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Select one of the manufacturing processes below and answer the questions which follow: ammonia manufacture (1) What are the raw materials for the manufacturing process you have chosen? Describe how the raw materials are treated before they become the feedstock for the manufacturing process - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2006
Question c
Select one of the manufacturing processes below and answer the questions which follow: ammonia manufacture (1) What are the raw materials for the manufacturing pro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select one of the manufacturing processes below and answer the questions which follow: ammonia manufacture (1) What are the raw materials for the manufacturing process you have chosen? Describe how the raw materials are treated before they become the feedstock for the manufacturing process - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2006
Step 1
What are the raw materials for the manufacturing process you have chosen? Describe how the raw materials are treated before they become the feedstock for the manufacturing process.
Answer
For ammonia manufacture, the primary raw materials are air (which contains nitrogen), natural gas (methane, CH₄), and water. The processes involved include:
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Air Processing: Air is filtered to remove dust and other impurities. It is then subjected to liquefaction and distillation to separate the oxygen and nitrogen, with a focus on obtaining pure nitrogen for the next steps.
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Natural Gas Treatment: Natural gas is processed through steam reforming. In this process, natural gas reacts with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen. After this, the gas is treated to remove impurities such as sulfur compounds.
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Water Treatment: Water is treated by deionization and filtration to ensure that it does not introduce any unwanted ions or impurities into the system.
Through these steps, the raw materials are converted into the necessary feedstock for the ammonia synthesis process.
Step 2
Name one product of the process you have chosen, which, if discharged, could cause pollution.
Answer
A significant product of the ammonia manufacture process is ammonia (NH₃). If discharged into the environment in substantial quantities, ammonia can lead to pollution. It can cause eutrophication in aquatic systems, where excess nutrients lead to algae blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.
Step 3
State the most important use of the main product of the process you have chosen. What makes this product particularly suitable for this use?
Answer
The most important use of ammonia (NH₃) is in the production of fertilizers, such as urea and ammonium nitrate. Ammonia is particularly suitable for this application due to its high nitrogen content, which is essential for plant growth. The ability of ammonia to be easily converted into various nitrogenous compounds makes it a versatile and valuable resource in agriculture. Additionally, its solubility in water allows for efficient application in nutrient solutions, promoting effective distribution and uptake by plants.