The engineering problems associated with the high pressure synthesis of ammonia and methyl alcohol and with the oxidation of ammonia to nitric acid.

The development of the process for the direct synthesis of Annonia is comparatively recent. A considerable amount of research work wao carried out by Haber, Nernst and others between 1900 and 1910 on the amonic equilibrium and it wan largely as a result of this work that experimental semi-technical units were brought into operation in 1910... This thesis is concerned primarily with the Australian Government synthesis and oxidation plants. Section 1 covers the general description of the process used in these units and section 2 describes in detail the plant and equipment employed. The maintenance organisation and procedure relating to these factories is outlined in section 3. Section 4 which has a wider application is concerned with the design of high pressure plant and equipment. In general British practice is cited although some reference has been made to American and Continental features. Section 5 covers the specific application and scope of usefulness of the various materials of construction employed on the plants described.