Methane oxidation plant

Abstract

1. A methane oxidation apparatus for recovering heat for reuse in the oxidation comprising a methane oxidation unit for oxidizing methane and a heat exchanger for recovering heat for reuse in the oxidation, the heat exchanger having an inlet arranged in use to be in fluid communication with a methane emission source, an outlet, at least one flow path fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet and at least a portion of the flow path through the methane oxidation unit, and at least one counter-flow path on an opposite side of the flow path and at least a portion of the flow path through the methane oxidation unit, the at least one flow path and the at least one counter-flow path being arranged in use to allow heat transfer therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a methane oxidation apparatus for recovering heat and reusing it for oxidation.

Background Art

[0002] Methane is known to be a potent greenhouse gas, and its global warming potential is far higher than that of carbon dioxide. Livestock are known to be an important source of methane gas, which is released via exhalation and eructation. Livestock methane emissions often have a direct economic impact on livestock producers, who may be taxed based on the carbon footprint of their livestock. In addition, since cattle are a major contributor to global warming, it is essential to reduce methane emissions from livestock.

[0003] One method for reducing the amount of methane emissions is to capture and oxidize methane before it is released into the atmosphere. In this process, methane is oxidized by oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, reducing the amount of harmful methane released. The energy demand of this process is high, and the required oxidation temperature is about 500°C. In addition, the frequent occurrence of emissions from livestock means that the need to oxidize this methane arises frequently.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for means for recovering energy from methane oxidation and reusing this energy in the oxidation process.

[0005] The objects and aspects of the present invention seek to mitigate at least these problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a methane oxidation apparatus for recovering and reusing heat for oxidation is provided, comprising a methane oxidation unit for oxidizing methane and a heat exchanger for recovering and reusing heat for oxidation, wherein the heat exchanger has an inlet arranged to be in fluid communication with a methane emission source during use, an outlet, at least one flow path that fluidly connects the inlet to the outlet and at least a portion of which passes through the methane oxidation unit, and at least one opposing flow path on the opposite side of the flow path and at least a portion of which passes through the methane oxidation unit, wherein during use, at least one flow path and at least one opposing flow path are arranged to allow heat transfer between them.

[0007] In this way, energy can be recovered from the oxidation of methane emissions and reused within the oxidation process. Therefore, reliance on any external power source in this process can be reduced or eliminated. This heat recovery makes it possible to provide a lightweight, portable, self-contained methane oxidation device. Such a device is particularly effective in applications where it is attached to livestock or another animal to capture and oxidize methane emissions released by animals.

[0008] Preferably, during use, the fluid flows through at least one channel and at least one opposing channel, and heat from the fluid leaving the methane oxidation unit is transferred to heat the fluid entering the methane oxidation unit. In this way, the unheated fluid entering the methane oxidation unit is heated before oxidation, and the heated fluid leaving the methane oxidation unit is cooled before being released into the external environment. Such a process recovers heat from the oxidation process and reuses the heat by heating the fluid to be oxidized before oxidation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger. Alternatively or additionally, the heat exchanger is a heat transfer heat exchanger. Alternatively, the heat exchanger is a regenerative heat exchanger. Preferably, the heat exchanger is a single-pass heat exchanger. Alternatively, the heat exchanger is a double-pass heat exchanger.

[0010] Preferably, the inlet is provided with an inlet manifold and the outlet is provided with an outlet manifold. Thus, the apparatus has multiple flow paths and multiple opposing flow paths that enable efficient and rapid heat transfer from one path to another while minimizing pressure drop and heat loss through the methane oxidizer.

[0011] Preferably, at least one opposing flow path is parallel to at least one other flow path. In this way, a parallel-flow heat exchanger is provided, and the resistance to heat transfer between the flow path and the opposing flow path, and vice versa, is substantially the same along the length of the flow path and the opposing flow path.

[0012] Preferably, the length of at least one channel is the same as the length of at least one opposing channel. Preferably, at least one channel and at least one opposing channel are substantially straight. Alternatively, at least one channel and at least one opposing channel are substantially curved or U-shaped.

