Abstract: An isolation device for one or more ion transport membranes and that has a housing and one or more check valves in communication with one or more passageways extending through the housing to prevent gas flow within the housing and the ion transport membrane(s) upon breakage thereof. Where a lance tube is used with the oxygen transport membrane a second check valve can be used. The check valves, preferably contain spring loaded poppet valves which, though normally open, are capable of resetting themselves into a closed position upon breakage or other failure of the oxygen transport membrane tubes.

Abstract: An isolation device for one or more ion transport membranes and that has a housing and one or more check valves in communication with one or more passageways extending through the housing to prevent gas flow within the housing and the ion transport membrane(s) upon breakage thereof. Where a lance tube is used with the oxygen transport membrane a second check valve can be used. The check valves, preferably contain spring loaded poppet valves which, though normally open, are capable of resetting themselves into a closed position upon breakage or other failure of the oxygen transport membrane tubes.

Abstract: A joint to connect a tubular ceramic element to a tubesheet. The joint has an internal seal housing to retain the tubular ceramic element and an external seal housing connected to the tubesheet to retain the internal seal housing. A ceramic-to-metal seal is located within the internal seal housing and a metal-to-metal seal is located between the internal seal housing and an external seal housing. The external seal housing is connected to the tubesheet. The internal seal housing is assembled in sections to allow assembly of the ceramic-to-metal seal to be assembled and tested prior to joining the tubular ceramic element to the tubesheet. After perfection of such seal, the internal seal housing and tubular ceramic element is inserted into the external seal housing and sealed within the external seal housing by the metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining a ceramic membrane of tubular form to a tube sheet used in supporting the ceramic membrane within a reactor. The ceramic membrane is received within a fixture connected to the tube sheet and a follower, extending into the fixture, exerts a force on a high temperature sealing element located between the fixture and the ceramic membrane to effect a seal and to hold the ceramic membrane in place. The force can be exerted directly on the sealing element or on the ceramic membrane itself.

Abstract: An exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction are thermally combined in a reactor having at least one oxygen selective ion transport membrane that provides the exothermic reaction with oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas such as air. The thermal requirements of the endothermic reaction are satisfied by the exothermic reaction. Dependent on the reactor design employed, the exothermic and endothermic reactions may be gaseously combined.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining a ceramic membrane of tubular form to a tube sheet used in supporting the ceramic membrane within a reactor. The ceramic membrane is received within a fixture connected to the tube sheet and a follower, extending into the fixture, exerts a force on a high temperature sealing element located between the fixture and the ceramic membrane to effect a seal and to hold the ceramic membrane in place. The force can be exerted directly on the sealing element or on the ceramic membrane itself.

Abstract: A reactor comprising: a hollow shell defining a hermetic enclosure; a plurality of tube sheets disposed within said hermetic enclosure, a first one of said plurality of tube sheets defining a first chamber; at least one reaction tube each having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being fixedly attached and substantially hermetically sealed to one end of said plurality of tube sheets and opening into said first chamber, the second end being axially unrestrained; each of said reaction tubes is comprised of an oxygen selective ion transport membrane with an anode side wherein said oxygen selective ion transport membrane is formed from a mixed conductor metal oxide that is effective for the transport of elemental oxygen at elevated temperatures and at least a portion of said first and second heat transfer sections are formed of metal; each of said reaction tubes includes first and second heat transfer sections and a reaction section, said reaction section disposed between said first and second