Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
AMMONIA PLANT
The ammonia plant has a capacity of 1100 MT per day of liquid anhydrous ammonia. After
revamping the plant capacity raised to 1260 MT per day. The plant is a single stream unit,
comprising of the following process steps.
1) Hydro fining of Naphtha based on IIP - IFP process.
2) Primary reforming of naphtha based on ICI process.
3) Secondary Reforming.
4) CO Conversion.
5) CO2 removal by Giammarco-Vetrocoke process.
6) Methanation.
7) Ammonia synthesis is based on ICI process.
8) Ammonia Recovery and Storage.
9) Hydrogen Recovery from loop purge gas designed and supplied by Nippon Sanso
K.K.
In addition to the above, the ammonia plant has the following utilities integrated with it.
1) Tank farm for storing raw naphtha, sweet naphtha, fuel oil and high aromatic fuel
naphtha.
2) Cooling tower.
3) Inert gas generation unit.
4) Auxiliary boiler and Additional Steam Generation Unit
5) Instrumentation system
6) Imported Ammonia Storage station.
7) Captive Power Plant.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 2
CONTENTS
Boiler specifications
Steam system
Steam system commissioning
Preparation for start up
Deaerator commissioning
Boiler feed water pump start up
Lining up BFW heater
Filling up the boiler
Make ready the burner system
FD fan start up
Regenerative Air Pre Heater
Boiler Start up
Raising the pressure
Operations checks while raising the pressure
Lining up steam
Boiler normal Shut down
Normal Operation
Drum Preheater
Start up procedure
Start-up and loading
Operation during emergency
Limitation of operating conditions for turbine compressor and others
Normal shut down
Outline of machine
Compressor
Turbine
Governor System
Anti Surge systems
Turbine Auxiliaries
Turbine accessories
Start up procedure
Compressor loading/lining up syn loop
Shut down
Trip actions
Start-up procedure
Stopping up procedure
Normal running
General
Start - up procedure
Stopping procedure
Normal running
General
Introduction
Fundamental reactions
Unit description
Start-up procedure
General
Reforming section
Fired heaters
Shift conversion
Methanation
Co2 removal
Synthesis
Tank farm and Hydro fining
Control room
Compressor house
Introduction
Tank Details
Salient Features of the Naphtha Tanks
Fuel Oil System
Safety Features of Naphtha & fuel oil storage yard
Naphtha Specifications and its importance
Design basis
Process description
Start up procedure
Purge gas system
Shut down procedures
Chapter seventeen CAPTIVE POWER PLANT
Introduction
Description
Control Systems
Protective Device
Operation
TG I Start up procedure
TG II Start up procedure
Precautions
Trip and Alarm schedule
The existing Ammonia Plant of SPIC is designed to produce 1100 TPD of anhydrous ammonia using
naphtha as feedstock. The plant is being revamped to produce 1260 TPD of ammonia. The higher
target capacity would call for a proportional increase in the quantity of synthesis gas (H2 + N2) being
made available to the ammonia synthesis loop.
The larger hydrogen requirement is met by two means: by increased hydrogen production in the
front-end of the plant to 110% of original design; and by recycling recovered hydrogen equivalent
to approximately 50 TPD of ammonia from the Purge Gas Hydrogen Recovery Unit to the synthesis
loop.
The larger nitrogen demand is met by increasing process air intake in the Secondary reformer and
adjusting the process conditions suitably.
The process in the CO2 Removal section has been modified to incorporate a dual pressure
regeneration system instead of the existing scheme having solution regeneration at a single
pressure. Further the revamped unit will feature an activated carbonate solution using glycine
instead of arsenic, which is used presently.
Some new equipment was added as a result of the modified process. The adequacy of existing
equipment has been checked for the post-revamp duty and wherever necessary these are being
modified, replaced or supplemented by additional equipment.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Ammonia:
Carbon dioxide:
FEED SPECIFICATION
The design feed specification for revamp and the range in values that the plant is capable of
handling are specified below.
UTILITIES SPECIFICATIONS
UTILITIES - WATER
Type of water Fire & Cooling Steam Drinking Boiler Feed Water
service Water turbine Water
water condensat
5)
e
Type of water Fire & Cooling Steam Drinking Boiler Feed Water
service Water turbine Water
water condensat
5)
e
Notes:
1) Hardness types: G H = Total; KH = Permanent; NKH = Temporary;
MgH = Magnesium hardness; CaH = Calcium hardness.
1 mval/kg = 50 ppm wt. CaCO3; (1 mval/l = 28 ppm wt. CaO).
2) Depending on ammonia dosage to steam drum.
3) Point of measurement is downstream of dosing chemicals injection.
4) Temperature figures specified above are applicable only to new heat exchangers
using cooling water.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 16
UTILITIES - STEAM
H2 mol. % 14.0
C2H6 mol. % -
C3H8 mol. % -
C4H10 mol. % -
CO mol. % -
N2 mol. % 44.5
H2O mol. % -
Normal Temperature C 35
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 19
50 vol.% C 72
Vanadium wt. % NT NT
Residue mg/100 ml 5
UTILITIES - AIR
UTILITIES - NITROGEN
COMPOSITION
CO + CO2 : Nil
Source : Cracked
ammonia
Normal Temperature : 32 C
UTILITIES - HYDROGEN
COMPOSITION
Normal Temperature : 32 C
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 23
SITE CONDITIONS
This unit is designed to recover hydrogen from 8400 Nm3/h of syn loop purge gas. Product hydrogen
from this unit is delivered at 48.5 kg/cm2a with a purity of 94%. The unit also yields a tail gas stream
suitable for use in the primary reformer.
Product hydrogen:
Composition (mole%):
H2 94.2
N2 4.82
CH4 0.39
Ar 0.59
NH3 NT
Tail Gas :
Composition (mole%):
H2 13.96
N2 44.45
CH4 28.71
Ar 12.66
NH3 0.21
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 25
Sweet naphtha containing up to a maximum of 5.0 weight ppm sulphur is stored in the Sweet
naphtha storage tank(1203). It is pumped from the tank at a pressure of 44.0 kg/cm2 a by Process
Naphtha pump -3204-001/002. This is a eight stage pump with a normal flow of 26818 kg/h. A
MFCV is provided from the pump to the tank to prevent over-heating in the pump due to low flow.
Sweet naphtha flow is controlled by FC-1203. Recycle gas from the first stage of Synthesis Gas
compressor 3102 is mixed with the naphtha under flow ratio control from FFRC-1204 and fed to
Process Naphtha Vaporizer (1432). During start-up and plant upsets recycle gas would not be
available. During such periods hydrogen is supplied from Inert Gas Generation Plant through XCV-
1205. During normal operation when recycle gas is available from syn gas compressor, this valve
would remain closed. In order to meet emergency situations it is necessary to maintain the
hydrogen receiver in I.G. Plant at a pressure of 43.5 kg/cm2 a. This is done by drawing necessary
quantities of gas from syn gas compressor through a bypass line of XCV-1205.
The Process Naphtha Vaporizer is a fired heater in which the naphtha is vaporized and superheated.
Recycle gas is mixed with naphtha before the heater because the hydrogen present in the gas forms
a film in the heater coils and inhibits naphtha from coking. The outlet temperature of vaporized
naphtha from 1432 is controlled at 375C by TRCA-1205, which regulates fuel flow to the burners.
TRCA-1205 gives a low temperature alarm at 370C to ensure meeting the minimum temperature
required for the desulphurizer catalyst. It also has a high temperature alarm at 430C to avoid over-
heating of the coil and temperature run-away in the desulphurizer.
The naphtha, recycle gas mixture is passed over a Sud chemie manufactured COMOX bed (C-20-6)
and John Matthey manufactured two zinc oxide beds (C-7-2) in Desulphurisation tower to remove
traces of H2S to a level of less than 0.5 ppm. Though C-20-6 can operate over a range of 300C to
450C, C-7-2 operates most efficiently in the temperature range 370C to 400C. Hence 1104 is
operated in the temperature of 370C to 400C.
There is a six point alarm TRA-1206 in the COMOX bed, which is set at 450C(HH). Any slip of
carbon oxides into this bed will lead to methanation reaction and temperature rise will be about 60
to 70C for every percent of carbon oxides. Temperature indicators TI 1/1205 and TI 1/1206 are
provided in the zinc oxide bed.
There is a provision for sampling at the outlet of each bed. There is a purge nitrogen connection
provided at the outlet of 1104 with double block and bleed protection.
The vessel itself has a bypass line, which has two valves and a bleed in-between. When the plant is
under normal operation both the bypass valves are kept closed and the bleed is open to flare.
Because of this arrangement passing of the bypass valve cannot contaminate the vapour exit 1104
with sulphur.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 26
The feed vapour line to reformer exit the Desulphurizer 1104 has PIC-1208, which is the cascade
element for the flow controller in the liquid naphtha line to 1432. Because of this arrangement flow
measurement to the reformer is done at a steady pressure of 39.3 kg/cm2a, which is necessary for
measuring steam to carbon ratio accurately. Vapour naphtha to reformer at 375C is controlled by
FC-1303 and it is mixed with superheated process steam at 471C by flow ratio controller FFRC-
1304. Efficient mixing is ensured by a mixing orifice (Diff. Pr.=4.9 ksca ) before feeding to the
reformer. After the revamp the ratio of steam to naphtha + recycle gas would be maintained
normally at 4.06 wt/wt which corresponds to a steam to carbon mole ratio of 3.25. There is a trip to
cut off feedstock to the reformer if the ratio of steam to naphtha + recycle gas falls below 3.42
wt/wt.
Superheated process steam is used here to avoid the possibility of condensation at the inlet of the
reformer. Firing in the reformer can be reduced by having higher degree of superheat in the steam.
However this would increase the cost of the process steam super heater. Therefore the process
steam temperature has been fixed at 471C. This yields a mixed reformer feed temperature of
445C.
The mixture of vaporized naphtha, recycle gas and steam is fed to the reformer tubes through a
new feed mains line and manifold system. The latter consists of a main header feeding eight sub-
headers corresponding to the eight rows of tubes. Symmetrical arrangement of sub-headers and
main header has been made in order to uniformly distribute feed through all the reformer tubes.
The reformer consists of 264 tubes of 102 (105.4) mm internal diameter arranged in eight rows.
The length of each tube is 12.2 metres and is filled with catalyst to a height of 12.5 meters. The
Reformer catalysts are Sud chemie manufactured C11NK and G90LDP.
Reformed gas leaving the tubes would be at a temperature of 787C and has the following analysis
on a dry basis:
H2 = 62.37 Mole %
N2 = 0.44 Mole %
CH4 = 9.98 Mole %
CO = 11.55 Mole %
CO2 = 15.65 Mole %
Reformed gas from the tubes is collected through an outlet system consisting of four sub-headers.
Each outlet sub-header is located beneath and receives gas from two rows of reformer tubes. The
four outlet sub-headers in turn feed the reformed gas mains through four spun-cast cones. The
outlet sub-headers and spun-cast cones are fabricated from alloy 800H suitable for the high design
pressure and temperature. On the other hand the reformed gas mains is a refractory lined pipe
made of carbon steel.
Connection between the reformer tubes and the inlet and outlet sub-headers is done using small-
bore flexible tubing called pigtails. Pigtails are located outside the firebox. This has the following
advantages:
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 27
* The pigtails are subjected only to the process fluid temperature and can be insulated against
heat loss. They would experience higher metal temperatures if they were positioned inside the
firebox.
* They are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance.
* In the event of a reformer tube failure the plant need not be shutdown. The inlet and outlet
pigtails are fabricated from ductile materials, which enable the pigtails to be nipped, thereby
isolating the defective tube.
Inlet pigtails are designed to accommodate the thermal movements of reformer tube, feedstock
header and their own thermal expansion. They are made of SA335 Gr P11 (1.25 Cr 0.5 Mo). Outlet
pigtails are designed to accommodate thermal movement of outlet sub-headers, reformed gas
mains and their own thermal expansion.
The reformer in the SPIC plant is a top-fired unit. In the revamped plant ninety new burners located
in nine rows with ten burners per row provide the necessary heat of reaction. Desirable temperature
profiles along the length of the tubes are achieved by the co-current flow of process gas inside the
tubes and flue gas in the firebox.
The reformer uses naphtha and tail gas as fuel. The burners located in the four and sixth row are
dual fuel burners whereas the burners in the other rows consume only naphtha. Burners in the first
row and ninth row are rated for a lower capacity (about 55 %) than the burners in the other rows.
This is because these burners see only one row of tubes and have refractory wall on the other side.
Burners in rows two to eight are all of equal firing capacity and are referred as 100 % burners. The
dual fuel burners can supply the rated capacity by either firing a combination of naphtha and tail
gas or naphtha alone.
Fuel grade naphtha is pumped from the Raw Naphtha Tanks (1202A/B/C/D) by Fuel Naphtha
Pump(3205-001/002) at 17 kg/cm2 a. This pump is driven by a steam turbine. A spill-back line is
provided from pump discharge to the tank. The naphtha is filtered and divided into two lines: one
supplying fuel to the naphtha-only burners and the other to the dual fuel burners.
Fuel flow to the naphtha only burners is controlled by PIC-1305. This in turn is set by operator
through HIC-1304. In the event of a partial trip HIC-1304 is over-ridden and a pre-set value is fed to
PIC-1305. In the event of a total trip valves XCV-1303 and PCV-1305 close and provide a double-
block.
Naphtha to the dual fuel burners is supplied through PIC-1319 and trip valve XCV-1307.
Tail gas is supplied to the dual fuel burners at 3.0 kg/cm2 a by PIC-1303. The controller vents
excess gas to flare. Required flow to the burners is controlled by HIC-1302 and measured by FIA-
1301.
The furnace is provided with a tertiary air door upstream of the convection box. This door may be
opened during emergencies to protect the convection box from excess temperatures.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 28
Flue gas leaves the radiant section of the reforming furnace at a temperature of 940C.
A major portion of the heat carried by the flue gas is recovered in the convection section. It consists
of the following sections:
As part of the revamp the H.T Turbine Super heater, L.T Turbine Super heater, Process Steam
Super heater and the Combustion Air Preheater have been replaced. In addition the ductwork
between the Flue Gas Boiler and Combustion Air Preheater has also been replaced.
The Flue Gas Boiler (1510) is the first heat transfer section in the flue gas path after the radiant
section. It is connected to the Steam Drum 1106 by down comers and risers. Steam is raised inside
the coils of 1510 at 112.5 ata and 318C.
Flue gas from 1510 flows over the coils of the High Temperature Turbine Superheater 1536A.
Partially superheated steam from 1536B is further heated in this section and then sent to the 106
kg/cm2 a steam header.
The Process Steam Superheater 1537 forms the third heat recovery section in the convection
section. The function of this section is to supply superheated process steam for blending with
process naphtha upstream of the reformer. Necessary amount of steam for this purpose is extracted
at 45 kg/cm2 a from Syn Gas Compressor turbine.
Flue gas leaving 1537 next flows over the Low Temperature Turbine Superheater 1536B. Saturated
steam from 1106 is heated in these coils before it is fed to the High Temperature Turbine
Superheater.
The flue gas leaving 1536B enters the new plate type Combustion Air Preheater 1511 which
replaces the old rotary air preheater. Combustion air at ambient temperature from the fans is
preheated to 277C in the air preheater while flue gas temperature is reduced from 335C to 158C.
The heat exchanger consists of a large number of closely spaced parallel plates that form lanes for
flow of flue gas and air. The exchanger is a cross-flow type of unit constructed of Corten steel. The
unit is designed in such a way as to reduce the air side heat transfer coefficient in the cold end of
the exchanger and thereby avoid dew-point corrosion problems. In addition the Air Preheater is
provided with an air-side bypass for use during start-up. Flue gas leaving 1511 flows to the chimney
while the preheated combustion air is sent to the revamped burner air distribution manifold.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 29
Process air flow to the Secondary Reformer is set by the operator through FIC-1401. The air is
obtained from the Process Air Compressor 3107 which is a four stage centrifugal compressor driven
by steam turbine. The compressor discharge pressure is controlled by a PIC which has the turbine
speed control cascaded under it. In addition anti-surge kick-back lines to the suction of the
compressor as well as a blow-off valve are provided to ensure that enough flow is always
maintained through the machine to keep it well above the surge limit. 3107 also mets the
instrument air requirement of the plant. For this purpose a bleed of 1200 Nm3/hr is taken from the
compressor discharge.
The capacity of 3107 is not sufficient to meet the revamp process air load. The shortfall in capacity
will be met by adding a new, smaller compressor 3110 to operate in parallel with 3107.
The new Process Air compressor will be a reciprocating machine driven by an electric motor. It will
have step-wise loading / unloading. The discharge pressure of both compressors will be controlled
by the earlier mentioned PIC varying 3107 speed. Normally the reciprocating compressor will be run
at its full load and continuous capacity control will be on the centrifugal compressor.
