the fluid separation assembly 10 and which
is discussed below. The first and second membrane gaskets 16 and 30
may have a thickness of between approximately 0.0005 inches to
0.005 inches. However, other gasket thicknesses could be
employed.
[0032] Also in this embodiment, the first and second wire mesh
membrane supports 18 and 28 are planar, ring-shaped members having
centrally disposed openings 52 and 54, respectively. The wire mesh
membrane supports 18 and 28 may be made from 316 L stainless steel
alloy with a mesh count of between approximately 19 to 1,000 mesh
per inch, wherein the mesh count is chosen to be adequate to
support the hydrogen permeable membranes 38 and 62. The style of
woven mesh may include a standard plain square weave, twill square
weave, rectangular plain or twill weave or triangular plain or
twill weave. One example of a mesh count that may be used is 49
mesh per inch. The wire mesh membrane supports 18 and 28 may be
made of steel alloys, stainless steel alloys, nickel alloys or
copper alloys. The wire mesh may be coated with a thin film that
prevents intermetallic diffusion bonding (i.e., an intermetallic
diffusion bonding barrier). The intermetallic diffusion bonding
barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of an oxide, a
nitride, a boride, a silicide, a carbide, or an aluminide and may
be applied using a number of conventional methods, including but
not limited to, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor
disposition, and plasma enhanced vapor deposition. For example, the
method of reactive sputtering, a form of PVD, can be used to apply
a thin oxide film of between approximately 600-700 angstroms to the
wire mesh membrane supports 18 and 28. A variety of oxides,
nitrides, borides, silicides, carbides and aluminides may also be
used for the thin film as well as any thin films that will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Using this form of
PVD results in a dense amorphous thin film having approximately the
same mechanical strength as the bulk thin film material.
[0033] Also in this embodiment, the second membrane retainers 20
each are a substantially flat ring member. One retainer 20 has a
centrally disposed opening 59 and retainer 20 has a centrally
disposed opening 61. See FIG. 2. These retainers 20 may be the same
thickness as the first and second wire mesh membrane supports 18
and 28. The second membrane retainers 20 may be made from a
material that is compatible with the weld, discussed below, such as
Monel 400 (UNS N 004400) and nickel, copper, nickel alloys, copper
alloys, precious metals or alloys, or other alloys that provide for
compatible fusion with the chosen membrane material or alloy during
welding may be used.
[0034] In this embodiment, the slotted permeate plate 22 is a steel
plate having a plurality of slots 56 extending radially and
outwardly from a central opening 58 in the direction of the
periphery of the slotted permeate plate 22. The number of slots 56
in a slotted permeate plate 22 may range from approximately 10 to
72. However, other suitable slot densities could conceivably be
employed. The permeate plate rim 24 is a substantially flat ring
member having a centrally disposed opening 63 and an inner diameter
larger than the outer diameter of the slotted permeate plate 22.
The permeate plate rim 24 is made from Monel 400 (UNS N 04400);
however, other materials can also be used such as nickel, copper,
nickel alloys, copper alloys, precious metals or alloys or other
alloys that provide for compatible fusion with the chosen membrane
material or alloy during welding.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the male permeable membrane
subassembly 32. The male membrane subassembly 32 comprises a male
gasket seat 60, a hydrogen permeable membrane 62, an inner diameter
membrane gasket 64, and a center support washer 66. The hydrogen
permeable membranes 38 and 62 may be made from at least one
hydrogen permeable metal or an alloy containing at least one
hydrogen permeable metal, preferably selected from the transition
metals of groups VIIB or VIB of the Periodic Table. The hydrogen
permeable membrane 62, the inner diameter membrane gasket 64, and
the center support washer 66 are similar in structure to the
hydrogen permeable membrane 38, the inner diameter membrane gasket
40 and the center support washer 42, respectively, discussed above.
