US1960386A - Apparatus for ammonia manufacture - Google Patents

Apparatus for ammonia manufacture Download PDF

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Publication number
US1960386A
US1960386A US322901A US32290128A US1960386A US 1960386 A US1960386 A US 1960386A US 322901 A US322901 A US 322901A US 32290128 A US32290128 A US 32290128A US 1960386 A US1960386 A US 1960386A
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United States
Prior art keywords
chamber
casing
gases
reaction
reaction chamber
Prior art date
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Expired - Lifetime
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US322901A
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English (en)
Inventor
Lopez Francesco
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ANONIMA IND AMMONIACA SOC
ANONIMA INDUSTRIA AMMONIACA Soc
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ANONIMA IND AMMONIACA SOC
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/0005—Catalytic processes under superatmospheric pressure
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01C—AMMONIA; CYANOGEN; COMPOUNDS THEREOF
    • C01C1/00—Ammonia; Compounds thereof
    • C01C1/02—Preparation, purification or separation of ammonia
    • C01C1/04—Preparation of ammonia by synthesis in the gas phase
    • C01C1/0405—Preparation of ammonia by synthesis in the gas phase from N2 and H2 in presence of a catalyst
    • C01C1/0417—Preparation of ammonia by synthesis in the gas phase from N2 and H2 in presence of a catalyst characterised by the synthesis reactor, e.g. arrangement of catalyst beds and heat exchangers in the reactor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/50—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals
    • Y02P20/52—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals using catalysts, e.g. selective catalysts