In the event that the plant has to operate at turndown for prolonged periods the reciprocating
compressor can be manually unloaded or stopped.
Gas from the primary reformer contains a large amount of methane; in the secondary reformer this
methane is converted to CO and H2. This requires a higher temperature and additional heat for the
reaction. It is obtained by burning the process gas with air in the secondary reformer. In this
manner the nitrogen required in the synthesis section is introduced conveniently into the process
stream.
With proper mixing of air and primary reformer gas the theoretical flame temperature obtained will
be about 1200C. Secondary reformer catalyst must be able to tolerate temperature of about
1300C without breakage or shrinkage.
After the revamp the secondary reformer is proposed to be filled with ICI 54-8, which is a four hole,
shaped nickel oxide catalyst on calcium aluminate ceramic support. The reactor vessel is refractory
lined and has a water jacket on the outside of the shell. The water jacket should always have a
visible overflow to drain. An alarm is provided to warn the operator of low-level in the jacket. The
top of the vessel where gas enters is Incolloy lined. As part of the revamp the existing burner will be
replaced by a new larger capacity burner designed to have a lower flame length.
The top of the catalyst is protected against excessive temperatures by a bed of 450 mm deep, 19 to
50 mm graded alumina lumps. On top of these refractory tiles having suitably sized holes to allow
passage of process gas will be arranged during the revamp.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 30
The reaction in the secondary reformer is endothermic and gas temperature falls as reaction
proceeds down the height of the bed. As part of the revamp a new outlet collection pipe (of higher
thickness) will be installed in the bottom of the secondary reformer. Also the existing bed of alumina
lumps in the bottom of the vessel on which the catalyst rests will be removed and replaced by
alumina spheres having the required diameter and hardness. There is provision for nitrogen purge
at the base of the vessel.
Process air from the process air compressors is preheated to 490C in Process Air Preheater 1433
and flow controlled by FIC-1401. Further downstream a trip valve XCV-1406 is provided. Differential
pressure between process air and process gas is maintained at more than 1.5 kg/cm2 to ensure
positive flow of air into the secondary reformer. There is also a provision to admit HP sealing steam
through XCV-1405 at 45 ata in-between. Whenever the interlock system closes FCV-1401 and XCV-
1406, XCV-1405 would automatically open to admit sealing steam and thus effectively isolate the
process airline from the secondary reformer as a safety measure.
Gas temperature leaving Secondary Reformer is monitored by TRA-1405 with high and low alarms
and high temperature trip. The exit gas has the following composition on a dry basis:
H2 = 51.53 Mole %
N2 = 22.29 Mole %
CH4 = 0.27 Mole %
Ar = 0.27 Mole %
CO = 14.94 Mole %
CO2 = 10.70 Mole %
Gas from Secondary Reformer is cooled to 380C in the tube side of Reformed Gas Boiler 1509 and
the released heat is used to generate steam at 106 ata. For this purpose a down comer from the
Steam Drum 1106 supplies circulating water to the shell of the reformed gas boiler while three risers
of 12 inch diameter and two of 16 inch diameter carry steam-water mixture from 1509 back to
1106. Within the Reformed Gas Boiler the hot gas first flows through a hot compartment and then
through a cold compartment. An internal gas bypass line is provided for the cold compartment. The
bypass line is equipped with a valve whose opening can be set by the control room operator
through a HIC.
Process gas from 1509 is sent to High Temperature Shift Converter Guard vessel. A provision has
been made for automatically quenching the gas at 1509 outlet using quench water in order to
prevent excessively hot gas from entering the H.T.Shift during an upset.
Steam is raised in two process waste heat boilers. These are Flue Gas Boiler (1510) mentioned in
the description of the convection section and the Reformed Gas Boiler (1509). Both boilers are
connected to the steam drum 1106 by a system of down comers and risers. The steam drum is
located at a higher elevation and some distance away from both boilers. The down comers and
risers are separated by an arrangement of internal baffles within the steam drum. The baffles
ensure even distribution along the length of the drum thus avoiding unnecessary fluctuations in the
water level.
Effective separation of steam and water is achieved by a system of cyclone separators and stainless
steel demister pads paced inside the steam drum.
Boiler feed water at 126 kg/cm2 a and 238C is fed to the steam drum from Boiler Feed water
Heater 1539. Saturated steam from 1106 at 112.5 ata and 318C flows in series through the
revamped Low Temperature Turbine Super heater (1536B) and High Temperature Turbine Super
heater (1536A) before it is sent to the 106 kg/cm2 a steam header.
Steam temperature at the exit of 1536A is controlled at 485C by means of a spray water type
attemperator utilizing high pressure boiler feed water. This attemperator is situated in the cross-over
pipe between the L.T. and H.T. sections of the super heater.
Gas from the Reforming section contains a large amount of CO which is converted into useful CO2
and H2 in the Shift conversion section. This is carried out by the water-gas shift reaction
CO + H2O == CO2 + H2
Equilibrium of this reaction is independent of pressure. The reaction is highly exothermic and high
conversions are achieved at low temperature; however the rate of reaction increases with
temperature.
For this reason shift conversion is done in two stages. In the first stage most of the CO is converted
to CO2 at high temperature. In the second stage the reaction is performed at a low temperature to
bring down the co concentration to a low level. The first step uses Fe3O4 as catalyst while the
second step employs CuO - ZnO.
The H.T.Shift Guard vessel is provided upstream of the H.T.Shift reactor in order to protect the shift
catalyst from potash. The vessel is packed with 2 Raschig rings. Nitrogen purge and provision for
D.M water or steam flushing is made at the bottom of the vessel. When pressure drop across the
vessel goes up, the vessel can be bypassed and washed free of potash without disturbing normal
plant operation.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 32
The H.T. Shift reactor consists of two beds of Fe2O3 catalyst. The first bed catalyst is C12-4, 2nd bed
catalyst if SK 201-2. The top of each bed is provided with a 150 mm layer of 25 m x 25 mm ceramic
Raschig rings. In the first bed the gas temperature rises to 449C and has the following composition
on a dry basis:
H2 = 56.10 Mole %
N2 = 20.19 Mole %
CH4 = 0.25 Mole %
Ar = 0.24 Mole %
CO = 4.09 Mole %
CO2 = 19.13 Mole %
The gas from the first bed should be cooled in order to obtain higher conversion. This is achieved by
cooling it against high-pressure boiler feed water in H.P BFW Heater 1539. The existing heat
exchanger is not adequate for the post-revamp heat duty and has been replaced by a new unit.
The gas is cooled to 350C in 1539 while the boiler feed water is heated from 181C to 238C.
A waterside bypass valve is provided for 1539. However this should be used selectively and
carefully, as there may be a tendency for water hammering in 1539 because of inadequate water
flow.
Cooled gas from 1539 is returned to the second catalyst bed of H.T.Shift Reactor. Conversion
proceeds in this bed with a corresponding temperature rise to 363C. The converted gas has the
following composition on dry basis:
H2 = 56.91 Mole %
N2 = 19.82 Mole %
CH4 = 0.24 Mole %
Ar = 0.24 Mole %
CO = 2.17 Mole %
CO2 = 20.62 Mole %
Gas leaving the second bed of H.T.Shift is cooled in two stages before the Low Temperature Shift
Reactor. It first passes through the tube side of Methanation Heat Exchanger No. 2 (1514) wherein
it heats the feed to the Methanator. A hot bypass is provided around 1514; the bypass rate is
controlled by TIC-1506 located on the Methanator feed gas downstream of 1514.
The partly cooled gas leaves 1514 at 302.5C and enters Quench Drum 1111. Two water spray
nozzles are provided in the gas line to 1111. Water is added to cool and de-superheat the gas to
205C. Desuperheating water is supplied from the process condensate collected in drum 1115
through Quench water pump 3215. There is also a provision to use BFW from LP Desuperheating
header for this purpose. The amount of water sprayed is controlled by TRCA-1509 located
downstream of the spray nozzles.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 33
The mixing of gas and water, even if not completed in the pipeline, will get completed in the
Quench Drum. This vessel is packed with 38 mm stainless steel Raschig rings. The gas at the outlet
of vessel 1111 can be vented to the vent header through PCV-1504, thus enabling the reforming
section to be kept on stream if there is any problem in the downstream section.
Gas at 205C enters the Low temperature shift vessel with a bed of C18-HC catalyst. At the top of
the bed there is a 500 mm layer of 25 mm x 25 mm Raschig rings. A six-point temperature indicator
TRA-1511 with high alarm monitors the temperature rise across the catalyst. There is a total bypass
around the vessel for start-up and trip situations and there is a separate loop for heating up and
reduction. A hydrogen injection point is provided for use during start-up.
The exit gas is at 217C and has the following analysis on a moisture-free basis:
H2 = 57.71 Mole %
N2 = 19.45 Mole %
CH4 = 0.24 Mole %
Ar = 0.23 Mole %
CO = 0.27 Mole %
CO2 = 22.10 Mole %
Low temperature shift catalyst is a very sensitive catalyst and is susceptible to sulphur and chlorine
poisoning. Its temperature should never be allowed to exceed 240C to avoid thermal sintering.
Water should never be allowed to condense over the catalyst. Apart from the possibility of water
entering the catalyst pores and damaging it, small amounts of dissolved ammonia, if present, may
react with the reduced copper.
Gas leaving the Low temperature shift is cooled to 173C in a new LP Steam Boiler 1550. This
exchanger is a kettle type unit in which the gas is cooled and partly condensed in the tube side
while low pressure steam is generated in the shell side. For this purpose boiler feed water at 50
kg/cm2 a is supplied from battery limits.
The boiler is controlled by a three element level control system which consists of FC-1551 for BFW
flow control, LICA-1551 for drum level control and FI-1553 for steam flow rate measurement.
Steam from the LP Boiler is divided into two portions: one portion is fed to H.P. Vetrocoke
Regenerator 1117A as live steam while the balance is sent to 4 ata steam header. LP Boiler steam
pressure is controlled by PICA-1550 which manipulates steam flow to the 4 ata header. Steam
injection into 1117A is done under flow control from FIC-1650.
The LP Boiler is provided with a hot gas bypass line fitted with a manually operable valve. The
mixture of gas and condensate from 1550 is fed to Condensate Knock-out Drum 1114. The gas from
1114 is sent as heating medium to the tube side of Vetrocoke Regenerator Reboiler 1517A/B while
the condensate is sent under level control from LC-1502 to Condensate Degasser.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 34
As mentioned above the gas from 1114 is the source of reboiling heat for the Vetrocoke
Regenerator; moreover a part of the steam generated in 1550 is injected into 1117A. Therefore it is
very important to maintain good control over the heat duty of LP Boiler. If too much heat is
withdrawn from the gas in 1550 there may not be enough heat content left in it to provide the
necessary heat duty in the reboiler. This could be partly compensated by increasing live steam
injection in 1117A but that would result in larger water blowdown requirements in the CO2 Removal
section. On the other hand if the LP Boiler duty is too low then it could result in insufficient steam
generation and/or excess reboiling.
Process gas is cooled to 135C and partly condensed in the reboilers 1517 A/B. It then enters the
DMW preheater II 1513 where it is further cooled down to 126C. The process condensate from
1517 A/B and 1513 is separated in 1115 and fed to the process condensate stripper 3603. The
process gas feeds the absorber 1116 where the CO2 is absorbed by the solution flowing
countercurrently.
In the GV hot potassium carbonate (HPC) dual activated solution, the CO2 is chemically combined
with the potassium carbonate via formation of potassium bicarbonate, a thermally unstable salt,
according to the equilibrium equation represented by 1) [Fig. 1]. The reaction rate of 4) is
determined by the sum of the rates of 2) and 3), where 2) - formation of bicarbonate ion - repre-
sents the slow step of the absorption reaction localised in the resistence for transfer of the CO2
molecules from the gas phase to the liquid phase.
Glycine (amino acetic acid) works as a CO2 carrier by rapidly introducing the CO2 into the liquid
phase via formation of glycine carbamate 5) since the amino group acts as a Lewis base which is
very effective for linking an acid component like the CO2 molecule. At high temperature and in the
presence of OH- ion, the glycine carbamate is hydrolized and the activator is restored with formation
of bicarbonate ion according to reaction 6). Reactions 5) and 6) take place continuously (shuttle
mechanism) and 7), the sum of the two reaction rates, represents reaction 2) which anyway occurs
very quickly thanks to the enhanced mass transfer rate induced by glycine activation. The addition
of a secondary amine is effective to further enhance the rate of glycine to act as a CO2 carrier ac-
cording to a synergistic effect in promoting the rate of hydrolisis of carbamate 6) which represents
the slower step of the shuttle chemistry of reactions 5) plus 6).
Basically, a secondary amine has an activation mechanism similar to that of glycine (carbamate
formation). But, glycine having a much higher reaction rate than amine, it will prevail reacting much
faster with CO2 via glycine carbamate formation while amine will do it only partially resulting largely
free to catalyse the glycine carbamate hydrolisis according to the model in Fig. 2.
GAS/LIQUID INTERFACE
Carbamate
Formation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Free Glycine H2O OOCNHCH2COO-
NH2CH2COO- Glycine carbamate
Carbamate
Hydrolysis
LIQUID PHASE
HCO3-
CO3= / HCO3- R2NH
R2NH FREE SECONDARY AMINE
NH2CH2COO-
Fig 2 - Dual activation model
A much reduced amine content is sufficient to effectively improve the overall absorbing/desorbing
efficiency, allowing in the meantime less glycine content than the mono-activated solution. So, the
chemicals make-up is drastically reduced and the solution stability increased.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 36
The absorption is carried out in two stages: at the first stage, the bulk of CO2 is absorbed; at the
second a reduced stream of strongly regenerated cold solution is utilized to get very low CO2
slippages due to the very low CO2 vapour pressure of the dual-activated solution. At the
regeneration phase, the dual activation improves the fractional conversion of bicarbonate to
carbonate [right to left in reaction 1) of Fig. 1] This way, it gets a lower CO2 vapour pressure in the
solution compared to the conventional mono-activated solutions allowing a reduction in the CO2 slip
from the absorption step and a reduction in the amount of stripping steam.
The rich solution leaving the absorber 1116 at 113C is expanded through the hydraulic turbine
3708 connected to an alternator and is divided into two streams which feed the regenerators top.
The rich solution feeding the top of 1117-B is regulated by HCV-1605 while the balance feeds 1117-
A through HCV-1607.
Conventional technology uses an isothermal cycle so that the temperature at the absorber bottom is
approximately the same as at the regenerator bottom. The main disadvantage of this cycle is the
development by flash of a remarkable amount of steam which permanently exits the cycle and is
lost. Instead, the GV technology, giving rise to a considerable difference in temperature between
the absorber bottom and the HP regenerator bottom, strongly reduces the amount of steam
otherwise lost by flash and exploits the steam produced at the bottom of the regenerator 1117-A in
a substantially different way.
In fact, almost the total amount of steam exceeding the equilibrium conditions is used along the
whole column to preheat the down coming solution to reach therefore a high temperature at the
regenerator bottom. The heat so stocked in the lean and semilean solutions allows to recover
energy by flashing into 1117-B.
The semilean solution extracted from the intermediate tray of 1117-A at 124C is flashed across the
level control valve and enters 1117-B operating at about 0.22 kg/cm2g. The solution is collected on
the take-off tray of 1117-B and feeds the semilean solution pump 3207. The level on the tray is
controlled by the flash valve located on the Semilean solution line feeding 1117-B. An interlock trip
for very low level on the tray stops the circulation pump to avoid the damage consequent to a lack
of liquid.
The lean solution extracted from the bottom of 1117-A at 128C is flashed across the level control
valve and enters the bottom of 1117-B to feed the lean solution pump 3206. The level on the
bottom is controlled by the flash valve located on the lean solution line feeding 1117-B. An interlock
trip for low level at the bottom of 1117-B stops the circulation pump to avoid the damage
consequent to a lack of liquid. The steam developed by flash from the lean and semi lean solutions
(which is practically pure steam) is used as stripping steam to regenerate the rich solution fed to the
top of 1117-B.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 37
The lean solution drawn from the bottom of 1117-B at 111C feeds the cooler 1521, where it cools
to about 70C. Then, by means of the circulation pump 3206, the lean solution feeds the top of
1116. The semi lean solution drawn from the intermediate take-off tray of 1117-B at 108C, after
cooling to 102.5C in the cooler 1520 upstream the circulation pump 3207, feeds the middle of
1116.
The overhead condensate is introduced by means of pumps 3216 and 3221 to the CO2 removal unit
and the water make-up balance is performed by exporting the excess OH condensate to the
condensate header. In case the OH condensate is not sufficient for the water make-up balance, an
injection of DMW through the absorber overhead K.O. drum 1131 is provided.
