Abstract: A combustion catalyst comprising a monolithic substrate, a porous support based on refractory inorganic oxide and an active phase formed by cerium, iron and at least one metal selected from the group formed by palladium and platinum, the content of porous support being between 100 and 400 g per liter of catalyst; the content of cerium being between 0.3 and 20% by weight with respect to the porous support; the content of iron being between 0.01 and 3.5 % of iron by weight with respect to the porous support; and the content of palladium and/or platinum being between 3 and 20 g per liter of catalyst.

Abstract: The invention is a process to recover a high pressure hydrogen-rich gas stream from a purge gas stream taken from a hydrotreater. This purge gas stream is admixed with synthesis gas that was the original source of the hydrogen to form a gaseous mixture. This mixed gas comprising purge gas and synthesis gas is advantageously treated to remove acid gases and possibly other impurities. The mixed gas is then treated to extract a hydrogen-rich gas and a hydrogen-depleted gas using, for example, a membrane. At least a portion of the hydrogen-rich gas is then heated and compressed as necessary and is recycled to the hydrotreater.

Abstract: An agent for treating an exhaust gas, which is a mixture of a solid metal oxide and a solid metal carbonate as a main component, the metal being selected from the group of metal elements consisting of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn. The agent is made of a molded article obtained by granulation, pelletization or extrusion of the mixture, and can be used in a process of treating an exhaust gas, capable of reducing the concentration of the exhaust gas containing a low concentration of a metal hydride gas and/or an organometallic gas to at least 0.5 ppm or lower.

Abstract: One of these devices comprises: a reaction with cold plasma (10b), for producing the reforming of a primary mixture consisting of fuel gas (hydrocarbon or alcohol), as well as oxygen and/or water vapor, thus producing a secondary mixture containing in particular hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; an intake piece (18) for mixing these constituents, co-operating with a burner (42) and an associated combustion chamber (40) to bring the resulting primary mixture to a high temperature, before it is introduced into the reaction chamber (10a); a ring-shaped chimney (48) enclosing this chamber for maintaining it at a relatively high temperature; a high frequency alternating high voltage source (58), modulated by brief periodical low frequency pulses and electrodes (62-66) for generating silent discharges, in the reaction chamber (10b) thus generating a cold plasma producing a high chemical reactivity to the gas mixture present; a membrane (12) with high selective permeability for extracting the nascent hyd

Abstract: A process for generating a high-hydrogen, low-carbon monoxide gas comprises generating a product gas in a gas generating device. The product gas contains hydrogen and carbon monoxide that are generated from catalytic water vapor reforming of a water/fuel mixture and/or from partial oxidation of an oxygen/fuel mixture. In a gas purification stage, the carbon monoxide fraction in the product gas is reduced by selective CO oxidation on an oxidation catalyst. During a starting phase, oxygen is admixed to the supplied fuel and the flow direction is reversed such that the flow first takes place through the gas purification stage and only then through the gas generating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a gas, in particular hydrogen, from a fluid stream utilizing a plate membrane flattened with a wave spring on the low pressure side of the membrane and a turbulence generator on the high pressure side. Alternately, the membrane is folded and wrapped against a central conduit within the membrane fold. Extraction membranes have a substrate layer of Ta—W, V—Co, V—Pd, V—Au, V—Cu, V—Al, Nb—Ag, Nb—Au, Nb—Pt, Nb—Pd, V—Ni—Co, V—Ni—Pd, V—Nb—Pt or V—Pd—Au alloy or combination thereof and a first layer affixed to the outer surface of the substrate towards a mixed gas flow which is composed of palladium, platinum, rhodium, or palladium alloys.

