Open AccessThe Evolution of the Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst 'AmoMax®-CASALE'
Author(s) -
John D'Alessandri,
Ermanno Filippi,
Sergio Panza,
M. Estenfelder,
Stephan J. Reitmeier,
Andreas Reitzmann,
Pierdomenico Biasi,
Rene Eckert
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
chimia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.387
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 2673-2424
pISSN - 0009-4293
DOI - 10.2533/chimia.2022.635
Subject(s) - ammonia , ammonia production , catalysis , process (computing) , computer science , process engineering , chemistry , engineering , operating system , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Despite the Haber-Bosch process being more than 100 years old, only incremental improvements have been achieved until recently. Now, by combining the catalyst expertise of CLARIANT and the engineering knowledge of CASALE, a breakthrough has been realized. AmoMax®-Casale is a new ammonia synthesis catalyst jointly developed by Casale and Clariant particularly for use in Casale ammonia converters. AmoMax®-Casale is a customized evolution of the well-known, wustite-based catalyst, AmoMax® 10. While retaining the same superior resistance to ageing, poisoning and mechanical strength, AmoMax®-Casale is significantly more active. This feature allows to reduce the loop recycle rate and the loop pressure and/or to increase the ammonia production. The higher activity of AmoMax®-Casale contributes to improve the overall operating efficiency either by saving energy, or by increasing significantly the plant capacity. This article will describe in detail the successful development of AmoMax®-Casale, explain advantages and commercial benefits based on concrete plant simulations and share the start-up experience of the first commercial reference.