Methods and systems for oxidizing gas are provided. An example regenerative oxidizer is provided that includes a combustion chamber to heat gas present in the combustion chamber. The regenerative oxidizer also includes a first heat exchange media bed and a second heat exchange media bed. Each of the first heat exchange media bed and the second heat exchange media bed are in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The regenerative oxidizer further includes two burners disposed within the combustion chamber to provide a total heat input to the gas present in the combustion chamber. At least one of the two burners is independently adjustable based on the airflow direction.

A non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance includes, for example, a housing having a combustion chamber, a loading door, an air inlet opening, and an exit opening connectable to a flue. A platform defines a non-movable separation in the housing between the combustion chamber and the exit opening. An insulated catalyst combustor is disposed between a top wall of the housing and the platform. When the door of the appliance is closed, gas from the combustion chamber is exhausted and directed along a single flow path horizontally through the insulated catalytic combustor and into the flue. When the door of the appliance is open, gas from the combustion chamber is inhibited from passing through the loading door opening, and ambient air entering the loading door opening and combustion gas from the combustion chamber are exhausted and directed along a single flow path horizontally through the insulated catalytic combustor and into the flue.

A non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance includes, for example, a housing having a combustion chamber, a loading door, an air inlet opening, and an exit opening connectable to a flue. A platform defines a non-movable separation in the housing between the combustion chamber and the exit opening. An insulated catalyst combustor is disposed between a top wall of the housing and the platform. When the door of the appliance is closed, gas from the combustion chamber is exhausted and directed along a single flow path horizontally through the insulated catalytic combustor and into the flue. When the door of the appliance is open, gas from the combustion chamber is inhibited from passing through the loading door opening, and ambient air entering the loading door opening and combustion gas from the combustion chamber are exhausted and directed along a single flow path horizontally through the insulated catalytic combustor and into the flue.

Apparatus and methods for debinding articles. The apparatus and methods may transform binder from furnace exhaust before the exhaust is discharged to the atmosphere. The apparatus may include a furnace retort and a reactor. The furnace retort may be configured to: exclude ambient air; and receive a carrier gas. The reactor may be configured to: receive from the retort (a) the carrier gas and (b) material removed in the retort from the article; and combust, at a temperature no greater than 750 C., the material. The material may be decomposed binder. The material may be hydrocarbon from binder that is pyrolyzed in the retort. The carrier gas may include gas that is nonflammable gas.

Apparatus and methods for debinding articles. The apparatus and methods may transform binder from furnace exhaust before the exhaust is discharged to the atmosphere. The apparatus may include a furnace retort and a reactor. The furnace retort may be configured to: exclude ambient air; and receive a carrier gas. The reactor may be configured to: receive from the retort (a) the carrier gas and (b) material removed in the retort from the article; and combust, at a temperature no greater than 750 C., the material. The material may be decomposed binder. The material may be hydrocarbon from binder that is pyrolyzed in the retort. The carrier gas may include gas that is nonflammable gas.

A non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance includes, for example, a housing having a combustion chamber therein. The housing has a loading door opening coverable by a door for loading fuel into the combustion chamber, an air inlet opening for receiving an air supply to the combustion chamber, and an exit opening connectable to a flue. A catalyst combustor is disposed between the combustion chamber and the exit opening. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in a closed position covering the loading door opening, gas from the combustion chamber is directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in an open position allowing loading of fuel through the loading door opening to the combustion chamber, ambient air entering the loading door opening and gas from the combustion chamber are directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue.

A non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance includes, for example, a housing having a combustion chamber therein. The housing has a loading door opening coverable by a door for loading fuel into the combustion chamber, an air inlet opening for receiving an air supply to the combustion chamber, and an exit opening connectable to a flue. A catalyst combustor is disposed between the combustion chamber and the exit opening. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in a closed position covering the loading door opening, gas from the combustion chamber is directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in an open position allowing loading of fuel through the loading door opening to the combustion chamber, ambient air entering the loading door opening and gas from the combustion chamber are directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue.

Methods are provided for generating or recovering gaseous materials such as hydrogen and solids such as metals through the smoldering combustion of an organic material. The methods include admixing a porous matrix material with an organic material, and, in some embodiments a catalyst, to produce a porous mixture. The mixture is exposed to an oxidant, initiating a self-sustaining smoldering combustion of the mixture, and collecting the vapors and combustion products or processing the porous matrix following combustion to physically separate the porous matrix material from ash containing inorganic materials of value. Additional embodiments aggregate the organic material or catalyst or porous matrix material or mixture thereof in an impoundment such as a reaction vessel, lagoon or matrix pile. Further embodiments utilize at least one heater to initiate combustion and at least one air supply port to supply oxidant to initiate and maintain combustion.

Methods are provided for generating or recovering gaseous materials such as hydrogen and solids such as metals through the smoldering combustion of an organic material. The methods include admixing a porous matrix material with an organic material, and, in some embodiments a catalyst, to produce a porous mixture. The mixture is exposed to an oxidant, initiating a self-sustaining smoldering combustion of the mixture, and collecting the vapors and combustion products or processing the porous matrix following combustion to physically separate the porous matrix material from ash containing inorganic materials of value. Additional embodiments aggregate the organic material or catalyst or porous matrix material or mixture thereof in an impoundment such as a reaction vessel, lagoon or matrix pile. Further embodiments utilize at least one heater to initiate combustion and at least one air supply port to supply oxidant to initiate and maintain combustion.

A controller monitors temperature in a bio-fuel fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and the like to reduce generation of smoke or other pollutants, thereby promoting proper operation of a catalytic converter.