Abstract: Super clean air having therein chemical components—such as hydrocarbons, organic halogens, acidic gases, basic gases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, and H2O (that is, all components other than oxygen, nitrogen, and noble gases—the types of chemical components differ depending on the source of the air)—in concentrations no more than 1 ppb and a dew point lower than −40° C., is obtained from the atmosphere by low-temperature adsorption treatment in stages at temperatures ranging from −40° C. to −180° C. Material air collected from the atmosphere is pretreated in a room-temperature adsorption step to remove moisture and carbon dioxide. The pretreated air is then low-temperature adsorption treated by absorbents in a plurality of steps to adsorb the gaseous chemical components, the treatment temperature being lower in each succeeding step. Treatment at −40° C. may remove, for example, HF, SO2, and/or NH3. Treatment at −100° C.

Abstract: An integrated process for vent gas treatment for the abatement of volatile emissions is disclosed. The vent gas comprises dioxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other organic compounds comprising one or more alkyl halide compound of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. In the preferred embodiment, the vent gas is heated and mixed with an amount of combustible fluid. Then the mixture is directed to a catalytic oxidation reactor having a suitable oxidation catalyst disposed therein, wherein the mixture is catalytically oxidized. The effluent from the catalytic oxidation reactor is directed to heat the incoming vent gas and subsequently to a scrubber wherein the effluent is scrubbed of soluble compounds and the resultant treated gas stream is vented. Importantly, the amount of combustible fluid supplied to the vent gas stream is controlled so at to provide sufficient reactants for the catalytic oxidation to maintain reaction temperatures from 200° C. and 600° C.

Abstract: A process of operating a nitrogen oxides storage catalyst of an exhaust gas treatment system is described. The process relates to the cycling of the normalized air/fuel ratio &lgr;-value of the exhaust gas exiting the engine, in which a lambda value greater than 1 represents oxygen-rich, lean burn conditions in which a sorption phase for the sorption of nitrogen oxides takes place; and in which a lambda value less than 1 represents oxygen-poor, rich burn conditions in which a desorption and conversion phase for the desorption and conversion of nitrogen oxides takes place. The &lgr;-value of the exhaust gas downstream from the storage catalyst is monitored during the desorption and conversion phase to determine the end of the desorption and conversion phase based on the &lgr;-value falling below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides generated by a lean burn internal combustion engine. It includes bringing the exhaust gas into contact with a particular metal-zirconium oxide material made by sol-gel processing and which includes at least 0.1 wt. % precious metal. The alkoxides include heterometallic alkoxides containing zirconium and alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. Optionally the oxide may contain a lanthanide metal. Under lean-burn conditions nitrogen oxides are absorbed on the oxide and when the oxygen concentration is lowered the absorbed nitrogen oxide are desorbed and reduced over the precious metal.

Abstract: A process for purifying argon to obtain a high-purity argon from argon gas containing at least nitrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and methane, including a first step of adding air or oxygen to the argon gas in an amount sufficient to oxidize the contained carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst while maintaining a temperature sufficient to oxidize the contained carbon monoxide without substantially oxidizing the methane, a second step of adding hydrogen into the argon gas obtained in the first step and reacting the contained oxygen with the hydrogen into water in the presence of a catalyst, a third step of removing the carbon dioxide and the water from the argon gas obtained in the second step by use of an adsorbent, and a fourth step of cooling the argon gas obtained in the third step, introducing the argon thus cooled into a distillation column and performing distillation by use of a reflux containing argon as a main component to remove nitrogen, hydrogen, and methane, thereby reco

Abstract: An argon gas stream containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water vapor, oxygen carbon dioxide, nitrogen and methane is purified by drying the gas stream with a desiccant, oxidizing the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to water vapor and carbon dioxide by contact with oxidizing catalysts in the presence of excess oxygen, removing the water vapor and carbon dioxide from the gas stream by adsorption, removing excess oxygen by chemisorption at elevated temperature and removing the nitrogen and methane by adsorption at cryogenic temperature. Alternatively, excess oxygen is removed from the gas stream by adsorption at a cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing a hydrogenation composition comprising organic polymer molecules having carbon--carbon double bonds, for removing hydrogen from the atmosphere within enclosed spaces and particularly from atmospheres within enclosed spaces that contain air, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide or ammonia. The organic polymers molecules containing carbon--carbon double bonds throughout their structures, preferably polybutadiene, polyisoprene and derivatives thereof, intimately mixed with an insoluble noble metal catalyst composition. High molecular weight polymers may be added to the organic polymer/catalyst mixture in order to improve their high temperature performance. The hydrogenation composition is prepared by dispersing the polymers in a suitable solvent, forming thereby a solution suspension, flash-freezing droplets of the solution in a liquid cryogen, freeze-drying the frozen droplets to remove frozen solvent incorporated in the droplets, and recovering the dried powder thus formed.

