Department of Materials Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasugakoen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816, Japan
Abstract:
Catalytic combustion of methane has been investigated for the application to gas turbines. As the combustion is operated at high temperatures and high space velocity, heterogeneous reaction and surface-initiated gas phase reaction proceed concurrently. Thermal resistance to maintain large surface area is, therefore, requested to attain high combustion efficiency above 1000°C. Hexaaluminate compounds were effective in maintaining large surface area. On the other hand, palladium catalysts were generally employed for the combustion of methane below 1000°C. The prototype catalyst combustors were successfully tested with their high combustion efficiency and low NOx emission by using Pd based- and/or hexaaluminate catalysts.