Is it necessary to install a saturation tower in a fully low-temperature conversion process?
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Currently, there are two types of full low-temperature conversion processes: those with a saturation tower and those without one. The process without a saturation tower requires slightly more steam, while the process with a saturation tower involves equipment that is more susceptible to corrosion. We have an ammonia production system that uses methanol as a feedstock, and we opted for the process without a saturation tower; as a result, the steam consumption is indeed relatively high. What are everyone’s thoughts on whether to include a saturation tower or not?
From an energy-saving perspective, a saturated tower is still better, as it enables more efficient heat recovery and requires less steam. From the perspective of equipment management, process equipment equipped with saturated towers is more corrosive and prone to leakage. You can start by addressing it from the material aspect. Apply anti-corrosion treatment inside the equipment ； For pipelines in the dew point temperature range, L304 stainless steel can be used, and this will work very well.
In terms of energy savings, saturated towers are still the better choice, as they allow for more efficient heat recovery. However, the heat recovered is usually of low energy value, and there is less steam generated. On the other hand, saturated towers inevitably involve some degree of corrosion, and their initial investment is also relatively high.
It’s better to have a saturated tower, as it enables more thorough heat recovery and requires less steam； It can remove impurities brought in from external processes, thus protecting the catalyst
The steam consumption for conversion is 0.35~0.4 tons per ton of ammonia