Blue Ammonia - KAPSOM

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Blue Ammonia

Why Blue Ammonia

Blue Ammonia: Your Solution for a Cleaner Planet.

PURIFIER+ TECHNOLOGY

KAPSOM’s cryogenic purifier syngas technology is recognized as the most cost-effective method for producing high-purity synthesis gas in ammonia manufacturing. This technology efficiently removes impurities like methane and argon from syngas, using excess nitrogen for stripping while also adjusting the hydrogen to nitrogen (H2/N2) ratio to 3.

Additionally, KAPSOM’s reforming exchanger system presents an opportunity to reform up to 30% of the total natural gas fed into the plant. This is achieved by utilizing the high-temperature process waste heat from the secondary reformer (or auto-thermal reformer), thus reducing the need to burn additional fuel.

Proprietary Reforming Exchanger System

Effluent gas from the ATR/secondary reformer provides heat for driving the reforming reaction occurring inside the catalyst-filled reforming tubes;

Tubes are open-ended and hang from a single tube sheet at the inlet cold end to minimize expansion problems ; Easy load through a removable top head;

Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage(CCUS)

The global community is currently undergoing a rapid shift towards decarbonization and net-zero goals, aiming for a significant reduction of 7 gigatons per annum in carbon emissions by 2050. This marks the dawn of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage(CCUS)era. Stricter climate objectives, increasina expectations from stakeholders, and new financial incentives are placing CCUS at the forefront of the net-zero transition.

At KAPSOM, our commitment is to a future with lower carbon emissions. Utilizing our specialized knowledge, we provide the necessary CCUS technologies and solutions to assist our clients in their decarbonization efforts. Our global services enable you to effectively seize opportunities for reducing carbon footprints, employing low-carbon energy solutions, and achieving net-zero targets across various industries.

KAPSOM Ammonia brochure

What is Blue Ammonia?

Ammonia production involves transforming nitrogen and hydrogen gases (commonly referred to as “synthesis gas” or “syngas”) under specific temperature and pressure conditions, using a catalyst. Currently, syngas is primarily derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks and fuels, which contribute to about 1.8% of the world’s CO2 emissions.

In contrast, blue ammonia is generated using hydrocarbons, but with a crucial difference: the CO2 released during its production is captured and stored through carbon capture utilization &storage (CCUS) technology. This process significantly mitigates the environmental impact.

KAPSOM specializes in blue ammonia technology, providing solutions for both new and existing plant upgrades. These solutions are designed to substantially lower the CO2 emissions per ton of ammonia produced, while effectively implementing CCUS strategies.

Blue Ammonia Production

KAPSOM Ammonia brochure

World's First Green Ammonia Plant Supplied by KAPSOM

In 2021, KAPSOM assisted an Indian solar company in constructing the world’s first green ammonia plant. This groundbreaking facility is set to reduce CO2emissions by 6240 TPA. The project’s successful operation serves not only as a prime example of power-to-x technology but also establishes a solid groundwork for the client’s subsequent phase of a large-scale green ammonia initiative.

2,000 TPA Green Ammonia Plant for Client in Saudi Arabia

In 2022, KAPSOM supported a Saudi Arabian renewable energy firm in developing a green ammonia plant. For the first time, the project employed a highly integrated design, using the dimensions of a 40 GP container as the basis for the ammonia synthesis unit. This innovative approach was aimed at facilitating equipment transportation, simplifying on-site construction, and reducing the time needed for commissioning and startup.

2,000 TPA Green Ammonia Plant for Client in Colombia

In 2022, KAPSOM collaborated with a Colombian venture capital firm to delve into the local green ammonia sector. The project’s overarching design utilized containers as the foundation to enhance the equipment integration of each primary unit. Additionally, a smart control system was implemented to enable automatic control. This initiative is expected to save the client approximately 8,320 tons of carbon emissions annually.

100 TPA Green Ammonia Plant for Client in Namibia

In June 2023, KAPSOM joined forces with DGHV to assist in establishing Africa’s inaugural fully dynamic carbon-neutral green ammonia synthesis project. Boasting a total capacity of 1.5 GW, the first phase of this project secured funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education, as well as local government support. Its primary objective is to produce green hydrogen, green ammonia, and related derivatives.

KAPSOM Ammonia brochure

Carbon Emissions

Traditional Ammonia Production

Conventional ammonia production is one of the largest industrial sources of CO2 emissions, accounting for about 1.8% of global CO2 emissions.

Blue Ammonia’s Impact

Blue ammonia is produced by converting natural gas into hydrogen and nitrogen with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This process can capture up to 90% of the CO2 emissions typically released during ammonia production. For instance, if a conventional plant emits around 1.9 tons of CO2 per ton of ammonia, a blue ammonia plant with effective CCS could reduce this to about 0.2 tons per ton of ammonia.

Global Scale

With global ammonia production at around 176 million tons in 2020, shifting to blue ammonia could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by hundreds of millions of tons annually.

Energy Sustainability

Ammonia as an Energy Carrier

Ammonia can store about 3 times the energy of hydrogen by volume, making it an efficient carrier of hydrogen energy.

Renewable Integration

Blue ammonia can store excess energy from renewable sources like wind and solar, enabling better utilization of these intermittent energy sources.

Transition Fuel

As we move towards greener solutions like green ammonia (produced entirely from renewable sources), blue ammonia serves as a transitional fuel. It uses existing infrastructure while significantly lowering emissions compared to traditional methods.

Protecting the Earth

Reducing Industrial Footprint

By lowering emissions in ammonia production, blue ammonia helps in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Support for Biodiversity

Reduced acid rain and lower nitrous oxide emissions, both byproducts of traditional ammonia production, mean less harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Promotion of CCS Technology

The technology used in blue ammonia production promotes the development of CCS, a key tool in reducing industrial COz emissions and protecting the earth’s environment.

KAPSOM Ammonia brochure

Blue Ammonia: Fueling a Cleaner World, One Molecule at a Time!

Blue ammonia, a novel solution in the quest for sustainable energy, is gaining momentum. This innovative substance, derived from ammonia with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, is emerging as a key player in the global shift towards cleaner energy sources. By leveraging its unique properties, blue ammonia offers an eco-friendly alternative for various industries, marking a pivotal step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a greener future.

Fertilizer Production

Like traditional ammonia, blue ammonia is used extensively in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers. It offers a less carbon-intensive alternative, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural practices.

Power Generation

Blue ammonia can be used as a fuel in power plants. Its combustion is cleaner compared to fossil fuels, and it’s particularly valuable in regions transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.

Maritime Fuel

The maritime industry is exploring blue ammonia as a potential fuel to power ships, given its lower emission profile compared to conventional marine fuels.

Hydrogen Production and Transport

Ammonia is an efficient carrier for hydrogen, and blue ammonia provides a way to transport hydrogen with reduced carbon emissions. It can be cracked to release hydrogen and nitrogen, where hydrogen can be used as a clean energy source.

Chemical Industry

Blue ammonia can serve as a feedstock in the chemical manufacturing of various products, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia.

Energy Storage

It can be used for energy storage purposes, especially in scenarios where storing excess renewable energy as ammonia is more feasible than battery storage.