Wikipedia (I know, Jim) says that modern ammonia production is natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonia#Synthesis_and_production
But still the question remains; is the stuff used as a propellant and by munters and so on - like CO2 for fizzy drinks - taken as a by-product in processes that would otherwise have vented it to the atmosphere, or is it specially made?
But still the question remains; is the stuff used as a propellant and by munters and so on - like CO2 for fizzy drinks - taken as a by-product in processes that would otherwise have vented it to the atmosphere, or is it specially made?
My suspicion is that the manufacturers of nitrous oxide produce it as a primary business ("specially made"). I imagine they buy a quantity of fertiliser and use that as the feedstock. N2O is more expensive than ammonia nitrate and has uses beyond the recreational.
Also, I take your point when you say:
I tell a person that by flying less often they are being environmentally responsible. They grumble but see the truth. I tell them that driving less and using public transport more is a good thing. They grumble a bit more -- now I'm asking them to change their everyday behaviour rather than something they do once or twice a year. But still, eventually, they see the truth.
I tell them about energy efficiency, insulation, food-miles, the impact of a meat-rich diet and the dangers of biofuels. And while they may see the truth in all of that, I'm running a very serious risk (from a psychological standpoint) of alienating them completely.
At some point there's a real possibility that they'll just switch off. And in doing so, reject even the earlier realisations that flying should be minimised.
So if I've not even convinced the people around me that buying local produce is the responsible alternative. If they're still looking at me funny because I suggest they use the bus, then questioning the impact of their can of beer, spliff (I smoke hydroponic, which of course requires plenty of powerful lights and a nutrient pump... all of which generate CO2 at some point in the supply chain) or nitrous balloon will damn near guarantee that they reject anything further I have to say.
I mean, don't get me wrong, you know I'm on the same side of the barbwire fence as you on this issue. I'm just not sure that we'll get many more over here if we erect a big "No fun" sign on it. (EDIT: or are even perceived as doing so).
Is Nitrous Oxide (that's N2O, not Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2) made using the by-products of other processes, by-products that would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere? Or are the feedstocks specifically created for N2O production?
I've just re-written your last post in my own words, so that we are certain I know exactly what you're looking for. So is the above question correct?
I've posted this question on a couple of forums that I frequent. If anyone comes up with anything I will let you know.
Edit:
Some bits and pieces...
N2O production appears to be something that occurs naturally in the soil.
N2O is itself a by-product of nitric acid production, and something that HNO3 producers have to spend a lot of time and effort in curtailing.
http://www.climatetechnology.gov/library/2005/tech-options/tor2005-441-442.pdf
Presumably some of that waste N2O is not catalysed into other things, but captured.
Still looking...
This is (among other methods) used in industrially producing nitric acid, and in that process N2O is a by-product. I think it is not collected, as purifying it would not maybe be that profitable.
I still think Airgas is producing N20, in facilities specially designed for nitrous oxide production, so not as by-product.
