What is Haber’s Process?
Haber Process is the industrial process for the manufacturing of Ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen. Hydrogen is obtained from the reaction of methane and steam, producing carbon monoxide as a by-product. The hydrogen produced from this reaction also reacts with oxygen from air, producing water and leaving nitrogen behind. These gases are then compressed and delivered to the reactor where ammonia is produced. These gases are then cooled down, and ammonia is liquefied, ready to be tapped off. Unused hydrogen and nitrogen are recycled back to the reactor.
Haber Process Definition
Haber Process is a method that combines atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen primarily sourced from natural gas (methane), to create ammonia. Ammonia is a primary component in the manufacturing of fertilizers that are nitrogen-based. The Haber process requires two essential raw materials – hydrogen and nitrogen.
Haber Process Reaction/Formula
When nitrogen gas reacts with hydrogen in the presence of Fe(iron) catalyst at temperature 450℃ and 200atm pressure, ammonia gas is produced. Haber’s Process Reaction is given as follows:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) with ΔH = −92.4kJ/mol.
This reaction is a reversible reaction and the forward reaction is exothermic. The Haber process uses Le Chatelier’s Principle (best pressure and temperature conditions) to maximize ammonia production while keeping operating and production costs in mind.
Haber’s Process
Haber’s Process, which is also called the Haber-Bosch process, is used in the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. The Haber process to produce ammonia was developed during World War 1 (1914-1918) by a German chemist named Fritz Haber and his assistant in a laboratory. Later, in 1910, Carl Bosch took this idea and created a large-scale industrial machine for ammonia production.
In this article, we will learn What is Haber Process, the Diagram of Haber Process, equations, and thermodynamics involved in Haber’s Process.
Table of Content
- What is Haber’s Process?
- Raw Materials Used in Haber-Process
- Haber Process Diagram
- Haber Process Condition
- Thermodynamics of Haber Process
- Reaction Rate and Equilibrium of Haber’s Process