Abstract: A catalyst assembly 16 for an exhaust gas system 14 for an automotive vehicle includes a housing 28 and a porous support structure 32 having a plurality of channels 34, 36. A plurality of catalyst pellets 50 are disposed within at least some of the channels. A retainer 54 is positioned adjacent to the support structure 32 for retaining the pellets 50 within the channels 34, 36.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions and articles of manufacturing comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Tubular single-wall carbon nanotube molecules are useful for making electrical connectors for devices such as integrated circuits or semiconductor chips used in computers because of the high electrical conductivity and small size of the carbon molecule. SWNT molecules are also useful as components of electrical devices where quantum effects dominate at room temperatures, for example, resonant tunneling diodes. The metallic carbon molecules are useful as antennas at optical frequencies, and as probes for scanning probe microscopy such as are used in scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM). Tubular carbon molecules may also be used in RF shielding applications, e.g., to make microwave absorbing materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for humidifying fuel, and optionally oxidant, supplied to a fuel cell system, which can be a single fuel cell or a multiplicity of fuel cells. A catalytic reactor is provided, which is supplied with a portion of the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel is supplied in excess of the oxidant to the catalytic reactor, so as to generate a stream of fuel which is both heated and humidified. For a closed system, a heated and humidified fuel flow, and optionally a heated and humidified oxidant flow, are mixed with additional flows of these gases supplied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to forming an array of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, a macroscopic molecular array is provided comprising at least about 106 single-wall carbon nanotubes in generally parallel orientation and having substantially similar lengths in the range of from about 5 to about 500 nanometers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cutting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the present invention provides for preparation of homogeneous populations of short carbon nanotube molecules by cutting and annealing (reclosing) the nanotube pieces followed by fractionation. The cutting and annealing processes may be carried out on a purified nanotube bucky paper, on felts prior to purification of nanotubes or on any material that contains single-wall nanotubes. In one embodiment, oxidative etching with concentrated nitric acid is employed to cut SWNTs into shorter lengths. The annealed nanotubes may be disbursed in an aqueous detergent solution or an organic solvent for the fractionation. Closed tubes can also be derivatized to facilitate fractionation, for example, by adding solubilizing moieties to the end caps.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for growing single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) from seed molecules. The supported or unsupported SWNT seed materials can be combined with a suitable growth catalyst by opening SWNT molecule ends and depositing a metal atom cluster. In one embodiment, a suspension of seed particles containing attached catalysts is injected into an evaporation zone to provide an entrained reactive nanoparticle. A carbonaceous feedstock gas is then introduced into the nanoparticle stream under conditions to grow single-wall carbon nanotubes. Recovery of the product produced can be done by filtration, centrifugation and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for growing carbon fiber from single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) molecular arrays. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a macroscopic molecular array of at least about 106 tubular carbon molecules in generally parallel orientation and having substantially similar lengths in the range of from about 50 to about 500 nanometers. The hemispheric fullerene cap is removed from the upper ends of the tubular carbon molecules in the array. The upper ends of the tubular carbon molecules in the array are then contacted with a catalytic metal. A gaseous source of carbon is supplied to the end of the array while localized energy is applied to the end of the array in order to heat the end to a temperature in the range of about 500° C. to about 1300° C. The growing carbon fiber is continuously recovered.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing self-assembled objects comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a three-dimensional structure of derivatized single-wall nanotube molecules that spontaneously form. It includes several component molecule having multiple derivatives brought together to assemble into the three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, objects may be obtained by bonding functionally-specific agents (FSAs) groups of nanotubes into geometric structures. The bond selectivity of FSAs allow selected nanotubes of a particular size or kind to assemble together and inhibit the assembling of unselected nanotubes that may also be present.

Abstract: An improved recirculating tank reactor incorporating the advantages of a fixed catalyst includes a monolithic honeycomb catalyst positioned within the tank in such a manner so as to provide an adjacent bypass passageway. Internal flow activation means are provided for recirculating the reactant liquid within the tank in such a manner that it sequentially flows through channels in the catalyzed honeycomb substrate and around the substrate through the bypass passageway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a gas-liquid feed stream with structured monolithic catalysts of honeycomb configuration wherein the catalysts are configured as a stack of honeycomb sections with offset channels, the resulting channel dislocations between adjacent contacting honeycombs in the stack introducing controlled, limited turbulence and mixing of feed stream portions traversing the channels to significantly increase the catalytic efficiency of the reactor.

