HETEROGENEOUS HOMOGENEOUS REACTIONS AND TRANSPORT COUPLING FOR CATALYTIC COMBUSTION SYSTEMS - A REVIEW OF MODEL ALTERNATIVES

In applying catalysis to real combustor applications the modeling of t ransport and chemistry interactions can be key to understanding combus tion characteristics. For example the effect of boundary-layer flow an d heterogeneous/homogeneous chemistry can determine product selectivit y for catalytically promoted oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. In this paper we discuss parameter regions where different flow models i ncluding lumped-parameter-transport laminar boundary-layer and full tw o-dimensional models can be used for obtaining design insights. The de gree of detail required in the gas phase chemistry models and surface chemistry models depends both on the system and the properties to be p redicted. Definition of different regimes of operation and limits of a pplicability for parametric scaling relationships are key to the desig n of catalytic combustors for incineration or power generation. In add ition, a theoretically-based rational strategy for applying catalytic boundary conditions in turbulent flow models would provide a valuable design tool. Examples of alternative modeling strategies are given bel ow along with possible applications for the design of practical cataly tic combustion systems.