A system and method for removing a by-product from a chemical hydride
solution is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) withdrawing
the chemical hydride solution at a first temperature from the reactor; (b)
cooling the chemical hydride solution to a second temperature below the
first temperature, wherein a precipitate is formed from a portion of the
by-product; (c) removing the precipitate from the chemical hydride
solution; (d) heating the chemical hydride solution to a third temperature
above the second temperature, to dissolve the remaining precipitate; and
(e) delivering the chemical hydride solution back to the reactor. The
system is a circuit which includes: (a) a hydrogen reactor; (b) a pump for
withdrawing the chemical hydride solution from the reactor and returning
the chemical hydride solution to the reactor; (c) a cooling element for
cooling the chemical hydride solution to a second temperature below the
first temperature; (d) a separator for removing the precipitate from the
chemical hydride solution; and (e) a heater for heating the chemical
hydride solution to a third temperature.
