Plural Layers (e.g., Laminated Barrier, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/11)
-
Patent number: 7927405Abstract: Porous composites comprise a porous membrane having a structure defining a plurality of pores extending therethrough, nonporous discontinuous surface layer affixed to said porous membrane, in which the nonporous discontinuous surface layer forms regions of gas permeability, and regions of gas impermeability, and a coating disposed upon the porous composite which renders at least a portion of the porous composite oleophobic.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, IncInventors: John E. Bacino, John L. DiMeo, Alex R. Hobson, Klaus Meindl
-
Patent number: 7922795Abstract: A nanoscale membrane exposed on opposite sides thereof and having an average thickness of less than about 100 nm, and a lateral length to thickness aspect ratio that is more than 10,000 to 1 is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making such membranes, and use thereof in a number of devices including fuel cells, sensor devices, electrospray devices, and supports for examining a sample under electron microscopy.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: University of RochesterInventors: Christopher C. Striemer, Philippe M. Fauchet
-
Patent number: 7923105Abstract: A hydrogen separator comprising a porous substrate composed mainly of a ceramic having a large number of pores connecting from one surface of the substrate to other surface, and a hydrogen-separating layer made of a hydrogen permselective metal formed on the porous substrate via an intermediate layer made of an electron-conductive ceramic. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as peeling, cracks or the like in the hydrogen-separating layer and is suitable for use even when the hydrogen separator is exposed to a heat cycle, used under high temperature conditions or/and used for long-term.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Ken-ichi Noda, Osamu Sakai
-
Publication number: 20110081712Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Klaus S. Lackner, Ursula Ginster
-
Patent number: 7914611Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
-
Patent number: 7909917Abstract: A porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer for manufacturing a zeolite membrane includes: a ceramic porous substrate, and a seed crystal-containing layer containing a zeolite powder to function as a seed crystal for forming a zeolite membrane and a ceramic powder and being loaded on a surface of the ceramic porous substrate and fired to fix the seed crystal-containing layer on the porous substrate. The porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer used for manufacturing a zeolite membrane inhibits a defect such as a crack from being generated in the zeolite layer upon manufacture or use by manufacturing a zeolite membrane by the use of the substrate which then can be subjected to air-spraying, washing, and processing for the purpose of removing a foreign substance, etc., prior to hydrothermal synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Hisayoshi Nonaka, Kunio Nakayama, Kenji Yajima
-
Patent number: 7909911Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
-
Publication number: 20110048228Abstract: The filter of the invention is a cartridge filter comprising a structure that can maintain a filter medium in an air stream to filter particulates to protect a gas turbine power system. The filter combines a mechanically adequate filter structure and an effective filter medium for to obtain a useful system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Michael W. Handley, Mark Brandenhoff, Kirit Patel, Timothy D. Sporre
-
Patent number: 7896948Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture containing the gas is provided by a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylamine (PVAm).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventors: Liyuan Deng, May-Britt Hagg, Taek-Joong Kim
-
Patent number: 7891499Abstract: A carbon membrane laminated body includes: a porous substrate, a first porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane underlayer disposed on a surface of the porous substrate, and a second porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane separation layer disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer, having a smaller film thickness, and a smaller average pore diameter, compared with those of the carbon membrane underlayer. It is preferable to form the carbon membrane underlayer and the carbon membrane separation layer by carbonizing a carbon membrane underlayer precursor disposed on a surface of the porous substrate and the carbon membrane separation layer precursor disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer precursor at 400 to 1000° C. in a non-oxidation atmosphere. The carbon membrane laminated body is a separation membrane excellent in both separation performance and flux when it is used as a separation membrane of a mixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akimasa Ichikawa, Miyuki Yabuki
-
Patent number: 7892321Abstract: An integrated heating system for adding heat to a feed fuel within a module by way of an integrated heating element within the body or casing of the module. The heat may be selectively added to maintain a selected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Diane Lee Aagesen, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
-
Publication number: 20110036237Abstract: A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Osamu Okada, Masaaki Teramoto, Reza Yegani, Hideto Matsuyama, Keiko Shimada, Kaori Morimoto
-
Publication number: 20110030382Abstract: A porous membrane structure is disclosed, which includes a porous substrate, a mesoporous, aluminum oxide layer disposed on the substrate; and a relatively thin, continuous, microporous barrier layer disposed on the mesoporous aluminum oxide layer, also formed from aluminum oxide. The membrane is capable of improving hydrogen selectivity within a gas stream, e.g., a synthesis gas composition. Membrane supports containing these structures are also described, as well as gas separation modules, and related processes. Power plants which incorporate the gas separation modules are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Geoffrey Mark Eadon, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Vidya Ramaswamy