Abstract: Process for purifying a gas flow with respect to at least one of the impurities capable of being oxidized and/or reduced which it contains, in which the gas flow is subjected to at least the following steps:(a) compressing the gas flow to a pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure,(b) bringing the compressed gas flow into contact with at least a first bed of particles of a material containing at least one metal peroxide, and(c) bringing the gas flow resulting from step (b) into contact with at least a second bed of at least one catalyst.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide and hydrogen are removed from a gas stream such as air or nitrogen by adsorbing water and carbon dioxide on a solid absorbent of alumina, or zeolite and oxiding carbon monoxide over a solid catalyst to carbon dioxide and adsorbing the resulting carbon dioxide and chemisorbing the hydrogen on the catalyst, which may be palladium on alumina.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a clean dry air product stream. In accordance with the method and apparatus, a compressed feed air stream is introduced into one adsorption bed to adsorb moisture and carbon dioxide and to produce a first intermediate product stream. Impurities contained within the first intermediate product stream such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and hydrogen are catalytically reacted to produce a second intermediate product stream that contains additional carbon dioxide and moisture produced from the catalytic reaction. The second intermediate product stream is introduced into another adsorption bed that adsorbs the additional moisture and carbon dioxide formed by the catalytic reaction to produce the clean dry air product stream. The present invention can be used alone to serve the need of supplying a clean dry air product stream. Additionally, it can be used as a prepurification unit of an air separation plant designed to produce an ultra-high purity industrial gas product.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide is removed from air prior to cryogenic separation of oxygen and nitrogen. Feed air is compressed and the heat of compression is used without further heating to drive catalytic oxidation of CO to CO.sub.2 over a Pd and/or Pt on alumina catalyst followed by adsorption of water initially present and then either adsorption of hydrogen or oxidation of hydrogen to water and its removal by adsorption, along with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for the separation and removal, of hydrogen, alone or together with carbon monoxide, if present, from a mixture of these gases with reactive unsaturated hydrocarbons, by contacting the mixture with oxygen over a catalyst at conditions sufficient to oxidize the hydrogen to form water while suppressing reaction of the reactive, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains at least one metal or metal oxide from Groups IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table, and the temperature of the reaction may range from about 40.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C., the pressure of the reaction ranges from about 14.7 psig to 1,000 psig, and the flow rate of the entering feed ranges from about 1 GHSV to about 50,000 GHSV. Oxygen amounts less than the stoichiometric amount required to react with the hydrogen, and optionally any carbon monoxide, are used.

Abstract: In a gas-phase treating process of a semiconductor wafer using hydrogen, there is provided a technique for safely eliminating the hydrogen in an exhaust gas discharged from a gas-phase treating apparatus. The profile at the end portions of the side walls of gate electrodes of a poly-metal structure is improved by forming the gate electrodes over a semiconductor wafer IA having a gate oxide film and then by supplying the semiconductor wafer 1A with a hydrogen gas containing a low concentration of water, as generated from hydrogen and oxygen by catalytic action, to oxidize the principal face of the semiconductor wafer 1A selectively. After this, the hydrogen in the exhaust gas, as discharged from an oxidizing furnace, is completely converted into water by causing it to react with oxygen by a catalytic method.

