Abstract: A hydrogen gas purification apparatus which includes at least one set of two hydrogen purification containers coupled to each other for heat exchanging therebetween, each of the hydrogen purification containers containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy. The hydrogen gas purification apparatus is so arranged as to cause hydrogen gas to be selectively desorbed from and absorbed into the hydrogen absorbing alloy by the amount of heat produced when the hydrogen gas is selectively absorbed into and desorbed from the hydrogen absorbing alloy.

Abstract: Improved process for the production of sulphur from a gas containing H.sub.2 S, SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 and/or CO, in which the gas is caused to pass through a CLAUS catalyst in a primary catalytic stage operating at between 200.degree. and 460.degree. C. in order to form sulphur, and thereafter the sulphur contained in the reaction mixture issuing from this stage is condensed through indirect heat exchange with water to produce steam.The improved process consists in constituting at least the final eighth of the catalyst volume in this stage by a composite mass formed from a refractory oxide on which is fixed a transition metal compound, for example Co and/or Mo, and in entering into contact the gas with this composite mass at between 300.degree. and 460.degree. C. in order to oxidize H.sub.2 and CO.The energy resulting from this oxidation is recovered in the form of a supplementary quantity of steam during the sulphur condensation.

Abstract: A hydrogen sorbent composition is provided which is comprised of a hydridable material such as LaNi.sub.5 encradled throughout a porous, fiber-containing polymeric composition.

Abstract: A hydrogen-containing silicic substance comprising a four-coordinate Si lattice surrounded by a shell of SiH.sub.2 and/or SiH.sub.3 is disclosed. The substance contains unbound hydrogen in the Si lattice, making it possible to conveniently store hydrogen.

Abstract: Solid solution of niobium or tantalum and a second metal react rapidly with hydrogen under mild conditions, eliminating the need for a high temperature induction process. Suitable second metals include Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Cu, V, Si, Ge and Ga.

Abstract: A storage material for hydrogen comprised of amorphous silicon containing phosphorous, in addition to hydrogen (a-Si:H:P). In certain embodiments, such storage material is produced via a glow discharge plasma from a reactive gas mixture in accordance with a fluidized bed method or by quenching a phosphorous-doped silicon melt at a relatively high cooling rate. By admixing phosphorous with silicon, the absorption capacity of the resultant phosphorous-doped silicon material for hydrogen can be increased by a factor of 2 with the same production temperatures (200.degree. C.). The storage material is useful in energy storage tanks (cheap and easily mass-produced).

Abstract: A combination moisture and hydrogen getter comprises(a) a moisture getter comprising a readily oxidizable metal; and(b) a hydrogen getter comprising (i) a solid acetylenic compound and (ii) a hydrogenation catalyst. A method of scavenging moisture from a closed container uses the combination moisture and hydrogen getter to irreversibly chemically reduce the moisture and chemically bind the resultant hydrogen.

Abstract: Discloses a hydrogen compressor having two series of chambers or hydride containers specifically located in a pair of jackets adapted to contain flowing heat exchange liquid, e.g. water. The series of chambers are connected through a check valve arrangement and flow of hot and cold water through said jackets is controlled by a timing means.

Abstract: A method of preheating vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines involves the utilization of the heat released when hydrogen is combined with a high-temperature hydride-forming material contained within a high-temperature reservoir. The high-temperature reservoir contains a sufficient quantity of low-temperature reservoir hydride-forming material that when hydrogen is added from a low-temperature reservoir to the high-temperature reservoir, the quantity of heat which is initially released by the low-temperature hydride-forming material is sufficient to raise the high-temperature reservoir hydride-forming material also contained in the high-temperature reservoir to the reaction temperatures required for absorption of hydrogen and the release of heat.

Abstract: This invention concerns an efficient, high recovery, single product, multiple-stage process for producing high BTU methane from a low BTU feed gas containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen and other materials. In the process, impurities like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are removed at the appropriate point. The carbon monoxide is removed and split into two streams. One stream is reacted with steam to provide additional hydrogen which is mixed with the other carbon monoxide stream and passed to a methanator. The hydrogen in the feed gas is recovered in an especially efficient two stage manner which is suitable for use with standard cooling water and which reduces metallurgical problems, compression requirements and heat requirements. In the first stage, metal hydrides are formed, thereby separating the hydrogen in the feed gas from nitrogen and the nitrogen exits and is removed.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage and supply device in which a pressure vessel contains a hydride of the gross formula AB.sub.n H.sub.m, in which A is calcium or one or more of the rare earth metals with or without thorium, zirconium, or hafnium, B is nickel and/or cobalt, with or without iron and/or copper, n has a value between about 3 and 8.5 and m has a value exceeding 0 and up to about 7.