-
Publication number: 20110023717Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising a porous support layer and a discriminating layer, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a porous support layer; (b) incorporating an inert liquid into the pores of the support layer; (c) applying a curable composition to the support layer; and (d) curing the composition, thereby forming the discriminating layer on the porous support. The process is particularly useful for preparing gas separation composite membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Yujiro Itami
-
Patent number: 7879137Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Robert S. Zeller, Russell J. Holmes
-
Publication number: 20110020192Abstract: The invention relates to a composite membrane for selective gas separation, comprising a layer system having a through-and-through porous, mechanically stable carrier layer, which has an average pore size in the ?m range, further having at least one through-and-through porous intermediate layer, which is disposed on the carrier layer and has an average pore size in the range between 2 and 200 nm, and further having a gas-tight functional layer, which is disposed on the intermediate layer and is made of mixed-conductive material having a maximum layer thickness of 1 ?m. The carrier layer comprises structural ceramics, a metal or a cermet and has a layer thickness of no more than 1 mm. The intermediate layer is present in a total layer thickness of no more than 100 ?m and has an average pore size in the range of 10 and 100 nm. The functional layer comprises a perovskite, a fluorite, or a material having a K2NiF4structure, such as La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-?(LSCF).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JÜLICH GMBHInventors: Stefan Baumann, Jose Manuel Serra Alfaro, Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg, Hans-Peter Buchkremer, Detlev Stoever
-
Patent number: 7871456Abstract: A membrane for use in an implantable glucose sensor including at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophobic polymer and at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophilic polymer; wherein the first and second polymers are different polymers and substantially form an interpenetrating polymer network, semi-interpenetrating polymer network, polymer blend, or copolymer. The membranes are generally characterized by providing a permeability ratio of oxygen to glucose of about 1 to about 1000 in units of (mg/dl glucose) per (mmHg oxygen). Three methods of making membranes from hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers formed into polymer networks are provided, wherein according to at least two of the methods, the monomers may be substantially immiscible with one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David A. Gough, Joseph Y. Lucisano, Joe T. Lin, Hwai-Min Tsay, Drahoslav Lim, Jana Limova, legal representative
-
Patent number: 7867324Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G Chen, Jeffrey M. Cohen
-
Patent number: 7862648Abstract: Thin layers of a mixed composition are deposited on a porous substrate by chemical vapor deposition in an inert atmosphere at high temperature. The resulting membrane has excellent stability to water vapor at high temperatures. An exemplary membrane comprises an amorphous mixed-element surface layer comprising silica and at least one oxide of additional element, an optional porous substrate on which said surface layer is deposited, and a porous support on which said substrate or mixed-element surface layer is deposited, wherein the permeance of the membrane is higher than 1×10?7 mol m?2s?1Pa?1 and the selectivity of H2 over CO, CO2, and CH4 is larger than 100, and wherein the H2 permeance of the membrane after exposure to a stream containing 60 mol % water vapor at 673 K for 120 h is at least 50% of its initial H2 permeance.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: S. Ted Oyama, Yunfeng Gu
-
Patent number: 7862643Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane comprises the steps of forming an intermediate layer suitable for controlling oxidation of a hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal used as a substrate; and attaching a catalytic metal in a granular form on the surface of the intermediate layer. This method can be used to manufacture a hydrogen separation membrane in which the quantity of catalytic metal used is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Aoyama
-
Publication number: 20100319535Abstract: A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane for adding steam to or removing steam from various types of chemical reactions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a membrane includes a polymer layer (a Nafion or sulfonated PEEK polymer layer, for example) exhibiting high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species. The polymer layer is sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers that are steam permeable. The rigid porous layers substantially immobilize the polymer layer and reduce the tendency of the polymer layer to shrink and/or expand in response to changes in temperature or humidity. The rigid porous layers may also retain water to keep the polymer layer moist. The physical support and moisture retention provided by the rigid porous layers enable the polymer layer to operate in a temperature range of about 100° C. to 500° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Feng Zhao
-
Patent number: 7854788Abstract: A filter membrane includes a substrate, a polymer layer provided on the substrate and a plurality of filter openings each having a width of from about 2 nanometers to about 5 nanometers provided in the polymer layer. A method of controlling pore size of a filter membrane and a method of decontaminating a filter membrane are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Norman R. Byrd, James P. Huang, Gwen Gross
