초록 ▼

A matrix bed is disclosed in which a non-planar reaction wave front is formed during operation. This is accomplished by heating the matrix bed, containing heat-resistant material, until at least a reaction portion of the matrix bed is above the temperature required for a plurality of reactant gas st

A matrix bed is disclosed in which a non-planar reaction wave front is formed during operation. This is accomplished by heating the matrix bed, containing heat-resistant material, until at least a reaction portion of the matrix bed is above the temperature required for a plurality of reactant gas streams to react. Next, the reactant gas streams are directed through the matrix bed in a manner so as to form at least a Bunsen, Burke-Schumann, inverted-V, or some other type of non-planar reaction wave front at the portion of the matrix bed that is heated above the reactant gas streams reaction temperature. At the non-planar reaction wave front, the reactant gas streams react to produce a reaction product gas stream that is then exhausted from the matrix bed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A thermal reactor for optimizing the reaction rate of one or more reactant gas streams by forming at least a non-planar reaction wave front therefrom, comprising:a) a matrix bed of heat-resistant material comprising a matrix bed surface having an upstream side and a downstream side

[ We claim:] [1.] A thermal reactor for optimizing the reaction rate of one or more reactant gas streams by forming at least a non-planar reaction wave front therefrom, comprising:a) a matrix bed of heat-resistant material comprising a matrix bed surface having an upstream side and a downstream side adjacent to the matrix bed and heating means for heating the matrix bed until at least a reaction portion of the matrix bed is above the temperature required for the reactant gas streams to react and to form a reaction product gas stream therefrom;b) gas entry means for directing the reactant gas streams into the matrix bed through the matrix bed surface such that the non-planar reaction wave front is formed in the matrix bed reaction portion;c) temperature means for monitoring a temperature profile of the matrix bed;d) control means for varying the reactant gas streams' flowrates in response to the monitored temperature profile; ande) exit means for the reaction product gas stream to exit the matrix bed.