Abstract: A gas-separation membrane assembly, and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly incorporates multiple gas-separation membranes in an array within a single vessel or housing, and is equipped with two permeate ports, enabling permeate gas to be withdrawn from both ends of the membrane module permeate pipes.

Abstract: A treating unit that comprises an absorber unit for contacting a regenerated solvent with a gas stream loaded with contaminants to yield a treated gas stream and a loaded solvent stream; a regenerator unit for stripping the loaded solvent stream to yield a loaded gas stream and the regenerated solvent; and a device for smoothing contaminant peak concentrations in the loaded solvent stream and for receiving the loaded solvent stream. The device comprises a first hold-up tank having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second hold-up tank having a second inlet and a second outlet, and an inlet distributor that is operatively connected to the first inlet and to the second inlet and that provides for directing flow of the loaded solvent stream to either the first hold-up tank or the second hold-up tank.

Abstract: In a hollow fiber membrane flat module according to the present invention, both ends of hollow fiber membrane bundle which are formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membrane as a sheet are fixed to two housing separately by a fixing resin while maintaining an opening condition in an opening end section in the follow fiber membrane. Furthermore, a maximum width in an orthogonal direction to a longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane is no longer than 25 mm in a cross section which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the housings, and a maximum deflection in the housings which are measured according to a method for measuring the deflection according to the present invention is not more than 1% of a distance between the two housings.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: The membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet adjacent a first end of the housing, an air outlet adjacent a second end of the housing, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet. A membrane separator has surfaces extending between and connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A first sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane along and including surfaces of the membrane. The first sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. The sweep air inlet and outlet is adjacent the air inlet. A second sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane. The second sweep air passage has an inlet that is connected to the sweep air inlet and is adjacent the air inlet and has an outlet that is adjacent the air outlet and in fluid communication with the inlet of the first sweep air passage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. Each of the unconnected pores is in fluid communication with at least one of the interconnected pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and disposing a second layer on the first layer. Disposing a second layer includes depositing a conducting layer on the first layer; and anodizing the conducting layer to convert the conducting layer into a porous layer.

Abstract: An air separation module comprising a bundle of hollow elongated membranes, and a pressure vessel enclosing the bundle. The pressure vessel includes an outer tube, end caps at opposite ends of the tube, and an inner tube located within the fiber bundle. The inner tube is fixedly mechanically connected at opposite ends to the end caps to form a structural spine of the pressure vessel, whereby loads acting on the air separation module are transferred between the end caps primarily by the center tube.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer member and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable inner barrier extending within the outer member and at least partially along a first chamber defined within the outer member. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer member and a second chamber defined by the inner barrier to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer member and the inner barrier, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane dehumidifier includes: a dehumidification container composed of a lower trunk provided with an exhaust gas inlet section, an upper trunk provided with an exhaust gas outlet, and a body trunk; a lower tube plate for constructing an exhaust gas inlet chamber in the body trunk; an upper tube plate for constructing an exhaust gas outlet chamber in the body trunk; a partition plate for partitioning the interior of the body trunk to an exhaust gas processing chamber and a purge gas chamber; a plurality of hollow fiber membrane modules inserted into each through hole of an upper tube plate, the partition plate and the lower tube plate; and a sealing material held in sealing groove formed in the hollow fiber membrane module for sealing among an upper head, a lower head, the upper tube plate, the partition plate and the lower tube plate.

Abstract: A degassing apparatus is provided that accomplishes the connecting of a degassing element and a connecting member and/or the joining of a vacuum (reduced-pressure) chamber and the connecting member without using a fastening structure screwed together with the connecting member. A degassing apparatus includes: a reduced-pressure chamber having a through port for flowing a degassing target liquid therethrough; a degassing element, accommodated in the chamber, for passing the liquid therethrough; and a tubular connecting member joined to the chamber at the through port. The degassing element includes a gas-permeable tube, for passing the liquid therethrough, being covered with a joint piece at an end portion of the gas-permeable tube. The degassing element is fixed to the chamber by heat sealing the connecting member and the joint piece together.

