METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND LOCATING PERFORATIONSIN MEMBRANES EMPLOYED IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

摘要

A method and apparatus detects and locates perforations in membranes used in electrochemical cells. The membrane has first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces. The first surface is exposed to a first reactant flui d, preferably a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen, while the second surface i s exposed to a second reactant fluid, preferably ambient air comprising oxygen . The first and second reactant fluids are substantially fluidly isolated from each other by the membrane when no perforations are present in the membrane. The first reactant fluid contacts the second reactant fluid when at least on e perforation is present in the membrane. The first and second reactant fluids exothermically react upon contact, preferably in the presence of a catalyst, to generate heat, which is then detected using an infrared thermal detector or thermal imaging device or a layer of thermally sensitive film positioned in proximity with the membrane.