11-01-2017

Clariant and KBR supply turnkey design for low-cost, high-efficiency ammonia synthesis

Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced that it is providing total catalyst solutions for two major ammonia production plants in Indonesia, in cooperation with its licensing partner KBR. The new projects rely on KBR’s process technologies combined with a complete range of Clariant catalysts for the entire ammonia production process. Not only do the partners offer a turnkey design, but also an advanced solution that significantly reduces ammonia production costs while increasing plant efficiency.

The appointment further confirms Clariant’s solid reputation as a leading supplier of catalysts for ammonia synthesis. The key catalysts selected for the projects include AmoMax® 10 for ammonia synthesis, ReforMax® 330 LDP and ReforMax 210 LDP for reforming, as well as ShiftMax® 120, ShiftMax 217 and ShiftMax 210 for high temperature shift (HTS) and low temperature shift (LTS) reactions. The catalysts’ superior efficiency will ensure more cost-effective production, thereby greatly enhancing the producer’s market prospects.

Of particular importance is the highly active AmoMax 10 catalyst, which presents a significant change in ammonia production after more than a century. In contrast to conventional magnetite catalysts, AmoMax 10 is based on a Wustite structure, which offers more than 20 percent higher activity. Besides boosting energy savings and ammonia yields, the catalyst’s unique physical and chemical characteristics allow faster start of production, and reduce consumption of natural gas. AmoMax 10 has already demonstrated excellent performance in more than 100 ammonia plants worldwide.

Awarded in 2015, the Indonesian projects are part of a strategic cooperation between Clariant’s Catalysts business and KBR, which effectively unites the partners’ state-of-the-art solutions for ammonia synthesis into tangible and substantial benefits for producers. Successful startup of the plants is already underway, as per plan.

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President & General Manager Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with KBR on these important assignments in Indonesia. It validates the strength and success of our partnership – one that not only benefits our two companies, but also, and more importantly, our customers. The projects also demonstrate Clariant’s commitment to driving sustainable ammonia synthesis through continuous innovation.”

“KBR is committed to delivering complete solutions to our clients. Partnering with Clariant enables us to not only provide our market-leading ammonia technology, but also the best catalysts to optimize the performance of the plant and deliver best value and operability.”, said Avinash Malhotra, Vice President of Syngas Technologies at KBR.