By Reacting Water Or Aqueous Solution With Metal Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/657)
  • Patent number: 7344688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating alkali metals such as sodium charged with tritium or components contaminated with alkali metals such as sodium charged with tritium, in which the alkali metal is reacted with liquid water or water vapor, so as to obtain hydrogen and tritiated hydrogen, characterized in that the hydrogen and the tritiated hydrogen are subjected, in a recombiner (2) to a treatment of catalytic recombination by the addition of oxygen so as to obtain water and tritiated water, and in that the water and the tritiated water are treated so that they are not discharged into the environment. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Framatome ANP
    Inventors: Olivier Carra, Yves Demoisy
  • Patent number: 7335320
    Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2:CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: James Kelly Kindig, Thomas E. Weyand
  • Patent number: 7323148
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator capable of operating in any orientation and having no moving parts includes a catalyst retaining structure. The catalyst retaining structure is disposed in a housing and serves to separate the housing into a fuel holding portion and a hydrogen chamber. The catalyst retaining structure also includes one or more pores, each pore being in communication with the fuel holding and hydrogen chambers. A catalyst, that promotes the generation of hydrogen gas upon contact with the fuel, is disposed within the pores. The fuel enters the pores and thereupon generates hydrogen gas which passes into the hydrogen chamber. Contact of the fuel with the catalyst in the pores may be controlled and the position of the fuel-hydrogen interface within the pore may be moved so as to regulate the generation of hydrogen. The catalyst retaining structure can take different forms, including one or more hollow elongated members or plates, and may further incorporate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Millennium Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Shailesh A. Shah, Michael T. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7316719
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus includes a chemical reaction chamber, a chemical solution reservoir, an unpowered pressure-producing member for moving a chemical solution from the chemical solution reservoir to the chemical reaction chamber, and a distributed catalyst bed about the chemical reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John A. Devos
  • Patent number: 7316718
    Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Millennium Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Amendola, Richard M. Mohring, Phillip J. Petillo, Keith A. Fennimore, Stephen C. Petillo
  • Publication number: 20070297973
    Abstract: A method for preparing for a photocatalyst. The method comprises steps of providing a mixture of indium oxide and vanadium oxide and then calcinning the mixture to obtain a indium vanadium quadrioxide. Further, a nickel nitrate solution is added to the indium vanadium quadrioxide to form a catalyst with a nickel oxide supported amount of about 0.1-2.0 wt. % and a post treatment is performed on the catalyst. In the post treatment, a reduction process is performed and then an oxidation process is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Yueh-Fang Chen, Hsin-Yu Lin, Yu-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7309479
    Abstract: The present invention provides unsupported and supported cobalt oxide catalysts and preparation method thereof, and its application for hydrogen generation from a metal borohydride solution. More particularly, provided are an activation method of a newly prepared catalyst and a regeneration method of a deactivated cobalt oxide catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myong Hoon Lim, Tae Hee Park, Jae Hoi Gu, Yongho Yu
  • Patent number: 7300643
    Abstract: With a method producing hydrogen by making iron or iron oxide contact water, water vapor, or a gas including water vapor, a hydrogen generating medium, which has a high hydrogen generation reaction rate and is resistant to a repetition of oxidation-reduction without degrading its activity, is provided by adding a different metal (such as Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, Al, Ga, Mg, Sc, Ni, Cu, etc.) other than the iron to the iron or the iron oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd., Kiyoshi Otsuka
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Sakae Takenaka, Kiyozumi Nakamura, Kazuyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7235226
    Abstract: By activating aluminum fine particles obtained by milling aluminum alloy in water, reactivity of the aluminum fine Particles at low temperature is improved. The activation comprises a thermal shock treatment wherein the aluminum fine particles are repeatedly heated and cooled down rapidly, and subsequently these activated aluminum fine particles are stored in a refrigerator. By reaction between the activated aluminum fine particles and water molecules, a large amount of hydrogen gas can be generated at room temperature, therefore hydrogen gas or fuel for a portable-type fuel cells can be produced in large quantities at room temperature in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignees: Dynax Corporation, Muroran Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Masao Watanabe, Ximeng Jiang, Ryuichi Saito
  • Patent number: 7201782
