ANS:B - Claude

The Claude converter is a type of reactor used in the Haber-Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) gases. It is named after its inventor, Georges Claude, a French engineer who developed the process in the early 20th century. The Claude converter is designed as a single-pass reactor with a fixed-bed catalyst system. It operates at high pressure (typically around 150-300 atmospheres) and moderate temperatures (around 400-550°C), conditions optimized for the ammonia synthesis reaction. Key features of the Claude converter include:

1. Single Continuous Bed: The catalyst used in the Claude converter is arranged in the form of a single continuous bed. This design allows for efficient contact between the reactant gases and the catalyst, promoting the synthesis of ammonia while minimizing the pressure drop across the reactor.
2. Fixed-Bed Configuration: The catalyst bed is stationary, and the reactant gases flow through it in a single pass. This configuration simplifies the reactor design and operation while ensuring uniform distribution of reactants and products across the catalyst bed.
3. Catalyst Composition: The catalyst used in the Claude converter typically consists of finely divided iron (Fe) particles supported on a high-surface-area material, such as alumina (Al2O3). The iron catalyst facilitates the ammonia synthesis reaction by providing active sites for the adsorption and reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen molecules.
4. Cooling and Heat Management: To maintain the desired temperature range within the reactor, the Claude converter may incorporate cooling systems, such as water jackets or heat exchangers, to remove excess heat generated by the exothermic ammonia synthesis reaction.

Overall, the Claude converter is a key component of the industrial-scale production of ammonia using the Haber-Bosch process. Its efficient design and operation enable the synthesis of ammonia on a large scale, making it a vital process for the production of fertilizers and various other chemical products.