-
Publication number: 20100313754Abstract: Provided are a method of efficient separation/purification of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas that contains, in addition to hydrogen, at least one component of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in an amount of at least 1% where the hydrogen permeability is kept high; a hydrogen separation membrane for use in the method; and a hydrogen purification apparatus. The hydrogen purification method for separation/purification of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas that contains at least one component of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in an amount of at least 1% is characterized by using a hydrogen separation membrane produced by adhering fine particles of palladium to the surface of a palladium alloy membrane; the hydrogen separation membrane is for use for the method; and the hydrogen purification apparatus comprises the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Eiji Okada, Jun Yoshihara, Futoshi Ikoma, Noboru Takemasa, Tatsunori Tayama, Kenji Otsuka
-
Publication number: 20100313758Abstract: A membrane is used for separating carbon dioxide from a gas phase. The membrane includes a substrate having micro-pores that extend through the substrate and a thin hydrophobic coating on one side of the substrate in which the pores of the substrate are substantially unobstructed by the coating so that the gas phase can penetrate the pores. The coating opposes or substantially resists a liquid solvent for absorbing carbon dioxide from penetrating the pores of the membrane from the side having the coating. The membrane may also be used for separating carbon dioxide in a flue gas of a coal fired power station. Further, the coating may be relatively inert to the liquid solvent compared to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: CO2CRC TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD.Inventors: Geoff Stevens, Jilska Perera, Julianna Franco, Sandra Kentish
-
Patent number: 7850764Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, thereby reducing the concentration of the vapor phase contaminant in the gas stream. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising a vapor phase contaminant with a first side of a membrane; sorbing the vapor phase contaminant using the membrane; reacting the vapor phase contaminant into an reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant; transporting the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant through the membrane to a second side of the membrane; contacting the second side of the membrane with a liquid; and dissolving the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant into the liquid. Methods for making a membrane comprising a metal for use in the present invention is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: David W. DeBerry
-
Patent number: 7846237Abstract: The concentration of adsorbate in the feed gas to an on-stream bed of a cyclical swing adsorption process is monitored and the data processed to predict the time required to complete the on-stream mode of that bed and the purge flow rate and/or other regeneration mode operating condition of the concurrently off-stream bed is modified in response to changes in said predicted time whereby the regeneration mode of the off-steam bed is completed at the same time as the on-stream mode of the concurrent on-stream bed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Andrew David Wright, Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Timothy Christopher Golden, Christopher James Raiswell
-
Publication number: 20100294132Abstract: Disclosed is an asymmetric membrane having a porous layer and a dense layer adjacent to the porous layer. The porous layer and the dense layer are made of a polymer material. The porous layer and/or the dense layer contains a filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicants: SHIN-ETSU POLYMER CO., LTD., DENSO CORPORATION, SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Junya Ishida, Mitsuaki Negishi, Yuzo Morioka, Mika Kawakita, Katsunori Iwase, Manabu Maeda, Masahiko Minemura, Mamoru Hagiwara
-
Patent number: 7837763Abstract: The invention under consideration concerns novel his-molecular-weight polyazoles, which are suitable for the production of fibers, films, membranes, and molded articles, on the basis of their high molecular weight, expressed as intrinsic viscosity, of at least 1.3 dl/g. Moreover, the invention under consideration describes a method for the production of high-molecular-weight polyazoles.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventors: Gordon Calundann, Oemer Uensal, Brian Benicewicz, Bobby G. Dawkins, J. Dean Baker, Rita H. Joiner
-
Patent number: 7837764Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: William C. Sanford
-
Patent number: 7833313Abstract: A process of producing an asymmetric membrane of multicomponent polyimide. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a multicomponent polyimide blend solution by mixing a polyimide component A having a number-averaged polymerization index NA and a polyimide component B having a number-averaged polymerization index NB, wherein NA and NB satisfies equation 1: 2.35×NA?2.09<NB<450×NA?1.12??1 (2) subjecting the multicomponent polyimide blend solution to further polymerization and imidation reaction, and (3) causing a phase inversion in the resulting multicomponent polyimide blend solution to form an asymmetric membrane. The polyimide component A is raw materials of polyimide A containing a fluorine atom in the chemical structure thereof and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials. The polyimide component B is raw materials of polyimide B and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yoji Kase
-
