Thermodynamic Analysis for Nitric Acid Plant

A thermodynamic energy analysis based on the first and second laws were performed for small size nitric acid plant with a capacity of (20000 tons/year) to produce (50 to 60) % nitric acid.The lost work available energy to produce work was calculated for each unit and the total lost work of theplant was determined and found to be   about (3.5MW), the lost work of the reactor unit represents (59.326%) of the total lost work. This means that irreversibility which causes lost work is severe for the reactor. Any improvement of the operating condition which reduces irreversibility of the reaction would improve the efficient use of energy of the overall plant, that is, reduce lost work or available energy for work. This method of analysis can be used to pinpoint location of excess energy use in the chemical processes. However, it is the role of process engineers to recommend ways to reduce such waste of energy to the minimum possible and yet keep the process feasible.