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Nitric Acid Manufacturing

The Ostwald Process is the primary method for manufacturing nitric acid (HNO₃), which is crucial for producing fertilizers, explosives, and dyes. It involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia and the absorption of nitrogen oxides, operating under high temperatures and utilizing a platinum-rhodium catalyst. The process is efficient, continuous, and incorporates environmental measures to manage toxic emissions.

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44 views3 pages

Nitric Acid Manufacturing

The Ostwald Process is the primary method for manufacturing nitric acid (HNO₃), which is crucial for producing fertilizers, explosives, and dyes. It involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia and the absorption of nitrogen oxides, operating under high temperatures and utilizing a platinum-rhodium catalyst. The process is efficient, continuous, and incorporates environmental measures to manage toxic emissions.

Uploaded by

Hamna Naveed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Manufacture of Nitric Acid – Ostwald

Process
Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a highly important industrial chemical used extensively in the
production of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and synthetic fibers. The most common and
efficient method for its manufacture is the Ostwald Process, named after Wilhelm Ostwald.

Raw Materials

1. Ammonia (NH₃) – from the Haber Process


2. Air (provides oxygen)
3. Water (H₂O) – for absorption of nitrogen oxides

Chemical Reactions Involved

1. 4 NH₃ + 5 O₂ → 4 NO + 6 H₂O (Catalytic oxidation of ammonia)


2. 2 NO + O₂ → 2 NO₂ (Oxidation of nitric oxide)
3. 3 NO₂ + H₂O → 2 HNO₃ + NO (Absorption and nitric acid formation)
4. 4 NO₂ + 2 H₂O + O₂ → 4 HNO₃ (in presence of oxygen)

Process Description

1. Ammonia is vaporized and mixed with air in the correct ratio.


2. The mixture is passed over platinum-rhodium gauze at 800–900°C forming NO and
steam.
3. The hot gases are cooled in a heat exchanger to recover energy.
4. NO is oxidized to NO₂ in a converter.
5. NO₂ is absorbed in water in a packed absorption tower, forming HNO₃.
6. NO is recycled and reused in the process.
Flow Diagram

Operating Conditions

- Temperature: 800–900°C in the catalytic chamber


- Catalyst: Platinum-rhodium gauze
- Pressure: Atmospheric to 9 atm
- Acid concentration: 55–68% (can be concentrated further)

Advantages

- High yield and efficiency


- Continuous operation
- Integration with ammonia plants
- Low environmental impact with gas recycling

Applications

- Fertilizers (e.g., ammonium nitrate)


- Explosives (e.g., TNT, nitroglycerin)
- Dyes and synthetic fibers
- Metallurgical processes and rocket propellants

Environmental Aspects

- NOx gases are toxic and contribute to acid rain.


- Modern plants use scrubbing and recycling of gases.
- Energy recovery systems improve process efficiency.

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