Material balance around an NH3 synthesis reactor

Feed 1 2 Product 3 Purge 4

stream components N2+3H2 N2+3H2 N2+3H2+NH3 NH3 N2+3H2 N2+3H2 N2+3H2
N2 kgmol/h 1050 6863 5833 0 5833 21 5812
H2 kgmol/h 3151 20588 17500 0 17500 63 17437
NH3 kgmol/h 0 0 2059 2059 0 0 0
Total kgmol/h 4202 27451 25392 2059 23333 84 23249
Total kgr/h 35714 233333 233333 35000 198333 714 197619
Global conversion 98%
Conversion per pass 15% Explanatory notes
MW considered Starting from Product, make an overall mass balance (turqoise columns);
N 14 consider that overall conversion is 98%, so 2% of the Feed has to be
H 1 continuously purged, e.g. into flare header. Feed & Purge are so defined.
Ar Assuming an arbitrary N2 flow rate in stream 4 , estimate other flow rates
Note: |t is assumed that of stream 4; estimate stream 3 = stream 4+ Purge; stream 1 = stream 4 +
NH3 in stream 2 is 100% + Feed; then estimate stream 2, based on 15% conversion of stream 1.
separated from N2 & H2. NH3 in stream 2 will generally differ to NH3 in the Product, so correct the
No N2 or H2 dissolved in originally assumed N2 in stream 4; use solver to make NH3 of stream 2 =
liquid NH3, no NH3 vapor NH3 of Product, by changing assumed N2 flow rate in stream 4.
in downstream N2 & H2 It is noted above can be obtained also algebraically, assuming X=N2 flow in stream 4.
(simplification).

Product

NH3
reactor

Feed 1

4
Purge