Patent number: 7833321Abstract: There is provided a protective filter 1 for an extracorporeal circulation circuit pressure monitor, having a dialysis device side housing 2, an extracorporeal circulation circuit side housing 3, and a hydrophobic filter 4 held between both the housings, which allows passage of a gas but does not allow passage of a liquid, characterized in that a plurality of ribs 27 and 38 capable of supporting the hydrophobic filter 4 are respectively provided in both housings, and a protective member 5 for preventing direct contact between the ribs 38 and the hydrophobic filter 4 is interposed between the ribs 38 provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit side housing 3 and the hydrophobic filter 4.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventors: Katsunori Kawai, Akinobu Yamaguchi
-
Publication number: 20100282085Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Peter David DeVries
-
Patent number: 7824470Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with a multitude of flow impingement elements which are interleaved to provide a fuel channel with intricate two-dimensional flow characteristics. The flow impingement elements break up the boundary layers and enhance the transport of oxygen from the core of the of the fuel flow within the fuel channel to the oxygen permeable membrane surfaces by directing the fuel flow in a direction normal to the oxygen permeable membrane. The rapid mixing of the relatively rich oxygen core of the fuel with the relatively oxygen-poor flow near the oxygen permeable membrane enhances the overall removal rate of oxygen from the fuel. Because this process can be accomplished in fuel channels of relatively larger flow areas while maintaining laminar flow, the pressure drop sustained is relatively low.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Louis Chiappetta, Louis J. Spadaccini, He Huang, Mallika Gummalla, Dochul Choi
-
Publication number: 20100274200Abstract: This invention relates to a packing for a medical device comprising a fabric or non-woven based layer e.g. provided with an adhesive surface or another layer for securing a device to the skin of a patient. The packing comprises at least one layer (1) impenetrable to gas which layer has at least one opening (5), said opening (5) is covered by a filter layer (11) which is permeable for sterilization gas, wherein the filter layer (11) is a part of the medical device to be sterilised. According to one embodiment the part of the filter layer (11) surrounding the opening (5) is placed in close contact with two opposing parts of the packing where a first part of the packing (1) which is provided with the opening (5) is in close contact with a first side of the filter layer (11) and the second part of the packing (8) is in close contact with the opposite side of the filter layer (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Jens Egebjerg Nielsen
-
Patent number: 7819955Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
-
Patent number: 7819944Abstract: A dehydration method by which water is selectively separated from a water-containing mixture 31 with a separation membrane. The separation membrane is a DDR type zeolite membrane 2. The dehydration method includes bringing the mixture 31 into contact with one side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 and causing a pressure difference between that side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 which is in contact with the mixture and the other side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 to thereby cause the water to selectively permeate and separate out. By the dehydration method, water can be selectively separated from a water-containing mixture without the need of a high energy cost. The separation membrane has excellent acid resistance.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Yajima, Kunio Nakayama, Makiko Niino, Toshihiro Tomita
-
Patent number: 7819956Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes formed from a hydrophobic polymer, such as halar having membrane pores of a size sufficient to permit gas and/or vapor permeation 0.05 ?m to 5 ?m without permitting the flow of a hydrophilic fluid across the membrane. Pore distribution is uniform and porosity is high, in some cases up to 80%. Membranes may be in the form of a flay sheet or hollow fibre for example and can be used in a variety of applications such as stripping HF gas, degassing of caustic solution, chlorine gas/alkaline filtration, degassing tap water to remove dissolved chlorine. Processes used to make such membranes can be carried out using relatively non toxic solvents such as citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.Inventor: Heinz-Joachim Muller
-
Patent number: 7811359Abstract: A membrane and method for separating carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases, where the membrane includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and polysiloxane. The membrane is highly stable and can separate carbon dioxide at high flux in harsh environments and high temperatures, such as exhaust gases from power plants.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kunj Tandon, Umakant Rapol, Ullash Kumar Barik, Rajappan Vetrivel
-
Publication number: 20100251888Abstract: An oxygen-ion conducting membrane structure comprising a monolithic inorganic porous support, optionally one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers, and an oxygen-ion conducting ceramic membrane. The oxygen-ion conducting hybrid membrane is useful for gas separation applications, for example O2 separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Curtis Robert Fekety, Yunfeng Gu, Lin He, Youchun Shi, Zhen Song
-
Patent number: 7806967Abstract: A fuel cell separator is provided with a separator substrate made of metal which has at least one open portion through which a fluid can pass provided in a predetermined position, and a film coating member that coats a predetermined area including the open portion of the separator substrate. A portion of the film coating member that corresponds to at least a peripheral edge portion of the open portion is adhesion treated.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoharu Sasaoka
-