[0013] Preferably, the methane oxidation unit comprises a chamber for the catalytic oxidation of methane. The catalytic oxidation chamber exothermically oxidizes methane present in animal exhaled breath, releasing energy into the fluid flow. Alternatively or additionally, the methane oxidation unit comprises at least one catalytic material located within a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the at least one catalytic material is located in at least one of at least one flow path or at least one opposing flow path. Thus, the oxidation of methane occurs within the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for a separate oxidation chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the methane oxidation units are arranged at approximately equidistant lengths from at least one flow path and at least one opposing flow path. In this way, if, for example, heat from the fluid leaving the methane oxidation unit is transferred to heat the fluid entering the methane oxidation unit, there is an equivalent capacity for heat transfer between the flow path and the opposing flow path, and vice versa.

[0015] Preferably, the heat exchanger includes an insulating unit to insulate the device in order to reduce heat loss to the external environment. Reducing heat loss to the external environment increases the amount of heat that can be recovered and reused within the oxidation process.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device comprises multiple heat exchangers. Two or more heat exchangers may be configured in series, and supplying the inlet of one heat exchanger to the outlet of the other reduces pressure loss due to any piping and fitting requirements and increases heat transfer efficiency.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device includes a heater unit for heating the fluid in the methane oxidation unit during use. The methane emissions from animals need to be heated from the animal's exhaled breath temperature of approximately 30°C to an oxidation temperature of approximately 500°C. In preferred embodiments, the heater unit is not required for the device, and the heat recovered and reused by the device is sufficient to heat the animal emissions to the temperature required for oxidation during use. Thus, the device is substantially self-sufficient, eliminating reliance on a power source to supply power to the heater unit. Alternatively, since the device's reliance on the heater unit is intermittent, the power demand from any power source is reduced.

[0018] Preferably, the device is approximately rectangular. Alternatively, the device is approximately V-shaped. Alternatively, the device is approximately curved or U-shaped. Thus, the shape of the device can be adapted to the arrangement of the device in use. These features reduce the volume of the device on the animal during use, thus helping to prevent the device from interfering with the animal's vision, intake of food or water, rumination, or other normal behaviors.

[0019] Preferably, the apparatus includes connecting means for connecting the inlet to a methane collection unit. Preferably, the connecting means is configured to minimize the distance the fluid travels between the inlet and the methane collection unit. In this way, the need for a pump or external fluid transfer device to assist the fluid flow between the methane collection unit and the methane oxidation unit is reduced.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device includes a methane collection unit for collecting methane emissions emitted by animals. Preferably, during use, the methane collection unit is positioned near the animal's nasal cavity to collect methane emissions. Preferably, the methane collection unit is configured to reduce dilution or pre-spraying of the animal's exhaled breath before collection by the methane collection unit. Preferably, the methane collection unit includes at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of the animal's emissions. For example, the methane collection unit may include a methane sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and / or a temperature sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device includes placement means for positioning the device near the animal's head. Thus, the device can be reliably mounted near the animal's methane emission source, for example, on the animal's shoulder, neck, or head. Alternatively, the device includes mounting means for attaching the device to the animal's harness. Thus, the device can be used with existing equipment supported by the animal. Both configurations allow the device to be detachably held by the animal, for example, for maintenance. In other embodiments, the device includes placement means for positioning the device in a fixed structure. For example, the device may include placement means for mounting the device near a fattening farm, barn, shed, or other suitable location where methane emissions are present during use. Thus, methane emissions from multiple animals can be oxidized simultaneously by the device. In such embodiments, the device may include a methane collection unit configured to collect methane emissions from the external environment. In some embodiments, the methane oxidizer is configured for both fixed use in a structure and for use carried by an animal.

[0022] Preferably, the device includes at least one sensor. For example, the methane oxidizer may include a methane sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an inertia sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and / or a temperature sensor. In this way, at least one of the following characteristics—animal waste characteristics, oxidation conditions, or flow characteristics—can be detected and monitored by the user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device includes a pump to assist in the flow of fluid through the device during use. The type of pump is not particularly limited, and the device may include any suitable pump or fluid transfer device, such as a centrifugal pump. Preferably, the heat exchanger is configured such that the pressure drop along each flow path is very small. In this way, the need for a pump or external fluid transfer device is reduced or eliminated, and the power requirements of the device are reduced.

