US Patent:
20120115709, May 10, 2012
Inventors:
Ender Savrun - Seattle WA, US
Stephanie J. Sawhill - Bothell WA, US
Assignee:
Sienna Technologies, Inc. - Woodinville WA
International Classification:
B01J 32/00
C01G 27/02
B29C 35/02
B01J 37/30
B01J 37/02
C01G 25/02
B01J 21/06
US Classification:
502 11, 502439, 42359412, 42359416, 502328, 502340, 264 28
Abstract:
Ceramic catalyst carriers that are mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in a ionic salt monopropellant decomposition environment, high temperature catalysts for decomposition of liquid high-energy-density monopropellants and ceramic processing techniques for producing spherical catalyst carrier granules are disclosed. The ceramic processing technique is used to produce spherical catalyst carrier granules with controlled porosities and desired composition and allows for reproducible packing densities of catalyst granules in thruster chambers. The ceramic catalyst carrier has excellent thermal shock resistance, good compatibility with the active metal coating and metal coating deposition processes, melting point above >2300 C., chemical resistance to steam, nitrogen oxides and nitric acid, resistance to sintering to prevent void formation, and the absence of phase transition associated with volumetric changes at temperatures up to and beyond 1800 C.