Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189 Public Domain. Release under the CC BY Attribution license--http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--Credit both “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library; From the California Historical Society Collection at the University of Southern California Send requests to address or e-mail given USC Libraries Special Collections specol@usc.edu
Description
Photograph of Shell Synthetic Ammonia Plant, showing platforms of cylindrical tanks in foreground, ca.1940. At center, a large barred structure can be seen. The structure is composed of three distinct levels supported by numerous metallic bars and crossbeams. Stair wells are visible connecting to the second and third levels. On the second level of the structure, two cylindrical containers are visible. Numerous pipes can be seen above these containers, and additional pipe work is visible on the adjacent floors. To the left, a vertical cylindrical tank can be seen near several pipes and metallic meshes. In the extreme background at center, a large rectangular structure is visible. A large ladder is seen to the right of the structure, and a single smokestack is visible atop the roof. In the extreme foreground at center, a single worker wearing a hardhat can be seen. To the far right, a circular valve connected to a large pipe is visible within another metallic structure. Photoprint reads: "Utilizing a process first demonstrated in Germany 40 years ago, the reaction of hydrogen with nitrogen is brought about to form ammonia (NH3). By reacting methane, or natural gas, with steam and air under high temperature in thsi Gas Reforming Unit, a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture is obtained. Further processing purifies the mixture then forces the two elements to combine chemically".
Type
image
Format
1 photograph : photoprint, b&w 21 x 26 cm. photographic prints photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
