Technology

The main features of the Uhde Process and Design for Ammonia Plants are a Top-Fired Primary Reformer with a Cold Outlet Manifold, a Secondary Reformer with a Circumferential Vortex Burner and a Magnetite-based Three-Bed Radial Heat Exchange Synthesis with one or two Synthesis Converters.

The flowsheet diagram of an Uhde Ammonia Plant shows the conventional sequence of Process steps that form the basis of most present-day Ammonia Processes. However, a more detailed scrutiny of the facts and figures shows that what appears to be a conventional set-up is in fact a most up-to-date Ammonia Plant concept. The total consumption figure (Feed + Fuel + Electric Power) per metric ton of Ammonia produced is in the range of 6.6 to 7.2 Gcal (27.6 - 30.1 GJ), depending on local conditions (e.g. Cooling Water temperature) and project-specific requirements (such as the Natural Gas price, etc.).

The following Process areas have undergone major modifications in order to achieve these figures:

• the Steam Reforming section including its Waste Heat Recovery system;
• the CO₂ Removal Unit;
• the Ammonia Synthesis Unit.