Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors and
fuel cell systems containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices
include an enclosure, such as a pressure vessel, that contains a
separation assembly adapted to receive under pressure a mixed gas stream
containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at
least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the
enclosure is sealed without gaskets. The separation assembly includes at
least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in
some embodiments the hydrogen-selective membrane is permanently and
directly secured to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the membrane is
welded, diffusion bonded or brazed directly to the enclosure. In some
embodiments a portion of the hydrogen-selective membrane forms a portion
of the sealed enclosure, and, in some embodiments, an interface is formed
from consumed portions of the hydrogen-selective membrane and the
enclosure.