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for carrythe working pressures, said casings being joined ing out chemical reactions between or upon gaseous substances, and more particularly refers to improvements in apparatus for the synthetic production of ammonia and for chemical reactions of like character.
  • the synthetic manufacture of ammonia from its elements hydrogen and nitrogen is usually carried out under pressures which may vary from 100 to 1000 atmospheres and at temperatures of from 400 to 600 C., in the presence of agents assisting the reaction, generally known under the name of catalyzers.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus for the synthetic manufacture of ammonia adapted, to conveniently answer the requirements of synthetic reactions, especially those due to the use of low pressures.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction of apparatus for the synthetic manufacture of ammonia, which is characterized by extreme simplicity of design and by a special arrangement of its various parts, making it possible to remove and replace any one of its parts in a relatively short time and with a minimum expenditure of labor.
  • My invention is illustrated by way of example in the annexed drawing, which is a sectional view in elevation of an apparatus embodying the same.
  • the apparatus shown consists of two superimposed cylindrical casings, A, B, adapted to resist together by a number of bolts 0, and forming two chambers separated by a steel 'plate'D.
  • Said plate D is provided with a number of openings E through which the mixture N2+3H2 may freely the two casings the upper one represents the reaction furnace, and the lower one the heat economizer or exchanger. r All the parts enclosed within casings A and B are supported upon and carried by the plateD.
  • the reacting gases After subjecting the reacting gases tocompression up to the desired working pressure, the same are admitted within the heat exchanger A through an inlet tube 1, carried by bottom cover G. Within the exchanger these gases come in contact with a series of coils 2, within which flow the hot gases resulting from the synthetic reaction, said hot gases going through the heat exchanger in a direction opposite to that of the reacting gases.
  • Said coils 2 have their ends soldered or welded to two shells 3, 4, acting as distributor and collector of the reaction gases respectively. These gases are then led by tube 5 to some suitable ammonia absorption apparatus.
  • the main feature of the heat exchanger described resides in this, that all its working parts are carried by plate D and that the coils are easily deformable under the influence of temperature changes independently of the relative positions 01 their attaching ends; so that all the parts will readily extend or contract under the influence, of the changes of temperature taking place during the operation, without impairing in the least their capacity to perform their respective functions.
  • the coils are made of iron or copper or other material impervious to the action of hydrogen, nitrogen and ammonia gas whether moisture is present or not, and the capacity of the coils to expand or contract is assured by their zig-zag shape which causes them to readily yield to elastic deformations due to said expansion or contraction.
  • the gases passing through the heat exchanger A are admitted to the upper chamber B which constitutes the reaction furnace proper, by openings E, and are then compelled to travel through a sinuous path before they reach the catalyzing tube 9 inserted within the reaction chamber'8.
  • the gases are first forced to pass through an annular passage interposed between the inner surface of casing B and a tubular member 6, upwardly extending from plate D.
  • the gases are then made to pass between the inner surface of tubular member 6* and the outer surface of a tubular member '7, downwardly projecting from a cover plate L.
  • the temperature. of the gases gradually increases at the expense of the heat of conduction and convection originating in the reaction chamber.
  • an electric heating element In the annular space between tubular member 7 and reaction chamber 8 is placed an electric heating element by means of which the gases may be brought to a temperature slightly less than the active temperature of the catalyzer.
  • Tube 9 containing the catalyzer, within which the reaction proper occurs has a flanged upper end provided with a series of openings H leading from the inside of the tube to the annular chamber between member 7 and chamber 8, and through these openings the hot gases are admitted to the catalyzing tube.
  • the gases react with each other and are then discharged through tube 10 within shell or collector 3 and then through the coils of the heat exchangers.
  • the main feature of the arrangement described is that all its parts are attached at one end only, so that they can readily respond to the expanding or contracting influences due to temperature changes.
  • Another important feature is the arrangement for securing a catalyzing tube in position, insuring an absolutely tight connection and at the same time permitting the ready removal and replacement of the catalyzer.
  • tube 9 After removal of cover plate L, tube 9 can easily be extracted and the catalyzing material within the same may be renewed, or else a new catalyzing tube may be inserted.
  • Coverplate L carries a tubular shell 11 extending within the catalyzing tube, acting as a shield for the thermo-electric couples which are used to control the temperature within the reaction chamber proper.
  • Said thermo-electric couples pass through plug N carried by cover plate L and are connected to terminals 0 which are of a design similar to the terminals P of the heating element.
  • a reaction unit comprising a casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith, providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing, from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being fixed at one end only to said casing, so as to be freely deformable when temperature changes occur, a removable cover for said chamber, and a flanged tubular catalyst container inserted within said chamber, the flange of said container being clamped between said cover and the edge of said chamber.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being all fixed at one end only so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, and discharge means for said reaction chamber, mounted within said heat exchanging chamber.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being fixed at one end only to said partition so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, and discharge coils for said reaction chamber, extending within said heat exchanging chamber, said coils also being easily deformable under the influence of temperature changes.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being fixed at one end only so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, a removable cover for said reaction chamber, a catalyst container removably inserted within said reaction chamber, and bent discharge coils for said reaction chamber, mounted within said heat exchanging chamber.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being fixed at one end only to said partition so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, a removable cover for said reaction chamber, a flanged tubular catalyzers container inserted within said reaction chamber, the flange of said container being clamped between said cover and the edge of said chamber, and discharge coils for said reaction chamber, extending within said heat exchanging chamber.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being removably fixed at one end only so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, and bent discharge coils for said reaction chamber, mounted within said heat exchanging chamber.
  • Apparatus of the class described consisting of a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed therebetween hav' ing inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements coaxial therewith providing a sinuous path for gases admitted to said casing from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, said chamber and tubular elements being removably fixed at one end only to said partition so as to be easily deformable when temperature changes occur, a removable cover for said reaction chamber, a flanged tubular catalyzers container inserted within said reaction chamber, the flange of said container being clamped between said cover and the edge of said chamber, a plurality of zig-zag coils, extending within said heat exchanging chamber, leading the reaction products from said reaction chamber to a point of discharge, and means for admitting the reacting gases to said heat exchanging chamber.
  • a reaction unit comprising a casing, a heat exchanging chamber arranged end to end therewith, a partition interposed between said heat exchanging chamber and said casing, having inlets permitting gases to flow from said heat exchanging chamber into said casing, a tubular reaction chamber carried by said partition within said casing, a plurality of radially spaced tubular elements within said casing, providing a sinuous path for said gases from the point of admission to said reaction chamber, a discharge outlet through said partition for said reaction chamber, a detachable hermetic connection between said reaction chamber and said outlet, a removable cover for said reaction chamber, a catalyst container removably inserted within said reaction chamber, a plurality of discharge coils, mounted Within said heat exchanging chamber, leading the reaction products from said outlet to a point of discharge, and means for admitting the reacting gases to said heat exchanging chamber.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Devices And Processes Conducted In The Presence Of Fluids And Solid Particles (AREA)
US322901A 1928-03-26 1928-11-30 Apparatus for ammonia manufacture Expired - Lifetime US1960386A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT1960386X 1928-03-26

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US1960386A true US1960386A (en) 1934-05-29

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BE (1) BE354332A (en))
FR (1) FR654806A (en))

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2768061A (en) * 1953-02-26 1956-10-23 Gen Electric Hydrogen reduction method and apparatus
US3146074A (en) * 1960-09-08 1964-08-25 Metallgesellschaft Ag Multiple bed reactor
US3477828A (en) * 1965-06-24 1969-11-11 Basf Ag High pressure synthesis reactor for exothermic gas reactions
US3488161A (en) * 1964-05-11 1970-01-06 Girdler Corp Ammonia converter
US4554135A (en) * 1982-11-26 1985-11-19 C F Braun & Co. Ammonia converter

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2768061A (en) * 1953-02-26 1956-10-23 Gen Electric Hydrogen reduction method and apparatus
US3146074A (en) * 1960-09-08 1964-08-25 Metallgesellschaft Ag Multiple bed reactor
US3488161A (en) * 1964-05-11 1970-01-06 Girdler Corp Ammonia converter
US3477828A (en) * 1965-06-24 1969-11-11 Basf Ag High pressure synthesis reactor for exothermic gas reactions
US4554135A (en) * 1982-11-26 1985-11-19 C F Braun & Co. Ammonia converter

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Publication number Publication date
BE354332A (en))
FR654806A (fr) 1929-04-11

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