PALLADIUM-CATALYZED COMBUSTION OF METHANE - SIMULATED GAS-TURBINE COMBUSTION AT ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE

Atmospheric pressure tests were performed in which a palladium catalys t ignites and stabilizes the homogeneous combustion of methane. Pallad ium exhibited a reversible deactivation at temperatures above 750 degr ees C, which acted to ''self-regulate'' its operating temperature. A p roperly treated palladium catalyst could be employed to preheat a meth ane/air mixture to temperatures required for ignition of gaseous combu stion (ca. 800 degrees C) without itself being exposed to the mixture adiabatic flame temperature. The operating temperature of the palladiu m was found to be relatively insensitive to the methane fuel concentra tion or catalyst inlet temperature over a wide range of conditions. Th us, palladium is well suited for application in the ignition and stabi lization of methane combustion.