Abstract: A method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material comprises removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material. The pressure to which the material is exposed is preferably no greater than about 400 torr. An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure comprises: an embossing device, a compression device adapted to urge the embossing device against the material, an embossing chamber comprising the at least one embossing device and adapted to receive the material and to be substantially gas-tight at least when the embossing device is urged against the material by the pressing device, and an evacuation device for reducing the pressure within the embossing chamber.

Abstract: An improved method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material including removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material.

Abstract: A method of embossing expanded graphite sheet material comprises embossing the material in an embossing atmosphere at a reduced pressure less than atmospheric pressure and maintaining a reduced pressure at least during the embossing step. Preferably, the pressure of the embossing atmosphere is less than or equal to about 400 torr. The embossing atmosphere may comprise an inert gas, such as nitrogen, helium and argon, for example.

Abstract: An improved embossing expanded graphite sheet material comprises removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material. Preferably, the pressure to which the material is exposed is less than or equal to about 400 torr. An improved apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure comprises: at least one embossing device; at least one compression device adapted to urge the embossing device against the material; an embossing chamber comprising the at least one embossing device and adapted to receive the material, and to be substantially gas-tight at least when the embossing device is urged against the material by the pressing device; and an evacuation device for reducing the pressure within the embossing chamber. The atmosphere within the embossing chamber may comprise an inert gas, such as, for example, nitrogen, helium and argon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide present in a mixture of gases, including hydrogen, to carbon dioxide is disclosed. Oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas mixture is introduced at locations along the latter portion of the reaction chamber in an isothermal reactor to selectively oxidize the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and to suppress the reverse to water-shift reaction, which produces carbon monoxide and water from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide present in a mixture of gases, including hydrogen, to carbon dioxide is disclosed. Oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas mixture is introduced at locations along the latter portion of the reaction chamber in an isothermal reactor to selectively oxidize the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and to suppress the reverse water-shift reaction, which produces carbon monoxide and water from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A compact modular isothermal reactor for converting a feedstock such as methanol into a fuel usable in power generation systems, such as electrochemical fuel cells, is provided. The reactor includes a sealing plate, a baffle plate having heat transfer surfaces extending toward the sealing plate, and a housing having an interior substantially circumscribing the heat transfer surfaces The cooperating surfaces of the sealing plate, baffle plate, heat transfer surfaces and housing interior define a labyrinthine channel for containing a suitable quantity of solid catalyst and through which feedstock flows. The cooperating surfaces of a fluid flow plate and the baffle plate define a flow passage for carrying a thermal fluid. Heat is transferred from the thermal fluid to the feedstock by the heat transfer surfaces. In two alternative designs, thermally conductive pins extending from the baffle plate or a pair of spaced folded thermally conductive plates transfer heat to the interior of a catalyst containment vessel.