Abstract: The distribution-pressurized natural gas is supplied via a conduit arranged in the piston of an electrovalve in a nozzle of which the outlet leads to a cone which provides, with the nozzle, a ring-shaped opening which, connected to the atmosphere, acts as a secondary nozzle for injecting air into the gas flow. The cone is followed by a cylindrical element then by an abrupt widening section which opens into a heat exchanger which is in contact with a substrate impregnated with a catalytic material which oxidizes fuel gas. A small amount of air is sucked up by the widening and mixed with the gas. This mixture is then treated in the exchanger up to the transformation temperature of the sulphur-containing compound and the sulphur is then oxidized.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for igniting fuel include an electrostatic fuel nozzle that produces an atomized fuel spray; and a catalytic igniter for igniting the atomized fuel spray.

Abstract: The conventional gas turbine combustor is improved by mounting a pilot flame producing torch in a wall of the combustor to project a flame into the combustor as a means of ignition. The torch preferably is a catalytic igniter which will operate over a wide range of air/fuel ratios.

Abstract: The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of:a. obtaining a gaseous admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame temperature below a temperature which would result in any substantial formation of nitrogen oxides but above about 800.degree. Kelvin,b. contacting at least a portion of said admixture with a catalytic surface and producing reaction products,c. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber, thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: A combustion catalyst is disclosed which is composed of a durable support containing a plurality of mutually partitioned and independent combustion gas flow paths and an active catalyst formed mainly of palladium and/or palladium oxide and deposited in the form of a coating on the inner wall surfaces of the combustion gas flow paths and characterized in that the deposition of the active catalyst in the form of a coating on all the inner wall surfaces is omitted in part of the whole of the combustion gas flow paths. The mutually partitioned and independent combustion gas flow paths which are provided for the durable support jointly form an aggregate of opening parts in the pattern of gratings and these opening parts have a square, rectangular, triangular, or hexagonal cross section. Thus, the durable support constitutes a so-called honeycomb structure.

Abstract: In a premixing burner (1) which essentially consists of a mixing section (3) and a downstream combustion section (13), an ignition zone (9) being placed intermediately between the two sections, a fuel (5) and combustion air (4) are introduced at the head side of the mixing section (3) to form a mixture. At the end of the mixing section (3), the fuel/air mixture (6) ignites in the region of the ignition zone (9), specifically in such a way that no backflow zone is formed on the axis (12) of symmetry. Self-ignition and flashback are prevented by the high velocity of the mixture (6) in the mixing section (3). A conical reaction zone (11) is produced by the temperature differences between wall boundary layer and core of the hot-gas flow (15) inside the combustion section (13).

Abstract: An assembly for the catalytic ignition of atomized fuel for combustion within the combustion chamber of a turbine engine places the catalytic fuel igniter in a position to receive the atomized fuel upon entry into the combustion chamber. The igniter is heated to operating temperature so that at least a portion of the atomized fuel enters the combustion chamber in an ignited state.

Abstract: A catalyst bed (30) for a combustor (18) for supporting the catalytic combustion of a gaseous air/fuel (e.g., methane or natural gas) combustion mixture contains an igniter catalyst member (1) upstream of a promoter catalyst member (2). The catalyst members each comprise carrier monoliths, the igniter catalyst member (1) having an igniter catalyst material deposited thereon and the promoter catalyst member (2) having a promoter catalyst material deposited thereon. The igniter catalyst material is distinguished from the promoter catalyst material in one or more of the following ways: the igniter catalyst material may have (a) a higher catalytic activity for combustion of the air/fuel mixture, (b) a lower catalyst deactivation temperature than the promoter catalyst material, and/or (c) the promoter catalyst regeneration temperature range brackets the upper limit of the regeneration temperature range of the igniter catalyst.

Abstract: An exothermic apparatus uses heat generated by the combustion of gas fuel or liquid fuel. The exothermic apparatus comprises a mixing section in which fuel gas and air are mixed with each other; and a casing disposed downstream of the mixing section and accommodating a combustion chamber. A fin provided in the combustion chamber is substantially parallel with the flow direction of mixed gas. A catalyst layer is in close contact with an inner surface of the combustion chamber and an outer surface of the fin. In this manner, fuel gas is efficiently brought in contact with the surface of the catalyst layer and the temperature of the catalyst is prevented from fluctuating even though heating quantity in an exothermic section changes. Thus, catalytic combustion can be reliably accomplished in the compact combustion chamber.