Abstract: An integrated reactor for producing fuel gas for a fuel cell, the integrated reactor comprises an waste gas oxidizer (WGO) assembly having an associated WGO chamber, an inlet, an outlet and a flow path for exothermic gases produced in the WGO chamber. The integrated reactor has an autothermal reactor (ATR) assembly located within the WGO chamber. The ATR assembly has an inlet means and an outlet means for process gases flowing therethrough and a catalyst bed which is intermediate the inlet and outlet means. At least a part of the inlet means of the ATR assembly is located in the flow path of the WGO chamber to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.

Abstract: A catalytic converter comprises a catalyst substrate concentrically disposed in a shell and having a mat support material located concentrically in between the catalyst substrate and shell. The catalyst substrate includes structural features located on its outer surface that engage the mat support material. The shear forces exerted between the catalyst substrate and mat support material, in addition to the normally present frictional forces, reduce the axial movement of the catalyst substrate during assembly and operation of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor and process wherein the reactor contains a fixed catalyst bed comprised of at least one layer of a mesh having catalyst particles and/or catalyst fibers retained in the interstices of the mesh, wherein the catalyst particles have an average particle size of no greater than 200 microns and the fibers have a diameter of no greater than 500 microns and wherein the wire mesh layer has a void volume of at least 45%.

Abstract: A combustion engine assembly includes a combustion engine with a displacement and a downstream catalytic converter for cleaning exhaust gas. The catalytic converter has a geometric surface and an effectiveness for converting at least one harmful component in the exhaust gas into harmless components. The catalytic converter has at least one honeycomb body, all of which together have a total volume. The volume is selected in such a way that it is smaller than the displacement by a factor of 0.6. However, the geometric surface is dimensioned in such a way that the catalytic converter has an effectiveness of more than 98%. The honeycomb body is preferably a metallic honeycomb body formed of layered and/or wound and at least partly structured sheet metal layers. Channels of the honeycomb body are separated from one another by channel walls. An average thickness of the channel walls is at most 40 micrometers, preferably at most 35 micrometers and in particular between 18 and 32 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention provides a process, catalyst and apparatus for carrying out the water-gas shift reaction comprising employing a low-pyrophoricity water-gas shift reaction catalyst; wherein the low-pyrophoricity water-gas shift reaction catalyst comprises a solid high heat capacity particulate support impregnated with: (i) a reducible metal oxide and (ii) a catalytic agent.

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 catalytic converter is constructed by measuring a substrate to be placed within the outer shell or can, wrapping the substrate in a selected mat and loading the package (mat and substrate) into the can. The can is larger than it will be at completion of manufacture to render such loading easier. Subsequent to loading, the measurement of the substrate is used to direct the degree to which the can is reduced in outside dimension such that a selected annulus is created between the substrate and can, said annulus being occupied by said mat.

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 metal substrate is fabricated and coated with a catalyst for ozone conversion of atmosphere passing through the substrate. A plurality of aluminum foil sheets that have been slit, stretched and twisted into a plurality of regularly repeating channels having geometrically shaped openings are serially positioned one on top the other to form a foil stack with channel openings partially blocked by channel walls of overlying foil sheets. Thicker covers with openings at the top and bottom of the stack form a sandwich and the sandwich pleated to form corrugations in a flexible but rigid sandwich substrate. The channel walls are coated with an ozone depleting catalyst which the ozone atmosphere contacts to remove ozone as the ozone atmosphere travels through the stack construction.

