METHOD FOR DECOMPOSING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE UNDER PRESSURE AND DEVICE FOR HEATING AN EQUIPMENT

The reaction pressure is at least 20 bars, and preferably more than 80 bars. A decomposition chamber (1) has means (4, 6, 7, 8) of supplying hydrogen peroxide, and contains a solid catalyst (3) comprising manganese, vanadium, palladium or a mixture, in a shape designed to heat an apparatus (2), and with means (11, 12) of evacuating the decomposition products. The catalyst includes manganese and/or palladium, in particular partially oxidized manganese, and is supported on a support material which is inert in the reaction conditions. In particular, the catalyst is supported on a base of pure palladium or palladium mixed with platinum, gold and/or iridium. The hydrogen peroxide is in aqueous solution containing less than 90%, and preferably less than 70% hydrogen peroxide by weight. The solution is stabilized. The process produces heat, oxygen and/or steam. The device also has means (13, 14, 15) of injecting a balancing fluid into the decomposition chamber. The internal wall of the decomposition chamber is coated with a material which is resistant to high temperatures.