PURPOSE: To separate and purify high-concn. gaseous hydrogen without using other purifying systems by supplying high-purity hydrogen at regulated pressure to the final vessel contg. a hydrogen storage alloy before liberation of hydrogen and discharging other gaseous components.
CONSTITUTION: A heating medium is introduced from a low heat source into a vessel 1 packed with a hydrogen storage alloy. At this time, the hydrogen in the vessel 1 is absorbed by the alloy, and the hydrogen pressure is reduced. When raw gas is introduced into the vessel 1, the partial pressure of hydrogen in the vessel 1 is increased, the hydrogen is selectively absorbed into the alloy, and the remaining other gaseous components, etc., are discharged to the outside of the vessel 1. The supply of gas is finished at this time. Then high-purity hydrogen is supplied into the vessel 1 from a hydrogen holder to discharge the other gaseous components remaining in the vessel 1. The heating medium is subsequently introduced into the vessel 1 from a high heat source to heat the alloy, and hence the hydrogen absorbed by the alloy is liberated and recovered as the gaseous product. The process is repeated, and the hydrogen having desired purity is supplied to the utilization source through a valve 7.
ITO HIDEAKI
OKUAKI TAKAHARU