The male gasket seat 60 is a substantially planar ring member 68
having a circular protuberance 70 extending around a centrally
disposed opening 72. In this embodiment, the female gasket seat 36
and the male gasket seat 60 are made of a high strength alloy
material that is compatible with the weld such as Monel 400. The
inner diameter member gaskets 40 and 64 are made from the same
materials as the first and second outer diameter membrane gaskets
16 and 30, discussed above.
[0036] FIGS. 5 through 7 are various cross-sectional views of the
assembled fluid separation assembly 10 of the present invention,
wherein FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section A of the fluid
separation assembly 10 shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional plan view of the assembled fluid separation
assembly 10. When assembling the components of the fluid separation
assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 24, the female membrane subassembly 14
and the male membrane subassembly 32 are initially assembled. The
female gasket seat 36, the permeable membrane 38, the inner
diameter membrane gasket 40 and the center support washer 42 are
placed adjacent one another, as shown in FIG. 7, such that their
central disposed openings 45, 50, 51 and 53, respectively, are
coaxially aligned. A first weld 71, shown in FIG. 7, is placed at
the openings thereof. The first weld 71 takes the form of a weld
bead creating a hermetic seal between the female gasket seat 36,
the permeable membrane 38, the inner diameter membrane gasket 40
and the center support washer 42. The weld 71 can be effected by a
number of commercially available technologies, including but not
limited to, lasers, electron beam and tungsten inert gas (TIG)
welding. Alternative joining technologies such as brazing or
soldering may also be employed with the desired result being a gas
tight bond between the gasket seat 36 and the permeable membrane
38. Likewise, the components of the male membrane subassembly 32,
which include the male gasket seat 60, the permeable membrane 62,
the inner diameter membrane gasket 66 and the center support washer
66 are also placed adjacent one another, as shown in FIG. 7, such
that their centrally disposed openings 72, 81, 83 and 85 are
coaxidly aligned with each other and a second weld bead 73, shown
in FIG. 7, is placed around the circumference of the openings 72,
81, 83 and 85 thereof As stated above, the weld 73 can be effected
by a number of commercially available technologies, including but
not limited to, laser, electron beam, and tungsten inert gas (TIG)
welding.
[0037] After the components of the female membrane subassembly 14
and the components of the male membrane subassembly 32 have each
been connected by the welds 71 and 73, respectively, they are
assembled with the other components described above to form the
fluid separation assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the first and
second retainer members 12 and 20, the female and male membrane
subassemblies 14 and 32, the first and second outer diameter
gaskets 16 and 30, the first and second wire mesh membrane supports
18 and 28, the slotted permeate plate 22 and the permeate rim 24
are aligned such that their centrally disposed openings are
coaxially aligned. As shown in FIG. 7, these components are
retained in that configuration by placing a weld 74 at the outer
periphery of the first and second retainer members 12 and 20, the
female and male membrane subassemblies 14 and 32, the first and
second outer diameter membrane gaskets 16 and 30, and the slotted
permeate rim 24. Alternatively, these parts could be assembled such
that their centrally disposed openings are coaxially aligned, as
shown in FIG. 7, and connected to one another by performing a
brazing or soldering operation at the outer periphery of the first
and second retainer members 12 and 20, the female and male membrane
subassemblies 14 and 32, the first and second outer diameter
membrane gaskets 16 and 30 and the slotted permeate rim 24. As seen
in FIG. 6, a space 75 is provided between the slotted permeate
plate 22 and the permeate rim 24 which permits expansion and
contraction of the components of the fluid separation assembly 10
resulting from the change in temperature. Assembled, the fluid
separation assembly 10 may have a thickness ranging from 0.010
inches to 0.125 inches, depending upon the thicknesses of the
components employed.