Abstract: The combustible component of a stream of low heating value gas comprising carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane is combusted using less than a stoichiometric amount of air in the presence of an oxygenation catalyst and the heat energy in the combusted gas is utilized, for example, by expansion in a gas turbine.

Abstract: A composite formed from large pieces of aggregate formed from (1) metal hydride (or hydride-former) powder and (2) either metal powder or plastic powder or both is prepared. The composite has large macroscopic interconnected pores (much larger than the sizes of the powders which are used) and will have a very fast heat transfer rate and low windage loss. It will be useful, for example, in heat engines, hydrogen storage devices, and refrigerator components which depend for their utility upon both a fast rate of hydriding and dehydriding. Additionally, a method of preparing the composite and a method of increasing the rates of hydriding and dehydriding of metal hydrides are also given.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved adiabatic process for separating hydrogen from mixed gas streams using hydridable materials as the absorbing medium. The improvement comprises utilizing a composite comprising a thermal ballast in admixture with the hydride material to absorb the heat of reaction and to aid in desorption. By virtue of the intimate contact of the ballast with the hydridable material rapid cycle times plus good bed utilization are achieved.

Abstract: An oxygen stabilized intermetallic compound having the formula Zr.sub.x OV.sub.y where x=0.7 to 2.0 and y=0.18 to 0.33. The compound is capable of reversibly sorbing hydrogen at temperatures from -196.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. at pressures down to 10.sup.-6 Torr. The compound is also capable of selectively sorbing hydrogen from gaseous mixtures in the presence of CO and CO.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention consists essentially in a method of removing oxygen from a gas containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon, which comprises contacting a gas containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon and oxygen with silver and/or gold, or a catalyst containing at least one of them, in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to silver catalyzed manganese dioxide which is useful as a hydrogen gas absorber. The silver catalyzed manganese dioxide of this invention can be formed into a shaped article of desired configuration, inserted into an electrochemical cell such as a battery, which is subsequently sealed, to absorb hydrogen gas evolved within the cell. Absorption of hydrogen gas by the silver catalyzed manganese dioxide prevents excessive build-up of gas pressure within the sealed cell thus minimizing the possibility of rupture and complete failure of the cell.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage container having at least one valved port is filled to about 75% of capacity with particles of low density material having a hydride forming metal coated on the surface of the particles by vapor or vacuum deposition. The density of the particle is on the order of 5% to 50% of the density of the metal coating thereon. Hydrogen gas is adsorbed into or released from the lattice structure of the hydride forming metal.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing gas streams are passed over a catalyst capable of catalyzing the disproportionation of carbon monoxide so as to deposit a surface layer of active surface carbon on the catalyst essentially without formation of inactive coke thereon. The surface layer is contacted with steam and is thus converted to methane and CO.sub.2, from which a relatively pure methane product may be obtained. While carbon monoxide-containing gas streams having hydrogen or water present therein can be used only the carbon monoxide available after reaction with said hydrogen or water is decomposed to form said active surface carbon. Although hydrogen or water will be converted, partially or completely, to methane that can be utilized in a combustion zone to generate heat for steam production or other energy recovery purposes, said hydrogen is selectively removed from a CO--H.sub.2 -containing feed stream by partial oxidation thereof prior to disproportionation of the CO content of said stream.

Abstract: Hydrogen contamination of chlorine-containing gas, such as the chlorine gas from the electrolytic chlorine/caustic process and especially the tail gas from the chlorine liquefaction operation, is eliminated by reaction of the hydrogen directly in the gas mixture at elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst, to effect combination of the hydrogen with chlorine to form hydrogen chloride, followed by scrubbing of the hydrogen chloride from the gas.

Abstract: Oxygen and water impurities are cleaned from hydrogen, which is to be stored in tanks containing a hydride-forming metallic alloy, using a novel, self-cleaning filter system. The impurity-containing hydrogen gas is first passed through a catalyst bed comprising a catalyst which is adapted to convert oxygen in the presence of hydrogen to water. The gas then passes through an adsorbent capable of adsorbing water from the gas stream, thereby substantially removing water impurities from the hydrogen gas. The purified hydrogen gas is charged into a storage tank containing a hydride-forming metallic alloy which absorbs the hydrogen by reacting therewith to form hydrogen-loaded metallic hydride. When the storage tank is to be discharged, the hydrogen-loaded metallic hydride in the tank is treated to release hydrogen gas therefrom. The released gas is passed back through the adsorbent, thereby cleaning the adsorbent of water impurities deposited therein when the tank was being charged with hydrogen.

