Christopher M Baer

US Patent:

6015540, Jan 18, 2000

Filed:

Sep 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/922189

Inventors:

Stephen R. McAdams - San Ramon CA
Bradley L. Edgar - Berkeley CA
Richard J. Martin - San Jose CA
Marvin M. Kilgo - Pasadena CA
Christopher B. Baer - Knoxville TN
John D. Stilger - San Jose CA

Assignee:

Thermatrix, Inc. - San Jose CA

International Classification:

C01B 1100
B01J 800
F23B 520
F23D 1144

US Classification:

423659

Abstract:

An improved method and apparatus is provided for thermally reacting chemicals in a matrix bed of porous inert media. The reaction is conducted in an apparatus that is capable of establishing and maintaining a non-planar reaction wave within the matrix bed. The positioning of the non-planar reaction wave permits the interior surfaces of the vessel to be maintained at a temperature at least above 175. degree. F. The apparatus includes a vessel that contains the matrix bed; one or more feed tubes that extend into the matrix bed, where preferably an exterior portion of each of the feed tubes that passes through the vessel is insulated; an exhaust outlet; and a means for heating the matrix bed. The non-planar reaction wave is established by heating at least a portion of the matrix bed to at least the reaction temperature of the chemicals and feeding a process stream containing the chemicals to be reacted into the feed tubes. Upon exiting the feed tubes, the process stream is reacted in a non-planar reaction wave to produce heat and the reacted process stream.