Unit 2.
3 — Nitric Acid Manufacture (Ostwald Process)
Week(s): 3 - 4
Style: Class notes / condensed study guide
Overview & importance
Nitric acid (HNO3) is produced industrially from ammonia oxidation; used in fertilisers
(nitrogen-based), explosives, and chemical synthesis.
Ostwald process — main steps & reactions
1) Catalytic oxidation of ammonia: 4 NH3 + 5 O2 → 4 NO + 6 H2O (Pt–Rh gauze catalyst;
exothermic).
2) Oxidation of NO to NO2: 2 NO + O2 → 2 NO2 (gas-phase oxidation).
3) Absorption / formation of nitric acid: 3 NO2 + H2O → 2 HNO3 + NO (or via formation
of HNO3 from N2O4 equilibria).
Reaction parameters & catalysts
Ammonia oxidation: temperatures typically 800–950 °C over Pt–Rh gauze; pressure
often near atmospheric; short contact times to limit N2 formation.
Catalyst: platinum with rhodium (Pt–Rh gauze) is standard; catalyst promotes NH3 →
NO formation.
Block diagram / PFD notes
Key blocks: Ammonia feed → Pre-heating → Catalytic oxidation (converter) → Gas cooling →
NOx absorption tower (with water/acid) → HNO3 concentration & storage. Show recycle of
NO to oxidation stage and tail gas treatment.
Industrial uses & environmental impacts
Uses: fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), nitration agents, explosives, and intermediates.
Environment: NOx emissions contribute to acid rain and ozone formation; scrubbing
and catalytic reduction are critical. Corrosive acid effluents require careful handling.
Revision checklist
Write the Ostwald reactions and identify catalysts and operating temps.
Sketch a block diagram and label major streams.
Explain NOx environmental control measures.