The CO2/steam mixture leaving the top of 1117-A feeds X-100 as motive stream. The CO2/steam
mixture leaving the top of 1117-B is partially condensed in 1551 and its heat is transferred to the
cold DMW coming from the B.L. The condensate separated in 1150 is recycled to 3206 suction or
partly fed to the condensate header, according to the water make-up balance, by means of the
condensate pump 3221. The CO2/steam mixture cooled to about 77C feeds X-100 and is
recompressed at about 0.41 kg/cm2g by the CO2/steam mixture coming out of 1117-A. The
CO2/steam mixture coming from X-100 is cooled to about 80C in 1519 and the condensate
separated in 1118 is totally recycled to 3206 suction by means of the condensate pump 3216. The
final cooling to 40C is performed by direct contact with cooling water in 1119.
The gas from 1131 has the following analysis (in dry basis) and is fed to Methanation section:
H2 = 73.99 Mole %
N2 = 24.96 Mole %
CH4 = 0.31 Mole %
Ar = 0.30 Mole %
CO = 0.34 Mole %
CO2 = 0.10 Mole %
The stripped gas from the absorber contains CO and CO2, both of which are poisons to the synthesis
catalyst. These components are converted to methane in the Methanator by the following reactions:
As part of the revamp the heat recovery scheme around the Methanator has been modified. This
has been done to meet the following objectives:
a) Meet Methanator preheat duty for revamp situation using only waste heat available from H.T.
Shift outlet gas and Methanator outlet gas
b) Increase heat recovery and decrease heat rejection to cooling water in Final Cooler 1516
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 38
c) Avoid the recurring problems in 1516 related to tube-side (cooling water) plugging
In the new design two heat exchangers have been added, namely H.P. BFW Preheater (1553) and
Methanation Heat Exchanger No. 1 (1554). Two existing exchangers have been scrapped. These are
Methanation Heat Exchanger No. 1 (1512) and H.P. BFW Preheater (1515).
Gas from the absorber is heated first to 179C against Methanator outlet gas in the new
Methanation Heat Exchanger No. 1 (1554) and subsequently to 305C against H.T.Shift outlet gas in
exchanger 1514. Stripped gas from 1514 is then fed to the Methanator. The lower Methanator inlet
temperature (305C as compared to the previous figure of 315C) is a result of the constraints
imposed by the lower H.T.Shift outlet gas temperature and the surface area, geometry of 1514.
However 305C would still be sufficient to meet the required maximum CO and CO2 slip from the
reactor.
The Methanator has a trip valve at the inlet and a six-point temperature recorder TRA 1516. Gas
may be sampled between the two catalyst beds. There is a nitrogen purge point at the outlet of the
vessel. The vessel also has a bypass line sized for 100 % bypass and fitted with a double block and
bleed arrangement. This prevents contamination of Methanator outlet gas in case the bypass valve
is passing.
The gas from Methanator at 335C is cooled first against H.P.BFW in the new exchanger H.P.BFW
Preheater 1553. Here the gas temperature is lowered to 220C while BFW is heated from 181C to
218C before sending it to the Auxiliary Boiler.
The gas from 1553 is further cooled to 111C in Methanation Heat Exchanger No. 1 and then sent to
Final Cooler 1516. The gas is cooled to 40C and partly condensed in the Final Cooler against
cooling water. Condensate is separated out in Condensate Knock-out drum No. 3 (1113).
Vapour from 1113 is sent as make-up gas to Syn Gas Compressor in the synthesis loop. A small
bleed stream of approximately 300 Nm3/h is taken to the Hydro finer section. The overhead
pressure of 1113 is controlled by the suction pressure controller of Syn Gas compressor. When the
gas is not taken to syn loop pressure is controlled by venting through PCV 1509.
H2 = 73.61 Mole %
N2 = 25.32 Mole %
CH4 = 0.76 Mole %
Ar = 0.30 Mole %
CO+CO2 = 1.0 ppm v
The reaction is :
In practice, over the last 50 years the optimum pressure for economic operation has been in the
range of 150-350 atm. Higher-pressure processes upto 1000 atm are in operation, but normally
the equilibrium advantage of very high pressure is more than off set by the higher cost of
compression and by higher capital costs of the plant.
The temperature of operation is directly connected with the characteristics of the catalyst.
The metallic iron catalyst is active above 3500C. The kinetics demands a higher temperature for
better rate of conversion whereas the thermodynamics demand as low temperature as possible
for best equilibrium conditions. Therefore, an optimum has to be worked out. Normally the
conversion reaction is carried out in the temperature range of 400 - 5000C.
PROCESS VARIABLES
The process variables at the disposal of the designer, to economizes ammonia Synthesis are:
a. Operating pressure
b. Operating temperature
c. Space velocity
d. Ratio of H2: N2
e. Concentration of inerts and
f. Concentration of NH3 inlet to Converter.
OPERATING PRESSURE
As the synthesis of NH3 involves a decrease in the number of moles, the equilibrium percentage
of Ammonia will increase with pressure. Increasing the pressure accelerates the reaction rate. As
the catalyst activity declines, the operating pressure has to be maintained at higher level to
maintain the same level of efficiency.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE
The effect of a change in temperature is a double one, as it affects both equilibrium percentage
and reaction rate. As the Synthesis reaction is exothermic a rise in temperature lowers the
equilibrium percentage of Ammonia and at the same time accelerates the reaction. This means
that under conditions far away from equilibrium a temperature rise will lead to higher
conversion, while on the other hand a synthesis system operating near equilibrium, will give a
lower conversion for any increase in operating temperature.
SPACE VELOCITY
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 40
The Ammonia concentration in the gas leaving the Converter decreases with longer contact time
i.e. lower space velocity. However the production rate per unit time increases with space
velocity, although the Ammonia concentration in the exit gas is somewhat lower. The Ammonia
production rate will be substantially increased by an increase in circulation rate. With increasing
space velocities additional capital and operating costs are incurred, i.e. the Converter must be
designed for higher-pressure drop and the power required for circulation will be higher. Further
the space velocity should maintain the temperature profile across the converter. The
optimum design will include an economic balance of such factors.
Stoichiometry indicates that a ratio of 3:1 for H2 and N2 mixture is required. However, it is
interesting to note that not only is the efficiency lowest at the proportion of 3:1, but the
maximum conversion percentage is actually obtained at a ratio of Hydrogen to Nitrogen of 2.5.
CONCENTRATION OF INERTS
CH4 and Argon take no part in the Synthesis reaction and hence their concentration (as inerts)
keeps building. Since the effective pressure for Ammonia Synthesis is the partial pressure of
Hydrogen and Nitrogen, inerts in the system lower this effective pressure and so the conversion
is reduced. The inerts in the recycled gas are always much higher than the inerts in the make-up
gas, as in the Synthesis process only Hydrogen and Nitrogen get converted to Ammonia while
the inerts go on accumulating. Hence the inerts must be maintained at the designed value by
purging a small portion of gas from the loop, which is equivalent to the inerts in the make up
gas.
The outlet Ammonia from the Converter is fixed by conditions of temperature pressure and space
velocity. The inlet-recycled gas also contains some Ammonia, generally about 4% decreasing
the conversion of synthesis gas in the converter to that extent. The higher the inlet Ammonia
the lesser will be the conversion in the Converter.
In general outline, the Synthesis Loop consists of the Converter 1121, Loop Boiler Feed water
Heater 1523, Loop Cooler Condenser 1524, Converter Feed Interchanger 1525, Primary and
Secondary Chillers 1526 and 1527 and the Ammonia Catch Pot 1122. These items affect catalytic
synthesis of Ammonia, gas cooling, Ammonia condensation and liquid Ammonia separation. Also
associated with the high-pressure loop are the Synthesis Gas Compressor and Synthesis Gas
Circulator. The refrigeration system consists of the Refrigeration Compressor 3104,
Refrigeration Condenser 1528 Refrigeration Receiver 1127, and HP suction drum 1128, together
with the two Refrigeration Chillers referred to above.
Product let down is effected in the Let Down vessel 1123 and recovery of Ammonia vapors from
purge and flash gases in the Ammonia recovery section, consisting of an Absorber and still with
associated heat exchangers and pumps.
Gas from the discharge of the Synthesis Gas Compressor, at 227 Kg/cm2g, goes to the Heavy
Water Plant for deuterium recovery, and returns as make up gas to the Synthesis Loop. The
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 41
Make Up Gas joins the Circulating Gas at the inlet to the tube side of Primary Chiller 1526. The
introduction of synthesis gas into the loop gas at a point where liquid ammonia is present has the
effect of reducing the loop gas temperature from 23.50C to 21.10C and the gas enters 1526 at
this temperature. This unit cools the gas to 80C. At 4.65 ATA, ammonia vapor leaves the shell
side to the refrigeration compressor for recompression and condensation. A relief valve has
been provided on the shell as a protection against a burst tube. The circulating or loop gas,
which contains ammonia, is then finally cooled to -2.50C in the tube side of the Secondary Chiller
1527. Evaporation of liquid ammonia in the shell side occurs at -11.50C and 2.8 ATA. The shell
is protected with a relieve valve.
The two-phase gas/liquid mixture from the Secondary Chiller passes to the Ammonia Catch pot
1122 for separation and removal of liquid from the circulating gas. The gas/liquid mixture enters
through the central top inlet and flows down a down pipe, which expands in diameter. The
mixture is thrown against a conically shaped deflector, which disengages the liquid from the
gas. The gas then reverses direction and flows upwards through a nozzle in the vessel head.
Disengaged liquid drops into the bottom where it accumulates and contacts with a bed of 1"
carbon steel ranching rings installed to ensure good disengagement of entrained gases from the
liquid, and also to prevent vortex formation.
Liquid leaves the vessel through one of two outlets, both of which are fitted with temporary
strainers, to a letdown vessel 1123 (dealt with separately). Gas from the catch pot then flows to
the shell side of converter feed interchanger 1525 where it is heated to 300C by interchange of
heat with the effluent gas from the loop cooler condenser 1524. It enters the circulator where
pressure losses around the loop are made up prior to admission to the converter. The circulator,
previously described, compresses the gas from 208.5 ATA to 230 ATA and has a
Flow sheet capacity of 531, 120 Nm3/hr measured on FI 1809.
The loop gas of following composition enters the synthesis Converter (1121)
Synthesis of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen in the circulating loop gases takes place in
this vessel.
The cartridge configuration is 3 bed with 1 quench between the I and II bed, 1 interchanger
between the II and III bed and one bottom exchanger. The interchanger and the bottom
exchanger are placed in central position respectively inside the II and III bed. All three beds are
of axial radial type with outwards flow direction in the I bed and inward flow direction in the II
and III bed.
In each bed the following items are inserted, two cylindrical walls, one external, near the
cartridge wall and one internal. Each wall is made up of an embossed and perforated wall and a
wire net lining in contact with the catalyst. The external perforated wall has the main function to
secure an even gas distribution and support the catalyst net, while the wire net contains the
catalyst. The wire net is supported by the embossment of the perforated wall. The
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 42
supporting system ensures that the requested gas distribution is obtained in all directions
between the perforated wall and the wire net.
A low linear velocity of the gas characterizes the axial radial converters. In fact the bed
arrangement offers a large cross sectional area to the gas passage, so that the pressure drop
across the catalyst beds is strongly reduced; on the other hand the gas distribution is a critical
factor. The process design takes into account the difference of temperature existing at full
capacity between the points of the same cross sectional area. This difference will increase at
reduced capacity, i.e., at reduced flow rate across the converter. Therefore, it is better to keep
this flow rate across converter always higher and in the mean time it should maintain the
temperature profile across the converter.
The main stream of feed gas enters through HCV 1809 at the bottom of the converter. A part of
the inlet gas enters the converter at the top through HCV 1807 in between the top cover and
inner cartridge cover and travels down through the annular space between inner cartridge and
the shell. This flush gas is useful in maintaining the inner cartridge and HP shell temperature
uniformly. During normal operating conditions this flush gas flow should be always
maintained above 50,000 Nm3/hr. The inlet gas stream and the flush gas stream are mixed
together at the bottom of the converter and passed to the tube side of the bottom exchanger
placed in the center of the III bed, where it is heated by the product gas that leaves the III bed.
In this process the gas outlet of III bed is cooled.
The bottom interchanger exit feed gas temperature is controlled by the direct addition of the III
quench through HCV 1808. This feed gas is then passes through the tube side of the
interchanger placed in the center of the II bed. Here the feed gas is heated by cooling the
reacted gas in the II bed. Thus addition of III quench through HCV 1808 increase the heat
transfer in the II bed exit exchanger by reduced inlet temperature and increased mass flow rate.
This reduces the III bed inlet temperature. This will also reduce the I bed inlet temperature
since the feed gas at the bottom exchanger outlet is cooled.
The feed gas at the outlet of II bed interchanger is fed to the I bed as the feed. The inlet
temperature is further controlled by the direct addition of circulator discharge gas through HCV
1801. This gas is coming through the 1434 coil. This can be utilized for the catalyst bed
heating during startup using the startup heater 1434. The gas now enters the I bed where its
flow pattern is outward. After leaving the I bed, the II bed inlet temperature is controlled by
quenching this stream with the quench gas through HCV 1806. Then the gas flows through the
II bed in an inward direction and crosses the interchanger shell side. The gas enters the III bed
where the inlet temperature is controlled by HCV 1808 as discussed earlier. In the III bed gas
flows in an inward direction. After leaving the III bed, in the bottom exchangers it preheats the
feed gas to the converter and leaves the converter at the top by means of a long central
pipe.
A total bypass HCV 1810 is provided for the converter, which is used to regulate the flow through
the converter during initial startup and any upset conditions. During full load normal running
condition this valve is in closed condition.
The axial radial gas distribution in catalytic beds is controlled by the following parameter:
* Height of the imperforated zone in top portion of outlet bed wall. This height is fixed
taking also into account the catalyst shrinkage that will occur mainly during catalyst
reduction phase. Because of this of 100% catalyst utilization efficiency is practically obtained.
To monitor the catalyst performance and degree of reaction two sets of thermocouple are
provided in each catalyst bed and exit. The catalyst used is a magnetite catalyst activated with
K2O, CIO, Al2O3 and Mao. The total catalyst volume is 51 M3, the I bed containing 7.3 M3, II
bed 15.5 M3 and the III bed 28.2 M3.
The Converter shell has an Id. of 2700 mm and 14175 mm clear height. The vessel has a
"full bore" top closure to enable removal of converter internals. The cartridge is supported on a
pad in the bottom head so designed as to ensure accurate concentricity of the cartridge within
the H.P. shell. The main joint between the top cover and the shell is a self-sealing double cone
joint, the seal being formed between opposed conical surfaces between vessel and cover using
aluminum gaskets inserted between; the opposing surfaces. By its construction this type of
joint utilizes the internal pressure to maintain the joint. The internal interchangers are
constructed of austenitic stainless steel and is of conventional shell and tube construction. The
cartridge is a completely separate unit and hence the interchangers can be removed for
maintenance. The interchangers are of rod baffle type exchangers to have minimum pressure
drop across the shell side.
The effluent gas leaving the converter is cooled to 123.40C in the tube side of Low pressure
Boiler Feed Water Heater 1523 which preheats boiler water from pump 3214 from 1090C to
181.60C. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the shell. Downstream of this exchanger is a
high-pressure vent for depressurizing the loop. Further cooling of the loop gas to 35.5 0C is
effected in the tube side of the Loop Cooler Condenser (1524), which is split into 2 shells. TI
1/1807 measures the temperature at the outlet. The dew point of the gas is reached in this unit
and condensation of ammonia is started in this exchanger itself.
The converter effluent is now cooled to 20.30C in the tube side of Converter Feed Interchanger
1525 by heat exchange with cold gas returning to the circulator from the catalyst. Converter
feed flows on the shell side and is warmed from -6.50C to 300C prior to recompression in the
synthesis gas circulator. The gas leaving 1525 shows the highest concentration of inerts since
the make-up gas is introduced just before entering the Primary Chiller. Accordingly the voluntary
loop purge is taken off at this point. Liquid Ammonia is also present and the purge gas is
separated from it in a simple disengagement device, which consists of a vertical section of 12"
M.S. pipe containing a demister pad.
The purge gas is taken to the Hydrogen Recovery Unit. Immediately after purge gas removal,
fresh make-up synthesis gas from the discharge of SGC, at 198.3ATA is added before it is
circulated through the chillers. The liquid ammonia separated from the circulating gases in the
Ammonia Catch Pot 1122 is passed under level control LC 1811 or hand control HC 1811 to Let
Down Vessel 1123 which operates at 21.1 ate. Pressure let down causes gases dissolved in the
product ammonia to flash off, together with some ammonia (and separation of flashed gas
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 44
occurs in the let down vessel from where they join the purge gas). This vessel is sized both to
give adequate `buffer storage of liquid ammonia, and separation of the flashed gases.
