Industrial and commercial appliances often generate undesirable
by-products that can adversely impact public health and safety.
BASF Catalysts patented Applicat™ catalyst technology — ideal for a
variety of industrial and environmental uses — addresses the need
to eradicate these harmful by-products.
Self-cleaning ovens: Generating harmful
by-products
Household ovens often use a high-temperature process that reduces
surface spatters to a fine ash that is easily removed. However,
this process can generate unwanted by-products like carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons and toxic fumes. Applicat catalysts from
BASF Catalysts help eliminate these harmful chemical
compounds.
Safer cooking without open flames
Specialized cooking devices, such as those used by campers, often
burn methane, propane or butane fuels in situations where an open
flame would be hazardous. BASF Catalysts Applicat catalysts
generate heat by oxidizing the gases at the catalyst surface, thus
eliminating the need for an open flame and reducing the risk of
fire.
Making products safer: Helping to prevent
hydrogen explosions
Certain household products, including rechargeable toothbrushes and
batteries, generate hydrogen during use and consequently pose an
explosion hazard. BASF Catalysts Applicat catalyst solutions can
recombine hydrogen with oxygen, virtually eliminating risks. On a
much larger scale, this same technology can be applied to
prevent explosions at nuclear plants.
Reducing air emissions from gas
streams
Complying with ever-changing environmental regulations can be an
arduous task. BASF Catalysts Applicat catalysts can ease this
burden by removing environmental "bad actors" from gas streams. For
example, our catalysts destroy ozone generated by water treatment
systems, photocopy machines and the photochemical reaction between
oxides of nitrogen (Nox) and hydrocarbons (HC) in industrial
areas.
Controlling emissions from manufacturing
processes
Many manufacturers employ processes that generate volatile organic
compounds as by-products. BASF Catalysts Applicat catalysts can be
applied to control these and other industrial emissions.
Customized, innovative catalysts
BASF Catalysts scientists work with customers to create customized
catalysts that can be used to resolve a multitude of unique
problems, including those mentioned above. After all, ingenuity and
innovation are second nature to BASF Catalysts.