Hydrogen transport in composite inorganic membranes

A theoretical model simulating hydrogen transport through composite inorganic membranes is proposed. This model simulates operation of membranes made of three or more porous or metallic layers. Transport through Pd-alloy metallic layers is simulated using a comprehensive model proposed by Ward and Dao. The model accounts for external mass transfer, surface adsorption and desorption, transport to and from the bulk metal, and diffusion within the metal. Transport through porous ceramic layers is simulated following Burggraaf, who proposed an expression that combines viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion, and transition flow through porous media of complex geometrical structure. The model can also use experimentally determined permeance data when available. The theoretical model has been computationally implemented. Computations show very good agreement with experimental data available in the literature. The proposed model predicts hydrogen fluxes through composite membranes of several layers for standard operating conditions. The model can also predict which of the several layers used in manufacturing the membrane is controlling the total hydrogen flux. This information can be used to determine optimal thickness values for metallic and porous layers.