Question

In an ammonia manufacturing facility, the necessary hydrogen is generated from methane. The facility consists of the following process units: \( P \): Methanator, \( Q \): CO shift convertor, \( R \): CO\(_2\) stripper, \( S \): Reformer, \( T \): Ammonia convertor. The correct order of these units, starting from methane feed, is:

• A. S, Q, R, P, T
• B. P, Q, R, S, T
• C. S, P, Q, R, T
• D. P, S, T, Q, R

Hint:

In ammonia manufacturing, hydrogen generation involves reforming, CO shift conversion, and CO\(_2\) removal before ammonia synthesis. Ensure the sequence eliminates impurities like CO and CO\(_2\) to prevent catalyst deactivation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the sequence of operations in ammonia manufacturing.
Hydrogen for ammonia synthesis is generated from methane in the following sequence of operations:
1. Reformer (\( S \)): Methane reacts with steam in the reformer to produce synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide).
2. CO Shift Convertor (\( Q \)): Carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide via the water-gas shift reaction to increase hydrogen yield.
3. CO\(_2\) Stripper (\( R \)): Carbon dioxide is removed from the gas mixture.
4. Methanator (\( P \)): Any remaining traces of CO and CO\(_2\) are converted to methane to prevent catalyst poisoning in the ammonia synthesis reactor.
5. Ammonia Convertor (\( T \)): Hydrogen and nitrogen are reacted in the ammonia convertor to produce ammonia.
Step 2: Identify the correct order. The correct order of units starting from methane feed is:
\[ S \, \rightarrow \, Q \, \rightarrow \, R \, \rightarrow \, P \, \rightarrow \, T. \] Step 3: Conclusion. The correct order is \( S, Q, R, P, T \), corresponding to option (1).