Abstract:
Electrochemical cells (10), such as fuel cells (12) and fuel reformers (14), with rotating elements or electrodes (34, 24) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28, 50) and Circular Couette Flows (58) in fluids such as electrolytes and fuels are disclosed.
Abstract:
A hydrogen generating material of the present invention includes a metal material that reacts with water to generate hydrogen, and a heat generating material that reacts with water to generate heat and is a material other than the metal material. The heat generating material is unevenly distributed with respect to the metal material. The hydrogen generating material has a plurality of regions that differ in content of the heat generating material. The content of the heat generating material is preferably 30 wt % to 80 wt % in a region with the highest content of the heat generating material. A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes the hydrogen generating material and a vessel containing the hydrogen generating material. The vessel can accommodate another inner vessel.
Abstract:
A novel catalytic reactor is provided for controlling the contact of a limiting reactant with a catalyst surface. A first flow vessel defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface has a catalyst deposited on at least a portion thereof. A second flow vessel is positioned within the first flow vessel and the second flow vessel defines a porous surface designed to deliver a fluid uniformly to at least a portion of the interior surface of the first flow vessel.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a reactor for carrying out photocatalysed reactions in liquid or gaseous reaction media, consisting of a reactor vessel with a solid photocatalyst (PC), feed lines and take-off lines, mixing means, and a means of supplying electromagnetic radiation, containing microradiators which absorb the electromagnetic radiation and, with a time delay, emit light which excites the photocatalyst, and also to a process for carrying out photocatalytic reactions, in which solid PC are suspended in the liquid or gaseous reaction medium and are activated by means of microradiators which are charged up at an electromagnetic radiation source and which emit this energy with a time delay.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for a method and a reactor for generating hydrogen from a metal hydride. The method includes the steps of: providing a fuel containing a metal hydride and water; catalyzing a reaction of the hydride and water by using a functional membrane system; and thereby generating hydrogen. The reactor for generating hydrogen includes a vessel, and a functional membrane system disposed within the vessel. The functional membrane system compartmentalizes the vessel into two chambers. One of the two chambers is a fuel chamber, and the other chamber is a hydrogen chamber. Fuel, containing a metal hydride and water, is introduced to the fuel chamber, where it undergoes a catalytic reaction to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen then passes through the functional membrane system into the hydrogen chamber, and exits the reactor via the hydrogen outlets. The functional membrane system includes a membrane and a catalyst. The catalyst is adapted to promote the removal of hydrogen from a metal hydride.
Abstract:
Hydrogen generation system. A source of sodium borohydride is carried on a flexible substrate that moves from a feed roll to a takeup roll. A reaction among sodium borohydride, a catalyst and water evolves hydrogen and forms a by-product that is removed from the reaction area.
Abstract:
A fluid treatment module, particularly for treating ultra-pure fluids by separation or catalytic treatment having at least one treatment membrane in a porous sintered material comprises a rigid tube casing, a rigid compression plate at one or each end thereof having a coating compatible with the fluid(s) to be treated and at least one compensating plate able to slide on the coating, the dimensions and thickness of the compensating plate being set to ensure the module remains sealed over a complete temperature range at which the module is designed to operate.
Abstract:
The invention provides a flow module comprising sandwiched plate elements, with at least one of each pair of adjacent plate element surfaces having a profiling which has a linear parallel construction so that a plurality of linear parallel flow ducts is formed between adjacent plate elements. These flow ducts can be charged with a first and a second fluid in an alternating manner by way of feeding and removal ducts formed by mutually aligned openings in the plate elements. To seal off the flow spaces and the feeding and removal ducts, seals are provided, and the openings for the feeding and removal ducts extend essentially across the whole end area of the profiling so that a distinct feeding and removal space is formed. According to the invention, for a mechanical stabilization several webs are arranged in the openings for the feeding and removal ducts in the profiled plate elements. These webs which are arranged in the inlet area or outlet area of the profiling end below the plate element surface.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for effecting mass or heat transfer between the bulk of a fluid and a transfer surface boundary layer comprises a conduit having transverse baffles spaced apart from the transfer surface such that vortex mixing is induced in fluid passed along the conduit in pulsed flow. The transfer surface may be a membrane suitable for microfiltration, ultrafiltration or pervaporation.
Abstract:
The invention is primarily a metallized chloroplast composition for use in a photosynthetic reaction. A catalytic metal is precipitated on a chloroplast membrane at the location where a catalyzed reduction reaction occurs. This metallized chloroplast is stabilized by depositing it on a support medium such as fiber so that it can be easily handled. A possible application of this invention is the splitting of water to form hydrogen and oxygen that can be used as a renewable energy source.