Enhanced ammonia synthesis in multifunctional reactor with in situ adsorption

A steady-state, one-dimensional mathematical model for a multifunctional reactor with in situ adsorption for ammonia synthesis is developed. The model represents integrated ammonia catalytic equilibrium reaction with ammonia adsorption in a co-current gas-flowing solids-fixed bed reactor (GFSFBR). The model was used for simulating the performance of an industrial-scale reactor, which confirmed that the reactant conversion is significantly higher in the multifunctional reactor in comparison to the conventional reactor under optimal conditions. The analysis of the simulation results shows that the conversion in the GFSFBR stays higher than those in the classical reactor even if much lower temperatures and pressures are used.

Research highlights▶ Multifunctional reactor with flowing adsorbent solids is suitable for NH3 production. ▶ Reactant conversion in multifunctional reactor can reach 45%, while in classical 20%. ▶ Conversion stays higher with lower temperatures and pressures then in classical process.