[0038] When separating the hydrogen from a mixture of gas that
includes hydrogen, the gas mixture is directed towards the
permeable membranes 38 and 62 of the female membrane subassembly 14
and the male membrane subassembly 32, respectively, in the
directions D and E, as shown in FIG. 7. For clarity, the permeable
membranes 38 and 64 of the female and male membrane subassemblies
14 and 32, respectively are shown in FIG. 7 as being spaced from
the first and second wire mesh membrane supports 18 and 28;
however, in use, the permeable membranes 38 and 62 are in contact
with the first and second wire mesh membrane supports 18 and 28 and
are supported thereby. When the gas mixture containing hydrogen
contacts the hydrogen permeable membranes 38 and 62, the hydrogen
permeates through the permeable membranes 38 and 62, passes through
the first and second wire mesh membrane supports 18 and 28 and
enters the slotted permeate plate 22 where the hydrogen enters a
specific slot 56 and to be directed toward the central axis C by
the passageways formed by the slots 56. The central openings of the
components of the fluid separation assembly 10, shown in FIG. 2,
form a conduit 80 wherein the purified hydrogen is collected and
transported to a desired location. The conduit 80 may have a
diameter of between approximately 0.25 inches and 1 inch. The
diameter is determined by the components of the fluid separation
assembly 10 and by the desire that the hydrogen flow be
substantially unimpeded. The non-hydrogen gases in the gas mixture
are prevented from entering the fluid separation assembly 10 by the
fluid permeable membranes 38 and 62. The remainder of the hydrogen
depleted gas mixture is directed around the exterior of the fluid
separation assembly 10 in this embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a module 85 employing several fluid
separation assemblies 10 of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9
is an enlarged section B of the module 85. Each of the fluid
separation assemblies 10 are shown as a solid body for clarity.
However, each of the fluid separation assemblies 10 are the same as
the fluid separation assemblies 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7. The module
85 has a feed gas inlet 91, a permeate outlet 90 and a discharge
gas outlet 93. The fluid separation assemblies 10 are coaxially
aligned. Distribution plates 87 are sandwiched between and separate
the fluid separation assemblies 10. The distribution plates 87 are
positioned on a shoulder of the gasket seats 36 in such a manner
that they are positioned equidistant from the planar surface of the
permeable membrane assemblies 14 and 32 in successive fluid
separation assemblies 10. The distribution plates 87 are not
fixedly connected to the gasket seats 36 and 60, but rather rest on
a shoulder of the gasket seat 36. There is sufficient clearance
between the central opening of the redistribution plate 87 and the
shoulder on the female gasket seat 36 that the redistribution
plates 87 and the fluid separation assemblies 10 are allowed to
position themselves inside the wall of the membrane housing
independently of the position of the fluid separation assemblies
10. Each distribution plate 87 has openings 89 therein. The fluid
separation assemblies 10 are aligned one with the other such that
each of the conduits 80 of the fluid separation assemblies 10 form
a larger conduit 90. The path of the gas mixture containing
hydrogen, represented by arrow G, enters the opening 89 and travels
along the outer surface of the fluid separation assembly 10,
wherein some of the hydrogen of the gas mixture is free to enter
the fluid separation assembly 10 by the permeable membranes 38 and
62 and is directed along path F into the larger conduit 90 and the
remaining gas mixture follows arrow G and serpentines through the
passageway, formed by the distribution plates 87, the fluid
separation assemblies 10 and the interior wall 92 of the module 85.
As the gas mixture travels through the passageway, it contacts the
outer surfaces of several other fluid separation assemblies 10,
wherein more of the hydrogen remaining in the gas mixture permeates
the permeable membrane 38 and 62 and follows the path F resulting
in this purified hydrogen entering the larger conduit 90. The
remainder of the hydrogen depleted gas mixture exits through a port
93 located at the opposite end of the module 85 after flowing over
the entire stack of fluid separation membrane assemblies 10.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described in
conjunction with the above described embodiments thereof, it is
expected that many modifications and variations will be developed.
This disclosure and the following claims are intended to cover all
such modifications and variations.
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