Reaction Characteristics of Lean Propane Premixed Mixture in Catalytic Combustion

Abstract

A premixed catalytic combustion of propane was studied at a temperature below 650°C and without gas phase reaction, using a platinum-impregnated foam catalyst. profiles of the compositions and the temperatures measured in the catalyst plate show features of low temperature and lean-burn catalytic reaction as follows : (1) The catalytic reaction was so fast that more than 97% of the fuel was burnt in the narrow region near the front of the catalyst plate. (2) Only several ppm of propane were detected in the central region of the outlet surface of the catalyst plate, so that the local combustion efficiency was estimated to be almost l00%. (3) However, more unburnt propane was detected at the edge of the catalyst plate where the temperature was low owing to heat loss. (4) Since a small quantity of CO was found near the inlet surface of the catalyst plate, there existed an intermediate oxidation reaction. (5) Catalyst saving was achieved with the use of a porous insulating layer on the outlet surface of the catalyst plate.