Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment filter and method is provided for filtering engine exhaust. Varying cell size is provided to spread trapped contaminant particulate along a distribution pattern reducing heat concentration and the risk of melting during regeneration, to minimize hot-spot meltdown otherwise caused by high density concentration of trapped particulate during regeneration. Cell size is varied by varying volume and/or height and/or width and/or length. Tapering of cells is also provided to change the cross-sectional area from the upstream to the downstream end.

Abstract: A NOx reduction method includes treating a first gas containing NOx, producing a second gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second gas to N2, and producing a third gas containing less NOx than the first gas, substantially all of the third gas NOx being NO. The method also includes treating the third gas, producing a fourth gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the fourth gas to N2, and producing a fifth gas containing less NOx than the third gas, substantially all of the fifth gas NOx being NO. Treating the first and/or third gas can include treatment with a plasma. Reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second and/or fourth gas can include reducing with a catalyst. The method can further include controlling energy consumption of the plasmas independent of each other.

Abstract: In the oxide gas absorbing arrangement disclosed in the specification, metal foils having a thickness ≦0.05 mm are coated with an oxide gas absorbing layer containing gamma aluminum oxide. One metal foil is corrugated and joined to a smooth foil and the combined foils are rolled into a cylinder to provide parallel gas passages in which exhaust gases are exposed to the oxide gas absorbing layer. To enhance absorption turbulence is created in the gas passages by twisting the cylinder to narrow and contort the individual passages.

Abstract: A device for cleaning exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, especially a diesel engine, includes at least one catalyst carrier body through which an exhaust gas can flow. The catalyst carrier body is disposed in a casing tube and has a honeycomb-shaped structure. An electrical heating element has a supply terminal at each end and a twisted current path over an electrically insulating gap in the heating element. The heating element is a honeycomb body which is fixed to the catalyst carrier body by electrically insulating support elements and which is located downstream of the catalyst carrier body in exhaust gas flow direction. A honeycomb body, especially a particle filter, situated downstream, may be heated particularly effectively and a temperature required there may be reached and/or maintained, especially for igniting soot that has collected.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas cleaning installation provided with an entry region, an exit region and a central region. A catalytic converter is disposed in the central region, a first honeycomb body is disposed in the entry region and a second honeycomb body is disposed in the exit region. Exhaust gas can flow through the first and second honeycomb bodies and the catalytic converter. The shape, fastening and/or configuration of at least one of the honeycomb bodies forms thermal insulation. The thermal insulation reduces thermal conduction and/or thermal radiation from the catalytic converter to the remainder of the exhaust gas system. In this manner, the central region is maintained at a temperature required for catalytic conversion for a prolonged period of time so that pollutants are catalytically removed immediately when the internal combustion engine is re-started.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor is provided. The non-thermal plasma reactor includes a plasma-generating substrate, a housing and a mat. The plasma-generating substrate has one or more flow paths for an exhaust gas. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The mat retains the plasma-generating substrate in the housing such that the one or more flow paths are in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. A voltage is supplied to the plasma-generating substrate to generate a plasma field. An electrically insulating layer is disposed between the plasma-generating substrate and the housing for preventing an arc of electricity from the plasma-generating substrate and/or the voltage to the housing.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor is provided. The reactor includes a plasma-generating substrate, a housing, a voltage supplied to the plasma-generating substrate, and a retention material. The plasma-generating substrate has one or more flow paths for an exhaust gas. The plasma-generating substrate includes at least one weak area and at least one strong area. The housing has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The voltage is supplied to the plasma-generating substrate for generating a plasma field. The retention material retains the plasma-generating substrate in the housing such that the one or more flow paths are in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The retention material is configured to provide a higher retention force to the at least one strong area and a lower retention force to the at least one weak area.

Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen reaction is initiated in a catalytic recombination or ignition device. The device has one or more catalyst bodies with a predetermined catalytic surface. Only a small portion of the entire available catalytic surface, preferably less than 5% of the surface, is permanently maintained at a temperature level above ambient temperature. The temperature is raised by introducing energy with a heater. The heated surface portion acts as an initial igniter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying air to deactivate toxic chemical and biological species such as Sarin, mustard gas, phosgene, cyanogen chloride, Anthrax spores, E. coli bacteria, Salmonella bacteria, Hepatitis virus, and Norwalk virus. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber coupled to a counterflow heat exchanger. Incoming contaminated air is directed through a heating side of a counterflow heat exchanger to preheat it. The air is further heated to a temperature of at least 200° C., which is sufficient to deactivate common biological toxic species. Optionally, the reaction chamber may include a catalyst on a surface area over which the heated air is directed, which enables a thermocatalytic reaction that is particularly effective in deactivating biological and chemical warfare agents, such as anthrax and Sarin.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing harmful components of a perfluorocarbon gas or a perfluorocompound. The apparatus includes a first water scrubber for washing an exhaust gas containing a perfluorocarbon or a perfluorocompound discharged from a manufacturing equipment. The apparatus further includes a gas decomposer-burner tower having a gas decomposer room connected to an upper end of the first water scrubber for mixing at least one of a hydrocarbon gas and NH3 gas with the exhaust gas washed by the first water scrubber and thermally decomposing a resulting mixed gas. The apparatus further includes a burner room, a heater below the heater in the gas decomposer room and the burner room, a grating below the heater in the gas decomposer room and the burner room.

Abstract: A multi-battery charging system for reduced fuel consumption and emissions for an automotive vehicle. The system starts the vehicle with a start battery in a fuel savings manner, removing electrical torque from the alternator shaft, and allows a second (run) battery to provide all or some of the current required by the vehicle loads as a fuel savings measure. The system also utilizes an electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) and a third (EHC or storage) battery to provide a 3 to 15 second preheat and/or a 20 second current, during vehicle start, to the EHC heater coil, e.g., of a small EHC located in series with a standard catalytic converter for emissions reduction to reduce emissions during start. The start battery is recharged after start and switched out of the system fully charged for future vehicle starts.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a first brick positioned inside the housing adjacent the inlet for initiating catalytic light-off functions of exhaust gases flowing through the first brick; a second brick positioned adjacent the first brick downstream of the inlet for three way conversion of exhaust gases flowing through the second brick; a third brick positioned adjacent the second brick downstream of the inlet for hydrocarbon adsorption and oxidation of exhaust gases flowing through the third brick; and a fourth brick positioned adjacent and spaced from the third brick downstream of the inlet for light-off of exhaust gases flowing through the fourth brick; wherein the third brick is substantially annular with a through bore extending axially therethrough; and wherein the second brick has a closed bore extending axially and opening into the through bore of the third brick.

Abstract: A gas flare includes an elongate primary combustion chamber and at least one supplementary combustion chamber. A primary burner is positioned in the primary combustion chamber. A secondary burner is positioned in the supplementary combustion chamber. The primary combustion chamber has an outlet which is coupled with an inlet to the supplementary combustion chamber. A flow path is created for waste gas past the primary burner in the primary combustion chamber and past the supplementary burner in the supplementary combustion chamber, so the waste gas is subjected to multiple burner exposure for more complete combustion.

Abstract: An NOx reducing exhaust treatment system includes a non-thermal plasma reactor assembly which initiates NOx reduction reactions that are completed by a catalytic converter downstream of the reactor in the system. The reactor assembly includes a monolithic reactor element formed of insulating plates and spacers made of high dielectric material, such as alumina. Some of the plates carry electrodes and connecting conductors which may be painted on with conductive ink and baked on as a surface coating. The electrodes are patterned to provide a distance between the electrodes and the connectors of alternate electrodes that is sufficient to prevent arc over. The plates and spacers form a plurality of thin gas passages each lying between a pair of electrodes, one to be charged with an AC voltage and the other grounded to impress the alternating voltage across each passage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a regenerable particle filter for removing soot particles from exhaust gases, especially from diesel engines. In a filter housing, a ceramic filter body is arranged between an exhaust gas supply pipe and an exhaust gas discharge pipe. The filter body has a large number of channels distributed over the cross section in a honeycomb or checkerboard pattern. The channels are closed alternately at their ends so that the exhaust gas after entering into one group of channels must flow through the porous walls to the other group of channels in order then to arrive at the exhaust gas discharge pipe. Electric heating elements are arranged at the closed end of the channels open toward the exhaust gas supply pipe. Upon heating they ignite the soot particle deposit which accumulates here to an elevated degree. Since scarcely any gas flow prevails in the vicinity of the heating elements good combustion of the soot takes place and therefore a reliable regeneration of the filter.

