Ammonia is primarily used as a fertilizer. The process begins with a primary reformer to create hydrogen from a natural gas feedstock at temperatures over 1800°F. The hydrogen is then fed by a hydrogen transfer line into a secondary reforming vessel. In the secondary reformer, hydrogen in the presence of nitrogen reacts with a catalyst to form ammonia (NH3). Temperatures in the secondary reformer can reach 2800°F. Refractories are required for heat containment in all process units operating above 500°F for steel-shell stability.
KAST-O-LITE® 23 LI PLUS, an insulating castable for primary reformer sidewalls and roofs, offers low thermal conductivity properties together with sufficient strengths for highly reliable service. An added benefit is its ability to be either cast or dry gunned for installation flexibility and minimal maintenance downtime.
GREENCAST®-94 PLUS, a dense castable for hydrogen transfer linings and secondary reformer linings, offers a high-alumina, low-silica content necessary for long service life in contact with hydrogen. This product chemistry will resist silica reduction by hydrogen within the refractory lining.
GREENCAST®-94F PLUS, a dense castable for hydrogen transfer linings and secondary reformer linings, offers an ultra-high-alumina, low-silica content with unique high-fluidity properties to fill very complex steel-shell geometries. This high-fluidity property is a major benefit to fertilizer plants to significantly reduce downtime during maintenance turnarounds.