Shutdown Solutions of Ammonia Synthesis Catalysts
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- Oct 26,2023
Summary
During the usage of the ammonia synthesis catalysts, there might be instances of temporary or long-term shutdowns.
Shutdown Solutions of Ammonia Synthesis Catalysts
The ultimate objective of the ammonia industry is the synthesis of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen compounds. This synthesis is achieved through a catalytic process. Proper and correct use of the ammonia synthesis catalyst is crucial to ensuring the efficiency and profitability of ammonia production and fertilizer plants.
During the usage of the ammonia synthesis catalysts, there might be instances of temporary or long-term shutdowns. To ensure the stability of the catalyst's performance and service life, SYAMCAT offers the following solutions to address the shutdown issues in the process of using the catalysts:
Short-term Shutdown in Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst Usage
Short-term Shutdown in Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst Usage
① In situations like short power outages, gas interruptions, or equipment malfunctions due to gas quality issues, a brief shutdown of the synthesis tower is necessary.
② The shutdown process can involve reducing operating pressure while maintaining gas circulation.
③ After the issues are resolved, operations can gradually resume under standard conditions.
④ Alternatively, a controlled pressure reduction followed by sealing the synthesis tower can be performed within a short timeframe.
Long-term Shutdown in Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst Usage
Long-term Shutdown in Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst Usage
① For extended shutdown periods, the ammonia synthesis catalyst undergoes passivation. This process involves reducing pressure and lowering the temperature appropriately.
② After purging with nitrogen to displace remaining gases, the synthesis tower is sealed, allowing it to naturally cool to room temperature.
③ During passivation, the catalyst must be cooled to below 50°C. Nitrogen is then introduced, and under a pressure of 0.3~0.5 MPa, nitrogen circulation begins. This continues until the hydrogen content is less than 4%.
④ Dry compressed air is then introduced, ensuring that the airflow maintains the catalyst bed's maximum temperature below 100°C.
⑤ The passivation is considered complete when there is no change in the catalyst bed temperature after increasing the airflow, provided that the oxygen content at the inlet and outlet of the tower is the same.
⑥ In the absence of nitrogen, hydrogen-nitrogen gas circulation, pressure reduction, and modifications in gas synthesis operations are necessary to reduce hydrogen content to below 40%. Extreme caution is needed to ensure the bed temperature does not exceed 100°C, preferably staying below 80°C.
The above briefly introduces shut-down procedure of ammonia synthesis catalyst， If you would like to learn more or are in search of a manufacturer for ammonia synthesis catalysts for your company, please feel free to contact us.
SYAMCAT is a professional manufacturer of ammonia synthesis catalysts with over 30 years of catalyst experience and history. Through continuous technological innovation, we offer catalyst solutions for ammonia production. We are dedicated to assisting ammonia plants and fertilizer manufacturers in optimizing production efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Our aim is to contribute to the sustainable development of global agriculture and food security.