| dc.description.abstract | From the original project statement given by AIChE, our group believed it would be best to take a look into the potential for a renewable ammonia plant. From the outset, we knew that there would likely be a greater potential for profit if we followed the traditional route of methane reformation for our hydrogen source. However, the recent advancements in electrolysis seemed to show promise in developing a greener plant. As such, our team set out with the goal of creating this green alternative with the use of electrolysis for hydrogen production. It should be noted that, while a design incorporating electrolysis will be the main focus, the potential for profitable operations utilizing this green option does not appear to exist following the team's preliminary design. Due to the scope of the plant, pressure swing adsorption was selected to better accommodate the economic side of the operation while still maintaining a renewable plant design. Finally, the traditional Haber-Bosch synthesis of ammonia was selected in a high pressure fluidized bed reactor. Recent research regarding the potential for a more complex, but simultaneously more efficient design were considered, but the team's ultimate judgement was that there was not enough data to support taking an added risk that would further complicate operation. | |
