(221b) Testing of the Palladium Membrane Reactor and Potential Applications for Hydrogen Production

A Palladium Membrane Reactor (PMR) was tested at the Savannah River Site (SRS), as part of a collaborative effort between the SRS and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The PMR was developed at LANL as a simple and effective means for recovering hydrogen isotopes from fusion fuel impurities such as methane and water. PMR technology is also applicable to the reforming of JP-8 and diesel fuel, yielding sulfur-free hydrogen. This latter technology is actively being sought for many applications, such as a 10-kW fuel cell Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) powered by logistic fuel. Past accomplishments and future directions shall be discussed.