Why is Ammonia Stored at -33ºC and P=1bar?

  • Thread starter Chemist20
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Ammonia
In summary, large scale ammonia storage is done under a temperature of -33°C and a pressure of 1 bar for safety reasons. This allows for low stress in the containment vessel walls and easy regulation of pressure and temperature through venting. It also minimizes the risk of a leak compared to storing at a higher pressure.
  • #1
Chemist20
86
0
Hi there,

Does anyone know why large scale ammonia (60000 tons) storage is done under a temperature of -33ºC and P=1bar? Why not a bit higher P and T?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Chemist20 said:
Hi there,

Does anyone know why large scale ammonia (60000 tons) storage is done under a temperature of -33ºC and P=1bar? Why not a bit higher P and T?

The atmospheric boiling point of ammonia is ~ -33C. Having a pressure of 1 atm inside the tank matches the pressure outside, so this keeps the stress low in the containment vessel walls. Also, when heat comes in through the insulation, the vessel can be vented, and the temperature of the ammonia can be maintained by the ammonia boiling and venting. Regulating the pressure and temperature in the vessel is easy, since it just has to be open through a small vent to the outside. There is no control equipment involved to prevent the vessel from overpressuring and exploding.
 
  • #3
It's for safety, because ammonia is a nasty poison. Just sniff a bottle if you doubt it. A leak at atmospheric pressure is way not as bad as from a pressure vessel.
 

1. Why is Ammonia Stored at -33ºC and P=1bar?

Ammonia is stored at -33ºC and P=1bar because at this temperature and pressure, it exists in its liquid form. Ammonia is commonly used as a refrigerant, and storing it at this temperature and pressure ensures that it remains in its liquid state.

2. What would happen if Ammonia is stored at a higher temperature?

If Ammonia is stored at a higher temperature, it would turn into a gas. This can be dangerous as the gas is highly toxic and can cause health hazards. Additionally, the pressure inside the container would increase, which could lead to an explosion.

3. Why is the pressure of 1 bar important when storing Ammonia?

The pressure of 1 bar is important when storing Ammonia because it is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. This pressure is used to ensure the safety of the storage container and to prevent any leaks or explosions.

4. Can Ammonia be stored at room temperature?

No, it is not safe to store Ammonia at room temperature. At room temperature, Ammonia is in its gaseous state, which is highly toxic and can cause health hazards. It is important to store Ammonia at low temperatures to keep it in its liquid form.

5. How is Ammonia stored at -33ºC and P=1bar?

Ammonia is stored in specially designed containers that can withstand low temperatures and high pressures. These containers are typically made of steel and are insulated to prevent any heat transfer. The containers also have safety features such as pressure release valves to prevent any accidents.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
633
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
994
  • Classical Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
15K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
996
Replies
1
Views
572
Back
Top