Abstract: The passenger compartment of a motor vehicle operated at least partially on hydrogen may be heated after the engine is shut off by using a LT/HT hydride combination reservoir as the hydride reservoir for the vehicle. The heat capacity of the reservoir, present after the engine is shut off or produced by charging the HT reservoir with hydrogen from the LT reservoir, is supplied at least partially to the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for the storage of hydrogen comprising a fibrous encapsulating material and solid particles of an intermetallic compound capable of reversibly absorbing hydrogen encapsulated in the material, the material being porous to the ingress and egress of hydrogen, but being impervious to the solid particles of the intermetallic compound, and a cylindrical gas tight heat exchange chamber, including an inlet and outlet, enclosing the encapsulated intermetallic compound, the porous, fibrous material being of generally strip form and being spirally wound to form a generally cylindrical body which is housed within the gas tight chamber.

Abstract: An improvement in a tritium control system based on a catalytic oxidation reactor wherein accidental releases of tritium into room air are controlled by flooding the catalytic oxidation reactor with hydrogen when the tritium concentration in the room air exceeds a specified limit. The sudden flooding with hydrogen heats the catalyst to a high temperature within seconds, thereby greatly increasing the catalytic oxidation rate of tritium to tritiated water vapor. Thus, the catalyst is heated only when needed. In addition to the heating effect, the hydrogen flow also swamps the tritium and further reduces the tritium release.

Abstract: The combustible component of a gas stream of low heating value is combusted using less than a stoichiometric amount of oxygen with minor production of carbon monoxide in the presence of an oxygenation catalyst comprising platinum and a cocatalyst selected from Groups IIA and VIIB, Group VIII up through atomic No. 45, the lanthanides, chromium, zinc, silver, tin and antimony. This combusted gas can be directly vented to the atmosphere after energy has been extracted from it for a useful purpose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing increased thermal conductivity and heat capacity to a pressure vessel containing a hydride-forming metal material which is capable of absorbing and storing relatively large amounts of hydrogen gas. An elongate pressure vessel, having an opening therein for charging and discharging hydrogen therefrom and valve means in combination with the opening for controlling flow of hydrogen gas to and from the container, is provided with a plurality of elongate, aluminum magnesium, or copper tubes as a tube bundle, with the longitudinal axis of the tubes being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The tubes are packed in the vessel so that tubes are in firm contact with adjacent tubes, and the outer tubes of the bundle are in firm contact with the longitudinal inside surfaces of the vessel as well as with adjacent tubes in the bundle. Particulate, hydride-forming, metal material substantially fills the otherwise void spaces within the tube-containing vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting hydrogen gas from one point to another wherein the hydrogen gas is first purified to remove deleterious oxygen, carbon dioxide and any other contaminate. The gas may be compressed to raise that pressure to a preselected level. The pressurized hydrogen gas is introduced into the inlet of a pipeline which is at least partially filled with activated metallic hydride wherein at least a portion of the hydrogen gas is absorbed by the metallic hydrides and is transported by migration through the metallic hydrides from the inlet towards the outlet end of the pipeline, and withdrawing the hydrogen gas from the pipeline outlet end, at least a portion of the hydrogen gas delivered at the outlet end as a consequence of desorption from the metallic hydride.

Abstract: Tritiated species, e.g., tritium, tritiated water, and/or tritiated hydrocarbons, are removed from gas streams comprised thereof by reacting the same over a precious metal catalyst with sufficient air or oxygen to insure conversion of all tritiated species to tritiated water and, if hydrocarbons are present in the gaseous feedstock, carbon dioxide. The tritiated water and any other moisture that might be present in the reaction effluent are next adsorbed by a desiccant dryer, preferably to a level of less than one part per million. Most desirably, the desiccant dryer effluent is then diluted with non-radioactive water such that the tritiated water is diluted by a factor of at least about 1,000 to 1; the resulting water mixture can be adsorbed from the diluted effluent by a second dessicant dryer to provide a value in the ultimate effluent gas of less than about one-half parts per billion tritiated water.

Abstract: The rates of reaction between two gases is controlled by bringing the gases (hydrogen and oxygen) into an aqueous medium and into contact with a Contacogen which is wetproofed with respect to the medium. Even if the reaction between the gases in gas phase is exothermic, then normally the rate is quite slow if the reaction is carried out in a liquid such as water. By the use of a Contacogen, the rate is increased substantially over that in which the gases are reacted in a liquid medium, and much controlled over that which takes place in a gas phase reaction. The Contacogen is particulate in nature and maintained in a static condition and forms the situs of reaction between the two gases in the presence of an aqueous medium, the latter normally tending to inhibit reaction. The Contacogen is wetproofed to prevent flooding thereof by the aqueous medium and operates to increase the rate of reaction between the gaseous reactants in the aqueous medium over that possible absent the Contacogen.

