Abstract: A system for flameless catalytic destruction of fugitive hydrocarbons which preferably includes multiple catalytic heaters placed face to face in an array and spaced such that an optional infrared absorber may be placed between the face to face heaters. The heater, absorber and air are preferably held in equilibrium and keep the heater surface below the ignition temperature of any hydrocarbon which might be present in the drafted air.

Abstract: A synthetic ember comprising refractory ceramic wool coated with about 0.10 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of an oxidation catalyst of Pt, Pd, Rh, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof for use in small pieces as embers in a gas-fired log set or fireplace. The refractory ceramic wool preferably has a surface area of from 20 to 200 square meters per gram and a density of 0.01 to 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter and the catalytic embers are less than one inch square. The synthetic embers increase heat recoverable at a given BTU from a flame, with reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and CO emissions and improved aesthetics.

Abstract: A synthetic ember comprising refractory ceramic wool coated with about 0.10 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of an oxidation catalyst of Pt, Pd, Rh, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof for use in small pieces as embers in a gas-fired log set or fireplace. The refractory ceramic wool preferably has a surface area of from 20 to 200 square meters per gram and a density of 0.01 to 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter and the catalytic embers are less than one inch square. The synthetic embers increase heat recoverable at a given BTU from a flame, with reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and CO emissions and improved aesthetics.

Abstract: A system for oxidation of carbon monoxide produced from gas log sets used in a vent free mode in a wood burning fireplace or fireplace insert. In the system a vent chamber is placed in the top of the combustion chamber. The vent chamber has three sides, a ceiling and a floor the front of the chamber being open and venting outside of the firebox. The vent chamber is positioned in the top of the fireplace combustion chamber. The floor of the vent chamber has a hole cut into it and a low shape profile, low pressure drop catalytic screen placed in the hole so that the exhaust can pass through the catalyst into the chamber and then vent to the room. A curtain may be placed below the chamber vent and in front of the catalyst to act as a baffle or dam to restrict the flow of rising hot exhaust and redirecting it through the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the ratio of sulfur dioxide to hydrogen disulfide from the regeneration of a catalytic system of a structured support for example a monolith coated with: (i) a metal oxide sorber component selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Ce, Al, Si and mixtures thereof, for example Ti2O, (ii) a precious metal component, for example Pt metal and, optionally (iii) a modifier consisting of an oxide Ag, Cu, Bi, Sb, Sn, As, In, Pb, Au or mixtures thereof, such as Cu as copper oxide. The system first captures the gaseous sulfur compounds. Then the captured gaseous sulfur compounds are then desorbed as mainly H2S and SO, in higher concentrations in a separate isolated lower flow stream in a ratio determined by the amount of modifier in the catalyst. The higher concentrations may be processed to less noxious or useful sulfur materials and the catalyst/sorber is regenerated.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing and oxidizing VOC's in the same bed, thus reducing the size of or even eliminating the need for a catalytic or thermal oxidation unit at the end of the system. In this system, a catalyst is intimately interspersed with the adsorbent material. The catalyst oxidizes VOC's released during desorption when it reaches the ‘light off temperature,’ that is, the catalyst temperature necessary for oxidation to begin. As VOC's are desorbed, they are combusted by the catalyst in the same bed and also by their combustion, heat the bed to aid in the desorption of VOC's elsewhere in the bed.

Abstract: A system for oxidation of carbon monoxide produced from gas log sets used in a vent free mode in a wood burning fireplace or fireplace insert. In the system a vent chamber is placed in the top of the combustion chamber. The vent chamber has three sides, a ceiling and a floor the front of the chamber being open and venting outside of the firebox. The vent chamber is positioned in the top of the fireplace combustion chamber. The floor of the vent chamber has a hole cut into it and a low shape profile, low pressure drop catalytic screen placed in the hole so that the exhaust can pass through the catalyst into the chamber and then vent to the room. A curtain may be placed below the chamber vent and in front of the catalyst to act as a baffle or dam to restrict the flow of rising hot exhaust and redirecting it through the catalyst.

Abstract: A heating appliance including a firebox having an inlet and an outlet, the firebox inlet and outlet in communication with a space containing ambient air and within which the appliance is located. A gas burner is disposed within the firebox and provides a flame, the flame supported by ambient air entering the firebox through the firebox inlet, the flame producing products of combustion which exit the firebox throught the firebox outlet. A catalyst element is in communication with the firebox outlet, and at least a portion of the products of combustion which exit the firebox through the firebox outlet are directed through the catalyst element. At least some of the products of combustion directed through the catalyst element are catalyzed, the catalyzed products of combustion being directed into the space in which the appliance is located. A plenum is in thermal communication with the firebox.

Abstract: An apparatus for arresting and extinguishing a flame having a flame arrestor, a lid aligned with the flame arrestor and adapted to move into contact with said flame arrestor to extinguish said flame, when a member which holds the lid away from the frame arrestor the is destroyed by the flame as it reaches the surface of the flame arrestor. In order to obtain this operation the member is made on a material that is destroyed at about the temperature of the flame, for example by melting.

Abstract: A device for improving the efficiency, safety and cleanliness of cooking on a grill wherein the device is placed between the item being cooked and the heat source. Said device being a chamber with dimensions proportional to those of the cooking surface. The chamber is encased by a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is to be compatible with and coated by an oxidation catalyst, constructed by one or more layers, have structural integrity and constructed so that gases can pass freely through the structure while any liquids or solids falling from above would be interrupted by impingement. The top surface is to be compatible with and coated by an oxidation catalyst and having a structure constructed of one or more layers which would allow substantial flow of liquids and gases. The top and bottom surface forming a chamber with dimensions of separation ranging from 0.1 inches to 6 inches. The top layer to be optimized for collecting and oxidizing the fats and oils to reduce flame but not smoke.

