Membrane Test Equipment
We have several membrane test rigs that we make and use internally; the one I use the most often --
the one I did most of my research with -- is shown at right. It is a single-membrane test rig sealed by a conflat flange at its base. Feed passes through an internal annulus for temperature uniformity; hydrogen goes through the membrane wall;
purified hydrogen exits via a 3/8" exit tube in the flange. There is also a thermocouple well. The membrane is connected to the exit tube via a swagelok union and (typically) graphite ferrules.
The membrane end is sealed with a swagelok cap. I sell special, drilled out swageloks and graphite ferrules on our website. Generally we seal these rigs with graphite-steel gaskets that allow us to study hydrogen extraction at pressures up to 250 psi (18 bar) and 450 C.
We also use and sell a similar rig suitable for testing multiple membranes simultaneously. The multiple tube apparatus saves some time when we compare coatings and other properties. I have not offered this for sale on our website, but would quote it if someone asked.
More recently we've begun using and selling test eqiupment a higher temperature and pressure test rig, shown below. These are sealed with swageloks thoughout and are typically 18" tall.
We sell a standard furnace for use with these devices, or for use with our membrane reactors. If you already have a vertical tube furnace, you won't need to buy one. For low temperature experiments, you don't need a furnace and can use heat tape and a simple controller.