Portable Catalytic Drying Apparatus

Abstract

The present relates to a portable catalytic drying apparatus for use in applications such as drying, curing, polymerisation and cross-linking of organic coatings and compounds. The apparatus comprises a catalytic combustion chamber where a co-current lean mixture of fuel and air is combusted, a casing connecting a fuel supply to the combustion chamber, a regulating valve for controlling the flow of fuel, and an injector for mixing the fuel with air thereby providing a lean mixture of uniform fuel-air concentration.

1 - A portable catalytic drying apparatus comprising:
 a portable casing for connecting to a fuel supply and for receiving fuel therefrom;   a regulating valve for controlling the flow of fuel from the fuel supply;   an injector for mixing the flow of fuel with air thereby providing a co-current lean fuel-air mixture;   a combustion chamber comprising a protection grille, a perforated diffuser plate, a ceramic insulation blanket and a porous pad impregnated with catalytic material where the co-current lean mixture of fuel and air is combusted;   whereby after ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, the portable catalytic drying apparatus generates heat.   
     
     
         2 - The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising moveable handles and adjustable straps enabling easy carrying and positioning. 
     
     
         3 - The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the portable catalytic drying apparatus is lightweight enough to be manually handled, used and operated by a single person, and completely autonomous. 
     
     
         4 - The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be attached to a base equipped with piezoelectric means for igniting the fuel-air mixture before the apparatus is used; 
     
     
         5 - The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a co-current mixture of fuel and air typically with 45% excess air is combusted.