|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Haber process
Haber process , commercial process for the synthesis of ammonia , NH 3 . Pure hydrogen and nitrogen gases are mixed in the appropriate proportion, heated to between 450°C and 600°C, compressed to about 1,000 atmospheres pressure, and passed over a catalyst. The reaction is 3H 2 +N 2 ⇌ 2NH 3 +heat. The ammonia gas is liquefied by rapid cooling; unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen are returned to the reaction chamber. This process, developed by Fritz Haber in 1909, was the first commercially important high-pressure chemical process. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Haber process." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Haber process." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Haberpro.html "Haber process." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Haberpro.html |
|
Haber process
Haber process Industrial process for converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. A mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen is passed over a heated catalyst at a pressure of c.1000 atmospheres. The chemical reaction N2+3H2Æ2NH3 occurs. By ‘fixing’ atmospheric nitrogen, it is possible to convert ammonia to nitric acid, and thus produce the nitrates that are used in the manufacture of fertilizers and explosives. It was invented (1908–09) by German chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch. See also nitrogen fixation
|
|
|
Cite this article
"Haber process." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Haber process." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Haberprocess.html "Haber process." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Haberprocess.html |
|