Convective heat transfer within a cylindrical inert porous media combustor is studied. A two-dimensional, two temperature mathematical model, based on fluid mechanics, energy and chemical species governing equations is used for combustion simulation. The finite volume method is used to solve the discrete model for methane combustion with air. Results are presented for unsteady velocity and temperature distributions, as well as for the displacement of the combustion zone, to assess the effects of inlet reactants velocities in the range 0.3-0.6 m/s; excess air ratios between 3 and 6 and porosities of 0.3 up to 0.6 in the convection heat transfer and combustion processes. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.