Removal of liquid ammonia is by level control valve LCV 1813 with a flow meter FQ 1808
upstream. A demister is incorporated in the vessel to effect final disengagement of liquid from
the flash gas.
The product ammonia from ammonia recovery section is also introduced into this vessel. Two
relief valves are fitted to the vessel, connected by a 3-way valve designed so that one relief valve
will always be in use. This allows maintenance on one relief valve without shutting down the
plant and purging the Let Down Vessel. The valves are sized for possible blow through of the
synthesis gas from the Catch Pot.
The Loop Refrigeration System is designed to reduce the temperature of the circulating loop
gases -2.50C at the entrance for the Ammonia Catch Pot. It is conventional mechanical
refrigeration system, using ammonia as the working medium and incorporating two levels of
refrigeration.
The Refrigeration Compressor 3104 is a single casing two stage centrifugal machine driven by a
condensing steam turbine. The speed of the compressor (and hence capacity of the refrigeration
system) is controlled by a pressure signal taken on the L.P. suction of the compressor. In this
way, the L.P. suction pressure is maintained constant and hence the degree of refrigeration
achieved in the loop maintained at a constant level.
Starting at the outlet of the Refrigeration Receiver 1127 the flow scheme is as follows: -
Liquid Ammonia leaves the Refrigeration Receiver 1127 at 17.4 ate and 430C and flows to the
shell of the Primary Chiller 1526. A level control valve over which the pressure is reduced to the
operating pressure of the shell controls the rate of admission, 4.65 ate. Reduction in pressure
causes the temperature to drop to 20C and some vapor to flash off. The liquid/liquid mixture
enters the shell side of lathe exchanger where a certain amount of liquid evaporates. The
combined evaporated plus flashed liquid leave the exchangers. The liquid droplets carried along
with the vapor system are knocked out in the HP suction pot 1128 and it joins the side stream
inlet of the refrigeration compressor. Liquid Ammonia, which has not evaporated, flows to the
Secondary Chiller shell 1527 again through a level control valve. This liquid all evaporates at
2.79 ate and -11.50C and the combined evaporated plus flash vapors flow to the low-pressure
inlet of the Refrigeration Compressor 3104. The entrained liquid is separated in the demisters of
liquid separator kept horizontally over secondary chiller.
A further gas circuit is employed round the Refrigeration Compressor and consists of two anti-
surge bypass round the H.P. and stages. The H.P. Stage anti-surge bypass takes superheated
gas from the compressor discharge, under flow control, and recycles it to the H.P. Gas inlet via
the H.P. Suction Pot. To avoid a build up in temperature within the compressor, liquid ammonia
from the Receiver or feed pump discharge is injected to the gas prior to the Suction Pot using
TCV1811. This saturates the superheated gas, thus cooling it and controls the compressor
discharge temperature.
The L.P. stage anti-surge bypass takes saturated gas from between the suction pot and the
compressor H.P. liquid inlet and recycles it to the L.P. inlet under flow control. Superheated
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 45
Ammonia liquid at 1900C from the Refrigeration Compressor flows to the shell side of the
Refrigeration Condensers 1528 where it is de-superheated and condensed at 430C by cooling
water on the tube side. There are three exchangers operating in parallel. A pressure relief valve
is mounted on each shell to guard against excessive shell pressures. Each shell can be
completely
Isolated and each has a drain. A vent is fitted to the shell of each exchanger.
Liquid Ammonia from the Condensers flows by gravity into the Refrigeration Receiver 1127. This
vessel provides a "buffer" in the system and evens out flow surges. It is a horizontal vessel fitted
with a level gauge, level indicator alarm and pressure indicator. Make up Ammonia can be
introduced into the vessel from Ammonia storage either in liquid form (for initial pressurization)
or in liquid form (for make-up). From this make-up line is a branch for injection of
Ammonia in the anti-surge line from compressor discharge to H.P.Suction Drum. When the
refrigeration system is in operation, a separate line from the liquid outlet of 1127 supplies
Ammonia and the line from the make-up is closed. TC 1811 is set at just above Ammonia
saturation temperature at the prevailing H.P. suction pressure to ensure complete evaporation of
the injected Ammonia.
Liquid from the Primary Chiller 1526 passes back to the compressor via 1128 H.P. Suction Drum,
in which entrained liquid Ammonia is disengaged. L.P. anti-surge bypass gas, having been first
saturated by liquid Ammonia injection, also has any liquid Ammonia in the vessel is removed by a
level control valve LCV 1807 which passes the liquid to the Secondary Chiller shell 1527.
LI 1807 transmits the liquid level in 1128 to the control room, together with high and low level
alarms. Should the level control fail to operate for any reason the refrigeration compressor is
protected against liquid carry over by a high liquid level trip on the suction pot, which trips the
compressor drive turbine. Inerts introduced into the refrigeration system with the liquid
ammonia make up will tend to accumulate. A higher discharge pressure on the compressor and
slightly abnormal temperatures will notice this in the system. The inerts may be purged off from
the shell of the refrigeration condenser 1528. The purge gas is passed through 1529, the Inerts
Purer in which there are two coils. Through these coils liquid ammonia from 1127 is passed.
Some ammonia is evaporated and the liquid/liquid leaves the coils and passes to the shell side of
Secondary Chiller 1527/ Outside the coils, the ammonia in the purge gas is condensed and
returned under gravity to 1127, while the inert gases are vented to a safe location.
Prior to filling the refrigeration system with its first charge of ammonia the system is evacuated
by means of the Vacuum Pump 3105, which is connected, to the refrigeration condenser shells.
The pump is driven by an electric motor.
The Ammonia Absorber 1124 in conjunction with the Ammonia, Still 1125, is designed to strip out
NH3 from purge gas & flash gas as 15%. NH3 liquor, which is distilled to produce the required
grade of Ammonia.
The Ammonia Absorber contains 4 beds of 50 mm carbon steel ranching rings. There are two
liquid feeds, one at the top of the column and one to the middle.15% liquor from the base of the
column at 600C and 20.7 ata is pumped by motor driven Absorber bottom pump 3211 in two
directions:
a. As recycle via water-cooled exchanger 1530 back to Absorber at the rate of 5950 Kg/Hr (FI
1903). The cooler reduces the liquor temperature to 400C (TI 1/1902).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 46
b. To the Ammonia Still via liquor interchanger 1531 at a flow rate of 3558 Kg/Hr (TI 1/1901)
by heat exchange with hot liquor from the Still base. Both flows FI 1903 and FI 1904
Are manually controlled.
Liquor from the base of the Still (which is almost pure water) at 2230C (TC 1904) is cooled in
Liquor Interchanger 1531 to 750C (TI 1902) and again cooled to 400C in a water-cooled
Absorber Feed Cooler 1532 (TI 1/1903). About 1 tph of this liquor is taken as scrubbing water
to the Wash Water Tower in PGHRU section. Remaining liquor is fed to the top of the Absorber
under Still level control valve LCV 1904 at a flow rate of 3049 kg/hr (FI 1902). Return liquor
from Wash Water Tower of PGHRU section joins the recycle water before 1531.
The rate of purge gas from the top of the Absorber is measured by FI 1902. When Hydrogen
Recovery Unit is in line, the flash gas, which comes out of 1124 top, is then taken to Hydrogen
Recovery section. Heat required for the NH3 still reboiler 1534 is supplied by 45 ATA steam.
0
The overheads from the still at 52 C, (TI 1903) are cooled in water-cooled still condenser 1533 A,
1533 B and pass to still overhead receiver 1126, where Ammonia and gas are separated. The
gas is returned to the inlet of absorber under pressure control of PC 1905.
The liquor from 1126 is pumped by motor driven still Reflex pump 3212 to the still top as reflex
liquor at a flow rate of 14 T/hr, FC 1905. The water content of the product ammonia is
governed by the reflex ratio on the ammonia still.
The level in the still overhead receiver 1126 controls the flow of recovered ammonia returned to
the let down vessel 1123. There is a N2 purge at 1126. Whenever purge gas hydrogen recovery
section is not run, loop purge gas, flash gas are routed through 1124. Rate of purge gas from
top of 1124 is measured by FI 1901, 6848 Nm3/hr and its composition is
This gas is fed towards the reformer burners at 400C and PC 1301 at 20 Kg/cm2 controls
pressure of absorber 1124.
The main function of the Storage Refrigeration Unit is to maintain the contents of Ammonia
Storage Sphere at a constant pressure of 4.5ATA and temperature 00C. The sphere is of 3000
tons capacity to hold nearly 3 days production of our plant. Pressure change in the sphere is
very slow. Sphere pressure is maintained by condensing ammonia liquid and purging out inerts
from the system.
This SR Unit consists of mainly compressors, condenser, separator and a purge pot.
Ammonia liquid along with inerts come to Storage Refrigeration Compressor suction through a
Knock Out Pot. There is a 12 ATA saturated steam coil in the knock out pot. The Compressor
then compresses liquid ammonia to 32.2 ATA.
This compressor is of two stage horizontal reciprocating type. Gas from knock out pot comes to
I suction through a damper and filter. In the first stage it is compressed to 12 ATA after which
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 47
the gas is cooled to 450C in the intercooler. Second stage suction high gas temp alarm and trip
are set to 500C and 550C respectively. In the second stage gas is compressed to 32.3 ATA. This
pressure depends on the setting of PIC 2002. The hot liquid from the compressor is
condensed in the water-cooled Condenser and the liquid ammonia condensed is separated in the
Ammonia Receiver. The flash gas from the Receiver and non-condensable gases from the
Condenser are further cooled in the shell side of the Purge Pot. Liquid Ammonia separated in the
Receiver goes through LCV 2006 to Purge Pot where it passes through the coil. Cooling the non-
condensable gas on the shell-side to 40C. Purge pot shell side pressure is controlled by PCV
2002. Liquor ammonia condensed in the shell side of the purge pot again passes through the
purge pot coil along with liquor. NH3 from receiver and goes to sphere. Non-condensable
gases are vented out at the top of the sphere to atmosphere by PCV 2002. Storage Refrigeration
System
Start-up Procedure:
Process Condensate is recovered from condensate knock out drums 1, 2 and 3 (1114, 1115 and
1113). Part of the condensate from 1115 is pumped by quench water pump to quench the gas
inlet L.T. shift vessel and the gas exit RG Boiler. This pump also provides wash water to stripped
gas wash pot 1131,as a back-up to BFW supplied from ASGU and flow is controlled by FCV
1610. This is recently commissioned to enrich the deuterium concentration in feed gas to HWP.
Process condensate from 1115 may be used as emergency make-up to Regenerators. Rest of
the condensate from 1115 and condensate from 1114 and 1113 are treated for reusing as make-
up D M Water. The condensate contains dissolved CO2, Ammonia and Methanol. Other
impurities present are likely to be Ferrous Iron and Silica.
The condensate from the three sources is collected and passed to the degassed 3603.001. This
is a vertical column containing 15 valve trays. The condensate is introduced at the top of the
column and passes down against a counter current flow of steam. This steam is available from
the turbine of cooling water pump. The degasser operates at low pressure of 2 ate in order to
remove as much of dissolved gases as possible. The stripped condensate leaving the bottom of
the column is expected to contain about 40 ppm CO2, 20 ppm NH3 and 50 ppm CH3OH.
This condensate is pumped by degassed condensate pump 3603.003/004 cooled by cooler 3603-
002 and sent to the condensate polisher. It is necessary to cool the condensate to 400C to avoid
damaging the resin in the polisher. The duty of the polisher is to reduce NH3 and CO2 to less
than 1 ppm and to reduce the iron content to less than 0.1 ppm. This condensate is sent to DM
water storage.
For the RG mains cooling, a part of SCC is diverted and the return is cooled in cooler and
pumped to degassed condensate system for purification at water treatment plant.
DM Water
DM Water is supplied to Ammonia plant from WTP. The flow is indicated and integrated by FQ
0201. DM Water is supplied to the following:
1. De-aerator
2. Flushing connection to 1108
3. Ammonia Recovery System for priming the section during startup.
4. Storage tank and Make-up tank in Vetrocoke and a hose connection point near
Vetrocoke filter set. (Water to Vetrocoke area is normally supplied from steam condensate
header but a jump over from DM water header also is available).
5. Auxiliary Boiler
6. Make-up to Dosing Tanks.
7. SRCs gland cooling water.
Flow of water to Deaerator is controlled by LCV 0202-A operated by Deaerator level control and
downstream of this it is joined by steam condensate from various condensing type turbines.
This combined feed water called as low-pressure boiler feed water is preheated in 1513 by
gases from the L.T. shift vessel. The preheated water passes to the Deaerator. Stripping
stream is provided to deaerator from 2.1 ata steam header. Pressure of Deaerator is controlled
by vent valve PCV 0212. Steam condensate from 1534 is fed to Deaerator directly. Deaerator
has a storage capacity for 30 minutes at 100 % plant throughout.
De-aerated Water
De-aerated water from 1703 feeds -
1. Under gravity the Vetrocoke seal water tank via a water cooler.
2. Water jacket on 1105.
3. Boiler Feed Water Pumps.
The boiler feed water develops a pressure of 134.5 Kg/cm2 and there is a special compensating
bypass check valve at the discharge of the pump to pass a flow of 100 TPH back to Deaerator at
a low loads of the pump. Hydrazine and Ammonia are dosed at the suction of BFW Pump.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 49
High-pressure boiler feed water from the pump discharge is supplied to the following:
1. 1523, the loop boiler feed water heater. The water is preheated to 1810C and
water is split into two streams.
2. It is further heated in 1515 to 2030C and fed to Auxiliary boilers.
3. It is preheated in 1539 and the water at 2330C is fed to steam drum (1106).
1. Water (at BFW pump discharge pressure) to TCV 1311, the Temperature
upstream of 1536-A (turbine steam Superheated- HT section) in the Convection Box of
Reformer.
2. The pressure is let down to 55 ate by PC 0209 and water is fed to L.P.
Desuperheater header.
The L.P. Desuperheater headers feed the following four Desuperheater via various TCVs.
1. Desuperheater for the start up steam to 1517 A & B.
2. Desuperheater for the 45 ata / 12 ata Let Down station.
3. Desuperheater for 106 ata / 45 ata Let Down station.
4. Desuperheater for 12-ata super to 12 ata steam.
L.P. Desuperheater water is further used in the following sources when necessary:
There is a jump over from seal water header to low pressure desuperheater header to charge the
low pressure desuperheater header when BFW pump is not running e.g.: during steam system
charging.
When the jump over is in line PCV 0209 should be isolated to avoid the seal water backing up
into BFW header. Spillback of PCV 0209 to Aerator also should be isolated. If these are not
isolated, pressure of Desuperheater header will be very low.
During the period which this jump over is in line, Desuperheater header pressure is only about 25
Kg/cm2 and hence TCV 0104 (desuperheater for 45 ata steam header) should positively be
isolated to eliminate the possibility of 45-ata stream backing up to seal water header.
This header is fed by the steam condensate from the condensers of the following turbines:
All the steam-cooled condensate are cooled in a cooler and sent to Water treatment plant for
purification. To meet the heat balance in the system a part of polished water received is heated
up in a heater using 4-ata steam. In case of polished water shortage SCC can be diverted to our
Deaerator at the down stream ohm of LCV 0202 A.
An additional polished water line from CPP header is also joining at the downstream of LCV 0202
A to meet the make up purpose. Part of the SCC is used in the water jackets on R.G. mains and
at
The neck of RGB and 1105. This is recycled to degassed condensate header.
SCC connections are available to Vetrocoke solution storage tank, Make-up tank and filter set.
When SCC is not available, DM Water can be used at these places through a jump over.
Waste heat recovery System, Auxiliary Boilers, and ASGU feed this header. Almost the entire
steam from this header passes to the Sin Gas Compressor turbine 3701. There is a pressure-
controlled vent PC 0105. This steam can be let down through PC 0104 to the 45 ata steam main
when the demand of the 45 ata steam header is more than the extraction stream supplied by
3701 to 45 ata header. E.H.P Steam from ASGU is controlled a HCV 202 C.
Supply sources:
1. Extraction steam from 3701
2. Let Down through PC 0104
3. Import steam from OSB via FC 0101
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 51
Consumers
1. 1. Semi lean solution pumps, lean solution pumps, BFW pumps, auxiliary boiler
fans and let down to 12-ata steam header.
2. Refrigeration Compressor Turbine C.W. pump turbine-A and ID/FD fans' turbines
to respective condensers.