Abstract: A catalytic burner for oxidizing gaseous fuel in a catalytic combustion device having a gaseous fuel discharge tube, the burner comprises a tubular catalyst defining a catalytic combustion chamber and having an inlet opening at one end thereof for admitting gaseous fuel into the chamber, an outlet opening at the other end thereof for discharging products of combustion from the chamber, and a support for mounting the catalyst in coaxial relation on the discharge tube; and a gas distributor disposed within the inlet end of the catalyst proximate to but spaced from the discharge tube for uniformly distributing across the chamber gaseous fuel introduced into the chamber through the inlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution which contains a nonvolatile substance such as a toner used for development of an electrophotographic film and a liquid which is difficult to volatilize at normal temperatures such as isoparaffin. The waste solution heated from below a multiplicity of vertically elongated guide chambers disposed in a waste solution container rises upward through the guide chambers in the form of vapor and is oxidized by a catalyst. After ignition, even if the heating of the waste solution by a heater is stopped, the waste solution in the waste solution container continues to be heated by oxidation heat.

Abstract: A combustion process, e.g. for a gas turbine, comprises catalytically combusting part of a fuel/air feed in a preliminary catalyst body which has through passages and supports, or is composed of, a catalyst active for the combustion of the fuel. The resultant heated gas stream is then mixed with the remainder of the feed, and that mixture is combusted, e.g. catalytically in a main catalyst body. The amount of combustion occurring in the preliminary catalyst body is sufficient that combustion of the mixture of the heated gas stream and the remainder of the feed can be sustained at the desired operating conditions. Under those desired operating conditions combustion of the feed could not be sustained in the absence of the heating given by the combustion in the preliminary catalyst body. There may be more than one preliminary catalyst body.

Abstract: A gas powered heating tool comprises a handle and a head which comprises a soldering tool element. Gas from a reservoir in the handle is delivered through a gas supply pipe to a combustion chamber where it is converted to heat by a catalytic heating element for heating the tool element. A nozzle orifice in a nozzle delivers a jet of gas through the gas supply pipe. The gas supply pipe conducts heat from the combustion chamber to a heat transfer member which in turn conducts heat to the nozzle to prevent freezing of gas in the nozzle orifice. Heat is also conducted to gas supply control means in the handle to prevent gas freezing.

Abstract: A developer treatment apparatus for treating excess developer remaining after film has been developed by developer containing a pigment dispersed in a solvent composed of a hydrocarbon as a main component includes a catalyst for oxidizing the hydrocarbon contained in the excess developer, thus treating the excess developer easily.

Abstract: An arrangement for the avoidance of a deposition of a fatty substance, such as liquid lubricant or grease possessing high viscosity which is carried along with steam during a combustion of hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen, oxygen and steam, through the intermediary of catalytic igniters.

Abstract: A catalytic burner has a nozzle for forming a jet of combustible gas extending along a jet axis, a catalyst body supported offset from and immediately adjacent the axis heatable to an activation temperature at which it supports catalytic combustion, and a device like a piezoelectric crystal for igniting the jet and thereby forming at the axis a flame that heats the body. The flame is quenched after it has heated the body to its activation temperature.

Abstract: Operation of unthrottled internal combustion engines is improved by providing the combustion chambers with an electrically heated glow plug having a catalyst surface layer on the ignition element. The catalyst is heated to and maintained at a temperature high enough to be effective for vaporization of fuel drops and ignition of vaporized fuel by controlled electrical heating. In operation of the engine air is compressed in a combustion chamber and at least a portion of the fuel is injected during the latter portion of the compression stroke and the injected fuel ignited by contact of fuel with the hot catalytic surface of the glow plug resulting in a combustion pressure wave in the immediate vicinity of top dead center.

Abstract: A catalytic burner for oxidizing gaseous fuel in a catalytic combustion device having a gaseous fuel discharge tube, the burner comprises a tubular catalyst defining a catalytic combustion chamber and having an inlet opening at one end thereof for admitting gaseous fuel into the chamber, an outlet opening at the other end thereof for discharging products of combustion from the chamber, and a support for mounting the catalyst in coaxial relation on the discharge tube; and a gas distributor disposed within the inlet end of the catalyst proximate to but spaced from the discharge tube for uniformly distributing across the chamber gaseous fuel introduced into the chamber through the inlet opening.

