Propulsion apparatus

A self-contained propulsion apparatus suitable for a sub-sea ROV wherein said propulsion apparatus comprises:

• a reactor vessel for reaction of hydrogen peroxide oxidant having a strength of from 20 to 70%, with a fuel, and having at least one inlet and at least one exhaust, said reactor vessel being provided with a spark ignition element;
• a decomposition chamber for disproportionation of said hydrogen peroxide oxidant upstream of said reactor vessel, said decomposition chamber being provided with a catalyst for disproportionation of said hydrogen peroxide oxidant;
• at least one reservoir for holding, in use of the apparatus, supplies of each of said fuel and hydrogen peroxide oxidant, said reservoirs being in fluid communication with said at least one inlet of said reactor vessel via said decomposition chamber;
• at least one remotely operable fuel and oxidant supply control device formed and arranged for controlling supply of said fuel and oxidant from said reservoirs to the reactor vessel;
• a steam driven drive device in fluid communication with said reactor vessel exhaust so as to be driven by steam from said reactor vessel in use of the propulsion system, said drive device being connected via a reduction gear means to a propulsion device for propelling said ROV in use thereof;
• and
• degassing apparatus formed and arranged for substantially removing steam and any other gas phase reaction products, from the gas phase into the liquid and/or solid phase, downstream of said drive device.