Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia at mid- to low-pressures using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a packed bed of supported nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that form the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is a combustion system employing a urea-to-ammonia vapor reactor system. The urea-to-ammonia reactor housing enclosed in a bypass flow duct that receives a secondary flue gas stream at a split point from a main flue gas stream containing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emanating from a boiler. The bypass flow duct allows the secondary flue gas stream to flow past the enclosed reactor housing where injected aqueous urea in atomized or non-atomized form, is gasified to ammonia vapor. The resulting gaseous mixtures of ammonia, its by-products and the secondary flue gas stream subsequently rejoin the main stream, before the main flue gases are treated through a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) reactor apparatus. A residence time of the secondary stream within the bypass flow duct, which may be increased by a recirculation loop, enables effective conversion of urea to ammonia to be used in the SCR apparatus.

Abstract: An internal start-up heater (10) for an ammonia reactor (1), comprising longitudinal heating members (16) and a supporting structure for said heating members (16), the structure comprising plates (20A-20D) with parallel beams (22A-22D) in contact with said heating members (16), wherein the plates are arranged in plate sets formed by at least a first and a second plate having differently arranged supporting beams.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for purifying greenhouse gases. This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for drying carbon dioxide and/or producing syngas. The process includes the step of contacting a greenhouse gas stream having a contaminant with a solvent stream to at least partially reduce an amount of the contaminant and form a used solvent stream. The process includes the step of using the greenhouse gas stream for carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, industrial gas supply, or chemical synthesis and production.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ammonia generating method and apparatus that can be operated continuously for a long period of time, and that reduces the cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ammonia. The system can include a first shell having two or more discrete catalyst beds disposed therein, a second shell disposed about the first shell, a first heat exchanger disposed external to the first shell and in fluid communication therewith, a second heat exchanger disposed external to the second shell and in fluid communication therewith, and a flow path disposed within the first shell. A first portion can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst to provide an ammonia effluent. The heat of reaction from the ammonia effluent can be exchanged within the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The heated second portion of the feed gas can be introduced to the first shell and can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: An ammonia producing device for an exhaust system of an engine is provided. It includes a pressure vessel having a cavity for storage of pressurized gases. The pressure vessel includes insulation located at least partially about the cavity for limiting heat transfer from within the cavity. A flash heater is disposed within the cavity and adjacent a solid ammonia gas producing material. An outlet port extends from the pressure vessel and has a valve located therein for providing egress of pressurized gases from within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An ammonia synthesis apparatus includes: a first gas channel; a second gas channel disposed outside the first gas channel; a third gas channel disposed outside the second gas channel; an air supply unit that supplies air to the second or third gas channel; a water supply unit that supplies water to the first gas channel; and a heat supply unit that supplies heat to the first gas channel. A metal or a metal oxide that reduces water to produce hydrogen is placed in the first gas channel. An ammonia synthesis catalyst is placed in the second gas channel located downstream of the downstream end portion of the first gas channel. The second and third gas channels are at least partially partitioned by an oxygen permeation membrane, or a nitrogen permeation membrane, so that oxygen is supplied to the third gas channel, and nitrogen is supplied to the second gas channel.

Abstract: A gasification plant and methods for producing ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, electrical power, and/or sulfur from carbon-bearing feedstocks including coal and/or petroleum coke. Methods for production of desired relative amounts of ammonia and Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons by adjusting the amount of synthesis gas bypassing the Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The multi-product and integrated plants may be used to reduce the amount of CO2 vented into the atmosphere during the production of these products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an isothermal reactor (1) comprising a substantially cylindrical shell (2), at least one catalytic bed (10) supported in the shell (2) and at least one heat exchange unit (13) supported in the bed (10), the heat exchange unit (13) comprising a plurality of exchangers (14) substantially box shaped, of essentially elongated rectangular and flattened structure, each of the exchangers (14) having opposite long sides (14a) parallel to the cylindrical shell (2) axis and opposite short sides (14b, 14c) extended perpendicularly with respect to the shell axis and comprising furthermore an inner chamber (18) through which a heat exchange operating fluid in intended to flow, wherein at least one exchanger (14) of such at least one heat exchange unit (13) is internally equipped with a plurality of separation baffles (19) extended from a short side (14b or 14c) of the exchanger to the opposite short side (14c or 14b) and in a predetermined spaced relationship with respect to the latter, defi

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.