Abstract: The object is to provide a method and an apparatus for decomposing halogenated hydrocarbon gas economically and stable without relying on any special treatment and without generating dioxins. A catalyst to decompose halogenated hydrocarbon gas, 4, is supported on a carrier 3. A target gas, which contains the halogenated hydrocarbon gas, is passed through the carrier 3, while heating the carrier 3 using an electromagnetic induction heating mechanism 5, 6.

Abstract: A method for detecting combustible gases or vapours using a combustible gas sensor or pellistors includes the steps of keeping the combustible gas sensor or the pellistor beads inactive until an oxygen sensor indicates a variation from a reference level of oxygen, such variation representing the potential presence of combustible gases or vapours.

Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor system consisting of a photonic energy source to remove undesirable contaminants from an effluent stream. The device includes a photonic energy source, a beam delivery system, and a reaction chamber into which the photonic energy is transmitted. The contaminated effluent flows through the reaction chamber where the photonic energy reacts with it to reduce contaminant emissions.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a metallic casing, and a honeycomb heater held in the casing via a metallic holding member, comprising a metallic honeycomb structure having a large number of parallel passages extending in the direction of the flow of an exhaust gas passing through the heater unit and at least one electrode for electrical heating of the honeycomb structure, attached to the honeycomb structure. In the heater unit, the holding member has such a structure as (1) is fitted to part of the outer surface of the honeycomb heater to allow the honeycomb heater to have a stable shape and (2) substantially blocks the flow path of exhaust gas between the honeycomb heater and the casing. This heater unit can withstand severe operating conditions such as experienced in automobiles; moreover, in this heater unit, the by-pass flow of exhaust gas is made substantially zero and the whole exhaust gas can pass through the honeycomb heater.

Abstract: An electrically-heated chemical process reactor having an inlet for receiving industrial gases, an internal channel for passing the flow of gases, and an outlet for expelling the gases. An array of current-carrying screen element packets are arranged along the channel for receiving a heating current, and the internal gas channel includes passages through the array for preheating the gas prior to entering the channel.

Abstract: An improved gas scrubber is provided. The gas scrubber includes a combustion chamber and a wetting chamber. Between the combustion chamber and the wetting chamber is a mechanism or means that substantially prevent formation of particulate matter, or powder, forming between the two chambers. The combustion chamber serves to eliminate explosive and flammable elements contained in an incoming gas. Those elements are eliminated by burning the incoming gas. The wetting chamber may be placed below the combustion chamber to eliminate a water soluble element of the gas which is not burned in the combustion chamber by dissolving those elements in water. The mechanism or means placed between the two chambers helps eliminate the powder produced due to the temperature difference between the combustion chamber and the wetting chamber at the interface between the two chambers.

Abstract: A scaleable inter-digitized tine non-thermal plasma reactor element includes at least one pair of inter-digitized tine end connectors connected together defining gas passages between the tines. The prepared inter-digitized tine reactor element has a scaleable height, width, and length. Connectors are defined that enable efficient non-thermal reactor element fabrication for widely varying applications having various flow throughput and constituent reduction requirements.

Abstract: A catalyst for exhaust gas purification is capable of purifying the hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide present in the exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine. The catalyst has a monolithic carrier and a catalyst layer containing Pd, Ba and a heat-resistant inorganic oxide, formed on the carrier. The amount of Pd supported on monolithic carrier is 100-300 g per ft3 of monolithic carrier (3.53×10−3 to 1.06×10−2 g per cc of monolithic carrier), the amount of Ba supported on monolithic carrier is 0.010-0.060 g per cc of monolithic carrier in terms of BaO, and the weight ratio of Pd and Ba as expressed as BaO is 1:2 to 1:10. This catalyst for exhaust gas purification is superior particularly in hydrocarbon purification for a low-temperature fuel-rich exhaust gas (such as exhaust gas emitted during cold start) of automobile.

Abstract: A hopper for collecting soot included in the exhaust gasses is disposed on a lower portion of a filter. There is a backwashing means for introducing a compressed air into the filter from the exhaust gas-downstream side through an air conduit and dropping the soot deposited in the filter on to the hopper. A combustion pipe is disposed on a lower end of the hopper, and an air nozzle for supplying a combustion air is disposed in the combustion pipe. A combustion medium which is capable of collecting the soot arriving at the combustion pipe and the burned ashes and of letting the combustion air pass therethrough is inserted detachably into the combustion pipe and arranged on a porous ceramic plate. A heater is disposed around the combustion pipe for burning the soot which is collected by the combustion medium. The soot is burned completely at the combustion medium, and most of the ashes remain at the combustion medium and the rest of the ashes is completely collected by the plate.