Abstract: A lighter device is described featuring a new burning system which is of a rugged structure and comprises relatively few parts which are easy to manufacture and to assemble. The novel burning system provides for reliable operation of the device over an extended period of operable life. The novel burning system comprises combined vaporizer-and-burner unit in the form of a short metal tube arrangement comprising two sections of metal tube axially aligned with one another. The upper section may have a larger diameter than the lower section. The combined vaporizer-and-burner unit is arranged as a separate member separately from and above the nozzle in a predetermined vertical distance therefrom. A perforated metal sheet partitions the two tube sections of the vaporizer-and-burner unit thus providing for additional intensive mixing and vaporizing the gas stream entering at the lower end of the unit and ambient air drawn into the unit by the gas jet.

Abstract: The cigarette lighter of the invention has an igniter member which promotes smooth burning of the fuel gas ejected from the gas nozzle. The igniter member is composed of an igniting element which is a coiled wire of platinum metal or a platinum-based alloy having a specified dimensions and a supporting member made of a wire of a refractory metal or alloy. The coil of platinum wire preferably has a flattened configuration to cover a larger front of the flame. The supporting member made of a wire of a refractory metal or alloy, around which the coil is wound, is preferably coated with a coating layer of a ceramic material, e.g., alumina. A simple but very reliable structure for mounting the igniter member in the fire bowl of the cigarette lighter is described.

Abstract: The injection element comprises a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a mixing mber for fuel and oxidant, and an ignition device for a mixture of fuel and oxidant. To ensure optimum mixing of the reaction components and efficient ignition even in the case of small reactors, the fuel inlet opens into an ignition chamber having a widened flow cross-section, the ignition chamber has an outlet having a cross-section smaller than the flow cross-section of the ignition chamber, the outlet of the ignition chamber and the oxidant inlet open into the mixing chamber, an ignition oxidant inlet opens into the ignition chamber and the ignition device is disposed in the ignition chamber immediately upstream of its outlet.

Abstract: Operation of unthrottled internal combustion engines is improved by providing the combustion chambers with an electrically heated glow plug having a catalyst surface layer on the ignition element. The catalyst is heated to and maintained at a temperature high enough to be effective for vaporization of fuel drops and ignition of vaporized fuel by controlled electrical heating. In operation of the engine air is compressed in a combustion chamber and at least a portion of the fuel is injected during the latter portion of the compression stroke and the injected fuel ignited by contact of fuel with the hot catalytic surface of the glow plug resulting in a combustion pressure wave in the immediate vicinity of top dead center.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor wood stove is presented having a combustor ignitor plate which promotes turbulence and mixing of combustion gases with air from a distributed primary air supply to deliver thoroughly mixed gas to the catalytic combustor to light off the combustor at low firebox temperature (in the range of 400.degree. to 500.degree. F.) but operate the combustor at high temperature on the order of 1000.degree. F. to 1200.degree. F. or higher.

Abstract: In a gas turbine power plant fuel and air are mixed and ignited in a combustor to provide motive fluid for driving a gas turbine. A fuel nozzle is used to provide a fuel/air mixture into the combustor. According to the present invention, the fuel nozzle also includes an igniter for igniting the fuel/air mixture under conditions which extend the operating range of the gas turbine plant. Also, the igniter is coated with a gas fuel ignition catalyst in order to minimize the fuel/air mixture strength required for combustion and the air pollutants associated with combustion.

Abstract: In a far-infrared radiating system, a plurality of radiating units for allowing the combustion gas to pass therethrough are connected in series to form a multi-stage series-connecting construction. The combustion gas releases its heat energy in the form of far-infrared rays when passing through each of the radiating units. The combustion gas having passed through the radiating unit decreases in temperature, and recovers its previous high temperature through combustion of a fuel which is mixed with such combustion gas before the combustion gas enters the following-stage radiating unit. Such combustion is repeated in each of the following stages so that the heat produced by combustion of the fuel is effectively radiated in the form of the far-infrared rays without making waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting harmful hydrocarbon emissions into harmless gases includes, in sequence, a transition chamber, transition duct work, a burner chamber, a catalyst chamber, and a cap. The hydrocarbons are burned and then treated with a catalyst to substantially reduce or completely eliminate the visible hydrocarbon emissions, the odor and the total amount of hydrocarbon emission by more than ninety (90%) percent.

