CATALYTIC AIR PURIFICATION - CHALLENGES AND NEW SOLUTIONS

The integration of regenerative heat exchange into the catalyst bed allows for the autothermal operation of catalytic air purification with a low content of combustible gas. Concentrations corresponding to an adiabatic temperature rise of less then 20-degrees-C can be processed without an additional heat source; in case of higher concentrations a side stream withdrawal allows for the utilization of the total heat of combustion at the highest reactor temperature. The feedback of heat due to the integrated heat exchange gives rise to an unusual reactor behaviour. An analogy of fixed bed reactor operation with countercurrent heat exchange is used to derive simple equations for reactor design and operation. If conventional catalyst packings are replaced by monolithic catalysts, substantial reduction in pressure loss and/or packed bed volume can be obtained. The corresponding relations are briefly discussed.