Abstract: An apparatus and method for open-atmosphere flame based spraying employs a nozzle to preheat, pressurize and atomize a mechanically pumped reactive and flammable liquid solution through a small orifice or a nozzle and then a set of pilot flames to combust the spray. The liquid feedstock is preheated to a supercritical temperature before reaching the nozzle and is pressurized before spraying due to a reduced size of the outlet port of the feedstock flow channel relative to the inlet. A supplementary collimating, or sheathing, gas is supplied to the flow channel of the feedstock and both the feedstock and the supplementary gas are uniformly heated before spraying. This arrangement helps to avoid clogging of the nozzle and results in satisfactory control of the properties of the particulate products of the spraying procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for open-atmosphere flame based spraying employs a nozzle to preheat, pressurize and atomize a mechanically pumped reactive and flammable liquid solution through a small orifice or a nozzle and then a set of pilot flames to combust the spray. The liquid feedstock is preheated to a supercritical temperature before reaching the nozzle and is pressurized before spraying due to a reduced size of the outlet port of the feedstock flow channel relative to the inlet. A supplementary collimating, or sheathing, gas is supplied to the flow channel of the feedstock and both the feedstock and the supplementary gas are uniformly heated before spraying. This arrangement helps to avoid clogging of the nozzle and results in satisfactory control of the properties of the particulate products of the spraying procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for open-atmosphere flame based spraying employs a nozzle to preheat, pressurize and atomize a mechanically pumped reactive and flammable liquid solution through a small orifice or a nozzle and then a set of pilot flames to combust the spray. The liquid feedstock is preheated to a supercritical temperature before reaching the nozzle and is pressurized before spraying due to a reduced size of the outlet port of the feedstock flow channel relative to the inlet. A supplementary collimating, or sheathing, gas is supplied to the flow channel of the feedstock and both the feedstock and the supplementary gas are uniformly heated before spraying. This arrangement helps to avoid clogging of the nozzle and results in satisfactory control of the properties of the particulate products of the spraying procedure.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus and process for electrochemical compression of hydrogen. The apparatus comprises a membrane electrolyte cell assembly (MEA), including planar gas distribution plates sandwiching the MEA, the assembly being held together by end-plates, the end-plates having complementary peripheral grooves for seating an intervening seal between the end-plates and the MEA, the end-plate on the anode side further including a hydrogen supply inlet and the end-plate on the cathode side further including a compressed hydrogen outlet. Both single cell and multi-cell assemblies are disclosed. The multi-cell assemblies comprise a plurality of such single cells connected in series, such that the compressed hydrogen from the outlet of a first cell is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the next cell in series, where each cell is electrically isolated from the adjacent cell in the series.

Abstract: The application relates to a method of fabricating micro fuel cells and membrane electrode assemblies by thin film deposition techniques using a dimensionally stable proton exchange membrane as a substrate. The application also relates to membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells fabricated in accordance with the method. The method includes the steps of successively depositing catalyst, current collector and flow management layers on the membrane substrate in predetermined patterns. Since the fuel cell is formed layer by layer, the need for assembly and sealing of discrete components is avoided. The method improves the contact resistance between the current collectors and catalyst layers and reduce ohmic losses, thereby avoiding the need for end plates or other compressive elements. This in turn reduces the overall thickness of the manufactured fuel cell. Since the fuel cell layers are optionally flexible, the devices may be fabricated using a continuous roller process or other automated means.