At 06:42 PM 1/7/00 -0800, Davidson wrote: >>>> Wendy & John, I don't believe the catalytic heater had been invented twenty years ago. >> Please consider that pollution controls and automotive catalytic converters were introduced over 25 years ago to promote a very similar reaction, if for a different purpose. Platinum's use as a catalyst and as an electrode goes back many decades further in the world of chemistry and industry. Catalytic heters were around back then. Similarly, mantles of many lanterns since World War 2 used another heavy metal to achieve increased light output. I also own an avacado green 'mushroom' Coleman catalytic heater that operates on Coleman liquid fuel. I also have two other 70's vintage propane fuelled catalytic heaters. As I understand it, the big advance in recent years has been in the design of the substrate/carrier for the catalyst. Early 'wicks' were very physically and functionally delicate, prone to fraying and plugging which lead to incomplete combustion, odours and headaches. JoE |
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