The Harber Process
The Harber Process is a method of producing ammonia, the method is a reversible reaction.
The reaction used to produce ammonia is a reversible reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen. The reaction can reach an equilibrium, where the forward and backward reaction happens at the same rate.
The Harber Process:
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Nitrogen (extracted from the air) and hydrogen (from natural gas) are pumped together through pipes
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The pressure of the pipes is increased to the optimum pressure for the reaction which is around 200 atmospheres
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The gasses are now heated to their optimum temperature which is around 450 degrees Celcius
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When the mixed gasses are heated and pressurized they are passed through pipes with an iron catalyst
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The reaction mixture is then cooled down to let the ammonia liquefy so it can then be extracted
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The unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen can be recycled for further production of ammonium