Editorial Technical Reference

Ammonia Oxidation Reactor

This page explains how Ammonia Oxidation Reactor is classified within Chemical Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A reactor where ammonia is catalytically oxidized with air to produce nitrogen monoxide, the primary reaction step in nitric acid production.

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Ammonia Oxidation Reactor in a manufacturing environment
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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Ammonia Oxidation Reactor

Definition
The Ammonia Oxidation Reactor is a critical component within the Integrated Nitric Acid Production and Concentration System. It facilitates the high-temperature, catalytic oxidation of ammonia (NH₃) with atmospheric oxygen (from air) over a platinum-rhodium catalyst gauze. This exothermic reaction produces nitrogen monoxide (NO) and water vapor, which are the essential feed gases for the subsequent oxidation and absorption stages that ultimately yield nitric acid (HNO₃). The reactor's design is optimized for high conversion efficiency, temperature control, and catalyst management. The reactor typically operates at a design pressure of 1.0–1.6 MPa and a design temperature of 750–950°C, with a catalyst bed volume of 0.5–5 m³. The ammonia feed rate ranges from 100–1000 kg/h, and the air-to-ammonia ratio is maintained between 1.7–2.0 mol/mol to achieve a conversion rate of 95–98%. The pressure drop across the reactor is 0.05–0.2 MPa. The shell is typically made of carbon steel (SA-516 Gr.70) with a refractory lining, and the catalyst is a platinum-rhodium gauze (90% Pt, 10% Rh) with 10–30 gauzes. The reactor's weight ranges from 5–20 t, and its footprint is 10–50 m². These values are directory reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific model and application. Standards such as ASME BPVC VIII are referenced for design and verification, but do not imply certification. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
A mixture of preheated, filtered ammonia and air is passed through one or more layers of platinum-rhodium alloy catalyst gauze inside the reactor vessel. At temperatures typically between 850°C and 950°C, the ammonia reacts catalytically with oxygen to form nitrogen monoxide (NO) and water. The reaction is highly exothermic, and the heat generated is often recovered via waste heat boilers. The hot product gases (NO, N₂, O₂, H₂O) then exit the reactor to be cooled and processed further in the system.
Common Materials
Stainless Steel (e.g., 304/316L for shell), Platinum-Rhodium Alloy Catalyst Gauze, Refractory Lining
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Design Pressure1.0–1.6 MPaAbove 1.6 MPa the catalyst bed may be damagedASME BPVC VIII
Design Temperature750–950 °CAbove 950°C the catalyst sintersASME BPVC VIII
Catalyst Bed Volume0.5–5 m³Determines production capacity
Ammonia Feed Rate100–1000 kg/hMatches downstream nitric acid capacity
Air-to-Ammonia Ratio1.7–2.0 mol/molBelow 1.7 reduces conversion, above 2.0 increases NOx
Conversion Rate95–98 %Below 95% is uneconomical
Pressure Drop0.05–0.2 MPaHigh drop increases energy cost
Shell MaterialSA-516 Gr.70Carbon steel for high-temperature serviceASTM A516
Catalyst TypePt-Rh gauzePlatinum-rhodium alloy, 90% Pt, 10% Rh
Number of Catalyst Gauzes10–30 piecesMore gauzes increase conversion but raise pressure drop
Weight5–20 tAffects foundation and lifting requirements
Footprint10–50 m²Includes piping and access space

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Reactor Shell/Vessel
    Pressure-retaining containment vessel for the reaction, designed to withstand high temperatures and corrosive gases.
    Material: Stainless Steel (e.g., 304/316L)
  • Catalyst Gauze Pack
    The active catalytic surface where the ammonia oxidation reaction occurs. Typically multiple layers of platinum-rhodium alloy mesh.
    Material: Platinum-Rhodium Alloy (e.g., Pt-10%Rh)
  • Gas Distributor/Inlet Nozzle
    Ensures uniform distribution of the ammonia-air mixture across the catalyst bed to prevent hot spots and ensure even reaction.
    Material: Stainless Steel
  • Thermocouple Wells
    Housings for temperature sensors to monitor catalyst bed and gas temperatures at critical points.
    Material: High-Temperature Alloy (e.g., Inconel)
  • Refractory Lining Part
    Insulating layer inside the shell to protect the metal from extreme process temperatures and reduce heat loss.
    Material: Ceramic Fiber or Castable Refractory
  • Outlet Nozzle/Duct Part
    Directs the hot product gas stream (NO, N₂, O₂, H₂O) out of the reactor to the downstream waste heat boiler.
    Material: Stainless Steel

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: 1-10 bar (atmospheric to moderate pressure systems)
flow rate: Varies by capacity: 100-100,000 Nm³/h ammonia-air mixture
temperature: 800-950°C (typical operating range for platinum-rhodium gauze catalysts)
ammonia concentration: 9.5-11.5 vol% in air (explosive limits consideration)
conversion efficiency: 94-98% ammonia to NO under optimal conditions
Media Compatibility
✓ Stainless steel 304/316L (for lower temp sections) ✓ Inconel 600/625 (for high temp sections) ✓ Alumina refractory lining (for insulation and corrosion protection)
Unsuitable: Chlorine-containing environments (causes catalyst poisoning and material corrosion)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required nitric acid production capacity (tons/day)
  • Ammonia feed purity and flow rate (Nm³/h)
  • Desired operating pressure (affects catalyst loading and reactor dimensions)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Catalyst bed channeling
Cause: Uneven gas distribution or catalyst degradation leading to localized hot spots and reduced conversion efficiency
Thermal stress cracking
Cause: Rapid temperature fluctuations during startup/shutdown cycles or process upsets exceeding material thermal fatigue limits
Maintenance Indicators
  • Sudden drop in ammonia conversion efficiency with corresponding temperature profile abnormalities
  • Audible pinging or cracking noises from reactor shell during thermal transients
Engineering Tips
  • Implement predictive temperature profiling with infrared thermography to detect early-stage hot spots before catalyst damage occurs
  • Optimize startup/shutdown procedures using controlled ramp rates and maintain minimum turndown ratios to prevent thermal shock

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASME BPVC Section VIII - Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels EN 13445 - Unfired Pressure Vessels

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Catalyst Bed Support Grid Flatness: ≤ 0.5 mm/m
  • Reactor Shell Circumferential Weld Misalignment: ≤ 1.5 mm
Quality Inspection
  • Radiographic Testing (RT) of All Pressure-Bearing Welds
  • Hardness Testing of Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ) Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Technical documentation
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Manufacturing capability
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Inspection readiness
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Manufacturers of Ammonia Oxidation Reactor

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an ammonia oxidation reactor?

It converts ammonia and oxygen from air into nitrogen monoxide (NO) and water via catalytic oxidation, which is the first step in nitric acid production.

What are typical operating conditions for this reactor?

Design pressure is typically 1.0–1.6 MPa, design temperature 750–950°C, and air-to-ammonia ratio 1.7–2.0 mol/mol. These are reference ranges; actual values depend on the specific design.

Which materials are commonly used in the reactor construction?

The shell is often carbon steel (e.g., SA-516 Gr.70) with a refractory lining, and the catalyst is a platinum-rhodium gauze (90% Pt, 10% Rh).

How can I verify the reactor's compliance with standards?

Check the design and fabrication against applicable codes like ASME BPVC VIII, but always confirm with the manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application.

Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

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Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 13 October 2026

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