The structure of a molecule determines its reactivity and the amount of energy that is required to oxidize it to CO2. Unsaturated molecules such as formaldehyde, ethylene and propylene react readily at low temperatures. Saturated molecules such as methane, ethane and propane are very stable and require much higher temperatures to convert them to CO2 and H2O. Utilization of a catalyst lowers the energy required for reactions to occur, so they can take place at lower temperatures.
[Translate to DE:] Johnson Matthey has been a world leader in oxidation catalyst and catalytic converter technology since the Environmental Protection Agency implemented clean air legislation.
Oxidation catalysts were the first catalysts to be utilized for air pollution control. These emission control catalysts oxidize CO and gas-phase organic compounds with oxygen in the air to form CO2 and water. Today, catalytic emission control technology is used to prevent air pollution from almost all industrial and combustion processes. Johnson Matthey’s expertise in both catalysis and precious metals enabled us to rapidly commercialize catalytic air pollution solutions in response to the very first clean air legislation implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And as regulations become more challenging, Johnson Matthey remains dedicated to cleaner industry, cleaner energy and cleaner air.
Oxidation Catalysts
Elements that are active for the catalytic oxidation of air pollutants include precious metals such as Pt, Pd and Rh and many base metals. Special promoters and binders are added to maximize catalytic activity and durability. Oxides with very high surface area are used to support the precious metals and together, these materials are coated onto ceramic or metallic substrates to produce flow-through emission control catalysts that can be used to prevent air pollution from almost all industrial and combustion processes.
Metallic substrates offer very low backpressure and can be brazed for durability in applications where they are exposed to shock and vibration. Metallic substrates are fabricated in rectangular and round shapes, at multiple cell densities and can be made in very large sizes.
Ceramic substrates are produced in multiple cell densities with varying wall thickness to meet low backpressure requirements. They are resistant to harsh chemical environments and can be cut and assembled into large, custom-sized beds.
The flexibilty in substrate design allows the oxidation catalysts to fit the Johnson Matthey ModulexTM and DualOx® Catalytic Converters or nearly any other catalyst housing for the most effective catalytic emission control technology.
Learn more about catalytic solutions to control VOCs and HAPs
Catalytic Converters
Johnson Matthey ModulexTM and DualOx®catalytic converters are engineered to provide the highest levels of efficiency coupled with easy maintenance. They are designed to accommodate all of the oxidation catalyst elements in the Johnson Matthey emission control catalyst portfolio.
- Carbon or stainless steel construction
- CFD modeling to ensure uniform flow distribution
- Easy catalyst access for maintenance or replacement
- Inlet and outlet sampling ports for measuring temperature and pressure
- Silencing option available
Johnson Matthey’s catalytic air pollution solutions enable our customers to remain compliant with clean air standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as clean air standards in Europe and around the world.
Learn more about DualOx® Catalytic Converters and ModulexTM Catalytic Converters and Converter-Silencers.