Development of ammonia synthesis technology

Abstract

Since first commercial plant was commissioned in early 20 centuries by F. Haber and C. Bosch, ammonia manufacturing technology has been developed continuously. Ammonia is produced by hydrogen from synthesis gas generation facility and nitrogen from the air. The synthesis gas generation process has been developed from coal to light hydrocarbon such as natural gas and naphtha because ofthe availability and the logistics of feedstock and the capital cost for synthesis gas generation facility which occupied the main portion ofthe plant. Recently most of ammonia plants in the world adopt the steam reforming technology by using light hydrocarbon such as natural gas and naphtha. In 1960’s, plant capacity was 600 tons of daily basis but at the present day, the standard daily capacity is around 2,200 tons and maximum 3,000 to 3,300 tons throughput per single train. During these periods, ammonia process has been improved from energy saving point of view and operating conditions such as lower synthesis pressure in accordance with technology development and catalyst innovation This report introduces the history and recent technology development of ammonia process.