Abstract: A novel composition comprising organic polymer molecules having carbon-carbon double bonds, for removing hydrogen from the atmosphere within enclosed spaces.Organic polymers molecules containing carbon-carbon double bonds throughout their structures, preferably polybutadiene, polyisoprene and derivatives thereof, intimately mixed with an insoluble catalyst composition, comprising a hydrogenation catalyst and a catalyst support, preferably Pd supported on carbon, provide a hydrogen getter composition useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces even in the presence of contaminants such as common atmospheric gases, water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oil mists, and water. The hydrogen getter composition disclosed herein is particularly useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces containing potentially explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The device and method of the invention provide a neutralizing compound that reacts with acid gases generated in laser exhaust to yield an insoluble non-toxic powder.

Abstract: A process for the generation of a protective nitrogen-based atmosphere for the performance of heat treatments of metal articles in three phases, including an initial phase in which a gaseous hydrocarbon feed and an oxidant containing oxygen react on a first catalyst to form a reaction product, a second phase in which the reaction product is added to nitrogen contaminated by the presence of oxygen and a third phase in which the reaction product is conveyed to a second catalyst to form a low-dew point gaseous mixture as a protective atmosphere.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide out of a gas, such as air, by passing the gas through a packed column so that the gas sequentially contacts a catalyst consisting of platinum or palladium and at least one member selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, chromium, tin, lead and cerium wherein the catalyst is supported on alumina containing substantially no pores having pore diameters of 110 Angstroms or less under conditions which oxidize the carbon monoxide in the gas into carbon dioxide; an adsorbent selected from the group consisting of silica gel, activated alumina, zeolite and combinations thereof under conditions in which water is adsorbed and removed from the gas and an adsorbent selected from the group consisting of calcium ion exchanged A zeolite; calcium ion exchanged X zeolite; sodium ion exchanged X zeolite and mixtures thereof under conditions which carbon dioxide is adsorbed and removed from the gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for simultaneously obtaining pure carbon monoxide and pure hydrogen in a steam reformer plant for hydrogen or ammonia generation, having a primary reformer, a secondary reformer and downstream thereof, a CO conversion stage. A part gas stream of the synthesis gas stream, which is discharged from the secondary reformer having a CO content of between 2 and 20 mol. % and is at a temperature of from 200 to 500.degree. C. and a pressure between 15 and 50 bar, is removed between the secondary reformer and the CO conversion stage. The part gas stream is then is cooled to a temperature below 100.degree. C., thereby condensing out the major part of the steam contained in the gas stream. The remaining raw synthesis gas stream is then guided by way of a multistage gas separation plant in which the gas components H.sub.2, residual steam, CH.sub.4, CO.sub.2 and optionally N.sub.2 are separated, either individually or together, from the CO.

Abstract: A composition suitable for safely removing hydrogen from gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen and oxygen, particularly those mixtures wherein the hydrogen concentration is within the explosive range. The composition comprises a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably Pd dispersed on carbon, wherein the concentration of Pd is from about 1-10 wt %, dispersed in a polymeric material matrix. As well as serving as a matrix to contain the hydrogenation catalyst, the polymeric material, which is substantially unreactive to hydrogen, provides both a diffusion restriction to hydrogen and oxygen, thereby limiting the rate at which the reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) can diffuse to the catalyst surface and thus, the production of heat from the recombination reaction and as a heat sink.

Abstract: Method for conversion of hydrocarbons assisted by gliding electric arcs in the presence of water vapor and/or carbon dioxide.The objective of the process and the plasma assistance device to steam reforming, to the reforming with CO2 or to simultaneous reforming with an H2O/CO2 mixture of hydrocarbons is the production of gases rich in CO and H2, containing also high ratios of C2H2, C2H4 and C3H6, without formation of soot or coke. The process makes it also possible to upgrade the CO2 by converting it into CO in the presence of hydrocarbons.This mixture of valuable products is obtained in a reactor /1/ with electric gliding arcs /4/ which strike directly into an endothermic reaction medium consisting of hydrocarbons mixed with H2O and/or CO2.

