GAS IMPERMEABLE END SEALS FOR SEPARATION MEMBRANES Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico, (SNL) has invented a gas impermeable end seals technology for application onto separation membranes (SD-6489). This technology has been developed over the course of this year with government funding. The end seals technology utilizes a ceramic-based material that is deposited as a thin film and forms a gas impermeable coating on a ceramic-based membrane support. The material for this technology is easy to apply, is compositionally compatible with oxide-based material substrates, and is thermally and mechanically stable. The stability allows for high temperature applications, with high thermal and mechanical stress cycling. This technology allows for either the permanent or the temporary installation of thin film membranes and their supports into gas flow reactors. When installed, membranes with these end seals are secure and stable within their locking fittings. After use, the membranes may be removed for replacement or regeneration of existing films and the end seals will remain intact. The membrane may be thermally and chemically treated, and reloaded into the reactor with the original end seals. The market could be substantial for this technology as chemical and petroleum companies utilize high temperature inorganic thin film membranes for light gas and hydrocarbon separations. Sandia is making this technology available to companies interested in further developing and maturing this technology into a market-ready product. An interested party should anticipate sponsoring a multi-year research and development project at Sandia to further develop the technology. The basic invention could be transferred to the successful licensee on an exclusive or partially exclusive basis, depending upon the needs of the parties. Responses from interested companies should include the following: A statement of interest in developing and marketing the end seals technology; a brief statement concerning the company's history including information about products that the company markets and information concerning the company's financial resources demonstrating its capability and commitment to participation in a joint research and development effort with SNL; and a statement concerning the company's objectives and expectations, if any, regarding rights to intellectual property developed as a result of a collaboration with SNL. For further information, please respond by mail or fax to Sheila Pounds by September 20, 1999 at Sandia National Laboratories, MS-1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 843-4163. Please indicate the date and title of the CBD notice in your communication. E-MAIL: Sheila L. Pounds, slpound@sandia.gov. Posted 09/02/99 (W-SN376005).

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