• Number 300  |
• November 23, 2009

Novel membrane prototype fabricated, tested

A novel hydrogen separation prototype developed at the National Energy Technology Laboratory was successfully tested at temperatures ranging from 400 to 800°C by the Reaction and Chemistry Engineering Research Group. The prototype consisted of hollow quartz glass fibers with an outer diameter of 400 µm and a wall thickness less than 40 µm.  Although the hydrogen permeability of the quartz prototype at 500°C is several orders of magnitude lower than palladium under the same conditions, calculations have indicated that for a set tube volume, sufficient hollow glass fibers can be accommodated to provide a hydrogen flux from a separation module comparable to commercial scale membrane materials. The hollow glass fiber membrane is expected to be economically competitive with palladium alloys from the standpoint of membrane materials cost.

[Linda Morton, 304.285.4543,
Linda.morton@netl.doe.gov]