[0024] Preferably, the apparatus includes an exhaust separator unit for separating exhausts based on at least one exhaust characteristic during use. Preferably, the at least one exhaust characteristic is methane purity. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to separate exhausts before they enter the heat exchanger during use. In this way, methane exhausts can be filtered so that low-purity exhausts bypass the heat exchanger and high-purity exhaled air enters the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a valve that fluidly communicates with the external environment. In this way, the apparatus may be configured so that during use, all exhaled air with methane purity below a certain value bypasses the heat exchanger via the valve, and exhaled air with a higher value flows into the heat exchanger. Separating exhausts by methane purity reduces the amount of low-methane exhaust that undergoes oxidation, resulting in improved energy generation from the oxidation process and a reduction in the amount of fluid that is unnecessarily cooled before oxidation.

[0025] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described as merely examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view depicting the methane oxidizing apparatus according to the present invention arranged on the head of a cow during use. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view depicting the methane oxidizing apparatus of Figure 1 arranged on the head of a cow during use. [Figure 3] It is a view depicting a second embodiment of the methane oxidizing apparatus arranged on the head of a cow during use. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view depicting a first embodiment of the methane oxidizing apparatus of Figure 1. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view depicting a third embodiment of the methane oxidizing apparatus of Figure 1. [Figure 6] It is a view depicting a flow path and a counter flow path of the methane oxidizing apparatus according to the first embodiment of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a methane oxidizing apparatus 100 attached to the head of a cow 101 during use for recovering heat and reusing it for oxidation. The following embodiments outline the use of the methane oxidizing apparatus 100 for a cow 101, but it is contemplated that the apparatus 100 of the present invention may also be used for other bovines, and non-bovine animals such as sheep and goats. Thus, the apparatus 100 is not limited to use for cattle.

[0028] The methane oxidation apparatus 100 comprises a main body member 102 equipped with an insulating housing 110. The main body member 102 comprises a methane oxidation unit for oxidizing methane and a heat exchanger 109 for recovering heat and reusing it for oxidation, both arranged within the insulating housing 110. Figure 2 shows the disassembled state of the main body member 102 with the insulating housing 110 removed. The insulating housing 110 comprises an insulating unit for insulating the apparatus 100 to reduce heat loss to the external environment. The insulating unit comprises one or more suitable insulating materials, devices, or structures to reduce heat loss from the main body member 102 to the external environment of the methane oxidation apparatus. For example, the insulating unit may comprise a mineral wool insulator, aerogel, foamed foam, glass fiber insulator, polystyrene insulator, and / or multilayer aluminum.

[0029] The methane oxidizer 100 includes positioning means 103 so that the main body member 102 is positioned near the head of the cow 101 during use. In this embodiment, the positioning means 103 includes a plurality of straps for securing the methane oxidizer 100 to the underside of the cow 101's head.

[0030] The main body member 102 is substantially rectangular and includes a first inlet 104a and a first outlet 105a located on a first surface 108 of the main body member 102. The first inlet 104a is configured to be in fluid communication with an external methane collection unit 106 via a connecting means during use. In this embodiment, the connecting means includes an elongated member 107. The methane collection unit 106 is positioned at the muzzle of the cow 101 during use so that emissions released from the muzzle are collected by the methane collection unit 106. The elongated member 107 extends along the head of the cow 101 from the methane collection unit 106 to the main body member 102, where it connects to the first inlet 104a. The methane oxidation device 100 is configured not to interfere with the cow 101's vision, feed or water intake, rumination or other normal behavior.

[0031] The methane oxidizer 100 further comprises a second inlet adjacent to a second outlet located on a second surface (not shown) of the main body member 102. The second surface is located distal to the first surface 108 of the main body member 102. During use, the first outlet 105a is located on the first surface 108 between the first inlet 104a and the muzzle of the cow 101, and the second inlet is located on the second surface between the second outlet and the muzzle of the cow 101.

