How is nitric oxide used? >Upstream processes
As we stated, ammonia is not something that you want to ship all over the place. So, when you want to make ammonium nitrate, the best thing to do is find a plant site where natural gas is available. Methane, air, and steam are about all you need. Remember, with microreactors, you could do this in your garage. Here's your 'plant'!
Step One - Steam Methane Primary Reformer:
Natural gas (CH4 , methane) + Steam (H2O) --> CH4 (unreacted) + CO (carbon monoxide) + H2 (hydrogen)
Step Two - Methane Partial Oxidation Secondary Reformer:
{Methane + CO + H2} + Air {N2 (nitrogen) + O2 (oxygen)} --> CO + H2 + N2
Step Three - Catalytic Shift Reactors (usually two in series):
{CO + H2 + N2} + Steam (H2O) --> CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2 + N2
Step Four - CO2 Removal:
Conventional plants use an amine absorption system to remove carbon dioxide. Be creative and use a membrane microseparator. Use the liberated CO2 to give your Coca Cola or Pepsi a boost!
Step Five - Ammonia Reaction:
H2 + N2 --> NH3 (ammonia)
Finally, you've got the ammonia you need to make nitric oxide.
Question: How about doing all of these ammonia synthesis steps via catalytic microreactors and membranes? It should be possible. Forget about those big fertilizer plants that tend to blow up (hydrogen can be messy!) Why not make that ammonia down on the farm, as you need it? Just give us an acknowledgement when your thesis is published….