3. C W pump turbine-B to export steam header degasser and 2.1 ata header.
4. Process steam to Reformer.
5. Steam to H.T. Shift Vessel.
6. Ammonia Still Reboiler 1534 from which condensate is returned to Deaerator.
7. Startup Steam to 1517 A & B.
8. Startup steam to 1536-B.
9. Startup steam to 1509 & 1510.
10. Blanketing steam on the process airline to 1105.
11. Decoking steam to 1511.
PC 0104 maintains the pressure of the header, which is a split range controller. Under normal
operating conditions, varying the steam flows through the high pressure and low-pressure
sections of the Sin Gas Turbine controls the pressure. The turbine control system adjusts the
turbine inlet regulating valve and the extraction value to maintain at the required pressure and
turbine speed. If the pressure cannot be maintained at the required level, PCV 0104 in the let
down station opens to restore the pressure.
If the Syn Gas Compressor turbine should trip, the pressure in 45-ata steam main will start to
drop rapidly. As there is no cushion available to take care of the immediate fluctuations, a
special flow follower system is fitted. During normal operation, FX 0107 measures the extraction
steam flow from 3701. This transmits a signal to FCV 0107 in the bypass line between 106 and
45 ata mains and in parallel with PCV 0104. Hence, the position of the value FCV 0107 changes
as the extraction steam flow changes. If the turbine trips the trip valve in series with FCV 0107
that is XCV 0102 A & B, which remain normally closed, open and steam is admitted to the 45 ata
main at exactly the same rate at just previous to the trip. As soon as the trip occurs, FCV 0107
drifts to close at such a rate that PRCA 0104 can take over control of the steam pressure.
Source of supply
1. The following drives which exhaust into the 2.1 ata LP header.
a. Fuel oil pump turbines
b. Fuel Naphtha pump turbines
c. Process Naphtha pump turbines
2. Pressure let down to 2.1 ata via PCV 0102-A.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 52
Any excess steam not consumed is vented by PCV 0103-B to maintain 12-ata-header
pressure. There is an interconnection to give steam ASGU.
1. Steam coils in
a. Vetrocoke solution storage tank
b. Vetrocoke solution make-up tank
c. Ammonia flash vessel
d. F O Day Tank
2. Fuel Oil Preheated 1502
3. Steam Air Heater of Auxiliary Boilers. `
4. Soot blowing steam to 1431 and 1433.
5. Ejectors for the rain water pit and Hydro finer.
6. Snuffing steam to 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434 and vent headers.
7. To the Flare stack.
8. Decoking steam to 1431.
9. Steam out for 1108.
10. Steam tracing of FO lines, instruments on Vetrocoke solution serviced and suction
of 3101.
11. Atomizing steam for burners in Auxiliary Boiler.
This is supplied from service steam 12-ata header via pressure let down PCV 0109. It supplies
the burners of 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434 and Primary Reformer.
FO pump turbines, FN pump turbines and Process Naphtha Pump turbines exhaust into this
header. Leak off steam from Lean solution pump turbines, Semi lean solution pump turbines and
BFW pump turbines also is connected to this header.
Steam is let down from MP steam main via PCV 0102-A to maintain the pressure in the LP main.
Any excess steam is vented by PCV 0102-B to maintain the pressure. Exhaust steam from the
backpressure turbine of C.W. Pump is connected to this header through a HIC.
Nitrogen is supplied at 43.4 ata by the Inert Gas generating plant. This high pressure Nitrogen is
connected by double block and bleeds arrangement to the following:
High pressure Nitrogen is let down via PC 0205 and supplied to various purge points of the plant:
1. To base of 1108
2. To base of 1109
3. To base of 1110
4. To base of 1112
5. To 1542
6. To 1124
7. To 1126
8. To 1129
9. To 3602
10. To 1204
11. To 1525
12. To 1434
13. To discharge of Circulator
14. To suction of Refrigeration Compressor
15. To 1513
16. To various oil consoles and degassers in Compr.House.
17. To base of 1104
18. To base of 1105
19. To Fuel Naphtha header
20. To 1431
21. To 1101
22. To 3101
During the normal course of running, Process Air Compressor supplies instrument air and service
air requirement of the plant. Process air from 4th stage suction of the compressor is let down
through PCV 0223 (normally set at 10 Kg/cm2g) to Wet Air Receiver 1137-B. Instrument Air is
then supplied to various consumer points at 70C through PCV 0229. Wet air from the receiver is
supplied as such at 7 Kg/cm2g pressure for service air requirement of the plant. Service air
header supply is controlled by means of a HIC operated from control room. Before this HIC, one
branch is taken for supply of service air to 1511 air motor. This ensures that 1511 air motor gets
necessary air at required pr. Discharge of Instrument Air Compressor (S) can directly join the
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 54
Service Air header downstream of HIC. Following alarm provisions have been made for taking
corrective action.
Auto-start provisions are given for starting/loading operations of IAC (N) and IAC (M).
Instrument air for Urea, OSB and SA PA/DAP plants are also supplied from Ammonia Plant
Inkster header through HIC 2720 installed at Western battery limit on the main pipe rack.
The Dryer is designed to dry the air by physical adsorption. The adsorbent used is silica gel, a
white highly porous substance, which has a strong affinity for water. The water liquid present in
the air will be adsorbed on the silica gel and will be desorbed when the gel is heated. The
adsorbing capacity of silica gel is thereby restored. About 750 kg. Of silica gel are used in each
of 2 vessels.
A ceramic candle-type profiler is provided before the two-adsorber vessels to remove dust
particles, water and oil droplets if any. The two adsorber filled with silica gel are interconnected
by 4-way change-over plug valves which are operated at regular intervals by a power piston
actuated by a 2-way solenoid valve and a process timer. A ceramic candle-type after filter is
provided to remove the silica gel dust if carried over by dried air. The main airflow is divided in a
distributor where a portion of air is passed through reactivation system before rejoining the main
stream in the distributor.
The compressed air after being passed through profiler is taken to one of the adsorption towers.
The silica gel in the tower adsorbs the water liquid present in the air. The process is exothermic
and hence the temp. Have the bed and air raised and becomes steady at a certain point. The
dry air leaves the adsorption tower and is passed through an after filter. Simultaneously, the
adsorbent bed in the other adsorber vessel is being regenerated in closed circuit. A part of the
main stream of compressed air is taken from distributor and is passed through an electric heater.
The air after being heated is passed through adsorbent bed. The adsorbent gets heated the
regeneration temperature and the water adsorbed during adsorption is liberated. The
regenerated gas is then passed through a cooler where the moisture is condensed and the gas is
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 55
cooled to ambient temperature. The gas is then passed through a moisture separator, a trap
and an air filter where the water droplets are separated out. The regeneration gas is then mixed
with mainstream in the distributor before the main stream enters the vessel under adsorption.
After the heating period is over, the heater is cut off. But the regeneration is continued and gas
continues to be passed though bed for cooling. After the cooling period is over the bed is
completely regenerated and ready for adsorption cycle. At the same time the bed under
adsorption gets saturated and is ready for regeneration. At this point, the 4-way change over
valves are operated through the pneumatic power piston, 2-way solenoid valve and a
programmed timer so that the compressed wet gas passes through the regenerated bed and the
regeneration gas through the saturated bed. The operation is completely automatic.
The fertilizer complex at Tuticorin includes a Heavy Water Plant. This plant is, of course,
completely outside the scope of Dab Power Gas. However, as there are a number of
interconnections between this plant and the Ammonia Plant, it is intended here to give a
brief description of the plant for operator information. Synthesis gas contains traces of
deuterium, which is an isotope of hydrogen. The purpose of the Heavy Water Plant is to extract
this deuterium and to covert it to deuterium oxide (heavy water).
Synthesis gas from the discharge of the Synthesis Gas Compressor 3102 is passed to the Heavy
Water Plant where the pressure is boosted by a booster compressor. The gas then passes via a
drier to an isotope exchange tower where the deuterium is extracted by contact with liquid
ammonia. The depleted synthesis gas then passes to an ammonia synthesis unit (supplied by
Toyo Engineering Corporation) where the ammonia required for isotope exchange is
produced. The unrelated synthesis gas, which now contains a trace of ammonia liquid, is
returned from the TEC synthesis unit to the SPIC Ammonia Loop.
The enriched ammonia from the isotope exchange tower after contact with synthesis gas is
passed to an ammonia cracker. Part of the cracked gas is returned to the isotope exchange
tower for contact with enriched ammonia as explained above and the rest is treated further to
produce heavy water.
The quantity of synthesis gas lost in the Heavy Water Plant is small and the booster compressor
makes up the pressure loss in the plant. This means that when the Heavy Water Plant is on line,
make up gas is supplied to the SPIC. Ammonia Loop at substantially the same conditions as
when the HWP is not in line.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 56
1. Fill up the cooling tower sump with make-up water and start the sump pump.
2. Line up cooling water to vacuum pump and also to either side of the cooling water pump
seals.
3. Line up both the valves in the priming line to vacuum pump. Ensure priming line to steam
ejector is closed. Start vacuum pump.
4. Check oil level in bearings and line up cooling water to bearings of OGT 101 C.
5. When water level starts raising in sight glass in the priming lines, start the motor . When the
discharge pressure raises to 5 Kg/cmg, close the priming valve of the pump and stop the
vacuum pump. Stop sump pump after isolating water to seals.
6. Open the discharge valve by about 25%. Keep the high point vents in CWS and CWR lines
open till air stops coming from them. Keep cooling water supply to cooling water return jump
over at hydrofining section in open condition.
8. Depending upon the availability, line up a few exchangers (preferably those at the terminus
of the cooling water lines like ID/FD condensers, HF coolers, PAC inter coolers, 1119 etc.) one by
one. While lining up heat exchangers watch the cooling water pump motor amperage and limit it
to 100 amps. Vent the air in each exchanger.
9. By suitably adjusting the cooling water discharge valve and cooling tower cell isolation
valves, keep the CWS pressure at 4 Kg/cmg and CWR pressure at 2 Kg/cmg.
10. If the cooler 1524 is in line, check the CWS temp. Start CT fans as and when required.
11. After lining up cooling water to few exchangers, cooling water supply to cooling water return
jump over may be closed.
START IAC
3. Keeping the discharge valve open, start the machine and check whether it gets loaded up to
100 %. Put the machine in "auto".
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 57
4. Allow the pressure in the wet air receiver to rise and check for 50 % unloading, 100 %
unloading and stopping of the machine.
5. Line up one of the IAD & open cooling water to IAD cooler. After ensuring sufficient flow
through the drier, put the other drier in regeneration by switching on the heater. Check the
proper working of the thermostat.
8. Line up PCV 0209 for instrument air. Frequently check wet air receiver for any water
collection.
1. Keep all the trip initiators in bypass condition. Keep hydrogen gas compressors trip in
bypassed condition with Instrument help.
2. Reset trips A to L.
4. Give "50% open" output to all the control valves connected with trip system and check their
actual position in the field. Check for healthy condition in fired heaters, ID, FD, lean and
semilean pumps. In SGC, keep all other trip initiations (except those coming from trip panel)
healthy by suitable arrangements.
5. Initiate trip A & check whether all trip actions have taken place properly.
7. In the above manner initiate all trips one by one and check for trip actions.
8. When trip checking is over, reset all trip actions and stroke check all control valves in both
opening and closing directions.
Steam Charging
44 Kg/cmg, 11 Kg/cmg (superheated and saturated)) and 1.1 Kg/cmg steam headers shall be
charged simultaneously.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 58
1. Check that the isolation valve at all points consuming steam from or supplying steam to the
above 3 headers is closed.
2. Keep 1537 inlet valve and FCV 1304 and HCV 1306 block valves and its bypass valve closed.
Keep PCV 0104 isolation valve closed. Keep 1537 vent full open.
3. Keep FCV 0101 and PCV 0104 full close and PCV 0102 B and PCV 0103 B full open.
4. Take PCV 0103 A control to PAM 0103 A and keep it open by about 20% on manual.
7. Slowly open the west battery limit isolation valve's integral bypass valve and charge steam up
to FCV 0101.
8. Crack open FCV 0101 and allow steam to enter all the 3 headers slowly. Ensure there is no
steam hammering.
9. When steam starts coming through the 1.1 Kg/cmg header drains in tank farm slowly close
PCV 0102 B through PAM 0102 B so that pressure in this header rises to about 0.5 Kg/cmg.
10. Slowly close the drains one by one when dry steam starts coming out.
11. Slowly raise the 1.1 Kg/cm header pressure to normal value by raising the set point and put
the PAM 0102 B on Auto.
12. Raise the 11 Kg/cmg header pressure gradually by closing PCV 0103B. Open FCV 0101 also
gradually. This will increase the 44 Kg/cmg header pressure and in turn will supply more
steam into the 11 Kg/cmg header through PCV 0103 A. When 11 Kg/cmg header reaches
normal value put PAM 0103 B on auto.
13. Now raise the 44 Kg/cmg header pressure to normal value by gradually opening FCV 0101
to 100 %. Now all steam coming into the plant (as indicated by FI 0101) is being vented through
PCV 0103 B and PCV 0102 B and this steam flow can be increased or decreased by opening or
closing PCV 0103 A by PAM 0103 A.
14. Close the following valves in the desuper heating header. Isolation valves of TCV 0105, TCV
0102, TCV 0103, TCV 0104, PCV 0209, valve in spill back line to deaerator and make up valve to
ammonia absorber. Fill up seal water tank with water from deaerator and put its LCV on auto.
Start seal water pump after isolating all seal water supply valves. Put seal water discharge
pressure controller in auto at 27 Kg/cmg. Open the jump over valve from seal water header to
desuperheating header. Line up TCV 0105 and TCV 0103 and control TI 0105 at 200 0C and TI
0103 at 278 0C and put the instruments on auto.
15. When one of the 44 Kg/cmg to 11 Kg/cmg let down turbines is started, slowly close PCV
0103 A through PAM 0103 A watching that PCV 0103 B is always open. When PCV 0103 A
comes to 0% opening, switch over PAM 0103 A to auto mode so that PC 0103 will start the
controlling function.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 59
Similarly when one of the 11 Kg/cmg to 1.1 Kg/cmg let down turbines is started, slowly close
PCV 0102 A through PAM 0102 A watching that PCV 0102 B is always open. When PCV
0102 A comes to 0% opening switch over PAM 0102 A to auto mode so that PC 0102 will start
the controlling function.
START IG PLANT
Press reset 1 in trip panel and allow liquid ammonia flow to IG plant. Start IG plant and fillup
Nitrogen receiver after checking nitrogen quality. Refer IG plant section for start up.
1. Build up level in Deaerator with polished water. Put LCV 0202 on auto. Ensure that LCV
0202 A is always open (by keeping open the 2" deaerator drain partly) and allow a continuous
water flow into the deaerator.
2. Keep deaerator vent fully open and PC 0212 (deaerator pressure control valve) full close in
manual.
3. After opening the block valves of PCV 0212, crack open PCV 0212 and allow steam into the
deaerator gradually. Check there is no hammering in the polished water line to deaerator.
Gradually raise PI 0212 to normal value and put PC 0212 on auto with set at 0.5 Kg/cmg.
4. When there is sufficient consumption of deaerated water, close the 2" drain line.
1. Steam drum level control valve and steam temperature control valve in both the boilers.
Now start BFW pump and open the pump discharge valve, keep the standby pump available.
Line up desuperheater water header pressure control valve PCV 0209 and isolate seal water jump
over.
Build up 60 % level in FO day tank 1201. Open suction and discharge valves of the three FO
pumps. Keep PCV 0206 and its isolation valves full open. Ensure FO supply valves to both the
boilers isolated. Start turbine driven FO pump. Slowly close PCV 0206 and build up FO header
pressure to the normal operating value of 12 Kg/cmg and confirm the auto start pressure
values. Put the controller on auto and put the other two pumps on auto.
Charge steam to 1502 and set TIC 1002 at 120 0C. Check that both the steam traps at the exit
of 1502 are functioning well. Ensure that the day tank temperature never exceeds 105 0C and
falls below 70 0C.
A. INTRODUCTION
The start-up circulation loop consists of 1432, 1104 (on bypass) primary and secondary
reformers, RG Boiler with bypass in full open condition, 1108, 1109, 1110(on bypass), 1111,
1112 (on by pass) & start-up compressor. This closed loop circuit is established to bring up the
temperature of the various sections of the plant and to carry out operations of various system.
I. The entire loop is to be purged with Nitrogen, free of Oxygen & Hydrogen to less than 0.2 %
each. Pressurise the entire loop to 24 ATA with Nitrogen. The vessels on bypass as 1110 and
1112 also are to be pressurised with Nitrogen to maintain higher pressure than the equipments
in the start-up loop to avoid moisture / steam entry. 1104 is to be kept at a pressure lower than
the feedstock header to avoid hydrocarbons carry over into reformer.
2. Discharge block valves of 3109 at the compressor and at the line joining the process naphtha
header to 1432 and Ball valve downstream.
9. TCV 1506. Provide 'DO NOT CLOSE' operation mark on the face plate.
16. Drains of superheaters, 106 Kg/cmg header from superheater and vents on steam drum.
18. HCV 1306 upstream drain and FCV 1304 downstream drain.
1. Vent and drain between discharge block valve of 3109 and downstream ball valve.
2. Block valves of FCV 1203, isolation valves of process naphtha header upstream FCV 1203 and
discharge valves of process naphtha pumps.