Patent number: 7806962Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
-
Patent number: 7789948Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen separation membrane characterized by comprising a structure obtained by sintering atomized powder having a composition of NixMyZr100-x-y (wherein M is Nb and/or Ta, 25?x?40, 25?y?40) and an average grain size of 50 ?m or less. The prepared hydrogen separation membrane does not require the use of costly Pd metal, and can be used as a substitute for conventional high-cost bulk metallic glass obtained by quenching of molten metal. This hydrogen separation membrane is free from problems such as defects in the hydrogen separation membrane and unevenness of composition, has a uniform structure, and is capable of separating hydrogen at low cost. Further provided are a sputtering target for forming such as hydrogen separation membrane and its manufacturing method.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignees: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd, Tohoku UniversityInventors: Atsushi Nakamura, Masataka Yahagi, Akihisa Inoue, Hisamichi Kimura, Shin-ichi Yamaura
-
Patent number: 7789941Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
-
Patent number: 7789940Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Robert S. Zeller, Russell J. Holmes
-
Patent number: 7776137Abstract: A polyimide MMC membrane useful for the production of oxygen-enriched air or nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons or nitrogen, and the separation of helium or hydrogen from various streams. Membranes of polyimide polymers, such as polyimide polymers sold under the tradename P-84, are mixed with molecular sieve materials, such as SSZ-13, to make MMC membranes. The MMC membranes of the invention provide improved membrane performance compared to polymer only membranes, particularly when used to form asymmetric film membranes or hollow fiber membranes. The MMC films exhibit consistent permeation performance as dense film or asymmetric membranes, and do not interact with components of the process streams, such as organic solvents. The membranes of the invention exhibit particularly surprisingly good selectivity for the fluids of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Sudhir S. Kulkarni, David J. Hasse
-
Publication number: 20100202243Abstract: A screw machine for treating at least partially powdery bulk material has a housing with at least one housing bore and a screw arranged in the housing bore. A vacuum housing portion is provided, which is formed as a vacuum housing insert, which is releasably attached in the housing, in which a metal nonwoven is exchangeably held as a gas-permeable wall portion on a base body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Coperion GmbHInventor: Thorsten Stirner
-
Patent number: 7772139Abstract: Packaging using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the specific perishable item, and therefore extends its shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres inside packages using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based film, also leads to reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items. The reduction in the respiration rate prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, and yellowing, browning, reduction in production levels of ethylene. Thus the created atmosphere is able to extend shelf life, maintain high quality and preserve nutrients of fresh produce items by naturally regulating respiration of said produce/flower.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Shubham Chandra
-
Patent number: 7771520Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane and its associated method of fabrication. The hydrogen separation membrane has a first material layer that is permeable to atomic hydrogen. The first material has a first catalytic ability to disassociate molecular hydrogen into atomic hydrogen. Complex particles are applied to the first material layer, either to produce a second layer or to act as a barrier between the first layer and a subsequent layer. The complex particles are hollow bucky structure, filled bucky structures or core particles coated with a hydrogen permeable metal. The complex particles prevent material from opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane from interdiffusing over time. Consequently, palladium based materials and Group V based materials can be used on opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane. This produces a hydrogen separation membrane that is more permeable to hydrogen in one direction than it is in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Peter R. Bossard
-
Patent number: 7771519Abstract: Ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel comprising an interior, an exterior, an inlet, an inlet conduit, an outlet, and an outlet conduit; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region, wherein the inlet and the outlet of the pressure vessel are in flow communication with exterior regions of the membrane modules; (c) a gas manifold having an interior surface wherein the gas manifold is in flow communication with the interior region of each of the planar ion transport membrane modules and with the exterior of the pressure vessel; and (d) a liner disposed within any of the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the interior surface of the gas manifold.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Michael Francis Carolan, Christopher Francis Miller
-
Patent number: 7771518Abstract: An asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane is made of a soluble aromatic polyimide that is composed of a specific repeating unit. The tetracarboxylic acid component of the unit has a diphenylhexafluoropropane structure and a biphenyl structure. The diamine component of the unit essentially contains diaminobenzoic acids and any of diaminodibenzothiophenes, diaminodibenzothiophene=5,5-dioxides, diaminothioxanthene-10,10-diones, and diaminothioxanthene-9,10,10-triones.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yutaka Kanetsuki, Hiroshi Uchida, Minoru Shigemura, Nozomu Tanihara