Abstract: A method of making priming devices for a fuel element is disclosed. A high quality priming device is obtained by treating suitable pieces of cellulose with catalyzing agents such as manganates or permanganates and with oxidizing agents such as inorganic oxidizing salts. Such priming devices are very reliable and may be used in portable personnel heaters, e.g. to keep injured people warm after accidents.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion device of the type including a catalyst for oxidation of a fuel vapor and air, and an ignition heater for initiating oxidation on the catalyst is disclosed. The device comprises a tubular first member carrying thereon the catalyst for supplying the fuel vapor to the catalyst, and a tubular second member disposed in the first member defining therein a passageway for the fuel vapor, the second member being secured at its one end thereof to the first member so as to constitute a thermostatic element for controlling the rate of gas flow by means of the difference in thermal expansion between the first and second members.

Abstract: A catalytic stove is provided comprising a mixing chamber having one end adapted to receive a fuel can and an opposite end provided with a diffuser. A plate provided with a grid of between 200 and 400 openings per square inch extends across the exit end of the diffuser. A catalytic surface is coated on the exit portion of the plate. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium and iridium.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting insects to an insect trapping device. The apparatus includes: a source of combustible fluid; a burner communicating with the fluid source for igniting the fluid in an exothermic reaction generating carbon dioxide, moisture and heat; and a catalyst for catalytically sustaining the reaction.

Abstract: A solid fuel heating appliance in the form of a wood burning stove employs a combustor for oxidizing oxidizable species in the exhaust. A flame break is provided between the combustor and the combustion chamber of the stove to avoid impingement of flames on the combustor.

Abstract: An afterburner for a wood stove for use as a retrofit assembly comprises a rectangular housing having openings in the upper and lower surfaces provided with cylindrical collars for cooperation with the flue duct and with the opening in the top of the wood stove respectively. The openings are positioned at the rear of the housing so as to provide a forward section spaced from the openings. A catalytic combuster mounted in a cylindrical support is movable from a position directly above the opening in the bottom surface into the front section by a manually operable handle extending through the front face of the housing. A baffle mounted on the support and arranged at a shallow angle to the horizontal overlies the major part of the combuster so as to direct gases into the front section of the housing for heat exchange contact with the walls thereof.

Abstract: A combustion catalyst containing both manganese and antimony in a temperature range of above about 1260.degree. F. has been found to result in unexpectedly high CO.sub.2 /CO ratios in the regenerator off-gas when CO is combusted.

Abstract: Thermal shock resistant catalytic monolithic structures are described comprising curved-surface plates with flow-through passages. Such structures are especially useful as combustor catalysts and their use in catalytic combustors permits much more rapid start-up and cool down than with conventional monolithic catalysts.

Abstract: Pyrophorically activated surfaces of metal foil or screen, prepared by diffusing into surface a selectably removable second metal that is then selectively removed as by leaching, can be covered with reactive or inert materials. Reactive materials such as easily ignited metals or carbon or decomposable chemicals increase the heat generated by pyrophoric action. Inert materials slow down or prevent pyrophoric action. Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape in which the adhesive is of the non-transfer or transfer types can be adhered to pyrophorically activated surfaces to slow down action or to adhere material that reduces or increases severity of pyrophoric action. Pyrophoric Ni can be preserved for many months in alkaline solutions such as aqueous KOH, NaOH and triethanolamine. Pyrophoric Fe is prepared and preserved in aqueous alkaline stannite. Even better preservation is obtained for Ni and Fe with glycerine, ethylene glycol, triethanolamine and propylene oxide.

Abstract: Thermal shock resistant catalytic monolithic structures are described comprising split-cylinders with flow-through passages. Such structures are especially useful as combustor catalysts and their use in catalytic combustors permits much more rapid start-up and cool down than with conventional monolithic catalysts.

Abstract: A thermal shock resistant catalytic combustor has a plurality of catalytic tubes of a high temperature catalytically active ceramic mounted such that the ceramic is free to expand or contract. Ends of the tubes can be maintained at any desired temperature below combustion temperatures.

Abstract: A self-heating type ignition plug according to the present invention includes a base portion having a fixing portion formed on an outer wall thereof and a terminal insulately provided therein and connected to an electrical source; an ignition means, integrally connected to the base portion, having an ignition surface formed on a wall surface thereof and composed of a catalyst comprising a transition material, thereby to come in contact with the fuel; and a heating means having a resistive exothermic element connected to the terminal of the base portion, the resistive exothermic element being provided adjacent to the ignition surface within the ignition means, whereby the fuel may be ignited and burned as a whole by the ignition surface of the catalyst which is maintained to a preset temperature due to the oxidation reaction of the catalyst and the fuel being in contact therewith after the heating means is deenergized.

Abstract: When a cap of a cigarette lighter is opened, fuel is mixed in a gasified state with externally drawn air, and the resultant mixture of air and gasified fuel is supplied to a catalyst within the lighter body for causing natural combustion of the mixture by the oxidizing action to elevate the temperature of the air-fuel mixture to the ignition point so as to bring about ignition.

