Catalytic Combustion of Very Lean Fuel Gas

The purpose of this study is to realize a catalytic combustion of very lean out of limit gaseous mixtures in order to recover the waste-gas energy and to provide a low temperature heat source. Methane is mainly used as a fuel and the effect of propane or hydrogen addition is also tested. Seven kinds of catalysts are examined of its reactivities. Palladiurn is most excellent among them and platinum or nickel follows. Rate parameters for the catalytic reaction are estimated. Two types of model heater using palladium are constructed and tested. The result shows that 1.2～4 percent methane mixtures can be stably burned at maximum temperature of about 600℃ with the reaction yield of 0.97 or above. Nomenclature V=flow velocity ml/sec V_0=volume of catalyst ml K=reaction rate constant sec^<-1>. C_l=concentration of methane at the entrance of catalyst bed. C_2=concentration at the outlet of bed. E=activation evergy Kcal/mol. A=frequency factor sec^<-1>. T=temperature in °K t=temperature in ℃ R=reaction yield