Consider the ammonia process in Problem 6.12. For the given conditions, the maximum single-pass conversion obtained in the reactor is about 15%−20%. Explain how the temperature and pressure should be adjusted to increase this conversion of this equilibrium limited reaction and the penalties for making these changes.

Problem 6.12

The production of ammonia (a key ingredient for fertilizer) using the Haber process takes place at temperatures of around 500°C and pressures of 250 atm using a porous iron catalyst according the following highly exothermic synthesis reaction:

Give possible reasons for the high temperature and pressure used for this reaction.

Transcribed Image Text:

N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇒ 2NH3(g)AH = -92.4kJ/mol