Methane Emission Control by Thermal Oxidation in a Reverse Flow Reactor

Methane is a potent atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) and second only to carbon dioxide as a contributor to global warming. To reduce the methane emissions, a thermal reverse flow reactor packed with the ceramic honeycomb monoliths and started up with a burner was developed. The methane thermal oxidation characteristics were studied experimentally. Different methane concentrations (0.3-1%) were used for experiments of the methane oxidation in the reverse flow reactor. The results show that the lean methane oxidation that are not normally auto-thermal can be run and sustained in the reverse flow reactor; the methane conversion efficiency achieved is over 95%; the lowest methane concentration limit at which methane will oxidize reliably is approximately 0.3%; the highest temperature in the reactor is lower than the detrimental temperature of the ceramic monolith, the stability and reliability of the reactor can be ensured. The potential of the thermal reverse flow reactor for reducing the methane emission is demonstrated.