Abstract: A process for removing parts-per-million quantities of unwanted species such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water from a cryogenically produced nitrogen gas stream using an oxygen removal step prior to a nickel-based catalytic adsorption step in order to eliminate the need for hydrogen regeneration in either step. Ultrapure nitrogen heated to less than 500.degree. C. is used to purge and hold the beds used for unwanted species removal, eliminating the need for hydrogen regeneration thus reducing the regeneration cycle time and cost.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the removal of impurity gases such as O.sub.2, CH.sub.4, CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 from impure inert gases such as rare gases and N.sub.2. The apparatus comprises an impure inert gas inlet, a housing containing first and second gas sorbing materials and a purified gas outlet. The first gas sorbing material may be a Zr--V--Fe getter alloy if the gas to be purified is a rare gas, whereas it may be a Zr--Fe alloy if the gas to be purified is N.sub.2. The second gas sorbing material is a Zr--Al alloy which ensures that the purified inert gas has an extremely low level of hydrogen. A process for the removal of impurity gases from inert gases and ensuring an extremely low level of hydrogen in the purified gas is also described.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage composition is provided which defines a physical sol-gel matrix having an average pore size of less than 3.5 angstroms which effectively excludes gaseous metal hydride poisons while permitting hydrogen gas to enter. The composition is useful for separating hydrogen gas from diverse gas streams which may have contaminants that would otherwise render the hydrogen absorbing material inactive.

Abstract: Methods for catalyzing the low temperature, oxidative destruction of organic matter, particularly the incomplete combustion products of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels. The methods and systems utilize a catalytically reactive media that is suspended by moving air within a reaction chamber and that is maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended media particles, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become catalytically reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 200.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. Moisture may be provided by the organic matter, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the media particles. The apparatus can be adapted to be used in combination with diesel engines or other internal combustion engines and industrial burners.

Abstract: Processes for the catalytic combustion of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, or mixtures thereof (processes with one or more catalytic stages) and processes of abating the pollution produced by the exhaust gases of vehicles that run on natural gas using a non-selective oxidation catalyst. The non-selective oxidation catalyst comprises a monolithic substrate, a porous support with a refractory inorganic oxide base and an active phase that consists of cerium, zirconium, iron, and at least one metal that is selected from the group that is formed by palladium and platinum is described; with the porous support content being between 200 and 400 g per liter of catalyst; with the cerium content being between 0.3 and 20% by weight relative to the porous support; with the zirconium content being between 0.3 and 20% by weight relative to the porous support; with the iron content being between 0.01 and 3.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation and removal of hydrogen, alone or together with carbon monoxide, from a mixture of these gases with olefinic hydrocarbons by contacting the mixture with oxygen over a catalyst at conditions sufficient to oxidize the hydrogen to form water while suppressing reaction of the reactive, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains at least one metal or metal oxide from Groups Ib, IIb, IIIa, IVa and Va of the Periodic Table, and the temperature of the reaction may range from about 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. and a pressure of about 14.7 psig to 1,000 psig, and the flow rate of the entering feed ranges from about 1 GHSV to about 50,000 GHSV. The process can be conducted using one, two or three reaction zones.

Abstract: Process for purifying an inert fluid in the liquid state, containing at least one of the impurities hydrogen (H.sub.2) and carbon monoxide (CO), with respect to at least one of the impurities, characterized in that:a) the fluid in the liquid state which is to be purified is passed through at least one bed of particles of at least one adsorbent in order to adsorb at least one of the impurities H.sub.2 and CO;b) a fluid in the liquid state which is substantially purified with respect to at least one of the impurities H.sub.2 and CO is recovered.