Abstract: A reactor for performing endothermic catalytic reactions is disclosed formed of a monolithic counterflow reactor with parallel heating and reaction channels. The internal walls of the reaction channels are coated with a catalyst for the catalytic reaction to be performed, while the internal walls of the heating channels have a catalyst for the catalytic combustion of a fuel gas/air mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalytic reactor membranes having a gas-impermeable membrane for transport of oxygen anions. The membrane has an oxidation surface and a reduction surface. The membrane is coated on its oxidation surface with an adherent catalyst layer and is optionally coated on its reduction surface with a catalyst that promotes reduction of an oxygen-containing species (e.g., O2, NO2, SO2, etc.) to generate oxygen anions on the membrane. The reactor has an oxidation zone and a reduction zone separated by the membrane. A component of an oxygen containing gas in the reduction zone is reduced at the membrane and a reduced species in a reactant gas in the oxidation zone of the reactor is oxidized. The reactor optionally contains a three-dimensional catalyst in the oxidation zone. The adherent catalyst layer and the three-dimensional catalyst are selected to promote a desired oxidation reaction, particularly a partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A catalyst element for a stacked reactor for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbons includes a catalyst disc of porous material and a solid connection element. The catalyst-side end of the connection element is at least partially enclosed by the catalyst disc and is connected to this disc. The catalyst-side end of the connection element may have a mediator layer that is joined to the connection element over the entire area by sintering, soldering, or adhesive bonding. The mediator layer is joined to the catalyst disc over the entire area by sintering. Attachment means are provided at the exposed end, which is remote from the catalyst, of the connection element.

Abstract: A shift catalyst includes Pt supported on a porous body of TiO2 to which a predetermined oxide is added. The predetermined oxide added is at least one oxide of oxides of Al, Si, P, S and V. The addition of the oxide can be accomplished by mixing a raw material gel of the oxide during a process of forming a powder of TiO2, or it can be accomplished by impregnating a porous body of TiO2 with a nitrate salt solution of the oxide or the like. The amount of Pt supported is preferably about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %. The amount of the oxide added is preferably about 15 wt. % or less. The catalyst containing the oxide exhibits a high CO reduction rate. Furthermore, the catalyst reduces the capability deterioration under a high-SV condition, and also has heat resistance.

Abstract: A metal hydride is supplied into a reactor while being converted into fine particles. By injecting water from an injector, the metal hydride is hydrolyzed to generate hydrogen. The water supplied to the reactor is water generated by a fuel cell. This allows omission or a size reduction of a water tank for the hydrolysis, and therefore allows a size reduction of the system as a whole. It is possible to adopt a construction in which waste heat from the fuel cell is supplied to pyrolyze the metal hydride, a construction in which heat generated by the hydrolysis is used to pyrolyze another metal hydride, etc.

Abstract: Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide is carried out by a cyclical process, which includes (a) contacting an oxygen ion conducting ceramic with air at a pressure between about 1 and 50 bara in a reactor, wherein oxygen from the air reacts with the ceramic, thereby producing an oxygen-enriched ceramic, and (b) contacting the hot, oxygen-enriched ceramic with hydrocarbon gas and optionally steam in the reactor. During the partial oxidation reaction phase of the process, the oxygen-enriched ceramic reacts with the hydrocarbon, thereby producing the desired gas products and regenerating the oxygen ion conducting ceramic for the next cycle of the process.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. Pressure energy within the membrane reactor provides compression of the feed to lower the partial pressure of product within the reactor, thereby increasing the membrane reactor effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for combining sodium and aluminum into a single, substantially homogeneous alloy without the need to use potentially dangerous, toxic mercury compounds. The present invention also provides a catalytic alloy that is capable of dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby allowing the hydrogen to be utilized as fuel.

Abstract: According to the invention, there are provided catalyst carrier 14 for an exhaust gas purification system, and the method therefor. The catalyst carrier 14 has a honeycomb structure formed of a roll of bands of stainless steel-made one corrugated sheet 1 and one plain sheet 2, which hold stainless steel-made bonding assistants 15 therebetween. Said bonding assistants 15 have width narrower than those of said sheets 1,2, wherein they are positioned at locations radially inside the projections 6 formed at side ends of the corrugated sheet 1 and have thickness T greater than height H of projections 6. Thus, corrugated sheet 1 and plain sheet 2 are diffusion bonded to each other with locally centered high contact pressure, without the influence of projections 6.

