A pulse combustion-based VOC destruction technique

Herein we describe a recently initiated project to develop and demonstrate a novel technique for volatile organic compound (VOC) destruction that relies upon the unique characteristics of pulse combustors to effect a two-stage (thermal and catalytic) destruction process. The concept exploits both the high combustion intensity (energy release rate per unit volume) in the pulse combustor combustion chamber and the acoustic resonance in the pulse combustor tailpipe. High combustion intensity results from rapid fluid dynamic mixing, and will lead to compact, transportable designs; acoustic resonance results in significantly increased mass transport to the catalyst material, leading to high destruction efficiencies. The operation of a pulse combustor and its unique characteristics are described and illustrated with experimental data and theoretical calculations. The new pulse combustion-based VOC destruction system is discussed, and results from a preliminary feasibility study are presented