To produce ammonia from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks ranging from natural gas to heavy naphtha using Topsøe’s lowenergy ammonia technology.
Natural gas or another hydrocarbon feedstock is compressed (if required), desulfurized, mixed with steam and then converted into synthesis gas. The reforming section comprises a prereformer (optional, but gives particular benefits when the feedstock is higher hydrocarbons or naphtha), a fired tubular reformer and a secondary reformer, where process air is added. The amount of air is adjusted to obtain an H2 /N2 ratio of 3.0 as required by the ammonia synthesis reaction. The tubular steam reformer is Topsøe’s proprietary side-wall-fired design. After the reforming section, the synthesis gas undergoes high- and low-temperature shift conversion, carbon dioxide removal and methanation.
Synthesis gas is compressed to the synthesis pressure, typically ranging from 140 to 220 kg /cm2g and converted into ammonia in a synthesis loop using radial flow synthesis converters, either the three-bed S-300 or the S-350 concept using an S-300 converter followed by a boiler or steam superheater, and a one-bed S-50 converter. Ammonia product is condensed and separated by refrigeration. This process layout is flexible, and each ammonia plant will be optimized for the local conditions by adjustment of various process parameters. Topsøe supplies all catalysts used in the catalytic process steps for ammonia production.
Features, such as the inclusion of a prereformer, installation of a ring-type burner with nozzles for the secondary reformer and upgrading to an S-300 ammonia converter, are all features that can be applied for existing ammonia plants. These features will ease maintenance and improve plant efficiency.
Licensor: Haldor Topsøe A/S
