What are the conditions for SYAMCAT A217 ammonia catalyst reduction？

SYAMCAT A217/SYAMCAT A217R Ammonia Synthesis Catalysts: Reduction and Activation

SYAMCAT A217 is an oxidized form of ammonia synthesis catalyst that requires reduction with hydrogen before use. Typically, a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture is employed as the reduction gas. The hydrogen in the mixture facilitates the reduction of Fe₃O₄ in the catalyst to α-Fe, activating its reactivity.

On the other hand, SYAMCAT A217R, a variant of the catalyst, undergoes an additional surface passivation step after reduction in the factory. Before use, it is essential to break the surface oxide film to enable activation.

The reduction process involves the use of pure hydrogen-nitrogen mixture as the reducing gas. During the temperature ramp-up, purified nitrogen gas is employed. The following conditions are typically observed:

This process ensures that both SYAMCAT A217 and A217R catalysts are appropriately reduced and activated for optimal performance in ammonia synthesis.