The Evolution of the Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst 'AmoMax®-CASALE'

Authors

  • John D'Alessandri Casale SA, Via Giulio Pocobelli 6, CH-6900 Lugano
  • Ermanno Filippi Casale SA, Via Giulio Pocobelli 6, CH-6900 Lugano https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0897-2600
  • Sergio Panza Casale SA, Via Giulio Pocobelli 6, CH-6900 Lugano
  • Marvin Estenfelder Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH, Arabellastr. 41, D-81925 Munich
  • Stephan J. Reitmeier Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH, Arabellastr. 41, D-81925 Munich
  • Andreas Reitzmann Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH, Arabellastr. 41, D-81925 Munich
  • Pierdomenico Biasi Casale SA, Via Giulio Pocobelli 6, CH-6900 Lugano https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4188-5664
  • Rene Eckert Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH, Arabellastr. 41, D-81925 Munich

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2022.635

PMID:

38071629

Keywords:

Ammonia catalyst, Casale, Clariant, Haber-Bosch, Reactor design

Abstract

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.

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Published

2022-08-24

How to Cite

[1]
J. D’Alessandri, E. Filippi, S. Panza, M. Estenfelder, S. J. Reitmeier, A. Reitzmann, P. Biasi, R. Eckert, Chimia 2022, 76, 635, DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2022.635.