Production Course of action Involving Industrial Kind of Nitric Acid

Posted by Thomas Shaw on June 6th, 2019

Getting one of the four most significant inorganic acids on the planet at the same time as identified as one on the major ten chemical manufactured inside the US, nitric acid production is an intricate and elaborate approach but one which has been refined over years of research and practice. Get far more information about Industry Nitric Acid


Nitric acid is really a colorless liquid that is (1) a sturdy oxidizing agent, possessing the capacity to dissolve most metals except platinum and gold, (2) a potent acid as a result of higher concentration of hydrogen ions, and (3) an excellent source of fixed nitrogen vital for the manufacture of nitrate containing fertilizers.

The procedure of creating this compound employs two approaches, one producing weak nitric acid and high-strength (concentration) nitric acid.

Weak Nitric Acid Production

Weak nitric acid has 50-70% concentrated and it is produced in higher volume than the concentrated kind mainly because of its industrial applications. This is typically produced using the higher temperature catalytic oxidation of ammonia. It follows a three step procedure starting with ammonia oxidation to nitric oxide followed by oxidation of nitric oxide into nitrogen dioxide and lastly absorption of nitrogen dioxide in water.

Within the initially step of this approach, a catalyst is applied and also the most typical catalyst used is actually a mixture of 90 % platinum and 10 % rhodium gauze assembled into squares of fine wire. Heat is released from this reaction along with the resulting nitric oxide is then oxidized by generating it react with oxygen using condensation and pressure.

The final step includes introduction of deionized water. Concentration now will depend on the pressure, temperature, number of absorption stages at the same time because the concentration of nitrogen oxides getting into the absorber. The rate of your nitric dioxide absorption is controlled by three variables: (1) oxidation of nitrogen oxide inside the gas phase, (2) the physical distribution on the reacting oxides from the gas phase towards the liquid phase, and (3) the chemical reaction that takes location in the liquid phase.

High Strength (Concentration) Nitric Acid Production

High strength nitric acid has 95-99% percent concentration that is obtained by extractive distillation of weaker grade in the acid. The distillation employs a dehydrating agent, usually 60% sulfuric acid. The dehydrating agent is fed in to the chamber using the weaker grade on the acid at atmospheric pressure resulting to vapors of 99 % nitric acid with trace amounts of nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. The vapor then goes by means of a condenser to cool it down and separate oxygen and nitrogen oxides byproducts. Resulting inorganic acid is now in concentrated type.

The trace amounts of oxides of nitrogen are converted to weak nitric acid when it reacts with air. Other gases are also released and emitted in the absorption chamber. It can be crucial to note the quantity of released oxides of nitrogen considering that these are indicators of the efficacy of the acid formation too as the absorption chamber design. Increased emissions of nitrogen oxides are signs of issues in structural, mechanical challenges, or each.

It could possibly all sound complex to a layman, and it truly is. Nevertheless, people who function at manufacturing plants which produce the acid in each its forms are appropriately trained at handling the ins and outs in the processes.

Nitric acid production is a extremely delicate process nonetheless we are able to normally look for better methods to make production additional successful but not forgetting the hazards this chemical poses to both humans as well as the atmosphere. So it is incredibly critical that appropriate safety procedures and training are offered to those who're directly functioning with this powerful acid. Also, structural and mechanical designs must be made to specifications, maintained regularly and monitored for possible leaks and damages.

Like it? Share it!


Thomas Shaw

About the Author

Thomas Shaw
Joined: March 17th, 2018
Articles Posted: 11,324

More by this author