Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process. The system includes a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device utilizes a ceramic oxide or polymeric material to separate from the supplied air an oxygen-enriched component for introduction into the integrated scrubber. The integrated scrubber is equipped with a mechanical scraping device for continuous or intermittent removal of combustion deposits formed during the controlled decomposition oxidation process.

Abstract: A discharge gas containing PFC gas including CF4 and NF3 generated from a manufacturing process (10) is adsorbed at an adsorbing device (18) and then desorbed using nitrogen as a purge gas. A desorbed gas with CF4 and NF3 concentrated can be obtained in this manner. The desorbed gas is then supplied to a chromatographic separator (20) for chromatographic separation with nitrogen as a carrier gas. In this manner, CF4 and NF3 within the PFC gas can be separated. In particular, because the gas is once concentrated at the adsorbing device (18), chromatographic separation of the gas constituents can be efficiently performed. By independently concentrating CF4 and NF3 obtained by the chromatographic separation, high purity gas constituents of the PFC gas can be obtained, and reused at the manufacturing process (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen separation device comprising a housing, in which a membrane body separates a first chamber from a second chamber. The membrane body comprises several first channels and several second channels. The channels are arranged in the housing in such a way that their ends on one side of the membrane body are exposed to the first chamber, while their ends on the other side of the membrane body are exposed to the second chamber. In all first channels, the ends exposed to the first chamber are open, and the ends exposed to the second chamber are closed. In all second channels, the ends exposed to the first chamber are closed, and the ends exposed to the second chamber are open. The walls of the channels are formed by an oxygen transport membrane of the membrane body.

Abstract: A membrane for a sensor, a method for the preparation thereof, a layered membrane structure and a sensor for analytical measurements which require controlled analyte permeability. The membrane, layered structure and sensor may be used for biological, physiological and chemical measurements, however, are especially applicable for electrochemical measurements of glucose, lactate, urea and creatinine. The membrane comprises at least one polymer material, at least one surfactant, and at least one hydrophilic compound in admixture to provide a membrane structure in which micelles of hydrophilic compound lined with thin layers of surfactant are randomly distributed in the bulk polymer of the membrane. Upon conditioning of the membrane a structure of a percolating network of pores lined with surfactant is formed which has excellent permeability properties. The membrane has the additional advantage of a proper adhesion to polymer encapsulant structures.

Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable metal membrane with increased hydrogen flux compared to conventional metal membranes is disclosed. Without sacrificing selectivity, the membrane enables a greater throughput of purified hydrogen. A method for preparing the invention includes at least one etching step in which a controlled volume of etchant is used to selectively remove material from the membrane's surface. Methods for repairing holes or other defects in the membrane are also disclosed. The invention also includes a membrane module adapted for use in purifying hydrogen streams, such as those produced by fuel processors.

Abstract: A process for making microporous membranes that incorporate selected gas selective species as surface sites in a controlled spacing and orientation manner and such membranes so formed being suitable for separating and purifying the selected gas from selected gas containing gas mixtures. An example is the use of oxygen selective transition element complexes (TECs) as surface sites for separating and purifying oxygen from oxygen-containing gas mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation of oxygen from an oxygen-containing fluid using novel membranes, formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating. The process exhibits exceptionally high rates of oxygen flux. The process uses membranes that are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, which are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25° C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.

Abstract: A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials is provided. The storage device includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space where oxidizable materials may be placed and a differentially permeable membrane. The differentially permeable membrane allows at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The differentially permeable membrane is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas is allowed to pass through the differentially permeable membrane flows into the storage chamber. An air mover, preferably a compressor, feeds gases to the differentially permeable membrane. A cooling element is provided for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature. The level of oxygen within the storage chamber is thus reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable membrane includes a metal base layer containing a Group VA element, two metal middle layers which are formed on both of the two sides of the metal base layer and contains an element selected from Ni and CO, and two metal coating layers formed on the side of the two metal middle layers, on which the metal base layer is not formed, and containing Pd.

