Process and device for recombining and/or igniting hydrogen contained in an H.sub.2 -air-steam mixture, preferably for nuclear power stations

A process for recombining and igniting hydrogen contained in an H.sub.2 -air-steam mixture, which comprises:

• a) dividing an H.sub.2 -air-steam mixture into separate first and second partial flows;
• b) passing the first partial flow of the H.sub.2 -air-steam mixture through at least one first channel having a channel wall with a catalytic coating, and subjecting the first partial flow to a catalytic reaction for recombining H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 to form H.sub.2 O by contact with the channel wall;
• c) in parallel with the first partial flow, passing the second partial flow of the H.sub.2 -air-steam mixture through at least one second channel having a channel wall, and feeding the second partial flow past at least one ignition element being heated to an ignition temperature igniting the second partial flow upon at least reaching an ignition limit;
• and
• d) at least partially transmitting heat liberated during a catalytic reaction in the first channel to the second channel for preheating the second channel.