ROCK MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN potassium oxide (K₂O) or alumina (Al₂O₃)
promoters.
COLLEGE
4. Block Flow Diagram – Haber
Smart Chemistry Notes – Form 4
Process
Teacher: Mr Chaurika P
Topic: The Haber Process
Term: June 2025
Contact: 2025@pc0782224325
1. Introduction to the Haber
Process
The Haber Process is an industrial
method for manufacturing ammonia
(NH₃) from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen
(H₂) gases under specific conditions
using an iron catalyst.
N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) ΔH = -92
kJ/mol
This is a reversible exothermic reaction.
Air (N₂ Unit) ─┐
2. Raw Materials and Their
├─> Mixing Unit ─> Reaction
Sources Unit (Fe Catalyst, 450°C, 200 atm)
• Nitrogen (N₂): Extracted from air H₂ Production ─┘
through liquefaction and fractional ↓
distillation. Cooling Unit →
• Hydrogen (H₂): Obtained by: Ammonia Condenser
- Electrolysis of water ↓
- Steam reforming of methane: Separator
CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3H₂ → Unreacted gases recycled
3. Conditions for the Haber 5. Uses of Ammonia
Process • Manufacture of fertilisers (e.g.
• Pressure: ~200 atm – favors the ammonium nitrate, urea)
forward reaction (fewer gas molecules). • Production of explosives (e.g. TNT)
• Temperature: ~450°C – a compromise • Manufacture of household cleaning
between rate and yield. agents
• Catalyst: Finely divided iron with • Used as a refrigerant gas
• In the textile industry for nylon 9. Summary Table
production • Reaction: N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃
• Raw Materials: Nitrogen (air),
6. Safety Precautions Hydrogen (electrolysis or methane)
• Wear protective clothing (gloves, • Catalyst: Iron
goggles, masks) • Conditions: 450°C and 200 atm
• Ensure adequate ventilation • Uses: Fertilisers, explosives, household
• Observe warning signs and symbols cleaners, refrigerants
(toxic, corrosive, flammable) • Hazards: Toxicity, flammability,
• Handle ammonia cylinders with care corrosion
and store them upright • Environmental Impact: Air/water
• Follow emergency procedures for pollution, energy consumption
leaks
10. Improving the Yield of Ammonia
7. Environmental Impacts of
The reaction between nitrogen and
Ammonia Production
hydrogen is reversible and exothermic:
Negative Impacts:
N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) (exothermic)
• Air pollution (NOx gases)
• Water pollution from waste discharge Because the reaction is reversible, a
• High energy consumption contributing mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen will
to greenhouse gases never completely react. Only about 15%
• Soil acidification due to leaks of the mixture becomes ammonia. To
increase the yield, the following
Positive Impacts: strategies are used:
• Increased food production through • Ammonia is removed as soon as it
fertilisers forms, shifting the equilibrium.
• Reduces deforestation by increasing • The mixture is cooled to condense
yield per hectare ammonia into a liquid.
• Unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen
8. Suggested Class Activities and gases are recycled.
Models • This cycle (reaction → cooling →
• Build a labelled model of the Haber recycling) continues to maximize yield.
process plant
• Create a flow chart from nitrogen and
hydrogen to ammonia
• Simulate a visit to Sable Chemicals
• Display hazard symbols and discuss
their meanings
• Prepare ammonium nitrate and test its
acidity with indicators
11. The Chosen Conditions hydrogen is obtained from:
• Natural gas (methane) via steam
reforming
• Electrolysis of water
• Cracking of hydrocarbons
Because of this, ammonia plants are
often located near gas terminals or
petroleum refineries.
13. Making Ammonia: Summary
To improve the yield:
• Use quite high pressure
• Remove ammonia as it forms
To get a decent reaction rate:
• Use a moderate temperature
• Use a catalyst
Although the best yield occurs at 350°C
and 400 atmospheres, these are not
used because:
• 450°C gives a better rate of reaction
than 350°C.
• 200 atmospheres is safer and more
economical than 400 atm.
• Very high pressures require expensive,
powerful equipment.
Therefore, the Haber process operates
at 450°C and 200 atm as a compromise
between yield, rate, and cost.
Catalyst: Finely divided iron is used to
speed up the reaction without affecting
the equilibrium.
Refer to the provided graph for
percentage yield based on temperature
and pressure.
Example: At 450°C and 200 atm, the
yield is approximately 20%.
12. More About the Raw
Materials
Air and water are easily available, but