Abstract: An oxygen selective ion transport membrane is integrated with a boiler furnace to generate steam and, optionally, high purity oxygen and nitrogen. The heat required to drive the system is obtained by the combustion of an oxygen transported through the oxygen selective ion transport membrane with a high BTU fuel such as methane or natural gas. NOx compound formation is minimized either by utilizing a combustion products diluted air/fuel mixture for combustion in the boiler furnace or by limiting combustion to a mixture of oxygen and a fuel.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly 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. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly 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. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a support or screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating. The present invention is also directed to methods for reducing the thickness of hydrogen-selective membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a dual-layer inorganic microporous membrane capable of molecular sieving, and methods for production of the membranes. The inorganic microporous supported membrane includes a porous substrate which supports a first inorganic porous membrane having an average pore size of less than about 25 Å and a second inorganic porous membrane coating the first inorganic membrane having an average pore size of less than about 6 Å. The dual-layered membrane is produced by contacting the porous substrate with a surfactant-template polymeric sol, resulting in a surfactant sol coated membrane support. The surfactant sol coated membrane support is dried, producing a surfactant-templated polymer-coated substrate which is calcined to produce an intermediate layer surfactant-templated membrane.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. 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.

Abstract: The present invention is a microchannel mass exchanger having a first plurality of inner thin sheets and a second plurality of outer thin sheets. The inner thin sheets each have a solid margin around a circumference, the solid margin defining a slot through the inner thin sheet thickness. The outer thin sheets each have at least two header holes on opposite ends and when sandwiching an inner thin sheet. The outer thin sheets further have a mass exchange medium. The assembly forms a closed flow channel assembly wherein fluid enters through one of the header holes into the slot and exits through another of the header holes after contacting the mass exchange medium.

Abstract: A discharge gas containing PFC gas including CF4 and NF3 generated from a manufacturing process (10) is concentrated at a concentrator (18) and then chromatographically separated at a chromatographic separator (20) with nitrogen as a carrier gas. In this manner, CF4 and NF3 within the PFC gas can be separated. In particular, because the gas is once concentrated at the concentrator (18), chromatographic separation can be efficiently achieved. By independently concentrating CF4 and NF3 obtained by the chromatographic separation, high purity gas constituents of the PFC gas can be obtained, and reused at the manufacturing process (10).

Abstract: The new hydrogen-recovering device 10 has a box-shaped frame 11 made of stainless steel having a takeout pipe 12 attached to its one side. A plurality of spacers 13 are arranged inside the box-shaped frame 11 along a lengthwise direction of the device 10. A perforated metal plate 14 is fixed to each surface of the box-shaped frame 11, and a hydrogen-permeating membrane 16 cladded with a membrane holder 15 is further fixed to the perforated metal plate 14. Hydrogen gas as a decomposition product of hydrocarbon selectively passes through the hydrogen-permeating membrane 16 and flows through the takeout pipe 12 to the outside. A tubular device, which has the structure that a hydrogen-permeable membrane is fixed to a perforated metal plate wound around a tubular frame, is also proposed. The device 10 is light and strong, so that it is installed in a gas-reforming plant without use of a fixing jig.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a fluid mixture consisting of at least two components. The inventive method comprises the following steps: contacting the fluid mixture at a first, lower temperature in a first operating zone with a carbon membrane which is arranged adjacent to a surface of a porous transport matrix or which is applied on a surface of the matrix, whereby at least one fluid component is adsorbed and at least one component of the fluid mixture preferably permeates the membrane; heating a surface spatially distant from the membrane and/or a part of the porous transport matrix to a second, higher temperature which facilitates the thermal desorption of adsorbed components in a second operating zone; separately removing the fluid mixture depleted by the at least one permeated component from the first operating zone and the fluid mixture enriched with the at least one permeated component from the second operating zone.

Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process including a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device includes a module, such as a vessel containing ceramic-materials arranged in an adsorbent bed or coated on a substrate. The present invention uses a ceramic oxide material through which only oxygen can diffuse. The composition of the ceramic oxide adsorbent material is such that a significant number of oxygen vacancies exist in the material. By placing either a voltage potential or a pressure gradient across the membrane, oxygen is selectively diffused in and through the oxide material to separate the air supply into an oxygen component for introduction into the integrated scrubber.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging gases in a liquid is provided. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a housing, a first inlet, a gas exchange medium, a separator, a first outlet, and a second inlet and outlet. The apparatus may further comprise a circumferential collection gap that collects liquid from the gas exchange medium and directs it toward the first outlet. Also, the apparatus may further comprise a compliant chamber positioned near the first inlet. The compliant chamber reduces the overall impedance of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use as an implantable, artificial lung. In this embodiment, the liquid comprises blood and the apparatus exchanges supplied oxygen for waste carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A micro porous gas breather/filter assembly can be coupled to a housing of an electrical enclosure. The filter assembly has a two portion housing with the filter disposed between them. An adhesive on the filter attaches the filter to one or both portions of the housing. The filter allows gas to pass from the enclosure through the filter and to the atmosphere, but prohibits liquid from passing into the enclosure device. By filtering gases and liquids in this manner, the filter vents explosive and/or flammable gases from an electrical enclosure, while preventing liquid and other contaminants from entering the enclosure and damaging the electrical device or its wiring.

Abstract: A gas separator, a method for producing the gas separator, and a method for separating gases based on a property of inelasticity of the gases. The inventive gas separator is a permeable porous material for separating a mixture of gases by selectable pore size exclusion, comprising pores formed with at least one nanostructured compound. In other words, the inventive porous material can be used to separate a mixture of gases based upon the different working diameter of each of the gases. By selecting specific nanostructured compounds, the porous material can be tailored to contain pores of a predetermined size which allow gases having a working diameter smaller than the size of the pores to pass through the material while preventing the passage of gases having a working diameter greater than the size of the pores.

Abstract: To prevent a pressure container of a battery, a condenser or the like from exploding due to an abnormal increase of a pressure within the pressure container without having a rubber breaking plate with which it is hard to control the breaking pressure, there is provided a breaking plate integrally formed with a resin seal plate main body for closing an opening portion of a pressure container, a thin portion integrally formed between the seal plate main body and the breaking plate and being thinner than the breaking plate, and an inclined surface portion formed to be gradually thicker from a thickness of the thin portion and provided in a peripheral edge portion of the breaking plate.

Abstract: A method for removing a condensable component from a process stream in which a first side of a permselective membrane is contacted with the process stream in which is disposed the condensable component. The condensable component is passed through the permselective membrane to a second side of the permselective membrane, forming a condensable permeate. The condensable permeate is then contacted with a liquid stream having a liquid form of the condensable permeate, forming a condensed permeate. The condensed permeate may then be returned to the process which generated the process stream.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline polymer blended gas separation membranes are obtained by melting and processing 50˜99 wt % of a thermoplastic resin, 1˜50 wt % of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and 0.1˜10 wt % of a compatibilizer based on the weight of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. A method for fabricating liquid crystalline polymer blended gas separation membrane includes the steps of: mixing 50˜99 wt % of thermoplastic resin, 1˜50 wt % of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and 0.1˜10 wt % of compatibilizer based on the weight of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer; and biaxially extruding the resulting blend melt from an extrusion die of a film blowing apparatus to fabricate a film. The gas separation membrane exhibits high permeability exceeding the limit value which has been hardly overcome by the existing separation membranes.

Abstract: A process for recovering a first component and/or a second component from a multicomponent feed gas mixture containing the first component and the second component includes multiple steps. The first step is to pass the feed gas mixture through a membrane separation unit, thereby separating the feed gas mixture into a first stream enriched in the first component and a second stream lean in the first component. The second step is to cool the first stream. The third step is to expand the cooled first stream in a work extraction device, thereby generating a refrigeration supply for the process.

Abstract: A ceramic membrane structure and method for separating oxygen from an oxygen containing feed at temperatures above about 600° C. The membrane is provided with a dense layer and one or more active porous layers. The dense layer contains at least a mixed conducting material and the active porous layer is formed of a mixture having an ion conducting phase capable of predominantly conducting oxygen ions and a mixed conducting phase capable of conducting both oxygen ions and electrons. The ion conducting phase is present within the mixture in an amount greater than a percolation threshold and the mixed conducting material and phase have a greater electronic conductivity than ionic conductivity.