3. Block valves in the Hydrogen line from syn gas compressor and from Hydrogen receiver.
4. Inlet and exit block valves and the bypass line bleed valve of 1104.
8. Block valve and integral bypass valve of FCV 1304 and block valve of HCV 1306.
9. Mixing orifice downstream drain isolation valve and drain valves on feedstock headers at
reformer inlet after checking for any condensate.
12. Drain valves of secondary reformer and its jacket (slip plate to be introduced downstream of
these valves).
19. 1539 water inlet isolation valve and 1514 inlet butterfly valve.
22. LCV 1502, LCV 1504 and LCV 1606 block and bypass valves and drain valve of 1114 & 1115.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 62
24. 1 line from 1115 to finned seal water cooler and 1 block valve of XCV 1610.
27. All the valves in the start-up steam line to 1517 A & B.
28. Suction, discharge and spill back isolation valves of both 3215.
31. Discharge block valves, spill back valves, drains and vents of lean and semilean solution
pumps
32. Valves in the branch from lean solution header to side stream filter and vice versa.
34. Block and bypass valves of LCV 1602, drain valve of 1131 and block valves on the condensate
line to 1131.
35. 2 drain valve on rich solution line exit absorber to HP drain header.
38. Drains at the check valves on lean and semilean solution pumps & headers and 1517 A & B
solution drains.
39. Inlet, exit, bleed in the bypass line, vent and drain valves of 1112.
40. Drain valves at the inlet of 1554, 1514 & exit of 1553.
41. LT vessel heating line isolation valve at the exit of 1112 and 1113.
44. Block valves in the make-up line from 1113 to Hydrofiner near PCV 0201.
45. 1113 to flash gas compressor line isolation valve near FGC.
48. FCV 1304, HCV 1306, FCV 1203, FCV 1204, FCV 1401, XCV 1406, TCV 1407, TCV 1509 A
& B, XCV 1501 A&B, FCV 1501, LCV 1502, LCV 1504, LCV 1602, LCV 1606, PCV 1504, PCV
1509, ESV 101, TCV 1311, HCV 1701, HCV 1702, HCV 1606, HCV 1608, HCV 1605, HCV
1607, FCV 1602, FCV 1603, XCV 1602 & XCV 1604.
49. The following Nitrogen points are all to be closed with their bleeds open :
FCV 1203 downstream, mixing orifice, secondary reformer drain, 1108 inlet, 1109, 1110,
1112,
1513, startup compressor suction.
IV. Start rinsing the CCJT system with BFW. Ensure that pH and Hydrazine concentration
are normal.
V. Check the trip system and ensure that actions for various trip initiators are OK. Check
stroking of control valves.
VI. Complete pneumatic leak check on fuel naphtha header and get all the leaks attended.
VII. Start flue gas fan A and then combustion air fan A. Start ID, FD fans B also and put both
fans on auto at field. Set PRCA 1313 at -1.27 mmWC on auto. Maintain combustion air pressure
at about 100 mmWC. Take furnace pressure and ID, FD interlock trips in line after checking PLC
trip initiators lamp.
IX. Keep the combustion air bypass damper wide open. Check that all the individual isolation
valves of burners are in shut position and establish fuel naphtha circulation. Start raw naphtha
pump and set PC 1324 at 0.5 Kg/cmg lower than fuel naphtha header PV (in PC 1305). Ensure
that FCV 1103 is blocked and bleed open and stripper circulation valves are isolated.
X. Check isolation valves on 1431, 1432 1433 and 1434. Charge atomising steam header of
reformer.
XI. Start lube oil pump of startup compressor. Drain the suction and discharge snubbers.
XIII.Open FCV 1303 and start the start-up compressor in unloaded condition. Keep PCV 1206
at the discharge of compressor in open condition and load the valve plates.
XIV.Close PCV 1206 gradually and establish circulation. Take PIC 1206 on auto and keep the set
point close to the actual pressure so that PCV 1206 opens quickly in case of any trip leading
closure of FCV 1303. (If pressurising of start-up loop continues after starting the compressor,
set point of PCV 1206 should be raised from time to time to avoid PCV 1206 opening and
reducing the circulation rate).
XVI.Admit SCC to the RG mains jacket before TI 1314 temperature reaches 80 0C and maintain
the required level.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 64
XVII.Admit DM water to the jacket of secondary reformer and ensure visual overflow.
XVIII.Test the furnace with standard explosive meter and confirm that there is no explosive
atmosphere.
1. Light a couple of burners initially and then raise TRA 1314 at the rate of 30 0C per hour.
Burners chosen should not be adjacent to each other. They should be spaced such that uniform
heating of the furnace is achieved.
2. Burner rotation is to be given at regular intervals to prevent local overheating. Leak check all
burners after lighting. Ensure that all 90 burners are lit atleast once and leak checked before
steam introduction. Avoid lighting burners at wall side.
4. Admit startup steam to the risers of 1510 and RGB, ensuring no hammering and gradually
raise the pressure of waste heat recovery system. When the pressure comes to 3 Kg/cmg and
steam is issuing freely through all the vents, close the vents and drains in waste heat recovery
system.
5. Monitor skin temperatures of 1536 A & B and flue gas temperatures inlet 1511.
6. Admit start-up steam to 1536 B when the skin temperature is about 250 0C. Open the gate
valve fully and throttle the globe valve. Ensure that till the time the pressure of steam drum is
raised gradually with start-up steam through risers, start-up steam through superheaters should
not create back pressure at the steam drum. Otherwise natural circulation in the boilers will be
affected.
7. To keep 1537 cool, crack open 1537 inlet isolation valve, its integral bypass valve and vent
steam to atmosphere via HCV 1309. The pressure of the steam in 1537 should be kept below
the circulating Nitrogen pressure to prevent ingress of moisture to the reformer catalyst. Check
mixing orifice drain frequently for any condensate.
8. If the flue gas temperature inlet 1511 exceeds 400 0C, increase steam flow through 1536 and
1537 not deviating from the conditions mentioned earlier. Air dampers of burners not in line may
be closed to reduce the flue gas temperature inlet 1511. Adjust the bypass of 1511 ensuring
that the stack temperature below 150 0C.
9. Open the block valves of TCV 1311 and take the controller in line as decided by the flue gas
temperature inlet 1511 and skin temperature of 1536. In no case should the temperature inlet
1536 A be less than the saturation temperature of steam at the existing pressure of superheater.
This is to avoid boiling inside the superheater.
10. Slowly pressurise CCJT system by throttling HCV 1308, watching 1536 A & B skin
temperatures. Start up steam is to be isolated only after steam cut in.
11. Hold PRO temperature at 480 0C and wait for TC 1509 A to rise. When it crosses the
maximum temperature of any of the LT temperature, line up LT for heating up after draining
away the condensate thoroughly, if any.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 65
12. Reduce 3109 suction pressure to about 18 Kg/cmg to accommodate steam and hydrogen.
13. Light up 1432 and increase TC 1205 at 50 0C per hour until it reaches 400 0C. Reduce firing
in primary reformer to maintain temperature at 480 0C.
14. When LT bed temperatures (all the six points) reach 200 0C, bypass LT and pressurise to
20 Kg/cmg.
D. GV SECTION START UP
1. PRELIMINARY PROCEDURES
Wash the plant with a 5% wt K2CO3 solution at 90C. During this washing, foaming tests (see
Appendix -2) shall be frequently carried out - at least four times a day - to control the washing
operation on the basis of the foaming tendency (collapse time and foam height) of the solution. If,
after 48 hours, no remarkable formation of foam is oberserved, the alkaline washing can be
considered over and if the arsenic content is about 1 g/l, the solution shall be used for the plant
passivation after addition of vanadium. Instead, if there is a progressive increase in the solution
foaming, the washing must be continued till the increase in the foaming tendency is stopped and
stabilised for 12 hours minimum. The solution is then discharged.
If the foams are remarkable and lasting, the solution must be discharged and a further washing
must be started with a fresh alkaline solution.
Clean the strainers at the pump suction as well as the mechanical filter carefully to remove the same
and deposits coming from the cleaning procedures.
Plant passivation
Prepare a solution made of 20% w/w K2 CO3 and 0.5 w/w V2O5 as per the solution preparation
procedure.
Flood the bottom of 1117-A with solution introduced by means of 3208 so that reboilers 1517 A/B
up to solution/steam return lines are completely filled.
Heat-up the solution gradually by introducing MP steam through the proper line into reboilers 1517
A/B and adjusting the steam flowrate so as to maintain the solution temperature at about 110 C.
To obtain the best consistency of the passivation film, the temperature has to be kept as high as
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 66
possible yet without reaching the boiling point in order to avoid the risk of internals failure. LIC 1606
on 1115 has to be operating in order to remove the steam condensed in 1517 A/B.
Go ahead with the operation for two days regularly checking the columns pressure and the solution
temperature.
During the operation, roughly every eight hours, analyse the K2CO3 and V2O5 to check that the
solution concentration remains approximately constant. Add V2O5 if this falls below 0.3%.
Circulate the solution in accordance with the procedures described in Start-up procedures,
avoiding the presence of the process gas and pressurizing 1116 with nitrogen to set up this
circulation.
Pressurize with N2 1117-A to 0.5 kg/cm2 g and 1117-B to 0.35-kg/cm2 g to allow the free flow of
the solution from 1117-A to 1117-B.
Carry out the passivation maintaining the solution flow rates at the design value (min. 80% of
design).
Adjust the quenched MP steam flow to 1517 A/B to maintain the boiling temperature (114-111 C)
at the bottom of 1117-A and 1117-B without solution cooling (except when this is required for the
smooth operation of the pumps). Continue this operation for about four days regularly checking the
columns pressure and the solution temperature. The steam temperature at 1517 A/B inlet must not
exceed 180 C.
During the operation, roughly every eight hours, analyse the K2CO3 and V2O5 to check that the
solution concentration remains approximately constant. Add V2O5 if this falls below 0.3%.
At the end of the operation, stop the steam flow to 1517 A/B. When the solution has cooled down
below 105 C, depressurize 1117-A and 1117-B to 0.20/0.05 kg/cm2 g respectively keeping a
reduced solution circulation until introduction of the process gas.Manholes are not to be opened in
order to prevent the protective film on the metal surface from altering.
a) Short shut-down
In the case of a short shut-down during which the process gas feeding is stopped maintaining 1116
under pressurization and the solution circulation, the plant can be started up again without
repassivation.
b) Long shut-down
The GV solution, which was regenerated and stored in 1204 before the shut-down, is used for the
above-mentioned operation at the standard concentration. For this operation, V5+ has not to be
less than 40% of the total vanadium.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 67
The solution in 1204 tends to oxidize, but it is possible to save time oxidizing the solution in 1206
according to the procedures described in the Filtration/Oxidation unit section.
The solution must circulate according to the modalities described under Dynamic passivation, but
pressurizing 1117A/1117B with N2 to 0.20/0.05 kg/cm2 g respectively.
Adjust the steam flowrate to maintain the boiling temperature of about 109-105 C at the bottom of
1117-A and 1117-B respectively. Go ahead with the passivation for 2-3 days (minimum 36 hours),
checking the columns pressure and the solution temperature from time to time. It is very important
to notice that if the operation is not uninterruptedly performed for at least 36 hours, the passivation
film cannot form.
During the operation, about every eight hours, analyse the K2CO3 and V2O5 to check that the
solution concentration remains approximately constant.
At the end of the operation, stop the steam flow to 1517 A/B maintaining a reduced solution
circulation until introduction of the process gas.
Manholes are not to be opened to prevent the protective film on the metal surface from altering.
If new carbon steel equipment was added during the plant shut-down, the passivation operation
will be performed according to the modalities described in Subpara. b) above, going on with the
operation for about four days.
GV solution preparation
Prepare the solution with demineralized water fed to the preparation tank up to about 3/4 of its
capacity.
Heat the water to about 80 C. Maintain this temperature by introducing steam into the heating coil.
Start up the mixer adding the chemicals. Keep stirring the solution at 80 C for about two hours and
then send it to the storage tank through the mechanical filter by means of the preparation pump.
The solution can be prepared at a concentration up to 40-50% w/w, diluted in the storage tank
with demineralized water and homogenized through a recycle with the preparation pump.
At the end of the passivation activities, take off part of the solution from the plant, feed it to the
preparation tank, heat it up to 80 C. Add glycine and diethanolamine at a temperature not below
80 C. The operation will be repeatedly performed until the following solution composition is
reached:
During the normal plant operation it might be necessary to add chemicals. This can be done
according to the above-mentioned modalities by feeding some solution taken off from the
regenerator bottom to the preparation tank.
2. START UP PROCEDURE
1. Vent the process gas upstream of the LT shift conversion 1110 through PCV 1504. Isolate the
absorber 1116 by closing the isolation valve upstream 1110 with its bypass and the valves XCV 1501
A/B on the methanator 1112 inlet with its bypass.
2. Check 1114, 1115, 1131 and 1116 bottom a certain amount of water is present for hydraulic
seal and that 1114/1115/1131 level control valves LCV 1502/LCV 1606 A/B and LCV 1602 A/B with
their by-pass along with the vessels bottom drain and LG/LI drains are closed.
3. Keep closed the samples connections of 1116 and the valves FV 1602 and FV 1603 on the
solution lines feeding 1116.
4. Isolate 3708 by closing the block valve in/out.
5. Put the level controller LICA 1604 on manual with control valve LCV 1604 B/C closed.
6. Purge the air from 1116 with nitrogen introduced by means of the proper line downstream
1110.
7. Keep 1116 pressurised by nitrogen at about 10 kg/cm2g.
8. Check that 1117A and 1117B drains, sample connections and LG/LI drains are closed.
9. Check that the following valves are in close position:
HCV1605/1607 on the rich solution lines feeding 1117B/1117A
LCV 1653 on the semilean solution line from 1117A to 1117B with its by-pass
LCV 1654 on the lean solution line from 1117A to 1117B with its by-pass.
10. By means of pump 3208 transfer the solution from the storage tank 1204 to 1117B until
reaching the maximum level on the stripper bottom.
11. The strainers on the suction of the lean and semilean solution pumps 3206/3207 will be already
positioned.
12. Check that the line connecting 1117B bottom to 3206 A/B suction is free from air pockets by
opening and soon after closing the pumps drains to verify that the solution is flowing freely. Start
the sealing water flushing according to the pump suppliers prescriptions. 3206A is put into
operation and the solution circulation starts by feeding the lean solution to 1116 top.
13. Put into operation the flow controller FRCA 1603 at 50% of the normal flow rate.
14. Carefully check the correct pressurization of 1116 and the level on 1117B bottom.
15. Transfer additional solution from 1204 by means of 3208 to keep the level constant.
16. The solution feeding 1116 top is distributed on the packing and is collected on 1116 bottom.
17. When the normal level on 1116 bottom is reached, put into operation the level controller LICA
1604B.
18. Isolate the ejector X-100 by closing the block valves in/out and the valve on the 20 by-pass
line.
19. Keep closed the block valve on the CO2 lines at B.L., the vent valve HCV 1705 on the CO2 line
and XCV 1702 on the cooling water line both feeding 1119.
20. Check that on 1118, 1119, 1150 and 1120 bottom a certain amount of water is present for
hydraulic seal and that 1118, 1119, 1150 level control valves LCV 1702, LCV 1704, LCV 1650 with its
by-pass along with the vessels bottom drains and LG/LI drains are closed.
21. Purge the air from 1117A and the downstream equipment pressurizing and depressurizing by
nitrogen introduced through the proper line and operating with PCV 1705.
22. Purge the air from 1117B and the downstream equipment pressurizing and depressurizing by
nitrogen introduced through the proper line and operating with PCV 1663B.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 69
23. Pressurize 1117A by nitrogen setting PCV 1705 at 0.5 kg/cm2g in order to allow the transfer of
solution from 1117A to 1117B.
24. Set PCV 1663B at 0.1 kg/cm2g. Open HCV 1607 to feed the stripper 1117A.
25. The solution is distributed on beds no 4 and no 3, collected on the semilean solution take-off
tray, fed to beds no 2 and no 1 and finally collected on 1117A bottom passing through 1517 A/B.
26. Open LCV1654 to transfer the solution from 1117A to 1117B bottom keeping LICA 1654 on
manual.
27. Transfer additional solution from 1204 by means of the pump 3208, as required. Await the
stabilization of the levels in 1116, 1117A and 1117B. Then put LCV 1654 on automatic.
28. The flow controller FRCA 1603 is gradually increased to 60-70% of the normal flow.
29. The level controller LICA 1653, acting on the LCV 1653 on the line connecting the semilean
solution take-off tray of 1117A with the intermediary tray of 1117B, is put into operation on
manual. When the normal level is reached, the controller LICA 1653 is put on automatic.
