Method for modernizing the synthesis loop of an ammonia plant

摘要

A method for modernizing an ammonia synthesis loop (1) with a first converter (10) and a second converter (11) in series, the first converter (10) comprises a cartridge with one or more catalyst beds, the second converter (11) comprises a catalyst bed in direct contact with said vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing the second converter, and boosting the first converter by replacing the cartridge with a high-efficiency cartridge comprising a plurality of adiabatic catalyst beds and inter-bed heat exchangers, or an isothermal catalyst bed, and by reducing the concentration of inerts in said first converter.

主权项

1. A method for modernizing the ammonia synthesis loop of an ammonia plant, wherein:
said loop comprises a converter system with at least a first converter and a second converter in series, the second converter receiving a process stream from the first converter, said first converter comprises a cartridge with one or more catalyst beds, said second converter comprises a pressure vessel and a catalyst bed enclosed in flow distributors associated directly to said vessel, a purge rate containing inert gases is taken from the synthesis loop,the method comprising the steps of:
removing said second converter from the loop; revamping the first converter by at least the step of replacing said cartridge with a high-efficiency cartridge comprising a plurality of adiabatic catalyst beds and inter-bed heat exchangers, or revamping the first converter by at least the step of replacing said cartridge with a new cartridge comprising an isothermal catalyst bed, and increasing the purge rate of the loop.