Anode gas burner for inert gas generation, method and apparatus
US6612830B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23D2900/21003
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a method and apparatus for purging an oxidant or residual fuel by controlled oxidation within a closed loop system. The particular application disclosed can operate to purge oxygen from an anode loop of a fuel cell just prior to startup, and can also operate to consume the remaining hydrogen or fuel at shutdown. The method employs the addition of additional fuel to a feed stream within the anode loop to a level that will through oxidation within the apparatus deplete the desired amount of oxygen. The method also employs the addition of air into a hydrogen feed loop that through oxidation within the apparatus consumes the hydrogen. Oxidation is accomplished first by diffusion burning and then catalysis to accomplish the depletion quickly. The method and apparatus eliminates the need for a separately stored inert gas purge tank and associated systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.