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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chemist20
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ammonia
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Ammonia is stored at -33ºC and 1 bar pressure due to its atmospheric boiling point, which minimizes stress on containment vessel walls. This temperature and pressure combination allows for effective venting of heat through insulation, maintaining ammonia's state by utilizing its boiling properties. The design prioritizes safety, as venting at atmospheric pressure reduces the risk of hazardous leaks compared to higher pressure storage systems. This method eliminates the need for complex control equipment, enhancing operational safety in large-scale ammonia storage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ammonia's physical properties, specifically its boiling point.
  • Knowledge of pressure vessel design and safety standards.
  • Familiarity with thermal insulation techniques for cryogenic storage.
  • Basic concepts of gas venting and pressure regulation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research ammonia's physical properties and their implications for storage.
  • Study pressure vessel design principles and safety regulations.
  • Learn about thermal insulation materials suitable for cryogenic applications.
  • Explore gas venting techniques and their role in maintaining safe storage conditions.
USEFUL FOR

Chemical engineers, safety officers in industrial settings, and professionals involved in the storage and handling of hazardous materials, particularly ammonia.

Chemist20
Messages
80
Reaction score
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
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.
 
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.
 

Similar threads

Conceptual thermodynamics problem about ammonia executing a Carnot cycle
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Can a human and an ammonia-based alien coexist?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Storing Ammonia Phase Diagram Answers
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
16K
Why Does Electrical Work Cause Changes in the Internal Energy of a System?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
Can Solar Power Be Used to Produce Fuel from Air for Nighttime Energy Storage?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Undergrad Why does hot air have low pressure? (wind formation)
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Why creep is a function of Time?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Spring Supports Revamp at Ammonia Plant
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Why does decreasing evaporator airflow impact an air conditioner's performance?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K