This paper discusses the various types of catalysts available and recommends proper techniques for catalyst sampling. Background Catalytic oxidizers can convert VOCs to carbon dioxide and water at much lower temperatures than thermal oxidizers by using a catalyst inside the combustion chamber. This significantly reduces the need for auxiliary fuel, resulting in lower operating costs. A flow schematic for a catalytic oxidizer is shown in Figure 1. The basic elements are a process gas pre-heating section, followed by the catalyst bed and heat recovery equipment.
Most commercial catalysts contain noble metals.
The catalytically active material is dispersed over the internal surface area of the support, providing a display surface for the active sites. Mechanical support, which provides the physical structure and mechanical integrity of the catalyst body. The exhaust gases flow through the bed of catalyst, providing mixing and contact between gas and solid. Typical packed bed catalysts include bead catalysts. Monolith catalysts, which are ceramic or metal honeycombs that provide support for the catalytically-active material.