Abstract: The concentration of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide in a gas is reduced by combining these constituents in the gas with oxygen in the presence of a fragmented permeable mass of particles containing oil shale treated to remove organic materials.

Abstract: The hydrocarbon, hydrogen and carbon monoxide concentration of a gas is reduced by reacting these constituents in the gas with oxygen in the presence of a fragmented permeable mass of combusted oil shale.

Abstract: Discloses a hydrogen storage module comprising a fluted tube section closed at each end with a gas permeable porous plug and containing a metal adapted to form a hydride or the hydride of such metal.

Abstract: Discloses the use of collapsible hollow structures within a mass of metal-hydride material used in a pressure vessel for storing hydrogen.

Abstract: Discloses the use of spatially extended particles of a solid characterized by a low apparent density distributed within a mass of metal hydride material used in a pressure vessel for storing hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storage vessel having particles of hydrideable alloy in a multiplicity of closed containers permeable to hydrogen within the vessel to prevent localized pressure effects acting against the walls of the vessel.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of hydrogen to water in the presence of elemental nitrogen with minimal oxidation thereof which comprises combining the hydrogen with a predetermined amount of oxygen containing gas to give at least 1% stoichiometric excess of oxygen for the oxidation of hydrogen to water and passing the resulting mixture over a ceramic catalyst of the following empirical formula at a temperature between about 100.degree. C and about 1,000.degree. C;w.sub.k X.sub.n J(1-k-n).sup.ZO (3.+-.m)WhereinW is Zirconium, Tin or Thorium or mixtures thereof;X is an alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof;J is scandium, yttrium, a rare-earth element or mixture thereof;Z is a metal of the first transition series of a mixture thereof, at least 0.01% of said metal having an oxidation state other then +3;k is a number having a value between 0 and about 0.1;m is a number having a value of from 0 to about 0.26; andn is a number having a value from 0 to about 0.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor useful for carrying out a catalytic reaction comprises a horizontally disposed reaction zone. Foraminous retaining means are disposed within said reactor or reaction zone transversely thereof and occupying the complete cross-section of said reaction zone available for the flow of gaseous or vaporized reactants therethrough. The foraminous retaining means define a transverse volume along a portion of the length of the reactor and are adapted to be filled with particle-form catalytic material. A chamber is disposed at the upper portion of and in open communication with said transverse volume. The chamber is adapted to be filled with particle-form catalytic material so as to maintain the transverse volume filled with particle-form catalytic material. The catalytic reactor is generally useful for carrying out catalytic reactions involving gaseous or vaporized reactants and a mass of particle-form catalytic material.

Abstract: A continuous process for simultaneously producing a stream of cleaned purified synthesis gas having a mole ratio H.sub.2 /CO in the range of about 2 to 12, and a separate stream of CO-rich gas. In one embodiment of the process, cleaned and purified methanol synthesis gas and substantially pur carbon monoxide are produced. Methanol may be synthesized and optionally catalytically reacted with the substantially pure carbon monoxide to produce acetic acid. In the subject process, the effluent gas stream directly from a free-flow unpacked noncatalytic partial-oxidation synthesis gas generator is split into two streams which are simultaneously processed in two separate trains. In the first train, one of the split streams is cooled by indirect heat exchange in a gas cooler and then further processed to produce a stream of cleaned and purified synthesis gas, a H.sub.2 -rich gas stream, and the product stream of CO-rich gas and preferably substantially pure CO.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storing material of known type, e.g. Mg, Ti, V, Nb, and alloys such as La-, Ti- and Co- alloys, is made form retaining without significant loss of hydrogen absorption and desorption properties by binding with a plastic having sufficient adhesion or binding strength. The hydrogen-storing material in granular form is mixed with the plastic in powder, emulsion, solution or melt form and then molded into the desired shape.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification and storage system includes a hydride container holding hydride forming material adapted to adsorb hydrogen and gaseous impurities exposed to the material. A mixture of hydrogen and impurities is applied under pressure to the hydride container and there adsorbed by the hydride forming material. Application of a cooling fluid to the container into proximity with the hydride forming material facilitates the adsorption of hydrogen and impurities by the material. After adsorption of the hydrogen and impurities, the temperature of the hydride forming material in the container is increased to a point where hydrogen will be released from the material but where the impurities will generally not be released. The hydrogen so released is then conveyed to a hydrogen utilization unit connected in the series with the container.

