Phase change separators for thermal gas generators
OwnerJohn A. Bognarinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are devices for generating a desired gas or mixture of gases by thermally decomposing a gas-generating composition (e.g. a metal hydride or polymer) using the thermal energy generated by reaction of a heat-generating composition (e.g. a thermite mixture), and methods of making and using such devices. The devices include phase-changing separators, i.e. separators that at least partially melt, vaporize, or sublimate as a result of the thermal energy generated by the heat-generating composition.
Claims33
A device, comprising:
- at least one separator, at least a portion of which can undergo a phase change under conditions occurring in the device;
- a pyrotechnic composition, proximate to a first surface of the at least one separator;
- and
- at least one gas generating composition comprising a metal hydride, proximate to a second surface of the at least one separator, wherein the at least one separator is positioned between the pyrotechnic and gas generating compositions,
- wherein at least a portion of the at least one separator is configured to undergo a phase change, using heat generated by a reaction of the pyrotechnic composition.
A process, comprising:
- initiating reaction of a pyrotechnic composition consisting essentially of a metal oxide and a metal to release thermal energy;
- causing at least a portion of at least one separator to undergo a phase change, using thermal energy released by the reaction;
- and
- decomposing, using the thermal energy released by the reaction, at least some of one or more metal hydrides to release hydrogen gas.
An inflatable device, comprising:
- an inflatable article;
- and
- a self-contained hydrogen generator:
- a) interconnected to the inflatable article;
- b) configured to inflate the inflatable article;
- and
- c) having at least one thermal separator positioned between and in thermal contact with:
- i) a thermite composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal;
- and
- ii) at least one gas generating composition comprising a metal hydride,
- wherein at least a portion of the at least one thermal separator is configured to undergo a phase change, using heat generated by a reaction of the thermite composition.
A gas generator device, comprising:
- a heat-generating composition;
- a gas generating composition comprising a polymer;
- and
- at least one separator,
- wherein the heat-generating composition is proximate to a first surface of the at least one separator and the gas-generating composition is proximate to a second surface of the at least one separator, and
- wherein at least a portion of the at least one separator is configured to undergo a phase change, using heat generated by a reaction of the heat-generating composition.
A method for generating at least one product gas, comprising:
- initiating reaction of a heat-generating composition to release thermal energy;
- using a portion of the thermal energy to cause a phase change in at least a portion of at least one separator positioned between the heat-generating composition and a polymer;
- and
- decomposing, with thermal energy released by the reaction and transferred to the polymer, at least some of the polymer to release the at least one product gas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.