Friday, August 4, 2017

Why is "flame Impingement" bad for the catalyst?

Direct flame contact is death to the catalyst. A catalyst burns the byproducts in the smoke. The gases such as CO, HC, and O2 ignite with each other in a chemical reaction in the presence of the catalyst (while passing through the honeycomb configuration).
Direct flame inhibits this reaction by changing the chemical make-up of the catalyst breaking down the substrate or ceramic.


Today's modern catalytic wood burning stoves are designed so that flame impingement is unlikely.  However, it is still impossible. A strong fast draft can pull the flames around the flame shield and into the catalyst. A hot fire with all the primary air controls wide open or perhaps the firebox door or ash pan door ajar are other ways the catalyst might receive flame impingement.


No comments: