Patent ID: 6116014
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: F23C,F23D,F23R

Abstract:
A support structure for securing within a combustion reaction chamber, defined by a reaction chamber wall, a monolithic catalyst structure made up of a multiplicity of longitudinally disposed channels with inlet and outlet ends for passage of a flowing gas mixture, which exerts an axial load on the catalyst structure in the direction of gas flow, with the catalyst structure having a longitudinal axis in the direction of gas mixture flow, said support structure comprising a monolithic open cellular structure wherein the walls of the cells are formed by strips of a high temperature resistant metal or ceramic material to afford cellular openings which are at least as large as the openings formed by the catalyst structure channels at their inlet and outlet ends, said monolithic open cellular structure being:(a) placed at the outlet end of catalyst structure, or at both the inlet end and the outlet end of the catalyst structure;(b) positioned and configured to abut against one end of the catalyst structure and extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catalyst structure to essentially cover the end face of the catalyst structure, with the cellular openings of the monolithic open cellular structure being in fluid communication with the channels of the catalyst structure; and(c) secured on an outer periphery to the reaction chamber wall by an attachment means fixed to the reaction chamber wall which holds the monolithic open cellular structure in place while allowing for differential thermal expansion of the monolithic open cellular structure in an outward direction towards the reaction chamber wall such that the axial load which is placed on the monolithic open cellular structure by the catalyst structure on passage of the flowing gas mixture is transferred to the reaction chamber wall thereby limiting axial movement of said catalyst structure in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said catalyst structure.