Abstract: A reformer includes two or more catalyst units in the flow path, capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis. In the reformer, at least two of the catalyst units satisfy the following relationship: Heat capacity of the upstream-side catalyst unit≦Heat capacity of the downstream-side catalyst unit. The reformer is improved in the relationship between these catalyst units with respect to heat capacity. This improvement leads to improvement of the reformer in safety, heating characteristics during the start-up period, efficiency of hydrogen production and reduction in production of CO as the coproduct.

Abstract: A reformer is disposed in the flow path of a reactant fluid. The reformer includes an electrically heatable heater unit of honeycomb structure, in the upstream of the flow path of a reactant fluid, and a catalyst unit of honeycomb structure capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis, in the downstream of the above heater unit. The heater unit and catalyst unit satisfy the following relationship: Cell density of the heater unit≦Cell density of the catalyst unit. The reformer improve efficiency for production of hydrogen and reduce CO as the by-product.

Abstract: A wastewater collection system is provided with a gas withdrawal vent including a gas suction apparatus. The gas is preferably withdrawn at a rate in excess of the gas production by microbes in the wastewater collection system so that a slight negative pressure is created in the immediate vicinity of the gas withdrawal vent. A gas mixing chamber is coupled to the fan or blower to receive the gas withdrawn from the wastewater collection system. An ozone generation apparatus is also coupled to the gas mixing chamber that is adjusted to provide sufficient ozone to react with any noxious or malodorous components of the withdrawn gas. A reaction conduit is provided at an output of the gas mixing chamber to receive the withdrawn gas and ozone. The reaction conduit has surface features assuring turbulent flow of the gasses through the length of the conduit.

Abstract: A catalytic converter of the type having an inlet plenum between a converter inlet and an axial inlet face of a substrate and an outlet plenum between a converter outlet and an axial outlet face of the substrate, wherein a first axial length of the inlet plenum is in a range of 20-40% of the first axial length of the inlet plenum summed with a second axial length of the outlet plenum to minimize flow resistance in said catalytic converter.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifier for an internal combustion engine having a trap for trapping particulate matters contained in exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine, the present invention aims at suppressing production of ashes and thereby preventing pressure loss associated with the clogging of the trap. In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides an exhaust gas purifier for an internal combustion engine having a trap for trapping particulate matters contained in exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine, wherein the trap carries a metal which has an electronegativity equal to or lower than a predetermined content contained in fuel or lubricating oil for the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a metallic casing, and a honeycomb heater held in the casing via a metallic holding member, comprising a metallic honeycomb structure having a large number of parallel passages extending in the direction of the flow of an exhaust gas passing through the heater unit and at least one electrode for electrical heating of the honeycomb structure, attached to the honeycomb structure. In the heater unit, the holding member has such a structure as (1) is fitted to part of the outer surface of the honeycomb heater to allow the honeycomb heater to have a stable shape and (2) substantially blocks the flow path of exhaust gas between the honeycomb heater and the casing. This heater unit can withstand severe operating conditions such as experienced in automobiles; moreover, in this heater unit, the by-pass flow of exhaust gas is made substantially zero and the whole exhaust gas can pass through the honeycomb heater.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: A device is provided for extraction and taking of samples of an aqueous solution in a substratum. A probe made up of a pyrometric capsule of porous porcelain has one end of lesser diameter to which is attached a tube of inert material. The tube is sealed hermetically by a rubber cap with two drilled holes. Into one of the drilled holes is fitted an adapter pipe to a vacuum pump, and in the other drilled hole a suction capillary that is placed inside the probe.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor with an auxiliary heating structure for raising the temperature of a fluid passing therethrough whereby the catalytic reaction is promoted. The invention is a apparatus employing multiple electrical heating elements electrically isolated from one another by insulators that are an integral part of the flow path. The invention provides step heating of a fluid as the fluid passes through the reactor.

