Method and device for initiating a hydrogen/oxygen reaction in a reactor safety vessel

US6491877B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Framatome ANP · DE

Inventors

• Bernd Eckardt · Bruchköbel, DE
• Axel Hill · Riedstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydrogen/oxygen reaction is initiated in a catalytic recombination or ignition device. The device has one or more catalyst bodies with a predetermined catalytic surface. Only a small portion of the entire available catalytic surface, preferably less than 5% of the surface, is permanently maintained at a temperature level above ambient temperature. The temperature is raised by introducing energy with a heater. The heated surface portion acts as an initial igniter.