Process for hydrogen recovery from ammonia purge gases

Patent · Tue Dec 25 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5381371

Null, H R; Perry, E

Ammonia synthesis processes are disclosed which provide enhanced conversion of hydrogen values to ammonia. In the processes, a purge stream from an ammonia synthesis loop, which purge stream contains ammonia, is contacted at a superatmospheric pressure with the feed side of a separation membrane which exhibits selective permeation of each of hydrogen and ammonia as compared to the permeation of each of methane and argon. A total pressure differential across the membrane is maintained to provide a driving force for the permeation of hydrogen and ammonia through the membrane. A hydrogen-rich permeating gas which contains ammonia is obtained on the permeate exit side of the membrane. The permeating gas is combined with the gas in the ammonia synthesis loop and passed to the ammonia synthesis reaction zone for conversion to ammonia. Ammonia which permeates the membrane can be recovered by the means to remove product ammonia from the gas in the synthesis loop. A non-permeating gas is removed from the feed side of the separation membrane at substantially the same pressure at which the purge stream is contacted with the separation membrane.

• Assignee: Monsanto Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4180553
• OSTI ID: 5381371
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
080100 -- Hydrogen-- Production
090320* -- Inorganic Hydrogen Compound Fuels-- Preparation-- (1976-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
AMMONIA
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MEMBRANES
NITROGEN
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
NONMETALS
RECOVERY
SYNTHESIS