AIChE National Student Design Competition: Modular distributed ammonia synthesis, Group 14

Abstract

Anhydrous ammonia production through eco-conscious production methods was the driving force behind this project. Another important factor of the design was to locate it within the Midwest to lower transportation costs and emissions for this versatile product. Two reactants are required to produce the required amount of ammonia, these would be hydrogen and nitrogen gases.

To produce anhydrous ammonia, we first have to procure the reactants. Hydrogen was able to be separated from oxygen within water molecules through an Alkaline Electrolyzer. The nitrogen is simultaneously extracted from ambient air through a Pressure Swing Adsorber. These two components then mix gaseous streams and undergo the Haber-Bosch process to create 50 tons of ammonia per day, where it is then chilled for cold storage. The site was able to meet the production demands using hybrid modular design with minimal carbon footprint, and facility size. The plant is not profitable under the current design, due to capital and operating costs exceeding revenues produced from anhydrous ammonia and oxygen gas products. The team would not recommend pursuing the project.