A numerical simulation of heat and mass transfer in metal-hydride reactors for hydrogen storage and purification was performed. Hydrogen desorption and hydrogen sorption from gaseous mixtures were analysed. The calculated results are compared with experimental data obtained in the Joint Institute of High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Science. The agreement between the calculated results and the experimental data is demonstrated to be satisfactory. It is indicated that to increase the efficiency of hydrogen purification in a metal-hydride reactor, the thickness of the porous bed cooled by external water must be no more than 6-8 mm. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.