Abstract: A plate-shaped heat exchanger (20, 120) for a heat exchange unit (40) of a chemical reactor (60), that advantageously presents a thermal insulation obtained in an unusually simple and reliable manner, has a substantially flattened box-like structure (22), with a substantially parallelepiped, rectangular configuration, defining an internal chamber (24), and comprises an inlet connection (28) and an outlet connection (29) of a heat exchange operating fluid into and from said chamber (24), and a distributor pipe (10, 110) of said operating fluid inside said chamber (24), extended in said structure (22) at a long side (22a) of it, said distributor pipe (10, 110) comprising a first tube (30, 130) and a second tube (32, 132), positioned one inside the other, between said tubes, respectively external tube (30) and internal tube (32, 132), an interspace (30a) being defined in fluid communication, on one side, with said chamber (24) through a plurality of openings (26) provided in the external tube (30, 130) of said d

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes an on-board ammonia generation system that produces nitrogen from air and hydrogen from a source of a hydrogen-containing compound, and generates an ammonia product from the nitrogen and hydrogen to provide the ammonia product into an exhaust from a NOx generator to reduce the NOx in the exhaust. Oxygen from one or both of the nitrogen generator and the hydrogen generation cell can be supplied to the NOx generator for cleaner combustion or to a particulate filter for cleaning the filter. H2O from the NOx generator can at least partially provide a water source for the hydrogen generation cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning flue gases from combustion plants. The method includes removing dust and removing nitrogen from flue gases, bringing flue gases into contact with an aqueous ammonia solution in the presence of an oxidizing agent whereby a reaction solution forms which contains at least ammonium carbonate, heating the reaction solution such that ammonium carbonate decomposes and carbon dioxide and ammonia transfer into the gas atmosphere, and reacting the gaseous carbon dioxide and the gaseous ammonia to form urea. The apparatus includes a device for removing nitrogen and removing dust from the flue gases, a washing device downstream of the device for removing nitrogen and removing dust, a stripper downstream of the washing device, and a urea installation downstream of the stripper.

Abstract: Thermochemical processing systems for the production of chemicals using solar (110) or other radiant energy as the heat source for chemical reactions and separations. Radiant energy receivers (310) operating in conjunction with concentrator systems (300), heat exchangers, chemical reactors and chemical separators. Systems and applications include the concentration of radiant energy in support of a moderate- and/or high-temperature, endothermic chemical reaction followed by downstream reactions and separations so that a chemical fuel is produced. Efforts are made to match concentrator types with need; for example, parabolic trough concentrators may be used to produce steam at low- to moderate-temperatures and parabolic dish concentrators may be used to drive moderate- to high-temperature chemical reactions such as methane reforming, and hybrid concentrators (400) may be used to concentrate radiant energy from multiple energy sources.

Abstract: A novel catalytic reactor suitable for use in chemical and petrochemical processes. The reactor is of a pillow panel that has superior heat transfer properties. This invention also relates to a chemical process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process performed with use of the novel pillow panel reactor.

Abstract: A chemical product providing system is provided, which comprises an electrolyser and a gasification unit, whereas the gasification unit is fed with oxygen, resulted from the electrolyser, to produce a synthesis gas by the gasification unit, the synthesis gas being a source material for the chemical product. A method is for providing a chemical product is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing hydrogen from a biomass are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes decomposing a biomass to produce an aqueous effluent including nitrogen species, generating ammonia from the nitrogen species, combusting the ammonia in the presence of catalysts to decompose the ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen, and combusting a portion of the hydrogen and the nitrogen to provide heat for combusting the ammonia. In some embodiments, the system includes a bioreactor for decomposing a biomass to produce an aqueous effluent including nitrogen species, a mechanism for generating ammonia gas from the nitrogen species, a catalytic reforming reactor for converting the ammonia gas to hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas, a combustor for combusting a portion of the hydrogen gas and the nitrogen gas to provide heat for converting the ammonia gas, and a separator for isolating the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making ammonia from biomass. The biomass may be first reacted with oxygen and steam to generate a biosyngas comprising hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) as the active components. The gasification step may be regulated to reduce the amount of methane in the biosyngas that may leave the gasifier.

Abstract: A reaction vessel which includes internally placed temperature controlling mixing baffles in which liquid is boiled, resulting in an isothermal heat sink. The energy of vaporization is supplied by the reaction vessel contents. The vapor produced by the boiling may be directed to channel coils which surround the outside of the reaction vessel wall. The channel coils contact the outside wall of the reaction vessel perpendicularly, and provide mechanical support for the reaction vessel. The mechanical support from the channel coils allows for a decrease in the thickness of the reaction vessel wall and corresponding increased heat transfer efficiency between the channel coil contents and the reaction vessel contents. The entire above described apparatus is enclosed within an evacuated shell to provide additional insulation.