Abstract: A purification system of exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine is disposed to a reaction furnace capable of reducing noxious components of the exhaust gases in an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine in order to purify the exhaust gases. The purification system comprises a reactor including a honeycomb carrier having a plurality of carrier cells, each of which a photocatalyst layer is coated, in the reaction furnace, and a plasma generating means having a plurality of electrode cells and mounted on an inner end and an outer end of the honeycomb carrier. The honeycomb carrier includes a photocatalyst layer coated on a wall surface of each of the carrier cells, the photocatalyst layer being activated by a plasma optical source. Further, a volume and a number of each of the electrode cells are varied depending upon the variation of that of each of the carrier cells, the carrier cells having 100-900 numbers per the unit area(1 inch×1 inch).

Abstract: A method and a device is provided for NO reduction in moor vehicle exhaust by reduction on a catalyst. The hydrogen required for the NO reduction is produced directly on-board the motor vehicle by water vapor reformation and/or by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, for example, methanol, diesel fuel, or gasoline on a catalyst. The device includes an adjustable heater for the catalyst for water vapor reformation or for partial oxidation.

Abstract: A gas re-circulation selective catalytic reduction system. A vaporizer is provided for producing a diluted reducing agent. A reducing agent source, for storing a reducing agent, has a reducing agent pipe interconnected to the vaporizer. A re-circulation gas pipe is adapted to carry gas from a gas flow to the vaporizer. A dilution fan may be provided for propelling the gas from the gas flow to the vaporizer. An injector, connected to the vaporizer by a diluted reducing agent pipe, injects the diluted reducing agent into the gas flow. A heat trace is coupled to the diluted reducing agent pipe and the injector for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the diluted reducing agent pipe and the injector sufficient to substantially prevent the formation of ammonium bisulfate within the insides of the diluted reducing agent pipe and the injector.

Abstract: An apparatus for the catalytic purification of flowing gases, in particular exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, is constructed having a catalyst body through which gas flows, which catalyst body comprises a knitted fabric whose heat-resistant fibrous material is coated with a catalytically active material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus comprises tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by heating elements and has orifices through which cool or heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. A process is also provided whereby additional gases are added to the gaseous stream preferably within the temperature range of 650 C.-950° C. which minimizes or alleviates the production of NOx.

Abstract: A system for exhaust gas purification disposed in the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, includes an adsorbent formed by loading, on a monolithic carrier, (1) a zeolite containing at least one kind of ion of an element having an electronegativity of 1.40 or more and (2) a catalyst material formed by loading at least one kind of noble metal selected from Pt, Pd and Rh on a heat-resistant inorganic oxide, and at least one loaded carrier formed by loading, on a monolithic carrier, a catalyst component having a purifiability for the harmful substances present in the exhaust gas emitted from the engine and/or an adsorbent component having an adsorptivity for the hydrocarbons also present in the exhaust gas, the loaded carrier being provided upstream of the adsorbent in the flow direction of the exhaust gas and having a total volume of 0.6 l or more.

Abstract: An after-treating apparatus of exhaust gas and a catalyst device installed therein is disclosed. The after-treating apparatus of exhaust gas primarily removes the exhaust gas in a first filtering device and a second filtering device, and secondarily purifies within the catalyst device. The first filtering device and the second filtering device are controlled by opening and closing a valve through a time control part. That is, when particulate of the exhaust gas is collected in the first filtering device, the second filtering device burns the collected particulate by means of an electric heater. Also, the catalyst device is prepared by wash-coating an active substrate on a honeycomb, the active substrate being produced by supporting platinum, nickel, and promoter on a supporter of alumina and chromic oxide.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for catalytically oxidizing organic matter, particularly the incomplete combustion products of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels. The systems and apparatus utilize catalytically reactive particles that are suspended by moving air within a reaction chamber and maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended media particles, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become catalytically reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 100° C. to about 500° C. Moisture may be provided by the waste exhaust, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the catalytically reactive particles. The systems and apparatus can be adapted to be used in combination with diesel engines or other internal combustion engines and industrial burners.

Abstract: Catalytic purification device for purifying air or gas by heat treatment with a catalyst. The catalyst is carried on a patterned strip or membrane that is folded in accordion style, forming two groups of parallel flow channels with simple connections for incoming and outgoing flows. Good heat economy is achieved by heat exchange between the incoming and outgoing flow of gases.

