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GATE 2024 CH – Question 25

Chemical Technology · Fertilizers: ammonia and urea · 1 mark · Multiple choice

In an ammonia manufacturing facility, the necessary hydrogen is generated from methane. The facility consists of the following process units -
P: Methanator, Q: CO shift convertor, R: CO$_2$ stripper, S: Reformer, T: Ammonia convertor
The correct order of these units, starting from methane feed is

  1. S, Q, R, P, T
  2. P, Q, R, S, T
  3. S, P, Q, R, T
  4. P, S, T, Q, R

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) S, Q, R, P, T

Explanation

Methane is first reformed with steam to give CO and H₂ (reformer). The CO is converted to CO₂ and more H₂ in the shift converter. The CO₂ is then removed (stripper). The traces of CO and CO₂ left are converted to methane in the methanator (to protect the catalyst), and the pure synthesis gas then goes to the ammonia converter. So S, Q, R, P, T.