Abstract: An ammonia and fertilizer production process is based on partial oxidation of fossil fuel, which co-produces polycarbonsuboxide. The four step process is low-cost and low-carbon-dioxide emission. It comprises the steps of reacting fossil fuel with oxygen in air and steam in an electric discharge plasma to produce a gas exit stream of polycarbonsuboxide, hydrogen with associated nitrogen (110); cooling the gas stream to condense and separate the polycarbonsuboxide as a solid polymer (120); compressing the gas stream to pressures for synthesis of ammonia (140); and, converting the gas stream to ammonia by employing a catalytic converter (150). Optional steps involve gas cleanup, which include removal of contaminants from the gas stream and adding hydrogen or nitrogen to the gas stream to adjust the ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen to three to one, respectively, prior to converting the gas stream to ammonia (130).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for generating a gas. One or more liquid permeable pouches each define a cavity that contains a solid anhydrous reactant, such as a chemical hydride. A reaction chamber made of a heat, chemical and/or pressure resistant material receives the one or more pouches from a pouch feeder that transfers the one or more pouches into the reaction chamber successively at a feed rate. One or more liquid sources inject a liquid reactant into the reaction chamber so that the liquid reactant contacts a portion of the one or more pouches. The one or more liquid sources inject the liquid reactant at an injection rate that corresponds to the feed rate. A gas outlet releases a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, borazine, nitrogen, or a hydrocarbon, that is produced by a reaction between the solid reactant and the liquid reactant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ammonia. Nitrogen and hydrogen can be supplied to a reaction zone disposed inside an inner shell. The inner shell can be disposed inside an outer shell such that a space is formed therebetween. The reaction zone can include at least one catalyst bed in indirect heat exchange with the space. The nitrogen and hydrogen can be reacted in the reaction zone in the presence of at least one catalyst to form an effluent comprising ammonia. The effluent can be recovered from the inner shell and cooled to provide a cooled effluent stream. A cooling fluid can be provided to the outer shell such that the cooling fluid flows through at least a portion of the space and is in fluid communication with the exterior of the inner shell. At least a portion of the cooled effluent can provide at least a portion of the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid can then be recovered from the outer shell as an ammonia product.

Abstract: A system of hardware and controls, know as a Hydrogen Hub, that absorbs electric power from any source, including hydropower, wind, solar, and other energy resources, chemically stores the power in hydrogen-dense anhydrous ammonia, then reshapes the stored energy to the power grid with zero emissions by using anhydrous ammonia to fuel diesel-type, spark-ignited internal combustion, combustion turbine, fuel cell or other electric power generators.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes an on-board ammonia generation system that produces nitrogen from air and hydrogen from a source of a hydrogen-containing compound, and generates an ammonia product from the nitrogen and hydrogen to provide the ammonia product into an exhaust from a NOx generator to reduce the NOx in the exhaust. Oxygen from one or both of the nitrogen generator and the hydrogen generation cell can be supplied to the NOx generator for cleaner combustion or to a particulate filter for cleaning the filter. H2O from the NOx generator can at least partially provide a water source for the hydrogen generation cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating ammonia gas. In one aspect, a method for generating ammonia gas for use in an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) system is provided. The method includes inserting a device into a space defined within the IMS system, the device including an ammonia compound. The method also includes activating to decompose and to produce the ammonia gas without producing water vapor. The method also includes emitting the ammonia gas into the IMS system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ammonia. The system can include a first shell having two or more discrete catalyst beds disposed therein, a second shell disposed about the first shell, a first heat exchanger disposed external to the first shell and in fluid communication therewith, a second heat exchanger disposed external to the second shell and in fluid communication therewith, and a flow path disposed within the first shell. A first portion can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst to provide an ammonia effluent. The heat of reaction from the ammonia effluent can be exchanged within the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The heated second portion of the feed gas can be introduced to the first shell and can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A thermo-hydrolysis reactor (1) for producing ammonia-containing gas by heating an aqueous solution of urea is described. The reactor (1) comprises an elongate vessel (2) having a middle tubular section, an enlarged lower section (4) having an inlet (5) for the urea solution, and an enlarged upper section (3) having an outlet (6) therein for the ammonia-containing gas. The reactor (1) is adapted such that, in use, heat transmitted through the walls of the reactor (1) from an external heat source heats the urea solution causing it to hydrolyse producing the ammonia-containing gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia at mid- to low-pressures using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a packed bed of supported nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that form the catalyst.