Abstract: A reactor for corona destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a multi-surface catalyst for the reactor and a method of making the catalyst for the reactor. The reactor has a catalyst of a high dielectric material with an enhanced surface area. A catalyst layer stack is formed by depositing a high dielectric layer on a substrate and, then depositing a conductive layer on the dielectric layer. The catalyst layer stack is bombarded by low RF energy ions to form an enhanced surface area and to form a protective layer over the conductive layer. Catalyst layer stacks may be joined back to form double-sided catalyst layer stacks. The catalyst layer stack may be diced into small pieces that are used in the reactor or the whole catalyst layer stack may be used.

Abstract: An emission treatment system for removing oxides of nitrogen (NOx), from flue gases includes in the pretreatment portion a continuous plasma reactor receiving and modifying the gaseous effluent by applying a plasma discharge thereto. The plasma discharge, upon application to the gaseous effluent, decomposes the majority of the gaseous effluent to nitrogen and oxygen and oxidizes nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide. A preconditioning section is also provided for further modifying the gaseous effluent by washing the same with a mildly alkaline solution for removing ozone and lowering the process temperature. A continuous chemical scrubber uses an absorbent medium to substantially eliminate the nitrogen dioxide from the effluent and releases nitrogen and oxygen to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a heating device for an exhaust gas purification catalytic converter, an insulating coating or an insulating material is provided between a tubular electrode receiving member of a power relay means and an electrode received in this electrode receiving member.

Abstract: An electrically heatable catalytic converter for the cleaning of exhaust gas from combustion processes, preferably from internal combustion engines, comprising a shell and a carrier located inside the shell, preferably with a multitude of parallel channels through which the exhaust gas being cleaned can flow, where the carrier exhibits at least one layer that is catalytically active in relation to the exhaust gas, and where, furthermore, at least a portion of the surface of the carrier exhibits at least one electrically conductive resistance heating layer with electrical connection areas, which is insulated against the carrier by means of an insulation layer, and with at least one connection element that contacts the resistance heating layer in the electrical connection areas, is easily manufactured and reliable during operation if at least one connection element runs through the resistance heating layer and the insulation layer, as well as the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus employs curved tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture and flame production within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by annular heating elements and has an interior wall with orifices through which heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. The oxidized gases are treated also for particles removal by flowing through a packed bed. The packed bed is cooled and its upper portion with air inlets to enhance condensation and particle growth in the bed. The treated gas stream is also scrubbed in a continuous regenerative scrubber employing at least two vertically separated beds in which one bed can be regenerated while the other is operative so that the flow may be continuously passed through the bed.

Abstract: The amount of limonene produced during pyrolysis of scrap tire carcass or polyisoprene rubber can be increased by decreasing residence time of the isoprene gas produced during the thermal degradation of polyisoprene rubber in the high temperature reactor region of an oven. This is achieved by using a novel oven design which permits rapid expansion of the isoprene gas away from the high temperature reactor region of the oven to a cooler region where the gas forms limonene and condenses. This pyrolysis method also decreases the amount of soot produced while increasing the amount of limonene produced. Furthermore, this system readily enables separation of the solid, liquid and gas phases produced during pyrolysis.

Abstract: A reactor for corona destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a multi-surface catalyst for the reactor and a method of making the catalyst for the reactor. The reactor has a catalyst of a high dielectric material with an enhanced surface area. A catalyst layer stack is formed by depositing a high dielectric layer on a substrate and, then depositing a conductive layer on the dielectric layer. The catalyst layer stack is bombarded by low RF energy ions to form an enhanced surface area and to form a protective layer over the conductive layer. Catalyst layer stacks may be joined back to form double-sided catalyst layer stacks. The catalyst layer stack may be diced into small pieces that are used in the reactor or the whole catalyst layer stack may be used.

Abstract: A method for producing the supporting structure includes pressing-in an electrically insulating ceramic material, preferably in powdered form, on substantially all sides between the structures, and shaping the structures to be both accessible, at least in partial regions, and to exert pressure from substantially all sides onto the ceramic material, without touching one another, for metallic bonding to further structures. Another method for producing the supporting structure includes joining together the structures with three-dimensional form-locking connections by joint deformation, forming a surface or a surface layer being convertible chemically into an electric insulating layer on at least one of and between the structures, and subsequently converting the convertible surface or surface layer into an electrically insulating ceramic layer, in particular by oxidation, for creating an insulating layer being pressed-in on substantially all sides between the connections.