Abstract: Ozone resistant O2/N2 gas separation membranes comprise a polymer membrane and an ozone reacting component, such as an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be included in the support layer of a composite membrane or included in the entire structure of an asymmetric membrane. The antioxidants in the separation membrane reduce oxidation and deterioration of the actual separation layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A degasifier is provided in which the deterioration in sealing property (deterioration in airtightness) is prevented while sealing members to be placed between a container and covers that compose a decompression chamber can be omitted. A degasifier includes a decompression chamber provided with a container and covers, and a gas-permeable tube. The container is a tubular body extending along the central axis. The covers seal the openings of the ends of the tubular body. The gas-permeable tube is contained in the decompression chamber in such a manner that a liquid to be degassed that has entered from the outside of the decompression chamber flows therethrough and the liquid to be degassed that has flowed therethrough flows out of the decompression chamber.

Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.

Abstract: A membrane air dryer includes a proportioning valve for providing sweep air to the dryer. The valve may be located in an easily accessible location and may be oriented so that the movable valve element extends transverse to the length of the shell. The valve may be configured to allow air to flow back from the delivery port to the fibers during a compressor unload cycle to maintain pressure on the fibers, while blocking flow of air from the delivery port to the sweep chamber.

Abstract: A gas exchange membrane is for use in an artificial lung. The membrane consists of a foamed, closed-cell material, in particular of silicone rubber. The membrane is produced by extruding a basic material which contains a foaming agent. The extrudate is then foamed. The result is a gas exchange membrane which has an increased gas exchange performance compared to known material due to the high permeability of the surface.

Abstract: An air separation module comprising a bundle of hollow elongated membranes, and a pressure vessel enclosing the bundle. The pressure vessel includes an outer tube, end caps at opposite ends of the tube, and an inner tube located within the fiber bundle. The inner tube is fixedly mechanically connected at opposite ends to the end caps to form a structural spine of the pressure vessel, whereby loads acting on the air separation module are transferred between the end caps primarily by the center tube.

Abstract: A membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet, an air outlet, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet; and a membrane separator having surfaces extending between and having an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A sweep air passage in the housing extends between first and second ends of the membrane along and includes surfaces of the membrane. The sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and has an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. A volume is concentric to the membrane separator, has an inlet connected to the outlet of the membrane separator and has an outlet connected to the sweep air inlet. The filter may be mounted in a reservoir with the membrane separator extending into the reservoir.

Abstract: A membrane contactor includes a housing, a stack of membrane mats, and a cap. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The closed end includes an outlet port. The cap is united to the open end and includes an inlet port. A stack of membrane mats is within the housing stacked substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Each membrane mat has a plurality of hollow fiber members. A potting material bonds the membrane mats to each other and simultaneously bonds one end of the stack to the closed end and bonds the other end of the stack to the cap. The potting material forms an internal chamber and at least one external chamber within the housing. The hollow fiber members extend through the potting material from the internal chamber into the external chambers. The inlet port and the outlet port are in communication with the internal chamber. At least one side port is in communication with the external chambers.

Abstract: A dry compressed air module is provided for attachment to the frame of commercial vehicle. The dry compressed air module includes a shell, an air compressor, an air dryer, and a reservoir. The air compressor, the air dryer, and the reservoir are disposed on the shell, and can be collectively attached to the frame using the shell. The air dryer is provided with compressed air from the air compressor, and the reservoir is provided with dry compressed air from the air dryer. The reservoir capable of storing and supplying the dry compressed air to the vehicle.

