Reverse rotation of an inline four-stage centrifugal CO2 compressor is an unwanted phenomenon which sometimes occurs in urea plants. Reverse rotation can lead to damage to the internals of the CO2 compressor and an expected outage. This discussion shares experiences and provides suggestion on how to avoid reverse rotation of the CO2 compressor.
The following case study describes a serious incident and the consequences of erroneously mixing nitric acid with hydrochloric acid. In Part 1 we report on the incident and the causes that led up to the event. In part 2 the impact, recommendations and lessons learned will be discussed.
UreaKnowHow.com reviews the main production options for incorporating sulphur into urea, the world's most widely applied commodity fertilizer.
Mark Brouwer of UreaKnowHow.com reviews the main production options for incorporating sulphur into urea
Green urea is urea based on green ammonia produced from renewable power via electrolysers and bio-based carbon dioxide and its colour is the same as normal urea. But in this round table discussion we discuss the possible causes for urea turning a green colour as found by the initiator of this discussion. We will learn that the colour of urea can be reddish or brownish in certain conditions where corrosion rates are high and/or oil fouling is high. But what can cause urea to turn green? n
In Part 3 of this series on stripper efficiency issues, we continue the discussion on some some of the many causes of lower stripper efficiency. Here we discuss liquid divider fouling and bad installation of liquid dividers.
Part 1 of this series on stripper efficiency issues provided a brief history of the CO₂ stripping process and discussed how the invention of the HP CO₂ scrubber back in the 1960s revolutionised urea technology. In part 2 we take a look at how high liquid load can affect stripper efficiency.
In 1967, Stamicarbon revolutionised the urea production process with the invention of the HP CO₂ stripper by Mr Petrus JC Kaasenbrood. At a time when there was an energy crisis in many parts of the world, the HP CO₂ stripper led to three main benefits:
Biuret is a chemical compound with the chemical formula HN(CONH₂)₂ , also known as carbamylurea. It is a commonly occurring undesirable impurity in urea-based fertilizers, as biuret is toxic to plants. Biuret is formed from urea, according to the following overall reaction:
Mark Brouwer and Jo Eijkenboom of ureaknowhow.com examine the major shifts in global urea production. They also discuss the future of the urea industry and, in particular, how the sector is being affected by the increasing focus on low-carbon ammonia production.