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Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved process for the manufacture of ammonia from a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen and nitrogen. According to the invention, the process comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, in the proportions of about 3 moles hydrogen to 1 mole nitrogen, together with inert gases, into a converter containing catalyst(s) for ammonia synthesis; (b) conveying the reaction mixture from said converter through a water-free adsorbent to effect adsorption of the formed ammonia together with some inert gases, whereby the adsorbed gases are separated from the unreacted mixture of gases, the latter being recycled to the converter; (c) effecting desorption of ammonia from the water-free ammonia-loaded adsorbent by direct contact of said adsorbent with a concentrated hot stream of ammonia-containing gases, and (d) condensing the ammonia eliberated from the adsorbent to liquid ammonia. The process has several advantages such as: reduced investments in equipment, substantial savings in mechanical energy, high yields of ammonia conversion per pass and less energy requirements per unit of ammonia produced.

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First Claim