Abstract: A device for improving the efficiency, safety and cleanliness of cooking on a grill wherein the device is placed between the item being cooked and the heat source. Said device being a chamber with dimensions proportional to those of the cooking surface. The chamber is encased by a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is to be compatible with and coated by an oxidation catalyst, constructed by one or more layers, have structural integrity and constructed so that gases can pass freely through the structure while any liquids or solids falling from above would be interrupted by impingement. The top surface is to be compatible with and coated by an oxidation catalyst and having a structure constructed of one or more layers which would allow substantial flow of liquids and gases. The top and bottom surface forming a chamber with dimensions of separation ranging from 0.1 inches to 6 inches. The top layer to be optimized for collecting and oxidizing the fats and oils to reduce flame but not smoke.

Abstract: A gas-fueled heating appliance having a system for reducing the amount of undesirable combustion products released to the site in which the appliance is installed. The appliance includes a firebox partially surrounded by a heat exchanger. Ambient air is drawn into the heat exchanger below the firebox and a portion of the ambient air enters the firebox to assist in combustion, and the remaining portion travels through the heat exchanger to be heated by convection before being combined with combustion gases exiting through the top of the firebox. The heat exchanger creates a low pressure area relative to the firebox which induces a draft from the firebox into the heat exchanger and ultimately to the ambient environment through an exit provided above the firebox. A carbon monoxide catalyst element is provided in the exit passageway from the firebox to the heat exchanger to oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and filter away airborne particulates which would otherwise be released to the ambient air.

Abstract: A system for treating the exhaust of an industrial process or combustion source to capture gaseous sulfur compounds which includes contacting the exhaust containing gaseous sulfur compounds with a system of: (1) a structured support coated with for example a monolith (2) a ceramic oxide containing for example TiO2 (3) a precious metal component for example Pt and optionally (4) a modifier such as Cu. The system captures the gaseous sulfur compounds. Gaseous sulfur compounds are then driven off in higher concentrations in a separate isolated lower flow stream in higher concentrations which are easier to process to less noxious or useful sulfur materials, and the catalyst/sorber regenerated. The system also removes carbon dioxide by the oxidation of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing and oxidizing VOC's in the same bed, thus reducing the size of or even eliminating the need for a catalytic or thermal oxidation unit at the end of the system. In this system, a catalyst is intimately interspersed with the adsorbent material. The catalyst oxidizes VOC's released during desorption when it reaches the ‘light off temperature,’ that is, the catalyst temperature necessary for oxidation to begin. As VOC's are desorbed, they are combusted by the catalyst in the same bed and also by their combustion, heat the bed to aid in the desorption of VOC's elsewhere in the bed.

Abstract: A gas-fueled heating appliance having a system for reducing the amount of undesirable combustion products released to the site in which the appliance is installed. The appliance includes a firebox partially surrounded by a heat exchanger. Ambient air is drawn into the heat exchanger below the firebox and a portion of the ambient air enters the firebox to assist in combustion, and the remaining portion travels through the heat exchanger to be heated by convection before being combined with combustion gases exiting through the top of the firebox. The heat exchanger creates a low pressure area relative to the firebox which induces a draft from the firebox into the heat exchanger and ultimately to the ambient environment through an exit provided above the firebox. A carbon monoxide catalyst element is provided in the exit passageway from the firebox to the heat exchanger to oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and filter away airborne particulates which would otherwise be released to the ambient air.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful at room temperature for the destruction of ozone (O.sub.3), has washcoat of high surface area support containing Mn/Cu catalyst deposited on a macroporous carrier, such as a honeycomb monolith, optionally with the addition of noble metal (such as Pt) washcoat to remove carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful at room temperature for the destruction of ozone (O.sub.3), which is comprised of a washcoat of high surface area support containing Mn/Cu catalyst deposited on a macroporous carrier, such as a honeycomb monolith, optionally with the addition of noble metal (such as Pt) washcoat to remove carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A system for treating the exhaust of an industrial process or combustion source to remove gaseous sulfur compounds which includes contacting the exhaust containing gaseous sulfur compounds with a catalytic system of a structured support for example a monolith coated with: (i) a metal oxide sorber component selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Ce, Al, Si and mixtures thereof, for example TiO.sub.2 (ii) a precious metal component, for example Pt metal and optionally (iii) a modifier consisting of an oxide Ag, Cu, Bi, Sb, Sn, As, In, Pb, Au or mixtures thereof, such as Cu as a compound. The system captures the gaseous sulfur compounds. Gaseous sulfur compounds are then driven off as mainly H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 in higher concentrations in a separate isolated lower flow stream. The higher concentrations are easier to process to less noxious or useful sulfur materials and the catalyst/sorber is regenerated.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing and oxidizing VOC's in the same bed, thus reducing the size of or even eliminating the need for a catalytic or thermal oxidation unit at the end of the system. In this system, a catalyst is intimately interspersed with the adsorbent material. The catalyst oxidizes VOC's released during desorption when it reaches the `light off temperature,` that is, the catalyst temperature necessary for oxidation to begin. As VOC's are desorbed, they are combusted by the catalyst in the same bed and also by their combustion, heat the bed to aid in the desorption of VOC's elsewhere in the bed.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful at room temperature for the destruction of ozone (O.sub.3), which is comprised of a washcoat of high surface area support containing Mn/Cu catalyst deposited on a macroporous carrier, such as a honeycomb monolith, optionally with the addition of noble metal (such as Pt) washcoat to remove carbon monoxide.