Decline in hydrogen permeation due to concentration polarization and CO hindrance in a palladium membrane reactor

Hydrogen separation from binary gas mixtures, Ar-H-2 and CO-H-2, using a double-tube type of palladium membrane reactor (PMR) was carried out and analyzed by solving mathematical models taking into account mixing diffusion of hydrogen in the radial direction of the catalyst-packed bed. The experiment showed that carbon monoxide prevented hydrogen permeation through the membrane at temperatures less than 280 degrees C. The decline in hydrogen permeation could be estimated by solving a model describing the concentration polarization and the hindrance by cabon monoxide. Furthermore, the mathematical models were applied to analyze methanol decomposition in the same PMR, showing that a drop in hydrogen permeation due to both the factors had a significant influence on the performance of the PMR.