Department of Chemical Engineering NED University of Engineering and Technology Chemical Process Industries CH-213 Assignment# 01 1921-2021 “Industrial Manufacturing Of Nitric Acid By Ostwald Process” Group Number: 22 Batch: 2020 Group Member(s): Muhammad Asim CH-20010(Backlog) Muhammad Hamza (CH-19308(Backlog) Course Instructor: Ms. ZahaNaseem Lecturer - DEC © NED University of Engineering & Technology. All Rights Reserved - [January 2023] Chemical Process Industries | CH-213Table of Contents Chapter | Introduction 1.1 What is Nitric Acid?... 1.2 Physical And Chemical Properties. 1.3 Application And Uses Of Nitric Acid... 1.4 Health And Safety Chapter 2 Manufacturing Of Nitric Acid 2.1 Overview 2.2 Process Flow Diagram 2.3 Process Description 2.4 Environmentaal Impact 2.5 Conclusion ... Chemical Process Industries | CH-213Chapter 1 Introduction 1,1 What is Nitric Acid? Nitric acid (HNOs) is a highly corrosive and toxic mineral acid with significant importance in various industrial and laboratory settings. Known for its strong oxidizing properties. As a colorless to yellowish liquid due to decomposition into nitrogen oxides, it has a pungent, acrid smell and is fully miscible with water, meaning it can mix in all proportions without separating. In the modern era, its production has become a cornerstone of the chemical industry, with large-scale synthesis typically involving the catalytic oxidation of ammonia via the Ostwald process, developed in the early 20th century. Nitric acid’s versatile applications and potent properties make it indispensable in modern industry and research, highlighting the need for stringent safety protocols and environmental stewardship in its use and handling. 1.2 Physical And Chemical Properties Physical Properties: ‘© Appearance: Colorless to yellowish liquid. © Odor: Sharp, acrid smell. © Density: Approximately 1.51 g/cm for concentrated acid, Boiling Point: Around 83°C (181°F). Melting Point: About -42°C (-43.6°F) Solubility: Fully miscible with water. Chemical Properties: ‘© Strong Acid: Completely dissociates in water, releasing H* and NOs ions. * Oxidizing Agent: Strong oxidizer, capable of reacting with many metals and non- metals. Reactivity: Reacts with metals to form metal nitrates and nitrogen dioxide, not hydrogen gas. Decomposition: Breaks down into nitrogen dioxide, water, and oxygen when heated or exposed to light. Chemical Process Industries | CH-2131.3 Application And Uses Of Nitric Acid Manufacture of Fertilizers: Used to produce ammonium nitrate, a key component in fertilizers. Explosives: Essential in the production of explosives such as TNT (trinitrotoluene) and nitroglycerin Metal Processing: Employed in the pickling of stainless steel and the purification of precious metals like gold and silver. Laboratory Reagent: Used for nitration reactions and as a strong oxidizing agent. Etching and Cleaning: Applied in the electronics industry for etching circuit boards and in the cleaning of semiconductors. 1.4 Health And Safety Health © Corrosive: Can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and damage to respiratory system if inhaled. ‘Toxie: Dangerous if ingested or inhaled, Reactive: Can react violently with many organic materials and reducing agents, potentially causing fires or explosions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use of gloves, goggles, and acid-resistant clothing is recommended. Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances like organic compounds, reducing agents, and bases. Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhalation of fumes. Chemical Process Industries | CH-213Chapter 2 Manufacturing Of Nitric Acid 2.1 Overview The industrial manufacturing of nitric acid is predominantly carried out using the Ostwald process, a highly efficient method. This process involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia, a reaction that transforms ammonia into nitric acid through a series of well-controlled steps. Nitric acid produced through this method is a key component of various industries. The Ostwald process is renowned for its efficiency and ability to produce high-purity nitric acid, making it the standard method for large-scale nitric acid production worldwide. 2.2 Process Flow diagram Vaporizer Storage iil Filter Tank Ligue ns 7 a Agai Condenser Distillation 60% HNO3 ‘Shipping Bleach Air Chemical Process Industries | CH-2132.3 Process Description The process of making nitric acid involves several steps: Mixing Ammonia and irst, we mix ammonia (which comes from natural gas or by reacting nitrogen and hydrogen) with air. This mixture is sent to a special chamber. Reaction with Catalyst: Inside the chamber, we have a special material called a catalyst (often made of platinum or rhodium). This catalyst helps the ammonia and oxygen from the air react at high temperatures, around 900°C Making Nitric Oxide: When the ammonia and oxygen react, they make a gas called nitric oxide (NO), along with some water vapor. Turning Nitric Oxide into Nitrogen Dioxide: Next, we pass the nitric oxide gas through another chamber where itreacts with more oxygen from the air to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Dissolving Nitrogen Dioxide in Water: The nitrogen dioxide gas is then dissolved in water to create a mixture called nitric aci Concentrating the Nitric Acid: We heat the mixture to remove excess water, leaving us with concentrated nitric acid. 2.4 Environmental Impacts ‘The manufacturing process of nitric acid can harm the environment in a few ways: * Air Pollution: Making nitric acid releases gases like nitrogen oxides into the air, which can cause smog and acid rain, These can harm plants, animals, and people. Acid Rain: The gases produced during nitric acid production can mix with water in the air, forming acid rain, Acid rain damages forests, buildings, and water bodies, Greenhouse Gases: Making nitric acid requires a lot of energy, usually from burning fossil fuels. This releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change 5 Conclusion In short, nitric acid is important for many industries, but making it can harm the environment by polluting the air and contributing to acid rain and climate change. To lessen these effects, companies should use cleaner technologies and energy sources. It's crucial to find ways to make nitric acid while protecting the environment for a better future. Chemical Process Industries | CH-213