Haber Process
Optimize temperature and pressure to balance ammonia yield and reaction rate
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N₂ + 3H₂· 67 balls
Forward rate
27000000000000.00
NH₃· 13 balls
Backward rate
5333333.33
Temperature Control
450°C300°C — High yield, slow rate600°C — Low yield, fast rate
Pressure Control
200 atm1 atm — Low cost400 atm — High yield, high cost
DSE target: 450°C, 200 atm, iron catalyst on
Reactant Yield vs. Plant Operating Cost
Adjust temperature, pressure, and catalyst to explore the yield–cost trade-off.
Reaction Rate
100%
Equilibrium yield: 25.7%
Operating cost: 35.5%
Optimal Conditions
Optimal Industrial Compromise Conditions Reached.
HKDSE Tip
- Industrial compromise:Since the forward reaction is exothermic, low T favors yield but is too slow. A "compromise temperature" of ~450°C is used.
- High pressure:High P (200 atm) increases both yield and rate, but is limited by equipment cost and safety.
- Catalyst:The iron catalyst does not affect equilibrium position (yield), only the rate at which equilibrium is reached.