Catalytic combustion reactor with a heat exchanger tube bundle housed therein, catalytic structure and method for carrying out catalytic combustion-reaction using the reactor and the catalytic structure

Abstract

A catalytic combustion reactor system comprises a heat exchange unit that comprises a bundle of open-ended tubes, the bundle having first and second collective ends, the first collective end adjoining a catalytic reactor that comprises a plurality of catalyst containing housings each of which is provided with an opening for the inflow of fluid for combustion and an opening for the outflow of fluid combustion product; an outer shell that envelopes the adjoined heat exchange unit and catalytic reactor and permits the flow of fluid to contact the heat exchange tube surfaces to absorb heat generated by the combustion reaction and to enter the inlet openings of the catalyst containing housings, the shell having a single fluid inlet in the area of the second collective end of the heat exchange unit, thereby allowing contact of the entire length of the tubes of the bundle with the incoming fluid for the exchange of heat; and a single outlet at the second collective end of the heat exchange unit which collects combustion fluid that is discharged from the outlet of said fluid combustion product and which traverses the length of each heat exchange tube.