Abstract: Contaiminated hydrogen gas from a catalytic steam reformer is purified by passing it through a membrane assembly having a metallic membrane sealed between two tubular stainless steel members having perforations (or being formed as screen or mesh) and having an encapsulating chamber around it. Pressure regulating valve means in recycle path of residual gas flowing out of the membrane assembly maintains a constant pressure of contaminated hydrogen gas in the membrane assembly. The purified hydrogen gas may be further purified, if needed, by directing the purified hydrogen gas out of a side tube of the chamber through a second encapsulated membrane assembly that is a replica of the first encapsulated membrane assembly. A directional valve may be selectively set to recycle residual gas out of the first membrane assembly until it is virtually free of hydrogen. Residual gas out of the second membrane assembly approaches being 100% free of hydrogen and may always be exhausted to a burner.

Abstract: A hydrogen extraction unit has reformed gas flow channel plates, hydrogen separation plates, and purge gas flow channel plates, which are designed as thin metal plate members. The hydrogen extraction unit is constructed by laminating these thin plate members and then bonding them together by diffusion bonding. Each of reformed gas flow channel holes formed in the reformed gas flow channel plates constitutes a flow channel for reformed gas together with a correspondingly adjacent one of the hydrogen separation plates. Each of purge gas flow channel holes formed in the purge gas flow channel plates constitutes, together with a correspondingly adjacent one of the hydrogen separation plates, a flow channel for purge gas with which hydrogen extracted from reformed gas is mixed.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane for gas separations is provided with a nonporous continuous phase of a polymer and a dispersed phase of molecular sieve particles reacted with a monofunctional organosilicon compound. The monofunctional organosilicon compound is characterized by (a) at least one silicon substituent group which reacts or is compatible with the polymer, and (b) at most one displaceable radical that can react with the molecular sieve. A process for making a selectively gas permeable mixed matrix membrane involves reacting a molecular sieve with the monofunctional organosilicon compound, uniformly dispersing the reacted sieve with a polymer, and forming the resulting mixed matrix composition into a membrane structure. These mixed matrix membranes provide an improved combination of permeability and selectivity as compared to polymer-only membranes and mixed matrix membranes in which the molecular sieve is not reacted with a monofunctional organosilicon compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transmission of the pressure in the sterile area of a medical appliance, such as a hemodialysis appliance, to a non-sterile pressure gauge having two housing halves and a sterility filter positioned between the two housing halves. The housing half on the sterile side may be made of polycarbonate, and the non-sterile housing half may be made of a polymer, preferably a polyester/polyether copolymer, which provides an easily disconnectable and leak-proof connection with the pressure gauge. The two halves are ultrasonically welded together.

Abstract: Mixed matrix membranes capable of separating carbon dioxide from mixtures including carbon dioxide and methane, and processes for purifying methane using the membranes, are disclosed. The membranes are polymer membranes with a selective layer thickness of between about 1000 Angstroms to about 0.005 inch, that include discrete carbon-based molecular sieve particles with sizes of between about 0.5 microns to about 5.0 microns. The preferred ratio of particles to polymer is about 20% to about 50% by volume. A preferred method for preparing the mixed matrix membrane is by dispersing the particles in a solvent, adding a small quantity of the desired polymer or “sizing agent” to “size” or “prime” the particles, adding a polymer, casting a film of the polymer solution, and evaporating the solvent to form a mixed matrix membrane film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dense single-phase membrane having both high ionic and electronic conductivity and capable of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gaseous mixture, where the membrane comprises a mixed metal oxide material with interstitial oxygen excess represented by the formula AyA′y′A″y″BxB′x′B″x″B′″x′″O4+&dgr;, where A, A′ and A″ are chosen from group 1, 2 and 3 and the lanthanides; and B, B′, B″ and B′″ are chosen from the transition metals according to the periodic table of the elements adopted by IUPAC wherein 0≦y≦2, 0≦y′≦2, 0≦y″≦2, 0≦x≦1, 0≦x′≦1, 0≦x″≦1, 0≦x′″≦1, and x and y each represents a number such that y+y′+y″=2, x+x′+x″+x′″=1, and &dgr; is a number where 0≦&dgr;<1 quantifying the oxygen excess.