Abstract: A low pressure drop, highly efficient structured packing comprises sheet material formed into vertical preferably square channels containing vortex generators formed from the sheet material. The channels, while vertically linear, are periodically interrupted by the vortex generators providing tortuous fluid paths along the channels. The thus formed vortex generators form openings between adjacent channels providing fluid communication between and uniform flow within the different channels. The packing can be utilized in fluid mixing or those operations that require multiphase mass transfer, such as absorption or distillation. The addition of a catalyst makes the structure suitable for catalytic distillation. Turbulence is provided the fluids by the tortuous vertical path with low pressure drops transversely and vertically, with optimum liquid holdup.

Abstract: The invention is a ceramic membrane reactor for syngas production having a reaction chamber, an inlet in the reactor for natural gas intake, a plurality of oxygen permeating ceramic slabs inside the reaction chamber with each slab having a plurality of passages paralleling the gas flow for transporting air through the reaction chamber, a manifold affixed to one end of the reaction chamber for intake of air connected to the slabs, a second manifold affixed to the reactor for removing the oxygen depleted air, and an outlet in the reaction chamber for removing syngas.

Abstract: A reactor for performing endothermic catalytic reactions is disclosed formed of a monolithic counterflow reactor with parallel heating and reaction channels. The internal walls of the reaction channels are coated with a catalyst for the catalytic reaction to be performed, while the internal walls of the heating channels have a catalyst for the catalytic combustion of a fuel gas/air mixture.

Abstract: In the corrugated metal sheet 5 in which the crest portions 5a and the trough portions 5b are formed in plural alternatively along the corrugation direction 61, the rack portions 5f, the rising trough portions 5d, and the rising crest portions 5e are provided in plural. The rack portions 5f are arranged between the crest portions 5a and the trough portions 5b and extended along the folding direction 60 and the corrugation direction 61 to couple adjacent crest portions 5a and trough portions 5b. The rising trough portions 5d are folded from the boundaries between the crest portions and the rack portions 5f such that part of the crest portions 5a being divided by two cuttings separated in the folding direction 60 are protruded partially in the same direction as the trough portions 5b.

Abstract: A plate-type catalytic converter includes a stack of first plates and second plates. In operation, a flow medium flows from an inflow side to an outflow side. Leading edges of the second plates are set back in the direction of the outflow side relative to leading edges of the first plates. Catalytic activity can therefore be significantly improved as compared with a plate-type catalytic converter of conventional construction for the same physical volume, since the contribution toward the catalytic activity of the catalyst which is provided by turbulent flow is increased without increasing pressure loss or an additional risk of blockage by ash.

Abstract: A methanol reforming catalyst that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming methanol under the presence of oxygen and steam, comprises a catalytic component I containing Cu oxide and Zn oxide, and a catalytic component II containing metal oxide and one of Pt and Pd Also, another methanol reforming catalyst comprises a catalytic component I containing Cu oxide and Zn oxide, a catalytic component IIA containing first metal oxide and a noble metal, and a catalytic component IIB containing second metal oxide and one of Pt and Pd. The second metal oxide forms an alloy more easily than the first metal oxide. The auto-thermal reforming process can be stably accelerated in the methanol reforming reaction using these catalysts. Also, there are provided a reformer, a reforming apparatus, and a tuel cell system employing these methanol catalysts Since a heater Or a reducing apparatus can be omitted in these apparatuses, etc., sizes of these apparatuses, etc. become small and thus these apparatuses, etc.