30. Start the semilean solution pump 3207 according to the same procedure described for 3206.
31. 3207 is put into operation and the semilean solution feeds the middle of the absorber 1116.
32. The flow controller FRCA 1602 is put into operation at 50% of the normal flow rate and slowly
increased to 60-70% giving the plant time to reach the normal levels and refilling additional solution
from 1204, as required.
33. When stable operating conditions are reached, start to feed the solution to 1117B by opening
HCV 1605 at 50% of the normal flow rate (FR 1606).
34. The solution is distributed on the beds no 4 and 3 and collected on 1117B intermediary take-off
tray mixing with the solution coming from 1117A semi lean solution take-off tray.
35. If necessary, additional solution is taken from 1204 to reach the levels stabilization and the
steady solution circulation on the whole plant.
36. The circulating solution is gradually heated at the rate of about 10-15 C/h.
37. The heating is performed by feeding conditioned steam to 1517 A/B through the proper line.
38. The level controller LICA 1606 on the separator 1115 is put into operation to remove the
condensate separated.
39. During the solution circulation, water enters through the pump sealings. It is therefore
advisable that the solution heating be brought up to the boiling point in 1117B.
40. Cooling water is fed to 1520/1521 in order to have a correct suction temperature for the
smooth operation of pump 3207/3206.
41. An excessive solution concentration, shown by a level decrease on 1117B bottom, is controlled
by putting into operation 1519 and 1551 respectively on the gas streams coming out of 1117A and
1117B top.
42. The overhead K.O. drum level controls LIC 1650 and LXC 1702 are put on automatic control.
43. 3216 A/B and 3221 A/B are prepared for the start-up according to the suppliers prescriptions in
order to recycle to the plant the condensate separated in 1150 and 1118 and control the water
balance by stabilizing the columns bottom levels.
44. Fill LP boiler 1550 with BFW up to the normal level putting LX 1551 into operation.
45. The vent valve is open in order to evacuate the steam developed by 1550 to the atmosphere.
46. Start the operation to introduce into 1116 the process gas previously vented upstream of the LT
shift conversion 1110.
47. Keeping closed the block valve XCV 1501 A/B upstream of the methanator 1112, progressively
open the MOV valve upstream of 1110.
48. Stop the nitrogen injection into 1116 and the steam injection into 1517 A/B.
49. Start to open the methanator bypass venting the gas through PCV 1509, progressively closing
PCV 1504 according to 1112 start up procedure, in order to have gas flow through 1550, 1517 A/B,
1513 and finally through 1116.
50. Close the valve venting the LP steam from 1550 regulating the PICA 1550 in order to feed 1117
A bottom X-100 is put into operation according to the suppliers prescriptions. Open the block
valves in/out X-100 and put in service PCV 1662 and PCV 1663 A/B.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 70
51. The pressure in 1117 B is progressively increased by setting the set-point of PICA 1662 at about
1.0 kg/cm2g while PICA 1663 acting in split range on PCV 1663 and PCV 1663A is set at about 0.15
kg/cm2g.
52. The CO2 removed is totally fed to the battery limit putting in service the final cooling on 1119
and setting PIC 1705 according to the downstream requirements. The solution flow rates are
progressively increased and adjusted according to the process gas flow rate.
53. The plant is slowly brought to the normal operating conditions with regard to flow rates,
temperatures and pressures.
54. Check the solution composition making corrections, if necessary.
E. TURN IN STEAM
d) TRA 1314 is at 480 0C. All the burners in reformer are available.
2. Build up pressure in 1537 by opening the upstream block valve. Warm up line downstream
HCV 1306 and FCV 1304.
4. Establish lean solution circulation around absorber at the rate of about 300 TPH and line up
LCV 1604 C.
5. Ensure that LT shift vessel is under Nitrogen pressure greater than the system pressure.
7. Open the block valve of HCV 1306 and crack open HCV 1306. Allow the steam to enter the
tubes slowly.
9. When sufficient steam flow is maintained, start closing HCV 1309 keeping a watch on skin
temperature and boiler load.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 71
10. Line up PCV 0207. Set PC 0207 at a pressure 5 Kg/cmg above 1109 exit pressure. Line up
TCV 1509 A & B. Set TC 1509 at 206 0C. Open 1514 inlet butterfly valve. Remove do not
close operation mark from TC 1506 face plate.
11. When the drains at the feedstock sub headers are free of condensate, close the drain valves.
12. Check the drain points at 1109 first bed exit, 1539 gas exit, 1109 second bed exit frequently
for any condensate. Keep the drain on 1539 gas exit open as this will issue condensate
continuously.
14. Start acid gas condensate pump when level builds up in 1118.
15. Gradually increase the steam flow rate to 45 TPH. Increase firing rate in reformer to
maintain a steady increase of 50 0C per hour at TI 1314 upto 725 0C. Avoid cycling of
temperature. Transfer the flow of steam to FCV 1304 and take FC 1304 on auto. Close HCV
1309 isolation valves keeping watch on boiler load.
17. Adjust 1539 gas side bypass and maintain 365 0C at the inlet of second bed of 1109. (Do not
close water bypass valve of 1539 at this stage as this will lead to more condensation on the gas
side)
18. Start quench water pump after ensuring copper, etc in the condensate and line up. PCV 0207
will close now. Set PC 0207 very close to the actual pressure so that it will open quickly in case
pressure drops.
19. Open the block valve on the blanketing steam line to secondary reformer. Transfer process
air venting partly from compressor house to HCV 1408. While transferring the vent, flow through
PAC casing should be carefully watched to avoid any surging. If venting is not transferred
immediately after lining up blanketing steam, steam might back up into 1433, condense and lead
to hammering.
21. Open cooling water valves of lean solution cooler to allow adequate flow through the cooler.
Use the solution side bypass to control the temperature at 70 0C. Do not allow the cooling water
return temperature to pick up more than about 45 0C.
22. Raise PRO temperature at the rate of 55 0C/hr and hold TI 1314 at 725 0C for a period of 6 to
8 hours. This is for the potash to recombine with the catalyst 46/3.
It is necessary to drop the plant pressure to accommodate the increase in pressure due to
addition of Hydrogen. Very slowly depressurise the system by opening PCV 1509 to 15 Kg/cmg
at suction of start-up compressor. Hydrogen to the start-up compressor loop can be added soon
after lining up blanketing steam to secondary reformer. IG units should run on cracked gas
service.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 72
1. Ensure that the ball valve on Hydrogen line to 1432 remains open.
2. Open the block valve on the Hydrogen line from storage and allow the flow through FCV
1204. Keep Hydrogen flow at maximum possible, always maintaining a steady pressure of 38
Kg/cmg in the Hydrogen receiver.
3. Check the circulating gas for Hydrogen content and then calculate the Hydrogen circulation
rate. From this value and the steam flow rate, the ratio of steam to Hydrogen can be calculated.
The reducing conditions are achieved at a ratio in between 4 & 8. Though the reformer catalyst
is not affected by a ratio less than 4, such a low ratio will lead to over reduction of HT shift
catalyst vessel to elemental Fe.
4. After stabilisation period of catalyst at 725 0C, raise TI 1314 at the rate of 15 0C/hr and take
up to 760 0C.
7. Pressurise 1104 to system pressure and start raising the temperature at the rate of 50 0C/hr
to 400 0C. Open both the inlet and outlet valves fully and close the bypass valves. Keep the
bleed in the bypass line full open.
8. Ensure that all the six points in TI 1206, TI 1/1205 and TI 1/1206 are above a minimum
temperature of 377 0C.
9. Build up levels in regenerators and start semilean pump. Provide adequate cooling water to
the coolers for the cooling water return temperature not to be more than 10 - 12 0C above the
cooling water supply temperature. Use solution bypass to control the solution temperature at 90
0
C.
For the next stage of cutting in naphtha, though semilean circulation need not be established,
this is done in parallel at this stage itself to cut down the time required for Methanator lining up
at the later stage.
G. NAPHTHA INTRODUCTION
g) On the feedstock line to reformer, FCV 1303 is full open. FCV 1203 is kept on manual with
the block valves isolated.
h) Process Naphtha pump has been started and running on spillback, the discharge pressure
being less than the discharge pressure of start-up compressor.
4. Introduce maximum quantity of Hydrogen available from IG plant through FCV 1204.
Maintain receiver pressure.
5. Start closing the vapourised feedstock control valve FCV 1303. The pressure controller PC
1206 on the discharge of the start-up compressor will bypass the excess gas back to the suction.
As the flow rate through the process naphtha vapouriser 1432 is reduced., the firing rate should
be cut down to maintain 400 0C at TC 1205. Continue to close FCV 1303 until the circulating gas
rate is at the minimum value required to give good temperature control on TC 1205 without
flame failure of 1432 and ensure steam carbon ratio is above 5.
6. Speed up the process naphtha pump to 40 Kg/cmg discharge pressure and line up FCV
1203. Close the bleed valve upstream of FCV 1203.
7. Crack open FCV 1203 and introduce a small flow of naphtha, say 2 TPH. Reduce opening of
FCV 1303 to 10%. The initial steam/carbon ratio at the reformer inlet should be between 6 & 10.
8. With the introduction of naphtha, the temperature at the outlet of 1432 will tend to drop,
increase the firing rate to maintain the temperature at 400 0C.
9. Increase firing rate in reformer and maintain exit temperature of reformer steadily at 7600C.
10. When PC 1509 registers a sharp rise in pressure, unload the start-up compressor and stop it.
This is necessary to prevent carbon oxides being circulated back from 1113 to 1104 and to avoid
methanation reaction over COMOX catalyst. Isolate the discharge and suction block valves of
start-up compressor. Provide slip plates immediately.
11. Use the vent valve PCV 1509 to vent the gas now being produced and control the system
pressure. Raise PC 1509 pressure to 21 Kg/cmg.
12. Increase steam rate to reformer to about 50 % design flow rate. Increase naphtha rate in
stages to 10 TPH, maintaining a steam carbon ratio of about 5.
13. Adjust FCV 1303 so that all the times vapour naphtha flow rate in Nm3/Hr = 300 x liquid
naphtha flow rate in TPH, and to maintain a steady pressure of about 30 Kg/cmg on PC 1208.
14. Adjust RGB bypass valve to get an exit temperature of 392 0C.
15. Adjust 1539 gas side bypass to get 365 0C on the top of second bed of 1109. Keep the water
bypass of 1539 wide open and drain on 1539 gas exit line open to drain away any condensate.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 74
16. Adjust 1513 bypass valve to keep the LP BFW temperature less than 78 0C.
17. When liquid naphtha and vapour naphtha flow rates are steady, take the controllers on auto.
Take steam carbon ratio trip in line.
18. Gradually bring up the CO2 pressure exit 1120 to about 0.1 Kg/cmg and take the PC 1705
on auto.
20. Heat up LT catalyst if not done earlier and line up. (For proceeding to next stage of cutting in
air, LT catalyst need not be in line and lining up can continue in parallel).
2. Ensure that the temperature of gas exit primary reformer is about 760 0C. This is absolutely
essential for the secondary reformer burner to get lit and on no account should an attempt be
made to light the secondary reformer if the outlet temperature is less than 750 0C. (Auto ignition
temperature of H2 is 585 0C).
3. Speed up process air compressor and check that the process air pressure upstream of
FCV 1401 is atleast 2 Kg/cmg above the pressure in secondary reformer. Take PIC & FIC of
PAC on auto. The operator should be available near the local panel of PAC when air to
secondary reformer is cut in.
4. Drain the blanketing steam condensate downstream of FCV 1401 thoroughly. Open process
air block valve inlet 1105 and check that people are away from secondary reformer.
5. Press reset 9, 10 & 11 in trip panel and open FCV 1401 by 5 % on manual.
6. Observe closely the temperature trend TI 1405 at the outlet of secondary reformer for the
expected temperature rise. If there is no temperature increase within 7 minutes, trip out the air
from the control panel.
7. Increase the air flow gradually. As the air flow to secondary reformer is increased, HCV
1408 may be gradually closed.
8. When TI 1405 settles at 920 0C drain the impulse lines of FC 1401 free of condensate and
take FC 1401 on auto.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 75
9. Adjust RGB bypass and 1539 gas bypass to get design inlet temperature to the beds of HT
shift vessel.
10. Adjust the air flow now further to get the correct ratio of syn. gas watching the Hydrogen
analyser.
11. Line up TCV 1311 if not lined up earlier. Pressurise CCJT system using HCV 1308. Watch
superheater skin temperatures and 1511 flue gas inlet temperature. When PI 1321 matches with
PC 0105, line up CCJT isolation valve fully and close HCV 1308 gradually ensuring the required
load to boilers.
1. Check gas analysis exit 1116 for CO & CO2. The concentration of CO & CO2 should be equal
to or less than the design figures of 0.26 % and 0.1 % respectively.
2. Open the outlet block valve of 1112 to equalise the pressure. The valve should be opened
carefully to avoid disturbing the catalyst.
3. Reset 12 opens XCV 1501 A & B and crack open the inlet block valve and allow the gas to
pass through the catalyst vessel.
4. Slowly open the inlet block valve and close the bypass valves. Open up the bleed valve in
between the bypass valves. Rate of heating of catalyst bed should be controlled at 40 - 50 0C
per hour.
5. Adjust the catalyst inlet temperature to 315 0C. Open 1512 bypass valves so as to close TCV
1506 maintaining the inlet temperature of 1112 as well. Opening of 1512 bypass will maximise
the temperature of high pressure boiler feedwater to Auxiliary Boiler.
7. Check whether the slip plate is inserted downstream of start-up line (to 3109) isolation valve
at 1110 exit, lest there is a chance of syn gas contamination.
If it is desired to put the Methanator on line before lining up at the LT shift vessel, it can be done
with more careful temperature control. Normally it should be possible to establish operation at
an inlet temperature of 230 - 250 0C. The CO content exit conversion section can be minimised
by high steam/carbon ratio, to achieve a CO content of less than 2 % inlet the Methanator.
2. Establish level in the condensate degasser and start the degassed condensate pump on spill-
back.
3. Open the pump discharge and pass the condensate to LCV 0203 A, through the cooler and to
the drain at the exit of the cooler.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 76
4. Make sure that steam line right up to degasser is drained of condensate. Crack open the
globe valve on the steam inlet line and pass the steam to degasser.
6. Analyze the degassed condensate and adjust the steam flow to the degasser to reduce
methanol, CO2 and Ammonia to design levels. Analyse for other impurities like silica and iron.
When the degassed condensate needs a design specification, pass on the condensate to WTP.
K. SYNTHESIS
1. Before admitting quality syn gas to the synthesis loop, the loop must be pressure tested to
the maximum pressure possible using Nitrogen.
3. Start syngas compressor as per the instructions in the chapter on SGC start up. Keep the
barrel vents slightly open to purge out the barrel.
4. Adjust syngas machine to have a discharge pressure of 120 Kg/cmg. Keep open all the
drains in the gas lines till they are free of oil and moisture.
6. When CO + CO2 in the barrel is less than 10ppm, start pressurising the synloop by crack
opening the bypass valve of ESV 104, to a pressure of 120 Kg/cmg.
7. Rate of pressurisation should not exceed 1-2.5 Kg/cmg/min. (See catalyst activation
procedure).
9. Charge ammonia to refrigeration loop through 2" vapour ammonia line from sphere to 1127,
start refrigeration compressor and bring it to minimum governor speed.
10. When synloop pressure is 120 Kg/cmg, check whether circulator discharge pressure and
loop pressure are same by opening the bypass of ESV 104 fully.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 78
11. When the pressures are equal, close HCV 1810 to 5% and establish circulation in the loop, by
opening ESV 102, ESV 103 and ESV 104.
13. Watch the catch pot level carefully. If it increases abnormally, close circulator suction valve
immediately. Check 1122 and then establish circulation when conditions are normalised.
14. Through converter inlet sample point check the gas is free of oil and moisture.
15. When circulation is established, establish levels in chillers and load the refrigeration
compressor. Control second suction temperature with quench through TCV 1811. Watch levels in
1128 and 1527. Too much of quench will lead to build up of level in 1128 and 1527. Remember
that high level in 1128 or 1527 will trip out refrigeration compressor.
17. Light 1434 and adjust the firing rate and or gas rate through 1434 to get a steady increase in
temperature at the rate of about 1 0C/min in the first bed inlet.
18. Do not increase heater exit temperature more than 500 0C. Remember that a temperature of
520 0C will trip out the heater.
19. Normally the reaction picks up when inlet temperature of I bed is about 300-350 0C. When
reaction picks up in I bed, the exit temperature will tend to rise fast. If the rate of rise is too
much, do not hesitate to open even fastly the converter main inlet HCV 1809 and / or HCV 1807.