Abstract: Gas analysis, intended primarily for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of sulfur, is performed utilizing flame photometry by burning a sample of the gas to be analyzed in a hydrogen rich flame in which combustion is supported by an excess of oxygen. A second hydrogen rich flame is used to reduce any sulfur present. A third flame is used to establish a thermal gradient which is particularly suited for the observation of the wavelengths emitted by sulfur. The actual detection of light emissions is accomplished using an appropriate filter and a photomultiplier tube. The detector of the present invention utilizes platinum flame holders in the first two flames and a platinum filament to induce the third flame and establish the aforementioned thermal gradient. A fourth platinum flame holder, preferably in the form of a mesh, is used to prevent flickering of the burning effluent gases which leave the detector, thereby reducing the noise level.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter employing a combustible gas uses electric means for heating the combustible gas toward its flash point. The electric means is aided by catalytic or thermo-electric means to reduce the power supplied by a self-contained battery. In one embodiment, the combustible gas contains a component which reacts with a catalyst to provide an additional heat increment to the gas in order to reduce the amount of electricity required. In other embodiments, a thermo-electric generator, heated by the flame of the lighter, generates electricity which recharges a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A hypergolic substance which is spontaneously ignited upon being exposed to the atmosphere ignites the fuel issuing from the nozzle of a cigarette lighter. The hypergolic substance is either mixed with the fuel in a fuel tank or is separately contained within the lighter body. Dispensing of at least the hypergolic substance is controlled by a positive and conscious physical act of the user employing a lever mounted within the lighter body or direct finger pressure on a valve. A mechanical interlock additionally prevents accidental or casual release of the hypergolic substance. The mechanical interlock holds the lever or valve immobile until the cap is opened.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for starting a gas turbine engine is shown wherein the combustion chamber has a fixed geometry providing a high throughput velocity to prevent flashback during normal operation of the engine. Thus, there is provided a flame holding zone out of the main flow path through the chamber that exhausts into the chamber upstream of a catalytic reactor element to preheat the catalyst to a sufficiently high temperature for continuous auto-combustion therein prior to the rotor of the engine attaining running speed. After running speed the combustion in the flame holding zone is extinguished and the velocity of the fuel/air mixture in the main flow path through the chamber is sufficient to maintain the combustion within the catalytic element for the continuous running of the engine without any flashback.

Abstract: In an arctic military vehicle, one or more heating units is/are positioned against the outer surface of the battery to heat the battery electrolyte and thereby improve battery output capability during the critical engine start-up period. Each heating unit includes an internal self-contained heat source, thereby enabling the system to be used in wilderness areas remote from building energy sources. The invention is particularly applicable to arctic military vehicles that might be required to move through relatively uninhabited enemy areas where stationary energy sources might be unknown or non-existent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ignition of a hydrocarbon gas stream utilizing a hydrogen pre-ignition arrangement. A small volume of hydrogen gas is mixed with air and directed past a platinum containing catalyst, e.g., activated with aluminum and in mesh form to heat the catalyst. A flame is produced and extends away from the catalyst and is directed from the catalyst so that it intersects a hydrocarbon gas stream and ignites the hydrocarbon gas stream at room temperature.

Abstract: A catalytic fluid heater formed of a number of nested fluid heating chambers spaced from one another to provide therebetween a heating zone having a chimney effect such that a mixture of fuel gas and air is caused to flow through the heating zone from the bottom to the top thereof. A catalyzed surface is disposed in contact with the walls of adjacent ones of the fluid heating chambers. A fuel gas, preferably hydrogen, is delivered to the heating zones, mixed with air and combusted on the catalyzed walls. The combustion product, in such cases, is primarily water vapor, so that external venting is not required.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor arrangement for use with a gas turbine power plant, has independently regulatable fuel injection elements disposed upstream of a discrete array of passageways disposed between the fuel injection elements and a catalytic reaction member. The centermost fuel injection elements of each combustor may function alone which will permit efficient idling operation of the power plant. The passageways will maintain the flow of fuel and air to only the central portion of each catalytic reactor element thus providing the efficient, low speed, idling, operation of the turbine. As additional fuel injection elements are activated, additional portions of the catalytic reaction member perform the combustion function at the desired level of turbine operation. Thus a wide range of operating conditions of the gas turbine is efficiently permitted with the regulatable fuel injection arrangement therewith.