    Abstract: A gas generation system includes a chemical reactor configured to produce a gas from a continuous flow of aqueous solution, and includes a pump configured to control the flow of the aqueous solution through the chemical reactor to control a production rate of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John A Devos
  • Patent number: 7189330
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to change room temperature or cooling drinking water to hydrogen rich water that contains hydrogen abundantly simply and efficiently without using an electrolytic device, and a hydrogen rich water generator 2 is provided by filling magnesium grain 4 that generates hydrogen gases by reacting with the drinking water 6 and silver grain 3 into the case 1 made of ceramics of water permeability and porosity. This hydrogen rich water generator 2 together with the drinking water 6 are filled in the vessel 5, and the drinking water 6, magnesium grain 4 and the ceramics and the silver grain 3 are caused to react in the vessel 5 to generate the hydrogen gases, and the drinking water 6 in the vessel 5 is purified by the reaction of the silver grain 3 and is changed to the hydrogen rich water having hydrogen abundantly and anti-bacterial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Hayashi, Chisato Daimaru
  • Patent number: 7179443
    Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen gas for use in a fuel cell includes a powder metal hydride source, a water source, a mixing device and a catalytic hydrogen generating chamber. A method of generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell includes the steps of: providing a source of dry metal hydride fuel; providing a source of steam; providing a mixing/reaction chamber connected to the source of dry metal hydride fuel and to the source of steam; operating the mixing/reaction chamber to transport the dry metal hydride fuel from its source to a byproduct receptacle and feeding steam into the mixing/reaction chamber such that the steam reacts with the dry metal hydride fuel to produce hydrogen gas and a dry metal powder byproduct; removing the dry metal powder byproduct from the mixing/reaction chamber; and extracting the hydrogen gas from the mixing/reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Schell, Rolf Schaller, Jason W Buelow, Doanh T Tran
  • Patent number: 7166269
    Abstract: A monometal (1) is contacted with deuterated acidic water solution (2) in which at least some of hydrogen atoms contained in acidic water solution are substituted for deuterium atoms, thereby to generate hydrogen gas. With this, a great amount of hydrogen gas can be generated in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Yoshirou Tanaka, Seizo Kato
  • Patent number: 7144567
    Abstract: There is provided a renewable energy carrier system and method wherein the aluminum metal is the carrier. Aluminum metal is reacted with water in a catalytic reaction, thereby splitting the water into hydrogen, oxygen and forming a clean aluminum derivative. The hydrogen is converted into useful energy and the aluminum derivative is recycled back into aluminum metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Erling Jim Andersen
  • Patent number: 7122171
    Abstract: Supramolecular complexes designed to produce hydrogen from water are provided. The supramolecular complexes absorb visible light and undergo charge transfer, leading to the collection of electrons at a reactive metal center, where the electrons reduce water to hydrogen. The complex remains intact during electron collection and hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen J. Brewer, Mark Elvington
  • Patent number: 7083657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a system for the generation of hydrogen by contacting an aqueous solution of a metal hydride salt with a hydrogen generation catalyst. In particular, the present invention relates to the incorporation within the system of a recycle line of water condensed from the fluid product to the feed line to be contacted with the catalyst. the internal recycle line permits the use of a more concentrated solution of metal hydride as it is diluted by the recycle line prior to contact with the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Millennium Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Mohring, Michael Strizki
  • Patent number: 7078012
    Abstract: A method of producing a high pressure gas is disclosed and which includes providing a container; supplying the container with a liquid such as water; increasing the pressure of the liquid within the container; supplying a reactant composition such as a chemical hydride to the liquid under pressure in the container and which chemically reacts with the liquid to produce a resulting high pressure gas such as hydrogen at a pressure of greater than about 100 pounds per square inch of pressure; and drawing the resulting high pressure gas from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eattelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, William T. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 7052658
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation cartridge preferably includes a munitions casing, a hydrogen producing chemical reactant within the casing, and an outlet for releasing hydrogen produced in the casing. A portable hydrogen generator preferably includes a chamber for receiving a plurality of hydrogen generation cartridges, and control electronics for selectively operating the hydrogen generation cartridges in the chamber. The cartridges individually produce hydrogen under control of the control electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Alan R. Arthur, Phil Harding
