Catalytic fuel combustion apparatus and method
US4171947A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1977 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/34
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flameless catalytic combustion apparatus includes a combustion chamber with a hydrogenous fuel inlet and a mass of catalyst in the chamber between the inlet and an outlet. Preferably the catalyst mass comprises porous pellet bodies supporting varying high and low concentrations of platinum family metals dispersed therein. For spontaneous starting of combustion the fuel is one of the lower alcohols and the high catalyst concentration is at the fuel inlet. The fuel may be in a container pressurized by air, or a lower ether or lower hydrocarbon which is also a fuel. Preferably separate, valved conduits from the fuel container first supply either atomized fuel droplets or air and fuel vapor to the high catalyst concentration for spontaneous ignition of combustion and vaporized fuel for continued combustion throughout the catalyst mass. The catalytic combustion apparatus may include a heat exchanger for fluids such as air, water or personal care foams and creams, or may be used in heating and cooking apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.