Production Technology of Ammonia

Production of ammonia may be considered as being composed of two major steps  

Synthesis gas for ammonia production consists of hydrogen and nitrogen in about a 3 1 mole ratio, residual methane, argon introduced with the process air, and traces of carbon oxides. There are several processes available for synthesis gas generation, and each is characterized by the specific feedstock used. A typical synthesis gas composition by volume is hydrogen, 74% nitrogen, 24% methane, 0.8% argon, 0.3% carbon oxides, 2-10 ppmv and water vapor, 0,1 ppmv [4], 

The source of nitrogen is always air however, hydrogen can be derived from a variety of raw materials including water, light and heavy hydrocarbons resulting from crude oil refining, coal, natural gas, and sometimes a combination of these raw materials. In all cases, part of the hydrogen produced is derived from water. 

Synthesis gas preparation consists of three steps . (1) feedstock conversion, (2) carbon monoxide conversion, and (3) gas purification. Table 6.10 gives the main processes for each of the feedstocks used. In each case, except for water electrolysis, simultaneous to the reactions shown, the water-gas shift reaction occurs. 

Equilibrium is achieved in steam reforming equilibrium is approached for partial oxidation processes 14]. The reactions are given in Table 6.10..  

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