Abstract: A device to reform a raw material gas into a synthesis gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide is disclosed. The device includes a vessel, a floating head, a plurality of reaction tubes, inlets and outlets for raw material and heating gases, and a cooled fixed tube plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating energy from a composition containing guanidine and a method for providing the composition containing guanidine. The apparatus includes a container such as tank (1) for providing the composition, and a container such as tank (2) for providing water. The composition is delivered from tank (1) to a container such as reactor (3) for reacting the guadinine composition with water, supplied from tank (2), to form ammonia. The apparatus may also include buffer tank (4) for storing the ammonia produced by the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating an ammonia-containing gas is described for use in the selective catalytic reduction of NOx contained in the exhaust gases of an IC engine. The apparatus has a hydrolysis reactor (101) for containing an aqueous solution of urea that is heated, in use, to an elevated temperature by way of heat exchange with the exhaust gases to hydrolyse the urea and liberate ammonia containing gases. A pressure control valve (105) is operable between a substantially closed position for enabling the pressure of the ammonia-containing gas to attain a predetermined elevated pressure within the reactor (101) and an open position when the gas is above the predetermined pressure. A reservoir (106) receives all of the ammonia-containing gas discharged from the reactor (101) when the pressure control valve (101) is in its open position and has an outlet for feeding ammonia-containing gas to the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A reducing gas generator generates reducing gas including ammonia. The generator includes a solid reductant and a heat-generating portion. The solid reductant is formed in a columnar shape. A cross-sectional surface of the solid reductant has a constant shape and is perpendicular to a central axis of the solid reductant. The heat-generating portion includes a heat-generating surface opposed to a lower surface of the solid reductant in a vertical direction thereof and in contact with an entire region of the lower surface, and a heating element that heats the heat-generating surface when energized, so that the solid reductant is heated and decomposed to generate the reducing gas.

Abstract: Ammonia is produced in a reactor 22, 24, 246, 248, 250 or 252, in which pseudoisothermal conditions can be approached by convective cooling of a reaction zone of the reactor by positioning at least a portion of the reaction zone in indirect contact with a flow of hot gas such as exhaust gas 18 or preheated air. The hot gas 18 may be supplied from a fired heater, a boiler 10, a reformer 202, a process air preheat furnace, a gas turbine, or the like. The reactor converts a feed stream of a purge gas 12 or syngas to ammonia. The method may be implemented in a primary synthesis loop (as at 246, 248, 250, 252) or in a purge gas loop 12 of a new ammonia plant, or by retrofitting an existing ammonia plant. Cooperatively installed with a primary ammonia synthesis loop, the reactor increases total ammonia production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing anhydrous ammonia utilizing proton conducting electrolyte having a water vapor dissociating electrocatalyst on one side and a nitrogen dissociating electrocatalyst on the other side. A voltage is provided across the proton conducting electrolyte, protons are separated from the water vapor and transferred through the middle of the proton conducting electrolyte to the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte. Nitride ions are formed from nitrogen and the electrons provided by the voltage on the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte. The protons are then reacted with the nitride ions on the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte to produce anhydrous ammonia. A preferred proton conducting electrolyte is barium cerium oxide doped with about 10% ytterbium with a water vapor dissociating electrocatalyst of Ni and Pd, and a nitrogen dissociating electrocatalyst of Co and Ru.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of operating a NOx abatement system comprises: introducing an exhaust stream to an ammonia generator in a normal flow direction, adsorbing NOx from the exhaust stream in the ammonia generator, diverting the exhaust stream around the ammonia generator, introducing hydrogen to the ammonia generator in a direction opposite the normal flow direction, and generating ammonia within the ammonia generator.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing one or more products from syngas are provided. A feedstock can be gasified in the presence of an oxidant to provide a syngas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. At least a portion of the syngas can be combusted to provide an exhaust gas. At least a portion of the exhaust gas can be introduced to a channel having one or more reaction zones at least partially disposed therein, wherein the one or more reaction zones are in indirect heat exchange with the exhaust gas, wherein the one or more reaction zones comprises one or more catalyst-containing tubes. A reactant can be reacted in at least one of the one or more reaction zones to provide one or more reactor products.

Abstract: A gasification plant and methods for producing ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, electrical power, and/or sulfur from carbon-bearing feedstocks including coal and/or petroleum coke. Methods for production of desired relative amounts of ammonia and Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons by adjusting the amount of synthesis gas bypassing the Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The multi-product and integrated plants may be used to reduce the amount of CO2 vented into the atmosphere during the production of these products.