Abstract: A novel composition comprising organic polymer molecules having carbon-carbon double bonds, for removing hydrogen from the atmosphere within enclosed spaces.Organic polymers molecules containing carbon-carbon double bonds throughout their structures, preferably polybutadiene, polyisoprene and derivatives thereof, intimately mixed with an insoluble catalyst composition, comprising a hydrogenation catalyst and a catalyst support, preferably Pd supported on carbon, provide a hydrogen getter composition useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces even in the presence of contaminants such as common atmospheric gases, water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oil mists, and water. The hydrogen getter composition disclosed herein is particularly useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces containing potentially explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: Described is a process of catalytic combustion with staged fuel injection that comprises: a first injection of fuel and air, the passage of the air-fuel mixture that is formed into a catalytic zone, and a second fuel injection into the flow of output from said catalytic zone; with said process being characterized in that said catalytic zone comprises at least one catalyst that comprises a monolithic substrate, a porous support based on a refractory inorganic oxide, and an active phase that comprises cerium, iron, and optionally zirconium, as well as at least one metal that is selected from the group that is formed by palladium and platinum; the content of porous support is between 100 and 400 g per liter of catalyst; the cerium content is between 0.3 and 20% by weight relative to the porous support; the zirconium content is between 0 and 20% by weight relative to the porous support; with the iron content being between 0.01 and 3.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for selectively oxidizing hydrogen in a mixture with other gaseous materials by contacting the hydrogen containing gas under oxidation conditions with a catalyst comprising a phosphate of a metal wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of germanium, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony and bismuth.

Abstract: A process for the substantial removal of at least one of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen impurities contained in a composite gas, according to which:(a) at least one of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen impurities contained in the composite gas are reacted with oxygen, in contact with a catalyst comprising particles of at least one metal chosen from the group consisting of gold and palladium, these particles being supported by titanium dioxide, in order respectively to form carbon dioxide and water;(b) optionally, the carbon dioxide and the water formed are removed from the composite gas;(c) the composite gas, substantially free of its carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen impurities, is recovered.

Abstract: A process for the substantial elimination of at least one of the impurities carbon monoxide and hydrogen contained in a gaseous compound, according to which:(a) at least one of the impurities carbon monoxide and hydrogen contained in the gaseous compound is caused to react with oxygen, in contact with a catalyst comprising particles, on the one hand, (i) of gold, silver or gold and silver, and, on the other hand, (ii) of at least one metal of the platinum family, these particles being supported by a support to form, respectively, carbon dioxide and water;(b) as needed, the carbon dioxide and water are eliminated from the gaseous compound;(c) the gaseous compound is recovered substantially free from its impurities of carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is capable of removing impurities from an impurity-containing hydrogen gas without generating methane. A bed of particulate nickel in an amount of at least 5% by weight as elemental nickel at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. removes all impurities except nitrogen. Then a bed of getter material, a zirconium, vanadium and iron alloy at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. removes the nitrogen impurity thus producing purified hydrogen with an impurity content of less than 20 ppb.

Abstract: A getter material is provided which efficiently sorbs gases at low pressures but, when a system failure causes high pressures of hydrogen and oxygen (air) to be present, does not increase its temperature to that which would cause explosive ignition of the hydrogen-oxygen (air) mixture.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing composition. The composition comprises a porous glass matrix, made by a sol-gel process, having a hydrogen-absorbing material dispersed throughout the matrix. A sol, made from tetraethyl orthosilicate, is mixed with a hydrogen-absorbing material and solidified to form a porous glass matrix with the hydrogen-absorbing material dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix. The glass matrix has pores large enough to allow gases having hydrogen to pass through the matrix, yet small enough to hold the particles dispersed within the matrix so that the hydrogen-absorbing particles are not released during repeated hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: A ceramic catalytic membrane reactor for the separation of hydrogen and/or isotopes thereof from fluid, in particular gaseous flows, formed of a tubular support (1) made of a porous ceramic material, which is coated with layers (4) of a gas-tight material at both ends thereof, and with a thin layer or film (2) of a metal or metal alloy having catalytic activity and selective permeability to hydrogen and isotopes thereof, such as Pd or Pd/Ag, on a central portion thereof, where the reaction takes place. The central portion is provided with heating. The seals (6) of the membrane reactor are located on the two gas-tight ends of the tubular support (1).