Abstract: A low pressure drop, highly efficient structured packing comprises sheet material formed into vertical preferably square channels containing vortex generators formed from the sheet material. The channels, while vertically linear, are periodically interrupted by the vortex generators providing tortuous fluid paths along the channels. The thus formed vortex generators form openings between adjacent channels providing fluid communication between and uniform flow within the different channels. The packing can be utilized in fluid mixing or those operations that require multiphase mass transfer, such as absorption or distillation. The addition of a catalyst makes the structure suitable for catalytic distillation. Turbulence is provided the fluids by the tortuous vertical path with low pressure drops transversely and vertically, with optimum liquid holdup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising a honeycomb (1) and a surrounding jacket, the honeycomb comprising a structure formed of a stack of metal sheets, of which at least part are profiled, and the honeycomb structure including several through-flow channels for gas. The free ends of the said metal sheets are distributed over a part (S1) of the honeycomb periphery unsymmetrically to the center of the honeycomb so that part (F1) of the honeycomb's periphery is free from the free ends of the metal sheets. The said honeycomb is attached either directly or through an intermediate layer to the said jacket over an area (L1) comprising at least part of the said free ends.

Abstract: Catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter or trap having edge protectant which reduces erosion of a lateral edge of an intumescent mounting mat when exposed to hot, impinging gases.

Abstract: A catalytic converter includes a channel for conducting a gas flow forwardly in a longitudinal direction. The channel is coated with a catalyst and has at least first and second turbulence generators spaced apart in the longitudinal direction for making the gas flow turbulent. Each turbulence generator includes a rear face inclined forwardly at an angle of from 35 to 60° from a base of the channel and facing rearwardly, a connecting face extending forwardly from a free edge of the rear face and a front face projecting toward the base from a front edge of the connecting face and facing forwardly. The first turbulence generator is disposed closer to an inlet of the channel than the second turbulence generator. A longitudinal center of the first turbulence generator is spaced longitudinally from the channel inlet by a distance, which is a function of the hydraulic diameter of the channel, the Reynold's number, and the Schmidt's number 1 of the gas.

Abstract: A reactor for catalytically processing gaseous fluids including fluid-path forming elements spaced from each other and forming a plurality of adjacent first and second channels through which fluid flows in opposite directions, with each of the first and second channels having an inlet region and an outlet region where at least the inlet region of the first channel and the outlet region of the second channel are without a catalyst and where each of the first and second channels have one region other than its inlet and outlet regions provided with a catalyst, with the inlet region of the first channel and the outlet region of the second channel providing for heat exchange between the first and second channels.

Abstract: A natural gas reformer comprising a stack of thermally conducting plates interspersed with catalyst plates and provided with internal or external manifolds for reactants. The catalyst plate is in intimate thermal contact with the conducting plates so that its temperature closely tracks the temperature of the thermally conducting plate, which can be designed to attain a near isothermal state in-plane to the plate. One or more catalysts may be used, distributed along the flow direction, in-plane to the thermally conducting plate, in a variety of optional embodiments. The reformer may be operated as a steam reformer or as a partial oxidation reformer. When operated as a steam reformer, thermal energy for the (endothermic) steam reforming reaction is provided externally by radiation and/or conduction to the thermally conducting plates. This produces carbon monoxide, hydrogen, steam and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for indirectly heating an endothermic reaction by combustion of reactants or products from the endothermic reaction using a plate heat exchange arrangement in a highly efficient manner. This invention is particularly suited for processes such as the production of styrene or synthesis gas. When producing synthesis gas, oxidizing reactants in a secondary reforming step generates heat for a primary reforming step and the process improves selectivity and yield with a highly efficient heat exchange step that uses narrow channel for indirect heat exchange. The narrow channels are preferably defined by corrugated plates. The primary reaction channels will contain a catalyst for the promotion of the primary reaction such as steam reforming or ethylbenzene dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, said catalytic converter including a housing having a cavity formed therein and having a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end, a pair of end members, each of said end members having an opening for allowing exhaust gases to pass therethrough, one of said end members sealingly connected to the gas inlet end of said housing and the other of said end members sealingly connected to the gas outlet end of said housing, a catalyst coated substrate located within said cavity and having a gas inlet face and a gas outlet face, a first mat of material which is expandable in an axially direction when heated positioned between said housing and a first portion of the catalyst coated substrate, and a second mat of material which is expandable in a radial direction surrounding a second portion of the catalyst coated substrate.