Abstract: A system and method for generating, purifying, and using ultra-pure ammonia on-site, such as at a semiconductor manufacturing facility. The system includes an ammonia generation system configured to generate ammonia including carbon dioxide, water, and other impurities. A purification system is provided with the generation system in the manufacturing facility and is linked to the output of the generation system. The purification system processes the effluent from the ammonia generation system to remove substantially all of the carbon dioxide, water, and other impurities to produce an outlet stream of ultra-pure ammonia. The system further includes a point of use system provided at the same manufacturing facility to utilize the outlet stream of ultra-pure ammonia.

Abstract: An ammonia converter system and method are disclosed. The reactor can alter the conversion of ammonia by controlling the reaction temperature of the exothermic reaction along the length of the reactor to parallel the equilibrium curve for the desired product. The reactor 100 can comprise a shell 101 and internal catalyst tubes 109. The feed gas stream enters the reactor, flows through the shell 101, and is heated by indirect heat exchange with the catalyst tubes 109. The catalyst tubes 109 comprise reactive zones 122 having catalyst and reaction limited zones 124 that can comprise inert devices that function to both separate the reactive zones, increase heat transfer area, and reduce the temperature of the reaction mixture as the effluent passes through the catalyst tube 109.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the treatment of NOx in combustion flue gas. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of a regenerative heat exchanger (RHE) to convert urea to ammonia in a side stream of flue gas. Ammonia and/or other urea decomposition products exit the heat exchanger, are mixed with the rest of the flue gas, and enter a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit for reduction of NOx in the flue gas. The use of an RHE significantly improves the thermal efficiency of the overall process. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the regenerative heat exchanger is a dual chamber RHE.

Abstract: A device for producing ammonia from urea pellets includes a pellet dispensing device, a pellet accelerator, a pellet shooting channel, and an ammonia reactor having a chamber or zone for shooting in urea pellets and a pellet deflector arranged on an end of the shooting path. The device further includes a urea pellet evaporation device and a hydrolytic catalytic converter. The urea pellets are removed from the reservoir in a regulated number/quantity by a dispensing device and transported to the accelerating device, where the pellets are moved from the pellet shooting channel into the ammonia reactor, where they are broken down into small pieces by impacting a pellet deflector at the end of the shooting path. The pieces are converted into a gas mixture containing ammonia and isocyanic acid by means of a urea evaporation device. The isocyanic acid is subsequently converted into ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A horizontal chemical reactor comprises at least one catalytic bed (5a-5d) arranged horizontally in the reactor and comprising a lower gas-permeable wall (6) for gas outlet, and a holding element (2) of the at least one catalytic bed.

Abstract: A vertical, fixed-bed ammonia converter wherein a fixed-bed catalyst zone is configured into two mechanically separated catalyst volumes and two gas streams that operate in parallel. The design maintains the ratio of gas flow to catalyst volume so that there is no catalyst effectiveness penalty. The catalyst beds and gas flow paths are configured so that gas flow is downward through each catalyst volume. Each fixed-bed catalyst zone in the present invention can hold the catalyst in an annular space formed between two concentric shrouds arranged around a shell and tube heat exchanger. The two catalyst beds associated with each zone are situated above one another along the length of an interstage heat exchanger. Pipes or conduits are disposed through the beds to effect the parallel gas flow configuration, or alternatively, annular flows are created via passages through the internal shrouds that contain the catalyst beds.

Abstract: An ammonia synthesis process and apparatus are provided which are energy efficient and minimize greenhouse-gas-emission during the processing of natural gas and air. In the process a stream of natural gas is divided into two streams, one of which is mixed with air and ignited to provide heat for the thermal decomposition of natural gas into hydrogen and carbon and also to provide deoxygenated nitrogen for an ammonia synthesis process. The process essentially prepares hydrogen and nitrogen on a low average temperature side of a chemical reactor and then feeds both gases to the high average temperature side of the chemical reactor where they react to form ammonia. The formation of ammonia is exothermic, whereas the thermal decomposition of methane is endothermic and the combustion of methane to remove oxygen is also exothermic; the sum of the heats absorbed and released in these reactions is positive.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of ammonia comprising steps of contacting an ammonia synthesis gas with an ammonia synthesis catalyst arranged as reaction zone in one or more catalyst tubes; cooling the reaction zone by heat conducting relationship with a cooling agent; and withdrawing an ammonia rich effluent stream from the reaction zone.