  • Patent number: 7037483
    Abstract: To produce high-pressure hydrogen, water and a hydrogen-generating material (MgH2) which reacts with water to generate hydrogen are weighed so that a target high hydrogen pressure is generated in a high-pressure container. Then, the hydrogen-generating material is introduced into the high-pressure container through its supply port, and water is introduced into the high-pressure container through the supply port. Thereafter, the supply port is closed, thereby causing a reaction between the hydrogen-generating material and the water, so that the hydrogen pressure in the high-pressure container reaches a target high hydrogen pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Izuru Kanoya, Mitsuya Hosoe, Takeaki Isobe
  • Patent number: 7033566
    Abstract: A photocatalyst including a metal oxide semiconductor represented by the formula: In1?xMxAO4 wherein M represents a transition metal element, A represents an element belonging to the Group 5a of the Periodic Table and x is a number greater than 0 but smaller than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hironori Arakawa, Zhigang Zou, Kazuhiro Sayama
  • Patent number: 7008609
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing hydrogen gas serving as fuel for a portable fuel cell, whereby hydrogen gas can be provided easily, safely, and at a low cost. To that end, the method of producing hydrogen gas comprises the steps of causing friction and mechanical fracture accompanying the friction to occur to a metallic material under water and increasing thereby chemical reactivity of atoms of the metallic material, in close proximity of the surface thereof; wherein water molecules are decomposed by accelerating corrosion reaction of water with the metallic material. Further, for the metallic material, an aluminum or aluminum alloy material is used as industrial waste including refuse and cutting chips (curls) of an industrial aluminum material. Meanwhile, pure water not substantially containing ionic impurities and organic molecules is used for the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Dynax Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Watanabe, Yoko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7001681
    Abstract: An improved system for generating electrical power using a fuel cell. More particularly, a system for generating hydrogen gas by reacting water vapor with a substantially non-fluid substance and transporting the generated hydrogen gas to the fuel cell which generates electrical power. Reacting water vapor with the non-fluid hydrogen generating substance rather than liquid water prevents caking of the non-fluid substance and deposition of byproducts onto the non-fluid substance that interfere with continued generation of hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Roland A. Wood
  • Patent number: 6981367
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device for generating hydrogen from a water vapor containing exhaust is provided. The device comprises an exhaust diverter and a hydrogen generation section. The exhaust diverter is configured to divert a portion of the exhaust to the hydrogen generation section. The hydrogen generation section comprises an electrolysis unit defining a hermetically sealed void volume configured to accumulate and store hydrogen. The exhaust diverter may be placed in communication with a heat exchanger configured to increase a fractional relative humidity of the diverted exhaust by cooling the diverted exhaust. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Childs, Anthony LaConti, Keith D. Patch, Norman Dale Brinkman, David R. Monroe, David L. Hilden, Patrick G. Szymkowicz
  • Patent number: 6899862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen, the method including contacting a quantity of aqueous liquid with a quantity of dissociation initiating material in a reaction vessel; monitoring the temperature and/or pressure in the reaction vessel; monitoring the surface area of dissociation initiating material in contact with the aqueous liquid; and controlling the surface area of dissociation initiating material in contact with the aqueous liquid in response to the temperature, pressure, or both, or changes therein, or both, in the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrogen Energy America LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Baldwin, Russell P. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6875411
    Abstract: Process for the production of hydrogen consisting in subjecting a solid to oxidation and treating, in a different zone, the oxidized form thus produced with a reducing stream, preferably a hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Snamprogetti, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Sanfilippo, Alberto Paggini, Valerio Piccoli, Roberta Miglio, Stefano Rossini
  • Patent number: 6869585
