Restive Heated Catalyst Open Cell Foam

Ultramet fabricates advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for demanding environments that require high-temperature capability as well as for air and water cleanup.

Advantages

• Fast light-off
• Compact
• Low heat capacity, high heat transfer rate, and low mass, all of which yield fast reaction rates
• Open pores, which yield a maximum surface area with minimum backpressure
• Superior transient response, which reduces emissions in the critical first few seconds of a cold start and enables passive emissions control

Applications

Aerospace (Rocket Engine Ignition)

Ultramet has patented ignition catalysts for monopropellant and bipropellant rocket engines that deliver fast lightoff and low temperature start capability. In extensive testing by the Air Force and commercial engine manufacturers, Ultramet catalysts have demonstrated ignition temperatures as low as −30ºC. Ultramet aerospace catalysts are designed to survive the harsh combustion environment for prolonged periods while providing reliable operation.

Ultramet Ignition Catalysts

 

Turbine Engine (Emissions Reduction)

Turbine engines used for terrestrial power generation and aircraft propulsion can produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons. Ultramet catalysts reduce these emissions and homogenize the temperature gradient within the turbine itself. Eliminating hot spots reduces nitrogen oxide generation and prolongs the life of the turbine blades. Furthermore, because the catalyst is placed upstream of the rotating machinery, lightoff and engine restart are facilitated. The effectiveness of Ultramet catalysts has been demonstrated for both air/methane and air/kerosene systems.

Environmental (Air and Water Cleanup)

Photocatalytic oxidation and thermal oxidation are two proven techniques for removing contaminants from air and water, and Ultramet has developed supported catalysts for both.

Ultramet offers low temperature thermal oxidation catalysts for the destruction and removal of organic compounds such as toluene and ethanol. Originally developed for purifying air tainted with small concentrations of biochemical agents, these catalysts were designed to be highly efficient. Unlike most thermal oxidation catalysts, Ultramet catalysts do not require high temperatures, concentrated streams, or a separate fuel supply to function. Dilute streams at modest temperatures (~100ºC) can be treated simply and effectively.

Ultramet’s supported titanium dioxide photocatalysts and unique reactor designs have significantly improved the overall efficiency of both oxidation processes. By supporting the catalyst, separation of the photocatalytic material is no longer required, and the cost of make-up catalyst is eliminated. Photocatalysis is particularly effective in an aqueous stream because the water itself is the oxidizer.