Abstract: A synergistic process for the production of carbon dioxide comprises preparing a feed stream comprising an organic combustible fuel and hydrogen; introducing the feed stream and air into a cogeneration reactor for combusting the feed stream and producing steam, electricity and stack gases containing carbon dioxide; using at least a portion of said electricity to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen; recovering the hydrogen and oxygen and recycling at least a portion of the hydrogen for preparation of the feed stream; and, recovering the carbon dioxide from the stack gases.

Abstract: A stable, metallic hydride composition and a process for making such a composition. The composition comprises a uniformly blended mixture of a metal hydride, kieselguhr, and a ballast metal, all in the form of particles. The composition is made by subjecting a metal hydride to one or more hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles to disintegrate the hydride particles to less than approximately 100 microns in size. The particles are partly oxidized, then blended with the ballast metal and the kieselguhr to form a uniform mixture. The mixture is compressed into pellets and calcined. Preferably, the mixture includes approximately 10 vol. % or more kieselguhr and approximately 50 vol. % or more ballast. Metal hydrides that can be used in the composition include Zr, Ti, V, Nb, Pd, as well as binary, tertiary, and more complex alloys of La, Al, Cu, Ti, Co, Ni, Fe, Zr, Mg, Ca, Mn, and mixtures and other combinations thereof. Ballast metals include Al, Cu and Ni.

Abstract: Highly purified rare gas (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, etc.) is obtained by removing impurities contained therein, such as nitrogen, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and water, at relatively low temperatures by the use of a getter. This getter is a two-component alloy of zirconium and vanadium, or a multi-component alloy containing, as well as zirconium and vanadium, at least one of chromium, nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: Hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbons are stored by introducing the gases into a transition metal dichalcogenide having the formula MX.sub.2. M is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W and Ti and X is selected from the group consisting of S and Se. The MX.sub.2 is in the form of platelets affixed to basal planes of adjacent platelets. The basal planes of adjacent platelets are separated by voids. The composition is prepared by intercalating MX.sub.2 powder with lithium, adding water to separate the MX.sub.2 into single layers and then adding acid to adjust the pH to a range where edges and basal planes of the single layers have opposite charges. Preferably a catalyst is added to the MX.sub.2, the catalyst being selected from the group of metals consisting of Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, Fe, Mg, Zr, Cr, Al, Zn, Mn or combinations thereof. The gas can be recovered from the composition by heating to a temperature of 250.degree. C. when the catalyst is used.

Abstract: A membrane (14) for extracting hydrogen from fluid streams containing hydrogen consists essentially of a first layer (16) of a refractory metal or alloy which is permeable to hydrogen and has first and second surfaces (18,20). A second layer (22) is electroless or electrolytically deposited over the first surface (18) and attached thereto. A third layer (24) is similarly deposited over the other refractory surface (20), the second and third layers (22,24) consisting essentially of palladium, palladium alloys or platinum. A modification of this, for use in some applications, is the above membrane coated on only one surface with palladium, palladium alloys or platinum.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a substantially pure nitrogen product from a gas stream containing as impurities carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor and hydrogen, comprising a first adsorption unit which removes water vapor and carbon dioxide from the gas stream, a catalytic reactor which oxidizes carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gas stream leaving the first adsorption unit to carbon dioxide and water vapor, respectively, a second adsorption unit which removes water vapor and carbon dioxide from the catalytically treated gas stream, a cryogenic distillation unit which separates nitrogen from oxygen in the gas stream leaving the second adsorption unit and a conduit connecting the cryogenic distillation unit with the adsorption units for purging the adsorption units with waste gas from the cryogenic distillation unit.

Abstract: Highly purified rare gas (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, etc.) is obtained by removing impurities contained therein, such as nitrogen, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and water, at relatively low temperatures by the use of a getter. This getter is a two-component alloy of zirconium and vanadium, or a multi-component alloy containing, as well as zirconium and vanadium, at least one of chromium, nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: A metallic oxide catalyst, containing cupric oxide and an amount of one or more of AgO, HgO or CdO effective for enhancing the ability of the catalyst for removing gaseous hydrides from a gas stream.