    Abstract: Provided is a method of and an apparatus for decomposing hydrogen. The method includes the steps of introducing hydrocarbons into a reaction vessel in a closed-loop system, at least partially decomposing the hydrocarbons into hydrogen by heating the hydrocarbons in the reaction vessel in the presence of a catalyst, introducing the hydrogen into a cassette with metal oxide contained therein, reducing the metal oxide in the cassette to metal or metal oxide having a lower valence by at least partially reacting the metal oxide with the hydrogen to form water, and returning unreacted hydrogen to the reaction vessel. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen for an apparatus in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Kiyozumi Nakamura, Kazuyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6866835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system having an inorganic chemical system defined by an electronegative half cell reaction producing hydrogen, a first electropositive half cell having a sufficient potential to drive the electronegative half cell reaction; and a second electropositive half cell reaction. The electropositive half cell reactions are selected to increase the amount or rate of hydrogen and/or energy production. The invention also relates to a method of working the cell and the use of the cell for energy storage and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Protegy Limited
    Inventor: Neville Charles Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6849247
    Abstract: A gas generating process, which is for the continuous production of energy and hydrogen for rocket and other propulsion and is also for the continuous production of hydrogen, utilizes the reaction of metallic materials, particularly aluminum, with organic materials, particularly hydrocarbons provided as jet fuel, and with water or an oxidizer which is predominantly water. In comparison with related reactions, the reaction produces hot gases containing more hydrogen and the products have a lower temperature for the same specific impulse. The process incorporates organic liquids with metallic powders to produce desirable, lower molecular weight exhaust gas products; and the increased hydrogen is desirable for use with a fuel cell and in connection with propulsion of a super-cavitating underwater device. The process is advantageous in that a metal, in powdered form, and a hydrocarbon liquid may be provided together as a slurry or gel for effective metering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kerry L. Wagaman, Douglas J Elstrodt
  • Patent number: 6834623
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a portable hydrogen generation system for operating a vehicle powered by either the hydrogen internal combustion engine or a fuel cell using active metals such as sodium potassium, magnesium, aluminum or iron in the form of an emulsion, and a method thereof. The emulsion comprises a metal powder pre-mixed with oil. In the case of sodium, potassium and magnesium, the metal is reacting with water at or near room temperature. However, in the case of aluminum and iron, the metal is reacting with alkali hydroxide solutions. The system is controlled and managed by a microprocessor in order to generate hydrogen on demand at or near room temperature with a very high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher T. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040208820
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing hydrogen gas serving as fuel for a portable fuel cell, whereby hydrogen gas can be provided easily, safely, and at a low cost. To that end, the method of producing hydrogen gas comprises the steps of causing friction and mechanical fracture accompanying the friction to occur to a metallic material under water and increasing thereby chemical reactivity of atoms of the metallic material, in close proximity of the surface thereof; wherein water molecules are decomposed by accelerating corrosion reaction of water with the metallic material. Further, for the metallic material, an aluminum or aluminum alloy material is used as industrial waste including refuse and cutting chips (curls) of an industrial aluminum material. Meanwhile, pure water not substantially containing ionic impurities and organic molecules is used for the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Dynax Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Watanabe, Yoko Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040184987
    Abstract: A method for producing highly pure, hydrogen gas, of high pressure, if desired, by generating, in a reaction zone, hydrogen gas in the presence of one or more other gases and/or supercritical fluids; and the separation of at least some of the hydrogen gas by a separation zone having hydrogen selective permeability, whereby the separated hydrogen gas is substantially pure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Terry A. Ring, William Freise, Brett Maylett, Matthew Fisher
  • Patent number: 6790416
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation system. A source of sodium borohydride is carried on a flexible substrate that moves from a feed roll to a takeup roll. A reaction among sodium borohydride, a catalyst and water evolves hydrogen and forms a by-product that is removed from the reaction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: L. Chris Mann, Timothy J Corbett, Qin Liu, Ravi Prasad
  • Publication number: 20040131541
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a process and an apparatus for hydrogenating hydrocarbon fuels. A receptacle is partly filled an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide. A hydrocarbon fuel is then introduced inside the receptacle atop the aqueous solution. Aluminum is introduced in the aqueous solution, thereby producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is bubbled through the hydrocarbon fuel for hydrogenating the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Erling Reidar Andersen
  • Publication number: 20040120889
