United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

Michael J Davies

James A Cairns

Norman Jorgensen

John T Klaschka

Paul G Deards

A catalyst for the oxidation of carbonaceous particulates carried in a gaseous phase, for example for the treatment of Diesel engine exhaust emissions, comprises a substrate for permitting flow of the gaseous phase therethrough coated with a high surface area ceramic oxide (for example alumina made by a vapor phase condensation method such as flame hydrolysis), cerium(IV) oxide, and a compound such as an oxide, carbonate or nitrate of an element of Group 1A of the Periodic Table. The substrate may be in the form of a ceramic honeycomb such as of cordierite, or of metal sheets (e.g. of an aluminium bearing ferritic alloy) shaped and wound to define gas flow channels, or of ceramic or metal foams, particles or wires in random or structured arrangement. The catalyst may include other components (e.g. transition metals such as Co, Cu, and Mn; Pb; and precious metals such as Pt and Pd) for enhancing performance.

Catalyst for the oxidation of carbonaceous particulates and method of

A heat pipe or thermal siphon having an internal surface shaped to promote thin film evaporation therefrom. The internal surface consists of a number of equi-spaced longitudinally extending ribs which define grooves between them, and the ribs may be of rectangular, semicircular, or triangular form. In use the bulk of the condensate in the thermal siphon is pulled by surface tension effects into the corners of the grooves, and leaves a thin film of the condensate between the rivulets. An assembly of heat transfer fins is attached externally one at each side of the heat pipe or thermal siphon for air flow therethrough transverse to the length of the heat pipe or thermal siphon, and a number of such assemblies are clustered together with a silicone rubber sealing strip between them at about the center of each assembly to divide the cluster into two sealingly separated portions.

Heat pipes and thermal siphons

A method of making a spark plug which is suitable for use in an internal combustion engine. The method comprises the steps of providing a tubular outer sheath of corrosion and erosion resistant metal and locating a thermally conductive core in the bore of the sheath. The sheath is worked down onto the core and the exposed end of the core is covered over by melting the outer sheath.

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Wantage, United Kingdom

Michael J Davies