Clariant, KBR supply catalyst solutions for Indonesian ammonia plants

MUNICH, GERMANY: Clariant International Ltd said 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.

The partners not only 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 a 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 the 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.

“This collaboration 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,” said Stefan Heuser, senior VP & general manager business unit catalysts at Clariant.

“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 optimise the performance of the plant and deliver the best value and operability,” added Avinash Malhotra, VP of Syngas Technologies at KBR.

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