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Jens Hetzer and Dr Jörg
Weidenfeller, ARVOS GROUP
GmbH | SCHMIDTSCHE
SCHACK, Germany,
provide
insight into different options
for high-pressure heat
exchange systems in
ammonia production
processes.
T
he design of ammonia plants is driven by as low as possible capital costs and a short
payback period. This cost pressure is passed on to every process designer and equipment
manufacturer. Apparently low hanging fruits exist to reduce the individual costs of
equipment or control and safety systems. However, in some cases, those cost reduction
measures shift their impact to other sub-systems and suppliers, or sometimes into the operation
phase of an ammonia plant – in which maintenance cost and reliability/availability can become
more important.
The typical waste heat boiler package downstream to the secondary reformer in ammonia
production consists of a horizontal process gas cooler (PGC) with a steam drum on top, followed
by a steam super heater (SSH) to improve the overall process efficiency. The PGC package operates
in natural water/steam circulation.
ENHANCING
EFFICIENCIES
CUTTING
COSTS,