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator capable of operating in any orientation and having no moving parts includes a catalyst retaining structure. The catalyst retaining structure is disposed in a housing and serves to separate the housing into a fuel holding portion and a hydrogen chamber. The catalyst retaining structure also includes one or more pores, each pore being in communication with the fuel holding and hydrogen chambers. A catalyst, that promotes the generation of hydrogen gas upon contact with the fuel, is disposed within the pores. The fuel enters the pores and thereupon generates hydrogen gas which passes into the hydrogen chamber. Contact of the fuel with the catalyst in the pores may be controlled and the position of the fuel-hydrogen interface within the pore may be moved so as to regulate the generation of hydrogen. The catalyst retaining structure can take different forms, including one or more hollow elongated members or plates, and may further incorporate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Shailesh A. Shah, Michael T. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20040115125
    Abstract: There is provided a renewable energy carrier system and method wherein the aluminum metal is the carrier. Aluminum metal is reacted with water in a catalytic reaction, thereby splitting the water into hydrogen, oxygen and forming a clean aluminum derivative. The hydrogen is converted into useful energy and the aluminum derivative is recycled back into aluminum metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Erling Jim Andersen
  • Patent number: 6746496
    Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley H. Kravitz, Andrew M. Hecht, Alan P. Sylwester, Nelson S. Bell
  • Publication number: 20040101474
    Abstract: With a method producing hydrogen by making iron or iron oxide contact water, water vapor, or a gas including water vapor, a hydrogen generating medium, which has a high hydrogen generation reaction rate and is resistant to a repetition of oxidation-reduction without degrading its activity, is provided by adding a different metal (such as Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, Al, Ga, Mg, Sc, Ni, Cu, etc.) other than the iron to the iron or the iron oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Sakae Takenaka, Kiyozumi Nakamura, Kazuyuki Iizuka
  • Publication number: 20040081615
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas generation system for vehicles and stationary power applications comprises a trio of rigid, cylindrical high pressure reservoir tanks interconnected with suitable fittings and pipelines. A water holding tank alternatively stores hydroxide solution, or transfers it to an adjacent gas generating tank, containing a plurality of tubular, aluminum fuel rods. When the holding tank is suitably pressurized, hydroxide solution is transferred into the generating tank to start a reaction with a plurality of elongated, tubular aluminum rods disposed therewithin. Conversely, the liquid contents of the generating tank can be forcibly pressured back into the holding tank to stop the gas generation reaction. High pressure hydrogen gas is humidified in the third tank prior to combustion as fuel. Humidified hydrogen is transferred via control valves to the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Brinkley
  • Publication number: 20040068149
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrogen generating system, characterised in that it combines a water-corrodible metal, an inorganic material, said material having a specific surface capable of fixing the oxide and/or hydroxide form(s) of said metals generated during corrosion. The invention also concerns a method for generating hydrogen and its uses, in particular in a hydrodehalogenation process of halogenated organic compounds present in aqueous media to be purified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Philippe Marion, Cecile Rosier
  • Publication number: 20040053085
    Abstract: Improved containers have therein fuel, such as metal, in contact with an aqueous electrolyte. At least one recombination catalyst separate from the electrolyte is in gas communication with the container and, in some embodiments, a separate oxygen source supplies oxygen for the reaction with hydrogen gas. Generally, the recombination catalyst catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water. For example, the recombination catalyst can be attached to the top of the container, located in a cavity formed in the top of the container, provided to a portion of a vent connected to the container, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the oxygen source can be ambient air from outside the container or can be supplied from a suitable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Stuart I. Smedley, Stephen R. des Jardins
  • Publication number: 20040047801
    Abstract: Hydrogen is generated through the use of a fuel solution that is prepared using solid fuel component, e.g., a metal borohydride, and a liquid fuel component, e.g. water. Both of these components are dispensed in response to control signals. The solid fuel component can take different forms, including but not limited to granules, pellets and powder. Various devices, which operate in response to control signals, are disclosed for dispensing predetermined amounts of the solid and liquid components. Advantageously, this solution can be prepared, as needed, so as to obviate the need for storing and disposing of large amounts of highly alkaline fuel and discharged fuel solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Phillip J. Petillo, Stephen C. Petillo
  • Publication number: 20040024108