Abstract: Composite membranes capable of separating p-xylene from mixtures including p-xylene and m-xylene, and processes for purifying p-xylene using the membranes, are disclosed. The membranes are polymer membranes with a thickness of between about 10 and 1000 microns that include non-interconnected zeolite particles less than 5 microns. In one embodiment, a relatively thin polymer layer (0.5-3 microns) that includes zeolite particles is adjacent to a relatively thick polymer layer which may or may not include zeolite particles, where the thickness of the two layers is between about 10 and 1000 microns. The preferred ratio of zeolite/polymer is about 0.2 by weight. A preferred method for preparing the composite is by dispersing the zeolite in a polymer solution, casting a film of the polymer solution, and evaporating the solvent to form a polymeric film. The polymer permits passage of p-xylene and m-xylene in the vapor state, such that p-xylene diffuses at the same or a faster rate through the polymer.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing non-condensible gas from a working fluid utilized in a thermodynamic system comprises a membrane having an upstream side operatively connected to the thermodynamic system so that the upstream side of the membrane receives a portion of the working fluid. The first membrane separates the non-condensible gas from the working fluid. A pump operatively associated with the membrane causes the portion of the working fluid to contact the membrane and to be returned to the thermodynamic system.

Abstract: A humid gas stream is dehumidified by bringing that stream into contact with the front surface of a hydrophilic capillary condenser layer that captures the water and moves it adjacent the rear surface of the capillary layer. A semi-permeable collodion membrane, is disposed on the rear capillary surface of the condenser layer, and an osmotic fluid, such as glycerol, is disposed adjacent the collodion membrane. An osmotic driving force, resulting from a water concentration gradient across the collodion membrane, transports the condensed water from the condensing layer through the thickness of the membrane and into an osmotic fluid. The collodion membrane also inhibits the osmotic fluid from flowing into the condenser layer.

Abstract: A method for removing a condensable component from a process stream in which a first side of a permselective membrane is contacted with the process stream in which is disposed the condensable component. The condensable component is passed through the permselective membrane to a second side of the permselective membrane, forming a condensable permeate. The condensable permeate is then contacted with a liquid stream having a liquid form of the condensable permeate, forming a condensed permeate. The condensed permeate may then be returned to the process which generated the process stream.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly 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. The separation assembly may include at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a pair of end plates and a shell extending generally between the end plates. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a shell that is integrated with at least one of the end plates. In some embodiments, at least one of the end plates includes a deflection and/or stress abatement structure. In some embodiments, the device includes components formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus confirms airtightness of a closed space in a housing provided with a steam movement control device. The apparatus includes an air feed passage and an air exhaust passage, which communicate with an interior of the housing. The air feed passage connects to a gas injection device, which supplies a gas at a predetermined pressure. The air exhaust passage connects to a pressure gauge. In the method, while gas at a predetermined pressure is injected into the housing through the air feed passage, pressure measurement is performed in the air exhaust passage from the housing, and a measured pressure value is compared with an injection pressure value. When the measured pressure value is substantially equal to the injection pressure value, airtightness in the housing is maintained. When the measured pressure value is lower than the injection pressure value, airtightness has been lost.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. A gas purification system extracts energy from the waste gases to heat the membrane reactor. This, in concert with other control mechanisms provided results in a more efficient gas purification process.

