Germany’s fixed nitrogen economy needed (Chap. 3). The same would have
applied to less conventional but equally well-known processes such as the
oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen via the electric arc. Fixation in this manner
was only equivalent to about 3% of Chilean imports and less than 5% of
‘conventional fixation’ (Chap. 3) and with such enormous energy requirements the process was unsustainable in the long term.
25 The potential of
these technologies alone therefore should not have fazed the allies.
On the other hand, everyone knew that there was a far more efficient ‘new
kid on the block’, so how aware should the Allies have been regarding
Germany’s ability to synthesize ammonia? Powerful indicators certainly existed
Plate 13.2 The title page of the 1915 Manuals of Chemical Technology devoted
entirely to the nitrogen industry across Europe
252
D. Sheppard
applied to less conventional but equally well-known processes such as the
oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen via the electric arc. Fixation in this manner
was only equivalent to about 3% of Chilean imports and less than 5% of
‘conventional fixation’ (Chap. 3) and with such enormous energy requirements the process was unsustainable in the long term.
25 The potential of
these technologies alone therefore should not have fazed the allies.
On the other hand, everyone knew that there was a far more efficient ‘new
kid on the block’, so how aware should the Allies have been regarding
Germany’s ability to synthesize ammonia? Powerful indicators certainly existed
Plate 13.2 The title page of the 1915 Manuals of Chemical Technology devoted
entirely to the nitrogen industry across Europe
252
D. Sheppard