Transition towards Carbon Footprint Reduction and Energy Intensification in Natural Gas Reforming

Abstract

One of the possible options for carbon footprint reduction in ammonia production is energy intensification of the natural gas reformer furnace. This paper addresses how process modelling and simulation concepts can be combined with proven methods such as minimum energy consumption analysis and heat exchanger networks to identify and optimise the main bottlenecks in natural gas reformer furnaces. The main outcome is finding the best possible reconstruction options for natural gas savings and related CO2 reduction. The applied method delivered an overall reduction of natural gas of 834 m3 h–1 or 0.51 GJ with accompanying carbon footprint reduction of 0.026 t CO2 per ton of NH3 produced. A large part of EU’s ammonia producers will be able to reach net zero emissions by 2050 by following the policy initiatives of the “Green Deal” thanks to this case study. In addition, it provides the basis for the further execution of other possible non-conventional retrofit measures.

Keywords

• ammonia production
• carbon footprint reduction
• design
• natural gas reformer furnace