Abstract: A catalytic converter configuration for an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, in particular an Otto engine, and first and second feed lines guiding exhaust gases to the catalytic converter, includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical honeycomb body having first and second passage lines at least approximately gas-tightly closed off relative to each other and a plurality of passages in each passage line connecting intake and outlet ends of the honeycomb body. The first and second feed lines are respectively connected to the first and second passage lines at the intake end. The first passage line is disposed substantially coaxially in the interior of the second passage line and the hydraulic diameters of the first and second passage lines are approximately equal.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, a catalyst supporting layer is formed on a surface of a cell wall of a honeycomb base member, and a catalytic noble metal and a NOx adsorbing material are loaded on the catalyst supporting layer. The portion of the catalyst supporting layer present within a depth of 100 .mu.m constitutes at least 80% by volume relative to a total volume of the catalyst supporting layer. The catalyst maintains a high probability of contact of emissions with the NOx adsorber and the catalytic noble metal, and allows easy decomposition of the sulfuric acid salt produced by sulfur poising of the NOx adsorber, thereby ensuring reliable recovery of the NOx purifying performance.

Abstract: Ceramics of the composition:Ln.sub.x Sr.sub.2-x-y Ca.sub.y B.sub.z M.sub.2-z O.sub.5+.delta.where Ln is an element selected from the fblock lanthanide elements and yttrium or mixtures thereof; B is an element selected from Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof; M is a d-block transition element of mixtures thereof; 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.0; 0.01.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.7; 0.01.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.0 and .delta. is a number that varies to maintain charge neutrality are provided. These ceramics are useful in ceramic membranes and exhibit high ionic conductivity, high chemical stability under catalytic membrane reactor conditions and low coefficients of expansion. The materials of the invention are particularly useful in producing synthesis gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a solid catalyst which can enlarge a range of an applied fluid used for an evaluation of a performance of the solid catalyst and can accurately evaluate the performance of the solid catalyst on a laboratory scale and a method of evaluating a solid catalyst using the apparatus are provided.

Abstract: A metallic catalyst carrier forming part of a catalytic converter for purifying exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The metallic catalyst carrier comprises a plurality of layers of corrugated metal sheet which has a plurality of corrugations whose ridge portions are parallel with each other and extend in a direction of flow of gas to be purified, and a plurality of layers of flat metal sheet which is substantially flat. Each layer of the flat metal sheet and each layer of the corrugated metal sheet are alternately put one upon another so as to form the metallic catalyst carrier of a monolithic structure in which gas passages are defined between each layer of the flat metal sheet and each layer of the corrugated sheet, the gas flowing through the gas passages in the gas flow direction.

Abstract: A honeycomb body, in particular for a catalytic reactor for exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, has passages through which a fluid can pass from one end to the other and structured, or smooth and structured, sheet metal layers. At least a part of the sheet metal layers has a thickness of less than 40.mu., preferably about 30.mu., and at least a part of the sheet metal layers with a thickness of less than 40.mu. has portions with additional reinforcing structures. The additional reinforcing structures are preferably bent-over portions in the region of one or both ends of the honeycomb body, in particular to a depth of from 1 to 10 mm, preferably about 3 to 5 mm, from the ends. The sheet metal layers can be joined together by brazing at least at a part of their contact locations, more particularly preferably in the regions of the additional reinforcing structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas-impermeable, solid state materials fabricated into membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors. This invention particularly relates to solid state oxygen anion- and electron-mediating membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors for promoting partial or full oxidation of different chemical species, for decomposition of oxygen-containing species, and for separation of oxygen from other gases. Solid state materials for use in the membranes of this invention include mixed metal oxide compounds having the brownmillerite crystal structure.

Abstract: There is described a catalyst element (1) consisting of an integral whole having channels (2) extending therethrough. These channels (2) have, in circumferential sense of the cross section thereof, at least one concave wall portion and at least one convex wall portion, preferably provided by longitudinal projections (4) or grooves (7). As a result, a liquid phase (10) will preferentially be located in cavities (5) defined along the channel walls, and a gas phase (20) will preferentially be located centrally in the channels (2). Consequently, the catalyst element (1) according to the invention offers the possibility of being operated in countercurrent mode with only a slight loss of pressure.