[0032] The second inlet, like the first inlet 104a, also fluidly communicates with the methane collection unit 106 via the elongated member 107. Thus, the elongated member 107 extends along both sides of the head of the cow 101.

[0033] The methane oxidation unit 100 further comprises an exhaust separator unit for separating exhausts based on methane purity during use. The unit 100 is configured so that exhausts are separated before they enter the heat exchanger 109 during use. The unit 100 is configured so that during use, all exhaled air with a methane purity below 500 parts per million (ppm) bypasses the heat exchanger, and exhaled air with a methane purity above 500 ppm flows into the heat exchanger.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, a second embodiment of the methane oxidizer 200 attached to the head of a cow 201 during use is illustrated. In the following description, similar reference numerals are used for similar parts of embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The methane oxidizer 200 comprises a roughly U-shaped main body member 202 that houses a roughly U-shaped heat exchanger. Thus, the main body member 202 is positioned above the neck of the cow 101, and the weight of the methane oxidizer 200 is supported by the neck of the cow 101. The methane oxidizer 200 further comprises an insulating housing 210.

[0036] In this embodiment, the methane oxidizer 200 includes a first inlet 204a and a first outlet 205a located in a first region 208 of the main body member 202, and a second inlet and a second outlet located in a second region (not shown) of the main body member 202. The first region 208 and the second region are located at the distal end of the main body member 202. The first inlet 204a is located in the first region 208 between the first outlet 205a and the muzzle of the cow 101, and the second outlet is located in the second region between the second inlet and the muzzle of the cow 201. The methane oxidizer 200 is configured not to interfere with the cow 201's vision, intake of feed or water, rumination or other normal behavior.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, the main body comprises a heat exchanger 109 located within the insulating housing 110 of the methane oxidation apparatus 100. The heat exchanger 109 comprises two paths, namely a flow path 111 with flow direction F and a counter flow path 112 with flow direction CF. The counter flow path 112 is located on the opposite side of the flow path 111.

[0038] Flow channel 111 connects the first inlet 104a to the second outlet 105b so that fluid flows from the first inlet 104a to the second outlet 105b during use. Opposing flow channel 112 connects the second inlet 104b to the first outlet 105a so that fluid flows from the second inlet 104b to the first outlet 105a during use. Thus, the heat exchanger 109 is a single-pass heat exchanger.

[0039] The opposing channel 112 is parallel to the channel 111, and the length of the channel 111 is the same as the length of the opposing channel 112. In this embodiment, the channel 111 and the opposing channel 112 are substantially linear. During use, the channel 111 and the opposing channel 112 are arranged to allow heat transfer between them. The channel 111 and the opposing channel 112 are configured to promote equally favorable flow through the heat exchanger 109. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 is configured to minimize undesirable characteristics of the fluid flowing within the apparatus, such as undesirable velocity, pressure drop, fouling, and turbulence.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5, an exploded view of a third embodiment of the methane oxidizer 300 is shown, which is substantially V-shaped. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 4, the methane oxidizer 300 includes a heat exchanger 309 with a first inlet 304a, a first outlet, a second inlet, a second outlet 305a, a flow path, and a counter-flow path. The methane oxidizer further includes a methane oxidizer unit 313 with a chamber 314 for the catalytic oxidation of methane.

[0041] The methane oxidation unit 313 is positioned at approximately equidistant lengths from the flow path and the opposing flow path. In this embodiment, the chamber 314 is positioned between the first straight section 315 and the second straight section 316 such that the first straight section 315, the chamber 314, and the second straight section 316 are in fluid communication. Part of the flow path passes through the chamber 314, and part of the opposing flow path passes through the chamber 314. Thus, during use, the fluid flows from the first inlet 304a through the first straight section 315 to the chamber 314, through the second straight section 316, and out of the methane oxidation device 300 via the first outlet. Similarly, during use, the fluid flows from the second inlet through the second straight section 316 to the chamber 314, through the first straight section 315, and out of the methane oxidation device 300 via the second outlet 305a.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, a heat exchanger 109 of the first embodiment is shown. A flow channel 111 having a flow F has a first inlet 104a fluidly connected to a second outlet 105b, and a counter flow channel 112 having a counter flow CF has a second inlet 104b fluidly connected to the first outlet 105a. The heat exchanger 109 includes a methane oxidation unit with a chamber for the catalytic oxidation of methane. The chamber 114 is positioned at approximately equidistant from the lengths of the flow channels 111 and 112.

