Optimization and performance of highly efficient hydrogen getter applied in high vacuum multilayer insulation cryogenic tank

Abstract

H2 released from materials in the vacuum chamber of high-vacuum-multilayer-insulation tank (HVMIT) and is adsorbed by the expensive getter PdO. However, in addition to its disadvantageous high cost, PdO produces sparks and burns easily during H2 adsorption process, thereby compromising the safety of storage tanks. Therefore, we designed an experimental platform for studying composite H2 getters based on transition metal oxides. The getter consists of copper oxide (CuO), active carbon (C), and copper (Cu). The obtained optimal C and Cu mass contents are 68.086% and 21.276%, respectively. The addition of C facilitates the H2 absorption by CuO. The adsorption rate increases by one order of magnitude with the addition of Cu. The adsorption isotherm of CuO & C & Cu is classified as type I as accurately described by the Langmuir model. At the equilibrium pressure not higher than 5.0 × 10−2 Pa, the H2 adsorption capacity is 397.00 mL(stp)/g, and Langmuir saturated adsorption amount was 415.913 mL(stp)/g at room temperature. The new getter offers the advantages of low cost, high efficiency, and ease of production. This getter can directly replace PdO as H2 getter and be used in vacuum storage tanks.