Catalytic gas igniter system
AssigneeMatthey Bishop, Inc.
InventorsJames B. Hunter, Larry L. Lawlor, George McGuire
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the ignition of a hydrocarbon gas stream utilizing a hydrogen pre-ignition arrangement. A small volume of hydrogen gas is mixed with air and directed past a platinum containing catalyst, e.g., activated with aluminum and in mesh form to heat the catalyst. A flame is produced and extends away from the catalyst and is directed from the catalyst so that it intersects a hydrocarbon gas stream and ignites the hydrocarbon gas stream at room temperature.
Claims27
A method of igniting a hydrocarbon gas stream utilizing a conduit confining a hydrocarbon gas stream and a hydrogen catalyst at all times disposed out of the hydrocarbon gas stream, said method comprising the steps of
- (a) establishing a flow of hydrogen gas and mixing the hydrogen gas flow with oxygen-containing gas;
- (b) directing said hydrogen-oxygen-containing gas flow past and in contact with the catalyst to produce a flame extending away from the catalyst;
- (c) establishing a flow of hydrocarbon gas through and from the conduit;
- and
- (d) directing the flame from the catalyst so that it intersects the hydrocarbon gas stream and ignites the hydrocarbon gas stream.
Apparatus for igniting a hydrocarbon gas stream comprising
- (a) a conduit confining a hydrocarbon gas stream and having a terminal opening through which the gas stream flows;
- (b) means for establishing a flow of hydrogen gas and mixing the hydrogen gas flow with oxygen-containing gas;
- (c) a hydrogen catalyst mounted out of said hydrocarbon gas stream at all times;
- (d) means for directing said hydrogen-oxygen-containing gas flow past and in contact with the catalyst to produce a flame extending away from the catalyst;
- and
- (e) means for directing the flame from the catalyst so that it intersects the hydrocarbon gas stream from the conduit and ignites the hydrocarbon gas stream.
Apparatus for igniting a hydrocarbon gas stream comprising
- (a) a tubular body member having first and second ends;
- (b) a tubular inlet extending into said body member first end and received by said body member and terminating within said body member;
- (c) a gauze configuration catalyst;
- (d) means for supporting said catalyst within said body member spaced from the termination of said inlet and spaced from the second end of said body member;
- and
- (e) means defining an opening in said body member between the termination of said inlet tube and said catalyst supporting means.
Apparatus for use in a hydrocarbon gas ignition assembly comprising
- (a) a tube portion having an axis and having an interior shoulder formed therein;
- (b) a substantially planar catalyst gauze, disposed in said tube portion so that the plane of said gauze does not intersect said axis;
- (c) a generally U-shaped non-catalyst metal mesh sandwiched around said catalyst gauze, portions of said mesh abutting said interior shoulder;
- and
- (d) deformed end portions of said tube portion spaced from said interior shoulder along said axis and engaging portions of said metal mesh.
A method of igniting a hydrogen gas stream comprising the steps of
- (a) establishing a flow of hydrogen gas substantially at room temperature into contact with a 10% Rh/Pt alloy catalyst activated with Al and in mesh form to heat said catalyst;
- and
- (b) establishing a flow of hydrocarbon gas in the vicinity of said catalyst to ignite said hydrocarbon gas with said heated catalyst.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.