Drivers for Performing the Oxidation of Ammonia

The short contact times required, typically being considerably below, also favor operation in micro channels. Hence high reaction rates and high exofhermicity are characteristic of the oxidation of ammonia. 

Oxidations of ammonia display ignition/extinction characteristics and auto-thermal reaction behavior. At low heat supply, only low conversion is observed and temperature remains nearly constant. With increasing heat supply and approaching a certain temperature, the reaction heat generated can no longer be transferred completely totally to the reactor construction material. At this stage, the reaction starts up . Suddenly, the temperature is raised by increased heat production until heat generation and removal are in balance. The reaction can now be carried out without a need for external heat supply, namely in autothermal mode. 

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