Abstract: A technique includes applying a vacuum to a manifold of a fuel cell stack to remove accumulated water from the stack. As an example, a fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack that is capable of accumulating water. A vacuum system of the fuel cell system applies a vacuum to the fuel cell stack to remove at least some of the accumulated water.

Abstract: Methods and kits for removing contaminants from fuel cells are disclosed. The methods include passing a removal substance through a flow channel in the cell, where the substance is selected to remove the contaminant. The contaminants can be, e.g., metallic ions or organic compounds, and the removal substance can be, e.g., acidic or alkaline solutions, chelating agents, or oxidants.

Abstract: Methods and kits for removing contaminants from fuel cells are disclosed. The methods include passing a removal substance through a flow channel in the cell, where the substance is selected to remove the contaminant. The contaminants can be, e.g., metallic ions or organic compounds, and the removal substance can be, e.g., acidic or alkaline solutions, chelating agents, or oxidants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell system having membranes that are used to humidify reactant gases. The membranes effectively prevent contamination of the reactant gases during humidification. The membranes can be used to purify the reactant gases during humidification.

Abstract: An assembly includes fuel cell plates and a valve. The fuel cell plates are arranged to form a fuel cell, and the plates establish a manifold passageway to communicate a fluid for the fuel cell. At least one of the plates includes flow channels to communicate the fluid through the fuel cell. The valve selectively regulates communication of the fluid between the manifold passageway and the channels.

Abstract: A majority amount of a heavy hydrocarbon crude is reacted with a minor amount of brine, at supercritical temperature and pressure for the brine, for a predetermined period of time in order to upgrade and convert the heavy hydrocarbon crude into a lighter hydrocarbon crude of higher API gravity. The upgrading and conversion of a viscous heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil into lighter hydrocarbons is accomplished in a continuous reactor system and may be accomplished in a subterranean petroleum reservoir at supercritical temperature and pressure. The overall heat of reaction is neutral, i.e., neither exothermic nor endothermic. In order to provide the necessary temperature, heat is added to the system prior to the reaction. For an in situ application, a combustion operation may be utilized to provide the necessary temperature, and is initiated using an oxidizing gas injected through an injection well.

Abstract: A process for the production and the conversion of shale kerogen to produce shale oil. The process includes grinding crushed shale into a first product and treating the first product with a first collector. The treated first product is introduced into a first flotation zone in order to recover liberated kerogen. Subsequently, the recovered liberated kerogen is ground into a second product which is treated with a second collector. The treated second product is introduced into a second flotation zone in order to recover clean kerogen. The recovered clean kerogen is mixed with a liquid means to form a pumpable kerogen paste which is subsequently introduced into a reaction zone in order to convert the kerogen in the pumpable kerogen paste into a hydrocarbon liquid that is subsequently removed from the reaction zone.

Abstract: An apparatus, for the rapid heating and subsequent reaction of carbonaceous material and hydrogen, comprising a cylindrical reactor shell; a first inlet conduit, coaxial with the shell, terminating inside the shell and having the terminal discharge end covered with a metal that resists carbide formation which leads to plugging; a second inlet conduit whose discharge end is in proximity to the discharge end of the first conduit; and suitable insulation means between the first and second conduits.