READY TO PERFORM Marco Mazzamuto Carlucci, Casale, Switzerland, describes the testing methodology that was used to ensure a new ammonia synthesis catalyst was ready to be successfully introduced to the market.
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atalytic ammonia synthesis from hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) represents one of the most important industrial reactions today. The catalyst used in this reaction is made from iron oxide, with small amounts of other oxides added as promoters to enhance activity and stability. Despite the Haber-Bosch process being more than 100 years old, only incremental improvements have been achieved until recently. However, combined work by Clariant and Casale has led to the development of a new ammonia synthesis catalyst: AmoMax-Casale. The new catalyst is based on Clariant’s wustite-based catalyst AmoMax® 10, with more than 100 references worldwide, and is customised for Casale reactors (patent pending) with notably improved activity compared to iron-based catalysts. While retaining the same mechanical strength and resistance to ageing and poisoning, the new catalyst is significantly more active. This feature allows it to reduce the loop recycle rate and loop pressure and/or to increase the production of ammonia.
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