Abstract: Alloys reacting with water, water vapor and reactive gases at temperatures in the range of about 200.degree. to about 650.degree. C have essential components of nickel, titanium an zirconium. The alloys can be made by arc melting zirconium, nickel and titanium and can be formed into sheet or foil by inert-atmosphere hot rolling. The alloys can also be made by plating nickel on a sheet of zirconium-titanium alloy and then conduction a diffusion process by heating the plated alloy in vacuum.

Abstract: A catalyst system for the elimination of hydrogen gas which comprises a ptetrafluoroethylene-bonded catalyst layer of carbon mixed with platinum black, a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film on the side thereof which faces the gas flow, and a metal backplate, all integrally bonded together. The assembly is particularly useful for the elimination of hydrogen gas in sealed equipment housings, for example, those containing batteries. A similar system may also be used as a detector of hydrogen by utilizing a detector paper therewith which indicates the presence of water.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide in gaseous samples containing hydrogen is detected by first heating the gas sample in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 700.degree. C. in a non-catalytic reaction zone to selectively oxidize the hydrogen to water and then passing the gaseous reaction products from the selective oxidation to a carbon monoxide analyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant for the production of hydrogen, preferably for the hydrogenating gasification of coal, through utilization of heat energy derived from a gas-cooled, high-temperature nuclear reactor, comprising:A. a thick-walled pressure vessel;B. a high temperature reactor contained in a centrally oriented cavity within the vessel;C. a plurality of process gas cracking reactors contained within the wall of the vessel;D. a number of steam generators corresponding to the number of the gas cracking reactors, the generators being contained in the wall of the vessel;E. a number of recuperative heat exchangers corresponding to the number of gas cracking reactors, each of the heat exchangers being contained in the wall of the vessel and being positioned closely adjacent one of the gas cracking reactors; andF. a coaxial conduit connecting said adjacent heat exchanger and gas cracking reactor pairs.

Abstract: A hydrogen sorbent composition comprising a lanthanum pentanickel sorbent and a thermoplastic elastomer binder is disclosed. Also disclosed is the use of the composition in storing hydrogen and in the purification of hydrogen-containing streams.

Abstract: A method of separating isotopes of hydrogen which comprises subjecting a ture of nitrogen and isotopes of hydrogen in a H.sub.2 --N.sub.2 mole ratio from 1:4 to 10:1 to a glow electrical discharge from 10.sup..sup.-3 to 10.sup.+.sup.1 eV per reactant molecules at a temperature from 50.degree. K to 200.degree. K and at a pressure of at least 0.3 Torr.

Abstract: Disclosed is plant for the production and utilization of heat energy derived from a gas-cooled, high temperature nuclear reactor, preferably to produce hydrogen in secondary reactors, comprising a thick-walled vessel; a high temperature reactor contained in a centrally oriented cavity within the vessel; a number of steam generators corresponding to the number of the secondary reactors, the generators likewise being contained in the wall of the vessel; a number of blowers corresponding to the number of the steam generators each of the blowers also being contained in the wall of the vessel and being positioned beneath one of the steam generators; conduit means for transporting hot cooling gas from the nuclear reactor to the secondary reactors and from the secondary reactors to the blowers; and conduit means for transporting the cooling gas from each of the blowers to the nuclear reactor in a manner so that the gas surrounds the nuclear reactor, the secondary reactors, the blowers and the hot gas conduit means.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous purification of gases contaminated with tritium by catalytic burning of tritium enriched hydrogen in a catalytic furnace and subsequent absorption of the tritium containing oxidation product. The apparatus has at least two gas storage containers which can be filled selectively by operating appropriately arranged valves, at least one catalytic furnace and at least one absorption plant for the oxidation product formed by way of which the gas storage container can be emptied selectively by appropriately arranged valves.

Abstract: A compact tubular-form reactor-condenser system is provided for use with a nuclear container to effect the recombining of dissociated H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 and preclude the buildup of H.sub.2 in such container. A pumping means and preheating means insure the passage of heated gaseous components through an all metal catalyst containing zone at suitable reaction and non-condensing conditions to form water vapor, while a subsequent passage through an adjacent or contiguous cooling zone provides for the condensation of the resulting vapor into liquid water for return to the container means. A preferred arrangement has thermal barrier means incorporated to prevent heat conduction from the reaction zone to the condensation section so as to assist in maintaining the latter section as cool as possible.

Abstract: A three component alloy capable of reversible sorption of hydrogen having the chemical formula TiFe.sub.1-x Mn.sub.x where x is in the range of about 0.02 to 0.5 and the method of storing hydrogen using said alloy.