Question

why cant we apply catalytic combustion to particulate matter laden gases?

Answer 1

A catalyst is used in any process which can be economical for the industry.This is because use of catalyst itself requires higher cost and thus any process which can produce such a product whose requirement is too high and can be obtained in pure form by the use of catalyst such that the company can be benefitted from its production.Now when it comes to catalytic combustion of laden gas ,the end product is not of any use to company although if it is released in the atmosphere ,it can be harmful for the environment.Thus these particulate matters are burnt using Flare tower as these are uniformly distributed throughout the gas medium and particle size is less as well and thus the mass transfer of gas and its combustion (i.e. burning) is easily favoured instead of using catalytic oxidation.End product of this process is simpy coke not a useful product and thus catalytic combustion will not be economical for this process of burning.