Does temperature have an effect on the concentration of gaseous ammonia?
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The difference in ammonia concentration between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger at the exit of the synthesis tower is about 2%; the inlet temperature is 343 degrees, while the outlet temperature is 98 degrees, so no liquid ammonia is formed. Does temperature have an impact on the concentration of gaseous ammonia?
The ammonia concentration in the gas phase is a function of temperature and pressure. However, under certain pressure, as long as the temperature does not drop below the saturation temperature, no liquid ammonia will condense. 98 degrees is far from the saturation temperature; therefore, the ammonia concentration in the gas phase of the syngas at the outlet of the synthesis tower remains unchanged above the saturation temperature. As for that 2% difference in concentration you mentioned, it is likely due to significant temperature differences, which cause the gas density to vary at the time of sampling and thus lead to such a discrepancy.
It’s also possible that there is a leak inside the heat exchanger.