Process for hydrogen recovery from ammonia purge gases

Patent · Tue Dec 25 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5287982

Graham, T E; MacLean, D L

Ammonia synthesis processes are disclosed which provide enhanced recovery of hydrogen from ammonia synthesis purge streams by selective permeation. The enhanced recovery of hydrogen can provide increased conversion of hydrogen values to ammonia. In the processes, a purge stream from an ammonia synthesis loop at a superatmospheric pressure is passed to at least two permeator stages in series. Each permeator stage contains a separation membrane which exhibits selective permeation of hydrogen as compared to the permeation of each of methane and argon. A total pressure differential is maintained across the thickness of the separation membrane to provide a driving force for the permeation of hydrogen across the separation membrane of each of the permeator stages. Hydrogen permeates through the membrane, and a hydrogen-rich permeating gas is obtained on a permeate exit side of each of the permeator stages. The permeating gas from each of the permeator stages is recycled to the ammonia synthesis reaction zone. Between permeator stages, the non-permeating gas from one permeator stage is passed to the feed side of the next permeator stage. 5 figures.

• Assignee: Monsanto Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4180552
• OSTI ID: 5287982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

090320* -- Inorganic Hydrogen Compound Fuels-- Preparation-- (1976-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
AMMONIA
CHEMICAL PREPARATION
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
NONMETALS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SYNTHESIS