FUEL CELL FUEL STUDIES.
Abstract
The objective of this contract has shifted from processing military fuel to remove all the components harmful in a direct hydrocarbon fuel cell to removal of sulfur compounds only. Sulfur removal alone is necessary for indirect, reformer fuel cells. Work in this report period was concentrated on evaluation of two molecular sieve desorption methods - hybrid and ammonia - applicable for small field units. Hybrid desorption is a combination of carbon dioxide displacement and burning with air. Sieve tolerance to this treatment was investigated. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide was found to chemisorb on both Ca+2X and Sr+2X at 950F. In addition, both these sieves showed a decrease in performance when exposed to a combination of carbon dioxide and the water formed by the combustion. However, there may be a way to circumvent these problems. Performance decrease with water is thought to occur through the formation of an unstable H+ form of X sieve. But the H+ form of Y sieve is stable, and a Y type sieve which does not chemisorb carbon dioxide should yield a viable process. Results using ammonia desorption are promising now. No detrimental effects of water in combination with ammonia were found for any of the sieves tested. Increasing the product yield by partial desorbate recycle was found effective. Simulation of recirculated ammonia operation gave only moderately decreased product quality. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0836725
Entities
People
- Carl E. Heath
- William J. Asher