    Abstract: To provide a novel light responsive material having responsive property with visible light despite essentially not comprising oxygen defects, a method of manufacturing thereof, and applications thereof. That is, the light-responsive material in the form of rutile-type titanium oxide with a light source peak wavelength of 520 nm and activity due to the effect of light with a full width at half maximum of 20 nm. The activity due to the effect of light is NO elimination activity. The method of manufacturing the light-responsive material comprising the treatment with nitrogen plasma, or the treatment in an ammonia atmosphere of rutile-type titanium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: ECODEVICE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20040018145
    Abstract: To produce high-pressure hydrogen, water and a hydrogen-generating material (MgH2) which reacts with water to generate hydrogen are weighed so that a target high hydrogen pressure is generated in a high-pressure container. Then, the hydrogen-generating material is introduced into the high-pressure container through its supply port, and water is introduced into the high-pressure container through the supply port. Thereafter, the supply port is closed, thereby causing a reaction between the hydrogen-generating material and the water, so that the hydrogen pressure in the high-pressure container reaches a target high hydrogen pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Izuru Kanoya, Mitsuya Hosoe, Takeaki Isobe
  • Patent number: 6682714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen gas. The method includes the reduction of steam utilizing a metal species, such as iron or tin, to form pure hydrogen gas. At least two reactors are preferably utilized to continuously form additional metal for the reduction of the steam by reducing a metal oxide. No substantial transport of the non-gaseous reactants (e.g., the metal and metal oxide) is required, thereby simplifying the apparatus and reducing the overall cost of the hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kelly Kindig, Robert R. Odle, Thomas E. Weyand, Boyd R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6663681
    Abstract: A method for the production of hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is formed by steam reduction using a metal/metal oxide couple to remove oxygen from water. Steam is contacted with a molten metal mixture including a first reactive metal such as iron dissolved in a diluent metal such as tin. The reactive metal oxidizes to a metal oxide, forming a hydrogen gas and the metal oxide can then be reduced back to the metal for further production of hydrogen without substantial movement of the metal or metal oxide to a second reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: James Kelly Kindig, Boyd R. Davis, Robert R. Odle, Thomas E. Weyand
  • Publication number: 20030228252
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method generate hydrogen through a controlled chemical reaction between water and a chemical hydride. The invention includes a chemical hydride isolated from water by a water-selective membrane. A fluid containing water is brought into contact with the water-selective membrane. The water diffuses through the water-selective membrane and reacts with the chemical hydride. The water diffuses through the membrane at a predetermined rate based on a water concentration gradient across the water-selective membrane. The water-selective membrane is substantially impermeable to elements and molecules other than water. Hydrogen generated within the chemical hydride is collected and used in various applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: James Kevin Shurtleff
  • Publication number: 20030224229
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation system. A source of sodium borohydride is carried on a flexible substrate that moves from a feed roll to a takeup roll. A reaction among sodium borohydride, a catalyst and water evolves hydrogen and forms a by-product that is removed from the reaction area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: L. Chris Mann, Timothy J. Corbett, Qin Liu, Ravi Prasad
  • Patent number: 6638493
    Abstract: The process for producing hydrogen gas according to the present invention consists of reacting aluminum with water in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for producing hydrogen gas, comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous solution containing between 0.26 M and 19 M NaOH in a vessel. The next step consists of reacting aluminum with water at the surface of the solution to generate a region of effervescence at the surface of the solution and a precipitate sinking from the region of effervescence to the bottom of the vessel. The region of effervescence is kept separated from the precipitate at the bottom the vessel, to prevent any precipitate from mixing with the aluminum therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Erling Reidar Andersen, Erling Jim Andersen
  • Publication number: 20030194368
    Abstract: A hydrogen production system includes a reactor having an inlet and an outlet and a catalyst disposed in the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Devos, Philip Harding, Ravi Prasad, Joseph W. Tsang
  • Patent number: 6620398
    Abstract: A method for the production of ammonia. The method includes the reduction of steam using a metal species such as iron or tin to form pure hydrogen gas and the reaction of hydrogen gas with nitrogen gas to form ammonia. The nitrogen gas can be formed by extracting the oxygen from air through the oxidation of a metal, yielding nitrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kelly Kindig, Robert R. Odle, Thomas E. Weyand, Boyd R. Davis