ANALYSIS OF HOMOGENEOUS COMBUSTION N MONOLITHIC STRUCTURES

An analytical method is used to solve the problem of homogeneous combustion in a monolith. The solid phase acts as burner support. Heat is conducted much more effectively in the solid phase and preheating of the gas is more effective. The flame temperature exceeds the adiabatic value. Solutions are presented for different velocities and feed concentrations. 1. INTRODUCTlON Both catalytic and gas-phase combustion reactions can be carried out in the presence of a solid medium. Examples of the first type include catalytic oxidation reactions, where the support can be pellets or a monolithic structure (Heck et al., 1976; Oh et al., 1993; Papenmeier and Rossin, 1994). Gas-phase combustion reactions in solid media find application as burners. Porous radiant burner supports consist of reticulated alumina, sponge-like metal or honeycomb monoliths (Min and Shin, 1991; Sathe et a/., 1990). The phenomenon of super adiabatic combustion was first described by Weinberg in 1971; he referred to it as excess enthalpy combustion. Premixed combustion in porous media results in flame temperatures above the adiabatic value due to the preheating of the inle