Parametric study of a recuperative catalytic converter

Catalysis Today, Available online 2 March 2012, In Press, Corrected Proof
Parametric study of a recuperative catalytic converter
R. Litto^a,
T. Nien^a,
R.E. Hayes^a,
J.P. Mmbaga^a,
M. Votsmeier^b
a Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G6
^b Umicore, Automotive Catalysis Division, Research and Development, Hanau, Germany
Abstract
Describes a computational study of a proposed recuperative catalytic converter intended for the catalytic combustion of lean methane streams. The design is based on the principle of alternating layers of washcoated monolith channels through which the fluid passes in counter-current flow.
Heat transfer occurs continuously across the boundary separating the layers. As a result, the exiting hot gas exchanges energy with the incoming cold gas. Monoliths composed of cordierite and silicon carbide are compared. Findings indicate that the monolith comprised of higher thermal conductivity material is more effective in enhancing the temperature in the reactor.
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