Abstract: In an arrangement for removing water vapor from pressurized gases or gas mixtures, particularly from air, a membrane separating apparatus is provided wherein the gas-vapor stream is separated into a vapor-enriched permeate stream and a vapor-depleted retentate stream and the vapor enriched permeate stream is conducted to a vacuum pumping device for generating at the permeate side of the membrane separating apparatus a vacuum providing for a predetermined trans-membrane pressure ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process comprising a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device comprises a module, such as a vessel containing ceramic-materials arranged in an adsorbent bed or coated on a substrate. The present invention uses a ceramic oxide material through which only oxygen can diffuse. The composition of the ceramic oxide adsorbent material is such that a significant number of oxygen vacancies exist in the material. By placing either a voltage potential or a pressure gradient across the membrane, oxygen is selectively diffused in and through the oxide material to separate the air supply into an oxygen component for introduction into the integrated scrubber.

Abstract: A PFC separation recovery method to separate and recover PFC by raising the pressure of diluted mixed gas consisting of PFC gas and diluent gas, and subsequently contacting the gas with a membrane which permeates more diluent gas than PFC gas, and to separate it into a permeable gas flow rich in diluent gas and a non-permeable gas flow rich in PFC gas; and a PFC separation recovery system therefor. Moreover, the method repeatedly separates the non-permeable gas flow into another permeable gas flow and another non-permeable gas flow by contacting the gas flow with another membrane having the same functions as those of the membrane; subsequently detecting the pressure or flow rate of the other permeable gas flow; and controlling the flow rate of the other non-permeable gas flow so as to make the pressure or flow rate constant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a membrane for separation and dissociation of hydrogen, which comprises an amorphous alloy comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf, and Ni. The membrane has high permeability only with regard to hydrogen, sufficient mechanical strength and structural stability in an atmosphere of hydrogen, and it does not require, substantially, noble metals, such as Pd and the like.

Abstract: A solid state facilitated transport separation membrane prepared by forming a polymer electrolyte layer consisting of a polymer and a metal salt to a porous membrane having good permeance and mechanical strength; the polymer electrolyte facilitated transport separation membrane thus prepared is characterized in that the permeance and selectivity to alkene hydrocarbons is high, and that the complex is formed by a polymer ligand and a metal in the polymer electrolyte maintains its activity as a carrier of alkene even under dry operation.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided to divert liquids that would otherwise infiltrate utility manholes or other hatchways, while allowing gases to vent to the atmosphere. Preferred embodiments of the assemblies comprise a cover support frame, a sheet of water-repellent gas-permable material occluding the central opening of the support frame and a cover mated to the frame. Preferably, a stiffening ring or other means of providing structural rigidity to the venting structure is provided. The assemblies are lightweight and are simple to install, and can be fabricated from materials that are readily available. Moreover, the assemblies can be easily modified to accommodate field conditions.

Abstract: A honeycomb type gas separating membrane structure for separating or supplying a specified gas from a mixed gas is provided. The gas separating membrane structure has a honeycomb unitary structure and is a dense body made of a material having a gas separation ability. The honeycomb type gas separating membrane structure does not require a support for supporting a gas separating membrane, increases the membrane area, and reduces costs because its production process is simple.

Abstract: A humid gas stream is dehumidified by bringing that stream into contact with the front surface of a hydrophilic capillary condenser layer that captures the water and moves it adjacent the rear surface of the capillary layer. A semi-permeable collodion membrane, is disposed on the rear capillary surface of the condenser layer, and an osmotic fluid, such as glycerol, is disposed adjacent the collodion membrane. An osmotic driving force, resulting from a water concentration gradient across the collodion membrane, transports the condensed water from the condensing layer through the thickness of the membrane and into an osmotic fluid. The collodion membrane also inhibits the osmotic fluid from flowing into the condenser layer.

Abstract: Gas mixtures of SF6 and N2, which have been used, for example, as an insulating filler gas for underground cables, for insulating-gas window panes or as a filler gas for car tires and SF6/air mixtures which have been used as a protective gas when casting magnesium can be separated if they are contacted with hydrophobic zeolites of a certain pore size as selective adsorption agent for sulfur hexafluoride. For a relatively high SF6 concentration, the mixture is preferably first subjected to a membrane separation process and the permeate is contacted with the adsorption agent. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process. The process may also be used for separating SF6 from exhaust gases.