The optimum combination of pressure and temperature is 10 to 100 MPa and a temperature between 400 and 550°C according to the Haber-Bosch process. The chosen pressure is understandable as it must be possible by machine. However, according to the reaction equation it would make more sense to do this under a lower temperature. Yet they use a temperature around 500°C, why is this?
Answer
Bye Louis
In a production you often have several factors that play a role. In the production of ammonia, pressure, temperature and concentrations influence the position of the equilibrium and the reaction rate.
Working at a lower temperature is good for the position of the equilibrium but not for the rate of the reaction. The catalyst that is used only works well at temperatures from 400 °C.
You can find more about the process on the German Wikipedia page.
Kind regards
Answered by
Dr Marina Vanhecke
analytical chemistry toxicology soil remediation
UC Leuven Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13 | 3000 Leuven Hertogstraat 178 | 3001 Heverlee UC Limburg Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan Building B bus 1 3590 Diepenbeek
http://www.ucll.be
.