This type of catalytic combustor is found in the exhaust systems of automobiles
and in the flue pipes of modern wood burning stoves. The active component is finely
dispersed particles of platinum or palladium.
Procedure
Propane gas passing through the apparatus can be lit with a match.
A propane flame is used to preheat the ceramic.
The flame is then extinguished but the propane continues to flow.
Propane passing over the hot catalyst exothermically oxidizes and increases
the temperature of the ceramic.
The gas resulting from propane passing over the hot catalyst will extinguish
a lit match. How does the observed effect compare with that in the first
movie where the catalyst is not hot?
When the propane flow is turned off, the catalyst cools off. Why?
Materials
HS-3 Catalytic Combustor (A glass chimney containing
a piece of ceramic with a platinized surface)
Educational Innovations
362 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
203-229-0730 http://www.teachersource.com A methane or propane source.
A BernzoMatic Trigger Start Torch from a hardware store is used in the
movies but a Bunsen burner also works.
