Abstract: A container for use in hydrogen transfer includes structural tubular members and perforations for fluid communication with a central passage covered with a film that is selectively permeable to hydrogen, but not to other gases. The tubular member walls comprise a sturdy material to fix the hydride powder, preventing it from shifting within the container. The hydrogen flow, when being absorbed or desorbed by the metal hydride, will pass through the film both as it is absorbed in the hydride material and also after it is desorbed to pass into the central passage. Simultaneously, the tubular member material, acting as a flexible cover or support for the film, retains contaminant gases within the conduit passage, but permits hydrogen to flow therethrough. Alternatively, a flexible conduit may be interspersed within selected ones of the longitudinal structural members, and hydride material may be packed within the springs, which provide for expansion protection.

Abstract: A conduit passage for use in transfer of hydrogen gas within a hydride system, including tubular members semi-permeable to hydrogen gas, permit hydrogen gas to pass through but not oxygen or other gases. The tubular members may comprise a flexible elastic polymeric material, such as polysulfone, polypropylene or polyethylene, including a central conduit passage, for providing hydrogen gas flow, the direction of the hydrogen flow depending on whether hydrogen is being absorbed or desorbed by the metal hydride. Simultaneously, the tube material, acting as a flexible spine, essentially fixes the hydride powder and prevents it from shifting about within the container, as well as being carried away in the hydrogen flow. Sections of the tubular member material may be interspersed throughout the hydride material to provide for peripheral hydrogen dispersion and to accommodate compressive stress forces that may develop as a result of the expansion of the hydride material during hydrogen absorption.