Containerised System for Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis
This unit is designed for the investigation of catalytic ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and hydrogen, based on a novel, energy‑efficient reactor concept.
The system is intended for dynamic (non‑steady‑state) operation and can be operated directly using fluctuating renewable energy sources. This enables the investigation of a dynamic Haber–Bosch process under realistic operating conditions. The plant is designed to match the hydrogen production rate of a 15 kW electrolyser and has been realised as a containerised outdoor installation.
The nitrogen required for the process is generated from ambient air using a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit.
All components installed within the system are ATEX‑compliant, fulfilling the requirements for safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The fully autonomous system is equipped with an integrated cooling water system as well as an exhaust air system with continuous monitoring and is designed for unattended 24/7 operation.
The compact container solution allows for rapid commissioning after installation and enables safe, continuous testing under real operating conditions.
Design Parameters
- Design temperature: 550 °C
- Design pressure: 100 bar(g)
Reactor and Process Features
- Reactor: Fixed‑bed reactor with innovative flow distribution
- Inner diameter: approx. 160 mm
- Height: approx. 1,400 mm
- Operating modes:
- Single‑pass operation or
- Circulation mode
- Product separation:
- Continuous separation of liquid ammonia from the process stream
- Process analytics:
- Online mass spectrometer
Automation and Control
- Process control system: Siemens S7‑1500
