Uralchem Modernises Ammonia Plant In Russia

Uralchem, a nitrogen and phosphate fertiliser producer has upgraded a large-scale ammonia facility for its subsidiary, Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, with an investment of RUR550m ($7M).

Uralchem carried out the upgrade work of the AM 70 unit during a maintenance close down of the plant in October-November, but preliminary works, such as designing documentation and procuring necessary equipments for the work had started since last year.

It is the biggest upgrade at the plant since 1981, and during the process the air compressor was modernised in order to increase its production capacity to 1,750t of ammonia per day.

During the upgrade, the syngas compressor was also improved to increase its capacity and reduce gas consumption by 3% .

A gas dehydration unit was also installed to improve the capability of the syngas compressor. French company Ceamag has installed the syngas dehydration systems at the plant.

Last month, the upgraded AM-70 unit was tested and activated.

The upgrade expects to eliminate traces of water and carbon dioxide from incoming syngas, and help reduce synthesis loop pressure. The use of steam by the compressor turbine, as well as the ammonia evaporators load will also be reduced.

Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works director Sergey Momtsemlidze said: "The modernisation work on the ammonia facility increases its capacity and productivity. We expect to obtain a reduction of over 3% of energy consumption, with increases in production consistency, reliability and safety.

"By completing the AM-70 overhaul we completed three major investment projects that were begun last year; upgrade of the syngas compressor, modernisation of the air compressor, and installation of a syngas dehydration system.

"In 2015, the company allocated more than 2.2 billion rubles in total for capital expenditures. The AM-70 upgrade cost 555 million rubles."

This year, Uralchem has earmarked RUR5.41bn ($77.5M) as part of its capital expenditure, which is 34% more than last year.