A chemical process for producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, using an iron catalyst at high temperature and pressure.
Balanced Chemical Equation
N2(g)+3H2(g)↔2NH3(g)
Conditions for the Reaction(Harber Process)
Optimal conditions include a temperature of approximately 450-500°C, a pressure of around 200 atm, and the presence of an iron catalyst
Temperature Compromise
Although lower temperatures would shift the equilibrium toward ammonia production, higher temperatures are used to increase the reaction rate. This is a compromise for efficiency.
Ammonia Purification
Ammonia is separated from unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen by cooling the gas mixture; ammonia liquefies and can be removed, while the gases are recycled back into the reactor. Increasing the yield of Ammonia.