Abstract: The instant invention is a hollow fiber membrane contactor. The hollow fiber membrane contactor includes a cartridge, a shell, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The shell, which is adapted for enclosing the cartridge, has two ends and an opening. The cartridge further includes a perforated center tube, a hollow fiber fabric, a first tube sheet, a second tube sheet, and a plug. The perforated center tube has a first end and a second end, and the hollow fiber fabric surrounds the center tube. The hollow fiber fabric includes hollow fiber membranes, and each hollow fiber membrane has a lumen. A first tube sheet and a second tube sheet affixes said fabric to said center tube at each end of the center tube, and the plug is located at the first tube sheet. Hollow fiber lumens are open at the first tube sheet and hollow fiber lumens are closed at the second tube sheet. The first end cap and the first tube sheet define a first headspace therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel stabilization unit includes an electrochemical device for promoting the formation of water utilizing oxygen from a fuel stream for generating an oxygen partial pressure differential across an oxygen permeable membrane.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is separated from a gas stream using a supported carrier liquid membrane having a selected concentration of carrier species, the method being especially suitable for use in anaesthesia under conditions of periodic flow.

Abstract: A process for enriching the content of oxygen in oxygen- and nitrogen-containing gases in a separation apparatus which has an interior which is divided into a substrate chamber and into a permeate chamber by an oxygen-conducting ceramic membrane is described. The process comprises the introduction of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing sweep gas into the permeate chamber and the establishment of a pressure in the substrate chamber so that the oxygen partial pressure in substrate chamber and sweep chamber results in the transfer of oxygen through the ceramic membrane. The process is distinguished by high operational safety.

Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a seal disposed within the outer case, thereby dividing the interior region into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through the first chamber and the second chamber, where at least a portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes have first segments located within the first chamber and second segments located within the second chamber, the first segments being configured to allow vapor transmission therethrough, and the second segments being configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission therethrough, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy therethrough.

Abstract: Device for exchange of moisture, between at least two counter-current gas flows (A, B), comprising a generally closed chamber (1, 101) having an inlet (7, 107) and an outlet (8, 108) for a first gas flow (B), such that the first gas flow flows in a first direction from the inlet to the outlet inside the chamber; and at least one duct (2, 102), which extends inside the chamber, generally in parallel with the first direction, which duct (2, 102) is arranged to conduct a second fluid flow (A) in an opposite direction to the first direction and which duct (2, 102) comprises a duct wall material with high permeability to water.

Abstract: A method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide bonded oxygen carrier solution across a separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to the light and a method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide oxygen carrier solution across a hollow fiber separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to light.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas separation, in particular to separation of CO2 from CO2-rich liquids, particularly from CO2 absorption liquids used in the removal of CO2 from off-gases or product flows, such as natural gas or synthesis gas. According to the invention, CO2 is separated from a CO2-rich liquid by a method comprising a step wherein, under elevated pressure, said liquid is contacted with a membrane based on polyacetylene substituted with trimethylsilyl groups such that the pressure across the membrane is at least 1 bar and that at least a part of the CO2 is transported from the liquid through the membrane.

Abstract: A moisture exchange module includes a bundle of moisture-permeable hollow fiber membranes. It is provided with a feedline for supplying a gas stream that flows through the hollow fiber membranes in an inner flow. According to the present invention, a separating device for separating out liquid particles from the gas flow are provided in the region between the feedline and the bundle of hollow fiber membranes. The separating device may have the form of a groove and are arranged in such a way that the gas flow is guided in such a manner that the centrifugal force assists movement of the liquid particles towards the separating device. The moisture exchange module preferably forms part of a fuel cell system to humidify feed air for the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A membrane separating method and a membrane separating device capable of preventing sludge from being accumulated on the surface of hollow fiber membranes in a membrane cartridge and having filtration performance stably sustained for a long period. The membrane cartridge formed by sticking and fixing both ends of two or more hollow fiber membranes arranged in the vertical direction is formed in such a structure that the collected state of the hollow fiber membranes on an upper side adhesive boundary surface is divided into a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bundles.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes fibers formed of a membrane which exhibits selectivity between gaseous components to be separated. The fibers are partially coated with a solution which enhances their selectivity, the fibers being uncoated in the vicinity of their feed ends. The partially coated fibers provide a good compromise between the goals of improved selectivity and enhanced product flow. The gaseous component that permeates through the membrane is made to flow in a direction opposite that of the main gas feed, due to a baffle that directs the permeate in the desired direction. The invention also includes a method and apparatus for making the partially coated module.