[0043] During use, methane emissions enter the heat exchanger 109 via the first inlet 104a and the second inlet 104b at an emission temperature lower than the temperature required for methane oxidation. The emissions then flow along the corresponding flow paths 111 and 112 into the chamber 114, where catalytic oxidation of methane occurs. The reaction in the chamber 114 that oxidizes the methane emissions is exothermic, so that the oxidized emissions exiting the chamber 114 are at a high temperature of up to 500°C.

[0044] Next, the oxidized waste exits chamber 114 and flows along the corresponding waste channels 111 and 112 to the first outlet 105a and the second outlet 105b, and the oxidized waste exits the methane oxidation unit 100. It is effective to discharge the oxidized waste from the unit at a temperature significantly lower than the temperature of the fluid exiting chamber 114. High-temperature waste can be hazardous to both animals wearing the unit 100 and any animals, people, or objects near the unit 100. Thus, it is beneficial to recover and reuse heat from the oxidation process not only to improve the energy efficiency of the unit 100 but also to reduce the hazards posed by the emitted high-temperature oxidized waste.

[0045] During use, the fluid flows through channel 111 and the opposing channel 112, and heat from the fluid leaving the methane oxidation unit is transferred to heat the fluid entering the methane oxidation unit. As shown in channel 111 of Figure 6, heat from the fluid flowing out of chamber 114 toward the second outlet 105b is transferred to the fluid in the opposing channel 112 flowing toward chamber 114. In addition, in the opposing channel 112, heat from the fluid flowing out of chamber 114 toward the first outlet 105a is transferred to the fluid in channel 111 flowing toward chamber 114. As heat is transferred from the oxidized fluid, the fluid is cooled and can be discharged from the apparatus 100 at a suitable temperature.

[0046] Thus, the apparatus 100 benefits from reducing or eliminating the need to heat the exhaled breath of livestock before carrying out a catalytic oxidation reaction in the chamber 114 to remove methane exhaled from the livestock. Not only does the apparatus 100 benefit from taking energy from the oxidation reaction to maintain the contact chamber 114 at a desired temperature so that methane oxidation can occur, but the fluid leaving the chamber 114 also transfers unwanted heat from the chamber through the fluid before leaving the apparatus 100 at a safe temperature.

[0047] The means of heat transfer within the heat exchanger 109 are not particularly limited, and for example, the heat exchanger 109 may be a shell-and-tube, plate, plate fin, printed circuit, film cooling, or other suitable heat exchanger. Many of these heat exchangers 109 allow the fluid in each channel to transfer heat between fluids through the walls during use. Heat transfer between channel 111 and the opposing channel 112, and vice versa, is preferably configured to minimize heat loss within the heat exchanger 109. Furthermore, heat is preferably transferred between channel 111 and the opposing channel 112 by means such as conduction and / or convection, which reduces the need for external means to assist heat transfer.

[0048] The device 100 is configured to minimize overall heat and pressure losses. In this way, the device 100 can be made virtually self-sufficient, as it benefits from improved efficiency and reduced reliance on external energy inputs such as batteries.

[0049] The device 100 is configured to be attached directly to a cow 101 by a mounting means 103 so that the device is wearable and portable. The need for batteries in the device 100 is reduced by recovering and reusing heat from the oxidation process. However, the device 100 may also be configured as a stationary system by mounting it, for example, in a barn or near a fattening farm or other existing structure. The device 100 can be configured to collect methane emissions from the external environment by a methane collection unit. In this way, the device 100 is configured to oxidize methane emissions from multiple animals simultaneously. In such a configuration, the power requirements of the device 100 are reduced by recovering and reusing heat from the oxidation process.

