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.
Fe3O4+4H2=3Fe+4H2O
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.