NITRATES FROM THE AIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 145082, 6 September 1916, Page 3

NITRATES FROM THE AIR.

An article published m the Franfc'farter Zeituug last month, gives some particulars-as to what Germany is doing m regard to the production of nitrates from tite air, and in, particular reference is made to the extraordinary; rapidity with which tho Haber process for the synthetic production of am-, m-onia by the union of hydrogen with atmospheric nitrogen has , been developed by the Badische Company. It is stated that the production- rceo from 30,000 tons in 1913 to 60,000 tons in 1914, and that by about tho middle of last year it was about 150,000 tuiniFrom tho present year onwards it is reckoned, at 300,000 torus, whflo it is mentioned that the Badische Carnpany, has begun to put up further huge plants in another part of Germany, so that the capacity for production will shortly be considered increased. Assuming that the production: will iu the near future reach 500,000 tons, the Haber process alone will represent! a production of nitrogen very nearly! equal to the quantity of Chili saltpetre formerly imported by Germany, But in addition with Stare aid large quantities of nitrogen hare been produced in the form of nitrate of lime and, tire whole tendency in the coal industry has, been towards increasing the development of by-products. Up to tho out- ■ break of war it is stated, that about ono~ ' fifth of the coal was coked, but tip war - has brought about a great iucroasp , ,iu coking, and the indications, are that ; in the near future the direct combxsr tion of coal will be replaced by by-pro-duct processes. Assuming that theequantity of coal used for the recovery , of ammonia is only doubled, the in—* crease in sulphate of ammonia production would amount to 450,000 tarns.