Problem No. 40: Medium pressure absorber in Saipem urea plant

The function of the medium pressure (MP) absorber is to separate pure ammonia from ammonium carbamate before both of these streams are recycled to the synthesis section. Control of the process conditions of the MP absorber is one of the key control parameters in a Saipem urea plant. CO₂ carryover to the ammonia receiver is not permitted in the process as it will create corrosion problems and upset conditions in the ammonia recovery and pumping system. This round table discussion considers the problems and solutions in this process section.