Catalyst composition and method for oxidizing mixtures

Abstract

A catalyst composition and method for oxidizing fuels is disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises at least one compound having one of a group III, group IIA or Lanthanide element such as, for example, Aluminum, Magnesium or Cesium, and at least one compound having at least one element selected from group IA, group IVA, group VI, group VII, group VIII, group IB, group IIB, and combinations thereof, such as, for example platinum, rhodium and rhenium. A method for oxidizing an fuel, the method comprising providing a fuel and a catalyst mixture; transporting the fuel and the catalyst to the flame zone separately; mixing the fuel and the catalyst; and oxidizing the fuel. The method and catalyst mixture may be used for oxidation of any hydrocarbon based fuel. Improved results from the use of the group III, group IIA or Lanthanide group element include increased power, reduced harmful emissions, and smoother oxidation process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The present invention generally relates to a composition and method for catalyzing oxidation, and more particularly to a catalyst mixture and method for conveying a catalyst for oxidation of a fuel. 2. Background Art Bubbling or sparging air through a catalytic mixture that includes platinum, rhodium and rhenium compounds has been used to convey the platinum, rhodium and rhenium compounds into a combustion chamber of, for example, an automobile engine, to reduce pollution from the engine. The use and operation of catalysts in oxidation processes are generally known in the art for increasing the efficiency of the oxidation process and in particular cases, reducing pollution. Greater efficiencies and reduction of pollution is needed. Furthermore, dispersed particles in catalyst mixtures have been found to agglomerate due to heat or complexation with organic additives in the catalytic mixture. There is a need to prevent agglomeration ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a method for oxidizing fuel through the use of a catalyst mixture which is added to a flame zone of an oxidation process. The composition and methods of the present invention may provide a way to increase the efficiency of fuel oxidation, resulting in reduced harmful emissions, greater horsepower and more stable burning, which tends to result in less wear and tear on the engine. Embodiments of the invention generate a catalyst-containing environment within the flame zone by sparging gas through a catalyst mixture and transporting the resulting gas, which contains catalyst particles, to the flame zone to affect the chemistry of the oxidation process. The catalyst particles may be directly injected into the flame zone or may be indirectly injected or drawn into the flame zone, such as through an air intake to the flame zone. Ionized sparging gas may improve the results even further.

Embodiments of the catalyst mixture include at least one compound having elements selected from the group consisting of group IA, group IIIA, group VIA, group VA, group VI, group VII, group VIII, group IVA, group IB, group IIB and combinations thereof, and at least one compound having at least one element selected from the group consisting of group III, group IIA and Lanthanide group, such as Aluminum, Magnesium or Cerium, mixed in a matrix, such as water. Additionally, the catalyst mixture may include one or more of a sorbent, an antifreeze agent, and a surfactant. It has been found that the pH of the catalyst mixture is crucial to prevent agglomeration of the catalyst. Agglomeration reduces the amount of catalyst particles that may be carried to the flame zone in an air stream and may cause portions of the catalyst mixture to fall out of suspension.

Problems solved by technology

Agglomeration reduces the amount of catalyst particles that may be carried to the flame zone in an air stream and may cause portions of the catalyst mixture to fall out of suspension.

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