Abstract: A nonporous metal carbonate membrane for selective separation of CO2 from a CO2-containing fluid having a porous substrate having a feed side and a permeate side. The membrane is also suitable for removal of H2S that may be present in the fluid.

Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

Abstract: There is provided an asymmetric integrally skinned membrane comprising a polyimide and another polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, sulfonated polyetheretherketones and mixtures thereof. The membrane which is substantially insoluble in an organic solvent and substantially defect-free can be useful as a separation membrane.

Abstract: A method for contacting a liquid with a gas in which the gas is introduced into a vessel containing at least one hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of porous hollow fibers. The liquid is introduced into a lumen of at least a portion of the plurality of porous hollow fibers at a liquid pressure sufficient to overcome a resistance to wetting of the porous hollow fibers, thereby covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the plurality of porous hollow fibers with the liquid and providing intimate contact between the gas and the liquid.

Abstract: A moisture exchange module includes a bundle of moisture-permeable hollow fiber membranes through which a first gas stream can flow. The bundle of hollow fiber membranes is arranged in a housing, the housing being provided with line elements for supplying and discharging a second gas stream, which flows around the hollow fiber membranes. Between the bundle of hollow fiber membranes and the housing there is at least one flow space, which extends over at least approximately the entire length of that region of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes through which the first gas stream can flow. The at least one flow space surrounds only a small part of the circumference of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, so that ultimately a moisture exchange operated in cross-current mode is formed. This can preferably be used for the humidification of feed air for fuel cell systems.

Abstract: A gas-separation module allows a sweep gas to be introduced at selectively variable locations, and in selectively varying amounts, along the length of the module. The sweep gas enters the module through a perforated conduit. A slotted sleeve, disposed within the conduit, selectively blocks and unblocks perforations in the conduit. Rotation of the sleeve causes slots to come into, or out of, registration with the perforations. The sleeve permits varying amounts of sweep gas to be introduced at different locations along the length of the module. Rotation of the sleeve changes the profile of introduction of sweep gas, and can be used to optimize the performance of the module for each of a set of different pressure conditions.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membranes, arranged within a housing. The housing contains a tube sheet that divides the space within the housing into two gas-tight spaces. A permeate collection system within the housing gathers permeate gas from the tubes for discharge from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas storage and dispensing system, which comprising a carrier material for a target gas and multiple microtubular elements in contact with such carrier material. Each microtubular element comprises a tubular wall that defines a bore side and a shell side that are sealed from each other, preferably by one or more potting members. The carrier material is either at the bore sides or at the shell sides of the microtubular elements, and it can be either a solid sorbent material for the target gas, or a liquid carrier therefor. Such gas storage and dispensing system is particular useful for hydrogen storage, when the carrier material can be a hydrogen-sorbent that contains hydrogen gas, or liquefied hydrogen, or an organic hydrogen solution, or a metal hydride solution capable of generating hydrogen gas. Such microtubular elements can further be designed as microfibrous fuel cells, while each microfibrous fuel cell comprises a carrier material at its bore side.

Abstract: A portable system for air separation or air dehydration, or both, is carried on a truck or equivalent vehicle. The air separation system includes, at a minimum, a feed compressor and a gas separation membrane. The air dehydration system includes a feed compressor and an air dehydration membrane. The feed compressor receives power from the engine of the vehicle, only when the vehicle is not moving under its own power. Heat from the vehicle engine may also be used to heat the compressed air stream to prevent the formation of water. The system can also be used to perform air dehydration and air separation simultaneously. The system is substantially self-contained, and can be easily driven from one location to another, simply by driving the vehicle to another location. The invention is especially useful in providing air separation or air dehydration services, or both, for relatively brief periods, at multiple locations.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module using a sheet-form hollow fiber membrane having excellent cleaning properties in which the pressure resistance of a hollow fiber membrane anchor section does not deteriorate, even when the membrane area increases; a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the module; a membrane filtration device using the unit; and an operation method therefore are provided. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises sheet-form hollow fiber membranes and an anchoring member which anchors the sheet-form hollow fiber membranes in a roughly parallel manner while maintaining in an open state at least one end portion of the sheet-form hollow fiber membranes. The shape of an end face of a side of the anchoring member from which the hollow fiber membranes are exposed is roughly rectangular, and the shape of an end face of a side of the anchoring member toward which the hollow fiber membranes open is roughly circular.

Abstract: A gas and liquid separation device for use with a fuel tank. The separation device includes a body having at least one passage therethrough in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a gas and liquid separator carried by the body in fluid communication with the at least one passage and being oriented at an angle with respect to horizontal when in use.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membrane elements, arranged within a housing. The housing contains tube sheets that divide the space within the housing into three separate, gas-tight spaces, with the tubes mounted in the central space. Feed gas enters the tubes through apertures positioned to feed multiple membrane elements within a tube in parallel, and one or more manifolds are used to collect residue gas from the membrane elements and direct the gas to the residue port or to a second group of membrane elements within the tube. The assembly can be used in various ways to carry out gas separation processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable liquid housing container and a durable liquid supply apparatus which use a gas-liquid separation membrane. Thus, a gas-liquid separation membrane (2) located at an air vent in a liquid housing container (1) includes a fibril portion (2A) composed of fibrous portions and an annular node portion (2B) which bundles the ends of fibrous portions of the fibril portion (2A) and which is closed so as to surround the fibril portion (2A).

Abstract: An Ni—Ti—Nb based multiple phase alloy consists of a combined phase which comprises a phase for the hydrogen permeability and a phase for the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The alloy has a composition satisfying the formula: NixTiyNb(100-x-y) in which x=25˜45 mol % and y=25˜55 mol %. A metal membrane for hydrogen separation-purification is prepared using the alloy material. The alloy material is prepared by blending Ni, Ti and Nb and melting the blend. The metal membrane permits the hydrogen separation-purification and thus the resulting purified hydrogen gas can be used as a fuel and can be applied to fields of production of semiconductors.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating contact between a liquid and a fluid. Such systems and methods may allow efficient removal of components from the liquid without using undesirable reducing agents. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification of a liquid by passing the liquid and a fluid through a porous medium. The porous medium facilitates mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A partial pressure differential of the component between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the component from the liquid to the fluid in the mixed liquid and fluid. One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of purifying a liquid. The method includes passing a liquid, such as a fuel, and a fluid, such as a non-reactive gas, through a porous medium, the liquid containing a component, such as oxygen gas, therein. The passing causes mixing of the liquid and the fluid and transfer of at least some of the component from the liquid to the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a gas stream includes a humidifier device having at least one membrane permeable to water vapor. The gas stream and a humid gas stream flow through a humidifier device, being separated from one another by the at least one membrane. The apparatus includes at least one bypass line configured to route at least part of one of the gas stream and the humid gas stream so that it does not come into contact with the membrane. In addition a method for humidifying a gas stream, includes flowing the gas stream through a humidifier having a membrane permeable to water vapor, flowing a humid gas stream through the humidifier separated by the membrane, and routing at least a portion of one of the gas stream and the humid gas stream using a bypass line so that it does not come into contact with the membrane, and varying a quantity of the portion so as to set a predetermined dew point in the gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite structure consisting of a relatively long filtration bar comprising, from the outside, an ultra-thin layer (26) that is selectively permeable to hydrogen and made from palladium or silver alloy. Said layer is disposed on a permeable, rigid, refractory substrate consisting of a more or less solid body (30) that is covered with an intermediary thin layer (28) having a relatively smooth surface. The body (30) and the intermediary layer (28) are made respectively by sintering with fine and ultra-fine Inconel grains. A rigid metallic axial structure (32) is embedded in the body (30). Veinlets (31), which are made in the body (30) through the destruction of thermo-destructible wires during sintering, increase the permeability of the substrate. The invention is particularly applicable to hydrogen-producing combustible gas processors.