200?-2005 Project:
Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Vehicle
The hydrogen peroxide decomposition vehicle follows the same concept as the previous semester's. Hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by catalyst to generate a gaseous exhaust, propelling the vehicle forward.
The primary difficulty in this pressure rocket consists of generation of thrust, elimination of liquid discharge, cost efficiency and containment.
* Generation and efficiency - explored through dual catalyst system
* Liquid discharge - explored through "elbows" or separation edges
* Containment and safety - explored lightly through use of pressure rated materials
This semester's focus will revolve around safety and control as opposed to catalyst efficiency and power maximization. To this extent we will explore the extended effects of peroxide exposure and temperature shock to plastic materials. As well, in consideration of lowered operating pressures, we will consider various new gas/liquid separation methods.
"Pressure powered vehicle driven by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed with a heterogenous blend of cupric sulfate and potassium chloride." ie fancy words to say "A jet rocket powered by gas formed from a chemical reaction"
Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Vehicle
The hydrogen peroxide decomposition vehicle follows the same concept as the previous semester's. Hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by catalyst to generate a gaseous exhaust, propelling the vehicle forward.
The primary difficulty in this pressure rocket consists of generation of thrust, elimination of liquid discharge, cost efficiency and containment.
* Generation and efficiency - explored through dual catalyst system
* Liquid discharge - explored through "elbows" or separation edges
* Containment and safety - explored lightly through use of pressure rated materials
This semester's focus will revolve around safety and control as opposed to catalyst efficiency and power maximization. To this extent we will explore the extended effects of peroxide exposure and temperature shock to plastic materials. As well, in consideration of lowered operating pressures, we will consider various new gas/liquid separation methods.
"Pressure powered vehicle driven by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed with a heterogenous blend of cupric sulfate and potassium chloride." ie fancy words to say "A jet rocket powered by gas formed from a chemical reaction"
Video Clips:
10.28: Reaction vessel rubber bottom failure (unable to withstand pressure; corrected by fixing bottom)
10.28: Car travelling ~75 feet down breezeway (prior to wheel realignment, hence turn)
10.28: Reaction vessel rubber bottom failure (unable to withstand pressure; corrected by fixing bottom)
10.28: Car travelling ~75 feet down breezeway (prior to wheel realignment, hence turn)
Summarized text of verbal presentation presented
at National Conference:
Catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide is poorly understood and likewise, relatively undocumented. This is due to the fact that the rates and mechanisms typically involve an intermediate hydroxy radical and are difficult to mathematically model or theoretically explain. Research on reactivity with copper cations and anionic halogens suggests that both reactions independently yield first order reaction rates in each component.
Our experimental data in one-component catalyst suggests results contrary to the few papers available, but even if the reactions are understood, the simultaneous competition of dual catalysts in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has yet to be published. Experiments executed under the control of constant concentration of hydrogen peroxide suggests a maxima in rate given a set molar ratio of catalysts. Hence, a two component catalyst mixture results in a decomposition rate dependent not only upon the concentration of each reactant but also upon the molar ratio of each. This can be attributed to interaction of one ion in the catalytic reaction pathway of the other.
One maximum rate ratio was determined experimentally and maintained throughout the duration of our vehicle trials. Temperature dependence due to heat of reaction was considered in a loose form as a threshold temperature for significant gas production.
Catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide is poorly understood and likewise, relatively undocumented. This is due to the fact that the rates and mechanisms typically involve an intermediate hydroxy radical and are difficult to mathematically model or theoretically explain. Research on reactivity with copper cations and anionic halogens suggests that both reactions independently yield first order reaction rates in each component.
Our experimental data in one-component catalyst suggests results contrary to the few papers available, but even if the reactions are understood, the simultaneous competition of dual catalysts in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has yet to be published. Experiments executed under the control of constant concentration of hydrogen peroxide suggests a maxima in rate given a set molar ratio of catalysts. Hence, a two component catalyst mixture results in a decomposition rate dependent not only upon the concentration of each reactant but also upon the molar ratio of each. This can be attributed to interaction of one ion in the catalytic reaction pathway of the other.
One maximum rate ratio was determined experimentally and maintained throughout the duration of our vehicle trials. Temperature dependence due to heat of reaction was considered in a loose form as a threshold temperature for significant gas production.
In action on 10.21:
In action on 10.28:
Prior design based on hydrogen peroxide
decomposition by cupric sulfate catalyst. Flexible
hosing utilized to release gas through commericial
spray nozzles.
Video Clips:
Winning run at the Spring 2005 Regional Competition (courtesy of UC Berkeley AIChE chapter)
Engineers First to the Finish Line
ChemE car a winner
Video Clips:
Winning run at the Spring 2005 Regional Competition (courtesy of UC Berkeley AIChE chapter)
Engineers First to the Finish Line
ChemE car a winner