Optimization of a Catalytic Chamber for H2O2 Decomposition Based on Beads

This paper reports on an experimental study of the decomposition of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide (87.5 wt%) using [Formula: see text] beads in a catalytic decomposition chamber. It focuses on the optimization of the loading of the catalyst bed. The decomposition efficiency of the process was evaluated by comparing the temperature of the exhaust gas and its composition. The catalyst mass in the catalytic decomposition chamber was decreased, through the replacement with an inert material, by keeping the bed volume constant, or with an empty volume. In addition, the influence of the catalyst bead dimensions was investigated using two different sizes (1.0–1.7 mm and 2.0–2.5 mm). This change appears to affect the efficiency of the system. Finally, catalyst aging was studied on samples collected throughout this study, whose cumulated throughput was 40 kg propellant, and a comparison criterion between catalytic decomposition systems was proposed.