Abstract: Radiant heater having supported porous refractory panel through which combustion mixture passes and on the surface of which mixture burns as it emerges, has a narrow stream of incombustible relatively cold gas like air pumped through the panel adjacent the support to act as a barrier seal and minimize the leakage of combustible gas around the margin of the panel, and the consequent burning of such leaking gas, which burning can damage the marginal support and cause flashback. Panel can have edges held on tubular frame sealed to a back plate to provide a simpler heater construction with combustion mixture plenum defined by back plate and frame, and with cold gas supply to the tubular passageways in frame.

Abstract: A fluidized bed waste incinerator is operated with a space rate such that essentially the entire reactor chamber is occupied by a dilute fluidized bed. Particulate solids elutriated with the exhaust gases are returned to the reactor chamber to thereby conserve the heat generated in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: Catalysts having good high temperature stability which are particularly useful for selected high temperature reactions are disclosed as are methods for their preparation and use. The catalytically-active materials include platinum group metal deposited on a catalytic slip or composite which contains a mixture of alumina, a rare earth metal oxide, and a metallic oxide wherein the metal is IVB, selected VIB metals, and mixtures thereof. The slips or carrier compositions are calcined at a temperature of at least 850.degree. C. before deposition of platinum group metal and characterized by having a surface area of at least 20 m.sup.2 /g after calcination at a temperature of 1200.degree. C. for two hours.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for starting a combustion system utilizing a catalyst, and at the same time provide low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The method is particularly applicable to starting such combustion systems which are subject to intermittent operation, such as for example, gas turbines used to power automotive vehicles in which carbonaceous fuels are combusted to provide the motive fluid, or furnaces which are used intermittently. In the method, heat, such as produced by electrical means or by thermal combustion of a carbonaceous fuel, is employed to bring the catalyst to an operating temperature which will permit rapid oxidation of the carbonaceous fuel. When the catalyst has been heated to reach such operating temperatures, the start-up heating may be terminated and the normal operation of the combustion zone including the catalyst may proceed.

Abstract: A flame-type gas burner, having a burner head adapted to be attached to a source of supply of a fuel gas (specifically hydrogen) and one or more jet burner orifices in the head, has each jet orifice closely covered by sufficient steel wool, preferably stainless steel wool, from a mass of such wool contiguous to the burner head to significantly reduce formation of nitrogen oxides during combustion. Openings are provided in the assembly for flow of atmospheric combustion air through the mass of steel wool during burning of the gas. The gas burner itself may be any one of the many varieties of flame-type burners that are in common use for cooking, space heating and other utility purposes. A novel method of burning fuel gas is involved.

Abstract: Catalysts having good high temperature stability which are particularly useful for selected high temperature reactions are disclosed as are methods for their preparation and use. The catalytically-active materials include platinum group metal deposited on a catalytic slip or composite which contains a mixture of alumina, a rare earth metal oxide, and a mixture of metallic oxides of selected IIA and IVA metals and selected VIB metals. The slips or carrier compositions are calcined at a temperature of at least 500.degree.C. before deposition of platinum group metal and characterized by having a surface area of at least 20 m.sup.2 /g after calcination at a temperature of 1200.degree.C. for two hours.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for more efficiently operating a catalytically supported thermal combustion gas turbine system, and at the same time provide low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. In the adiabatic combustion of the fuel and air admixture at least a portion of the thermal combustion of the fuel takes place in the expansion zone of the gas turbine to counteract the cooling effect of the expansion of the gases.