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Device uses wind to create ammonia out of air

(spectrum.ieee.org)
147 points rbanffy | 1 comments | 16 Jan 25 14:43 UTC | HN request time: 0.214s | source
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_aavaa_ ◴[16 Jan 25 15:58 UTC] No.42727009[source]▶
Ammonia as a fuel is an absurdly stupid idea. It is trading the lives and safety of crews and passengers for a bit of money.
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ReptileMan ◴[16 Jan 25 16:13 UTC] No.42727230[source]▶
What is so dangerous about it compared to lets say a gasoline engine converted to use LPG or Methane? There are many of those in Europe where I live.
replies(2): >>42727338 #>>42727404 #
_aavaa_ ◴[16 Jan 25 16:20 UTC] No.42727338[source]▶
You mean aside from being a colorless toxic gas that will kill you in as little as 5 minutes?
replies(3): >>42727381 #>>42727382 #>>42727509 #
ReptileMan ◴[16 Jan 25 16:23 UTC] No.42727381[source]▶
Just like propane, nitrogen, laughing gas, and methane ... I don't follow?
replies(2): >>42727715 #>>42727791 #
1. thombat ◴[16 Jan 25 16:57 UTC] No.42727791[source]▶
Those others are effectively asphyxiants: they'll kill you by displacing oxygen, leading to you collapsing and dying if not rescued, eg by being dragged clear or having ventilation improved. Ammonia is a caustic: airway constriction and oedema will get you at modest concentrations, weeping eyes may hamper your escape, and if rescued you may have lasting damage.