High-Pressure Plasma Nitric Acid Generator for Concentrated Fertilizer Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-site nitric acid generation systems produce dilute nitric acid, making it unsuitable for transportation and storage, and require complex systems that are energy-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure, recycling nitric acid generator system that uses a plasma process to produce nitric acid concentrations exceeding 30% by weight, minimizing energy consumption and scrubbing costs, while allowing for the production of concentrated nitrogen-enriched organic fertilizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If atmospheric nitrogen is passed through electrical plasma to produce nitrogen dioxide that is reacted with water, then nitric acid can be generated on-site, but the resulting nitric acid concentration is low (pH 4-6) and unsuitable for transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the plasma process at elevated pressures (super-atmospheric conditions) rather than at standard atmospheric pressure. This pressure parameter change fundamentally alters the reaction kinetics and equilibrium, enabling the production of concentrated nitric acid (greater than 30% by weight) instead of dilute solutions. The high-pressure environment increases the density of reactant molecules and enhances the efficiency of nitrogen oxidation reactions in the plasma, directly resolving the concentration limitation of conventional atmospheric pressure systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional plasma systems are used to generate nitric acid from atmospheric nitrogen, then on-site production is achieved, but energy consumption is high and scrubbing costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by implementing a high-pressure plasma process that operates at super-atmospheric pressures. This pressure elevation increases the density of the gas phase reactants, thereby increasing the reaction rate and overall process efficiency. The enhanced reaction efficiency at high pressure reduces the energy input required per unit of nitric acid produced, directly addressing the high energy consumption issue of conventional atmospheric pressure plasma systems.
3Ease of operation
If dilute nitric acid is produced for on-site use, then it can be used to treat animal waste, but it cannot be transported or stored independently from the waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by conducting the plasma reaction at high pressures to produce concentrated nitric acid solutions (greater than 30% by weight). This concentration level is sufficiently high to allow the nitric acid to be transported and stored as a stable, independent product rather than requiring immediate use on-site. The high concentration eliminates the need for large volumes of dilute acid, making transportation economically viable and enabling storage independence from the animal waste treatment location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently produces high-concentration nitric acid, enabling the creation of a concentrated organic fertilizer that can be economically stored or transported, while also allowing for the continued use of manure in biodigesters and reducing environmental contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a high-temperature plasma generator receiving the mixture of nitrogen and oxygen to generate nitric oxide
Implementation Method 2
an oxidizer downstream from the high-temperature plasma generator to receive the nitric oxide and react it with oxygen to generate nitrogen dioxide
Implementation Method 3
a water reactor downstream from the oxidizer to receive the generated nitrogen dioxide and react a first portion of it with a volume of water to produce nitric acid
Data Source
AI summary
A recycling loop nitric acid generator uses a high-pressure nitrogen and oxygen loop with high-temperature plasma to produce concentrated nitric acid suitable for making transportable ammonium nitrate organic fertilizer from scavenged ammonia from manure.