Turbines for Synthesis Gas

This article reviews on one of the most demanding applications for steam turbines, which are providing the extraction steam for the production of ammonia and methanol synthesis gas, or syngas. Dresser-Rand Energy Systems, Wellsville, NY, designed their Syngas Steam Turbine specifically to meet these requirements. Demand is expected to grow for both ammonia and methanol. Ammonia is the source for most of the nitrogen fertilizer produced globally. The capacity in 1996 was 117 million metric tons, up from 113 million metric tons five years earlier. Dresser-Rand approached the syngas project with more than 30 years’ experience as a leading supplier of compression equipment for ammonia plants. The first Syngas Steam Turbine, and its complete compression train including Dresser-Rand DATUM compressors, was shipped to a methanol plant operated by Qatar Fuel Additives Ltd. in the Mesaieed Industrial Area, Qatar. It is scheduled to begin operation by the middle of next year, producing 610,000 metric tons of methanol annually. Dresser-Rand engineers have also adapted their Syngas Turbine technology for different applications.