[0050] Further embodiments not described above may be envisioned within the scope of the present invention. For example, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 109 may comprise a double-pass heat exchanger. In this particular embodiment, the heat exchanger is achieved by fluidly connecting a first outlet 105a to a second inlet 104b by connecting means. In such an embodiment, the methane oxidizer 100 is configured to reduce pressure loss within the apparatus 100, for example, by increasing the heat transfer efficiency of the apparatus 100 by shortening the length of the path through which the fluid moves in the connecting means.

[0051] In a selected embodiment of the present invention, the methane oxidizer 100 is equipped with a pump, such as a centrifugal pump, to assist the fluid in flowing through the flow path and the opposing flow path.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the methane oxidizer is envisioned to be configured to be mounted on existing mounting means. Additionally or alternatively, the methane oxidizer is envisioned to be configured to be in fluid communication with an external methane collection unit during use. Thus, the methane oxidizer is configured to fit into existing equipment owned by the user.

[0053] The materials used in this device must be suitable for attachment to animals, such as being suitable for outdoor exposure. The heat exchanger is constructed from any suitable material, for example, stainless steel or aluminum, in non-limiting examples, by using standard mass production techniques, including but not limited to, die-cutting, welding, diffusion bonding, gas sketching, and mechanical fastening. The present invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, and for example, more components than those illustrated in the drawings may be used.

Claims

1. A methane oxidation unit for oxidizing methane, A heat exchanger for recovering heat and reusing it for oxidation. A methane oxidation apparatus equipped with a methane oxidation apparatus for recovering heat and reusing it for oxidation, The aforementioned heat exchanger, An inlet positioned to communicate with the methane emission source and fluid during use, Exit and The inlet is connected to the outlet, and a portion of it passes through the methane oxidation unit, and there is at least one flow path. Located on the opposite side of the aforementioned flow path, and having at least one opposing flow path, a portion of which passes through the methane oxidation unit It has, During use, the at least one flow path and the at least one opposing flow path are arranged to allow heat transfer between them. The methane oxidation apparatus includes a methane collection unit for collecting methane emissions released by animals, A methane oxidizer comprising a means for positioning the methane oxidizer near the head of an animal.

2. The methane oxidizer according to claim 1, wherein during use, a fluid flows through the at least one channel and the at least one opposing channel, and heat from the fluid leaving the methane oxidizer is transferred by conduction and / or convection to heat the fluid entering the methane oxidizer.

3. The methane oxidation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat exchanger is a heat transfer type heat exchanger.

4. The methane oxidation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat exchanger is a regenerative heat exchanger.

5. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchanger is a single-pass heat exchanger.

6. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inlet is provided with an inlet manifold and the outlet is provided with an outlet manifold.

7. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one opposing flow path is parallel to the at least one flow path.

8. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the at least one flow path is the same as the length of the at least one opposing flow path.

9. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one flow path and the at least one opposing flow path are linear.

10. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one flow path and the at least one opposing flow path are substantially curved or U-shaped.

11. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the methane oxidation unit comprises a chamber for the catalytic oxidation of methane.

12. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the methane oxidation unit comprises at least one catalyst material disposed within the heat exchanger.

13. The methane oxidation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the at least one catalyst material is disposed in at least one of the at least one flow path or the at least one opposing flow path.

14. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the methane oxidation unit is arranged at a distance substantially equal to the length of the at least one flow path and the at least one opposing flow path.

15. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heat exchanger includes an insulating unit for insulating the methane oxidizer in order to reduce heat loss to the external environment.

16. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the methane oxidation apparatus comprises a plurality of heat exchangers.

17. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the methane oxidizer comprises a heater unit for heating the fluid in the methane oxidizer unit during use.

18. The methane oxidizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the methane oxidizing apparatus is substantially rectangular.

19. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the methane oxidizer is substantially V-shaped.

20. The methane oxidation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the methane oxidation apparatus comprises connecting means for connecting the inlet to a methane collection unit.

21. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the methane oxidizer comprises at least one sensor.

22. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the methane oxidizer is equipped with a pump for assisting the flow of fluid through the methane oxidizer during use.

23. The methane oxidizer according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the methane oxidizer comprises an exhaust separator unit for separating the exhaust based on at least one exhaust characteristic during use.

Images