20. The opening of converter inlet will drop the flow both through the heater and converter shell
flushing; therefore close HCV 1810 to keep about constant flush gas flow FI 1810 and flow
through startup heater FI 1803.
21. If reaction picks up in II bed because of rise in I bed exit temperature, HCV 1806 shall be
operated to maintain heating up rate. An excessive quench rate will result in a decrease of heat
recovery, due to the internal exchangers bypassing. Therefore at all stages during the heat up, it
is necessary to limit the quench gas rate to that which will allow the inlet temperature of I bed to
continue to rise at the proper rate. It is good practice to refer at quench ratio (FI 1802/FI
1809), increasing gradually this ratio from zero to normal value.
22. When converter inlet flow is sufficient enough (when HCV 1809 is open more than 50%),
1434 exit temperature may be reduced gradually by fuel decreasing. When additional heat from
1434 is no longer important, start reducing 1434 exit temperature at the rate of 50 0C/hr to 150
0
C.
23. Throttle HCV 1801 to allow the coil cooling down at a low rate. At the same time, to get an
appropriate control of I bed temperature, start open the local bypass valve of 1434. If the local
bypass valve is not available, use directly HCV 1801 as first bed controller adjusting the fuel to
cool down the coil.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 79
24. When the ammonia formation begins, maintain the loop pressure at about 120 Kg/cmg by
loading the syngas compressor.
25. Start open HCV 1812 reaching initially a purge of 3,000 Nm3/hr.
26. When the III bed inlet temperature reaches about 420 0C start open HIC 1808 increasing the
ratio FI 1804 / FI 1809 to normal value.
27. When the beds temperature are approaching the normal values, increase the loop pressure
further.
28. Maintain catchpot temperature at -5 0C to minimise ammonia concentration in the gas inlet
converter and to maximise condensation of ammonia in the circulation gas.
29. When levels build up, line up LCVs of 1122 and 1113. Open the block valves of LCV 1811 to
make it available for any emergency.
30. At the time when production is expected, if there is no level build up in catchpot, watch
suction and discharge temperature of circulator and I bed exit temperature of converter carefully.
31. Any drop in temperature must be viewed seriously and level in 1122 should be checked. If
necessary, circulator must be unloaded totally and isolated.
32. Increase the loop pressure and circulation rate to take all the syngas into the loop so as to
close PCV 1509. Adjust the loop purge rate according to the inerts level and loop pressure.
33. Take care of Hydrogen/Nitrogen ratio by adjusting the process air flow.
34. When the start up heater exit temperature comes down to recirculator discharge
temperature, trip heater and close the block valves of HCV 1801 and XCV 1814.
L. RECOVERY
1. Fill up 1124 with LP desuperheating make up line at 1530 to about 50% level. Line up
cooling water to 1530, 1532 & 1533.
3. Start absorber bottom pump and establish 4 TPH flow through 1530 and back to absorber.
4. Open the globe valve at 1531 inlet to have about 3 TPH to stripper and make up to 1124 to
be increased further for maintaining the level in absorber.
5. Once the level in absorber and stripper comes to about 50%, make up to 1124 and flow to
stripper are to be kept at minimum.
6. Close PC 1905 and put it on auto at 25 Kg/cmg. Drain 1126 completely to 1132.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 80
7. Slowly open steam to 1534 and increase the temperature 223 0C. As the pressure in 1125
increases more than absorber, flow from 1125 to 1124 is established through the stripper LCV
1904. The flow from absorber to stripper is to be slowly increased to 3.5 TPH.
8. As soon as the level comes up within the gauge glass range in 1126, start the reflux pump
and keep very little flow of about 2 Kg/hr. At the time of starting the pump, current taken by the
reflux pump motor will be high (about 9-10 amps) since the liquid in 1126 will have only very
little Ammonia. Only when reflux to 1125 is established the liquid in 1126 will be enriched with
Ammonia. Otherwise, draining 1126 again and filling up will not have higher concentration of
Ammonia. The reason to start and establishing reflux as soon as the level appears in gauge
glass is the holdup volume of lean ammonia liquor will be minimum, at the time of starting.
9. As Ammonia concentration builds up the current taken by reflux pumps also comes down.
The reflux flow is gradually increased by FC 1905 to 14 Kg/hr. Steam to 1534 is also increased
further to maintain still bottom temperature at 225 0C.
10. Test for the purity of Ammonia at 1126 and product lined up through LCV 1906 to let down
vessel.
For the case where a reformer trip has occurred and the plant has to be restarted without
rereduction of the primary reformer catalyst the following procedure has to be adopted.
Stabilise the Primary reformer exit temperature at 760 0C with about 50 TPH of process steam
and about 30 burners in line well distributed. Maintain midstream pressure at 20.5 Kg/cmg.
After resetting the appropriate trips, establish a flow of about 600 Nm3/hr. of cracked gas from
the IG plant through 1432 and 1104 bypass, venting the gas through PCV 1208 at the upstream
of FCV 1303. Maintain the pressure in PC 1208 at about 25 Kg/cmg . Equalise the pressure in
1104 with that of PC 1208. Ensure that cracked gas receiver pressure maintains above 35
Kg/cmg. Light the flare.
After stabilising the flow and pressure, light one burner in 1432 keeping the ring header pressure
at the minimum (4 Kg/cmg). On the panel , start monitoring all the parameters concerning 1432
flue gas temperatures, skin temperatures, process temperature and flow etc. for any abnormal
change.
Line up Sweet naphtha to 1432, when the highest skin temperature crosses 200 0C , admit about
2 TPH of naphtha to 1432. Gradually increase the flow to 4 TPH and also raise the firing on the
burner. Maintain PC 1208 at the same pressure as the flow through 1432 and the exit
temperature increases.
When the temperature on TC 1205 reaches 300 0C, line up 1104 completely, line up vapor
naphtha to reformer and light the second burner in 1432. Maintain ring header pressure initially
at 4 Kg/cmg and increase the sweet naphtha throughput to continue raising TC 1205 to 400 0C.
Start introducing vapour naphtha to reformer gradually. Close PC 1208 watching the pressure.
Control the vapour naphtha rate depending on the reformer exit temperature. Light more
burners in the reformer as more feed stock is introduced.
Gradually increase Sweet naphtha rate to 10 TPH and stabilise 1432 exit temperature at 400 0C.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 81
START UP SCHEDULE
4.1 GENERAL
Registration No.
(As per IBR) T-4338 T-4337 T-4737
4.2 DESCRIPTION
Capacity 90 TPH each, for 1702 South & North at 106.5 Kg/cmg and 482 0C at superheater
outlet respectively.
The boilers, 1702 (S) & (N) are vertical, water tube, two drum, natural circulation, oil fired,
pressurised furnace, type. The heat liberation is high compared to other conventional type
boilers. They are designed for easy maintenance and high reliability.
Each boiler is self supported and does not require a structural support. Membrane type walls are
adopted on the water wall of combustion chamber and all welded skin casings are used on
cageside water walls. Downcomers are provided at the rear of No. 2 generating tubes and
sufficient water circulation is maintained even at low loads. Superheaters are provided behind
No. 1 screen tubes in two stages. In between the stages to control the superheater outlet steam
temperature within design limits, a desuperheater has been provided. The steam temperature is
controlled by direct quenching of feed water by temperature control valve.
Feedwater is preheated in two stages in the economiser located in the convection zone. Tubular
air Preheater are also provided for recovering heat from the outgoing flue gas.
A steam air heater of radiator type has been provided at the FD fan outlet for preheating the air
entering the gas air heater. Before that superheated steam is used, now saturated steam. This
helps to minimize low temperature acid corrosion problems in tubular air heaters (particularly in
cold air heater).
Each boiler has been provided with a turbine driven FD fan to supply the required quantity of air
for combustion. 12 Nos. of soot blowers for each boiler have been provided at various locations
such as superheaters, bank tubes region, economisers and air heaters to remove soot formation
on heating surfaces using high pressure steam (this is controlled by a PCV the pressure is varied
depending up on the soot deposition it gets varied from 20 ksc to 12 ksc).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 83
At the top of economiser part an explosion door has been provided which will open if the flue gas
pressure in that region rises above normal values. (now it is in welded condition).
The firing system comprises six steam atomised fuel oil /LSHS burners provided in the auxiliary
boilers. Pilot burners using LPG have been provided for initial starting. Oil firing is controlled by
the master pressure controller through a fuel oil flow control valve so as to keep the outlet steam
pressure constant under variable load conditions. At full load conditions, oil consumption is 6.3
TPH. Peepholes have been provided on either side of the furnace to check the flame conditions.
Three element level controllers have been provided for keeping the steam drum level constant
even during sudden load variations.
Mountings : Three safety valves, one at superheater outlet and two on steam drum have been
provided to keep the boiler pressure below design limits in case of emergencies. Two level
gauge glasses have been provided for each boiler one on either side of the steam drum for
checking the actual water level in the drum.
Provision for chemical dosing in steam drum to maintain boiler water quality has been given.
Continuous blowdown facility provided in steam drum helps to maintain boiler water quality,
especially silica, within limits. In addition to this, blow down provisions from low points of water
wall panels and mud drum have been given for removal of sludge, if any. The water holding
capacity of the entire boiler is 38.5 M3.
The following trips have been provided for ensuring safe operating conditions :
Bypass for this trip has been provided for momentary emergencies. Boiler should be hand
tripped when the level indication reaches -150 mm, even if the trip is bypassed..
2. Air flow low alarm followed by air flow very low trip.
Low alarm = 56000 Nm3/hr
Very low trip = 12000 Nm3/hr
Bypass has been provided to enable maintenance on the instrument. This trip otherwise
remains on line.
Bypass provided for fluctuating conditions such as pump changeover. Common low
pressure alarm provided at 10 Kg/cmg.
5. Atomising steam pressure low alarm followed by very low pressure trip.
Low alarm set at 8 Kg/cmg.
Very low trip set at 4 Kg/cmg.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 84
2. Open all air vents at roof including start-up vent and economiser air vent fully.
3. Open damper at flue gas outlet duct.(not in line now it is in welded condition)
4. Open drain valves provided before and after main steam stop valve.
5. Close main steam (motor operated) stop valve and its bypass valves.
6. Close feedwater drain valves before and after feedwater flow control valve.
10. Check whether all manhole doors, peepholes, inspection doors are in closed condition. All
foreign materials should be removed from inside before closing the same.
12. Confirm that the retractable soot blowers are in pulled out condition.
13. Confirm all pressure gauges are available and keep them on line.
14. Check oil level in FD fan bearings and turbine oil sump.
18. Check the availability of service air and open air to gland seals of soot blowers.
19. Proceed further after getting instruction from Shift-in-charge for lighting up.
5. Start feeding by opening the integral bypass valve of the FCV bypass valve.
6. Adjust the feed rate to 10 - 12 tons per hour so that the working level can be reached in 3
hours.
7. Close the economiser air vent when there is steady and continuous water flow.
9. Start the boiler rinsing operation keeping the level constant. Rinsing may be done by
opening the mud drum blow off and other low point header drains alternately.
10. Check the gauge glass for its correct functioning by raising/lowering the level and by draining
the glass a few times.
11. Stop rinsing when the required quality of water is obtained in the Boiler.
2. Confirm the isolation valves in oil lines for individual burners are closed.
3. Oil circulation is to be established through the burner front about 2 hours before lighting up
the boiler. Better to start initial circulation through mass flow meter bypass and FCV bypass.
4. Open the fuel oil main trip valve bypass and the oil return valve and establish the oil
circulation. Keep the oil pressure around 5 KSCG.
5. After establishing oil circulation in boiler front, isolate spillback valve on the common header
at No. 1 platform level.
6. Co-ordinate with the Hydrofining section operator and bring the fuel oil temperature to 120
0
C at the burner front.
2. Check the electrical supply to panel, annunciators and controllers and put them "ON" with the
help of the Instrument staff.
4. After stroke check keep all the control valves in close condition.
8. Check Main steam stop valve operation from the Control Room and from the local station.
2. Check the power cylinder and keep it ready for control room operation.
3. Open turbine casing drain, spindle leakoff drain and drain before exhaust isolation valve.
4. Keep the chest valve in closed condition by hand and warm up control chamber by opening
the 45 Kg/cmg. steam isolation valve slightly and blowing through the control chamber drain.
5. Before opening the 45 Kg/cmg mains, confirm that there is no condensate in the line by
opening the drain trap bypass. Keep the trap on line.
6. Open the exhaust isolation gate valve in 12 Kg/cmg steam line and steam inlet isolation
valve fully.
8. Start the Starting oil pump by opening the steam inlet to Starting oil pump turbine.
9. The governor/regulating oil pressure should be about 9 Kg/cmg and lube oil pressure should
be above 0.5 Kg/cmg.
11. Then press F2 button to reach the minimum governor speed in auto. we have to ensure the
speed raising and the conform the governor action to control the speed, if not immediately stop
the FD fan by pedestal trip.
12. When the speed reaches 600 rpm, the starting oil pump should be stopped.
13. Adjust the speed governor from control room depending upon the boiler load. (normal 980
rpm).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 87
14. Check all the pressure gauges for normal values and check the temperatures of various
bearings.
15. The rotary oil filter is to be operated frequently so as to keep a steady regulating oil
pressure.
16. The normal governor oil pressure is 10 Kg/cmg and lube oil pressure is 4 Kg/cmg.
17. All the drains should be closed completely (i.e., in turbine casing, chest valve and drain
before exhaust isolation valve).
18. Open the suction air damper slightly from the control room.
19. Check for the minimum and maximum air flow of the FD fan.
1. Establish oil circulation through the mass flow meter and the flow control valve. Establish a
flow of 4 TPH at a pressure of 5 Kg/cmg.
2. Warm up atomising steam line and charge it. Adjust the pressure to about 9 Kg/cmg
(pressure should be more than the fuel oil pressure for about 2 ksc).
3. By this time, all the six guns should be fixed in position and the hose connections should be
given.
4. Position the bottom three guns and open the atomising steam to these burners.
5. Open the suction damper of FD fan and establish about 30 % of the rated flow. Confirm the
draft losses in each region and ensure that they are normal.
6. All air doors to individual burners should be in open condition. Open the service air to all
pilot burners.
7. Check the BCC panel for "OK START" indication after resetting the reset button. If any trip
indication persists, rectify the parameters and restore normality.
8. On confirming "OK START" signal, open the Main trip valve from BCC panel and then closed
the bypass valve of main Trip valve after ensuring the flow.
10. Charge the LPG gas header (about 2 Kg/cmg). Open the pilot gas valve to No. 2 burner (or
the burner to be lighted : No. 2 is preferred normally) and isolation valve on the header.
11. Press the "IGNITOR ON" button for No. 2 burner. Ignition on lamp indication will appear.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 88
12. Confirm the pilot flame through the peepholes and press the "BURNER START" push button
for No. 2 burner. Burner "ON" indication will appear.
13. Confirming the existence of pilot flame, open the oil isolation valve to the No. 2 burner
slowly. Main flame will be established. If the main flame does not get established, the next
attempt to light up the burner should be made after purging the furnace.
14. Adjust the oil pressure, atomising steam pressure and air flow to have a small and a non-
smoky flame.
15. The pilot ignitor should cut out automatically within about 20 secs. of putting it on. This
should be confirmed.
16. Check the rate of temperature rise at various points in temperature trend. Any abnormal
temperature rise, should be noted and necessary action should be taken immediately. The rate
of temperature rise should be around 60 0C/hr.
17. Watch the drum level in the local gauge glass (the panel indication will be wrong during the
initial condition) and operate the IBD if the level goes above + 150 mm.
18. Water wall air vents can be closed when continuous steaming is noticed (from 30 min. to one
hour depending on BFW temperature).
19. Once the firing is established, close the pilot gas isolation valve and main pilot gas isolation
valve to avoid gas loss due to passing of the valves.
20. Close the air vents when the pressure reaches about 4 to 5 Kg/cmg. Raise the pressure by
increasing the firing.
21. Hot tightening of manholes/flanges should be carried out when the pressure is within 5 - 10
Kg/cmg.
22. It is very important to record the initial and start-up readings in the log sheet.
3rd hour : 20 Kg/cmG pressure. All vents in closed condition. Steam line drains
throttled. Gradually increase firing to raise pressure.
5th hour : 80 Kg/cmg. Second burner may be cut in. Other conditions are the
same as the above. Open TCV isolation valves.
6th hour : 100 Kg/cmg. Ready for lining up. Line up feed FCV.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 89
1. Since the furnace is cold and only one burner is initially in line, the flame condition should be
checked very frequently.
2. Check whether the boiler expansion is normal and free in all directions.
4. When the boiler pressure raises up to 50 Kg/cmg, start warming up the main steam line.
Open the drains in the 106 Kg/cmg line. The air vent also to be opened.
Start gradually opening the main stop valve bypass valve. (This can be opened fully within
15 minutes).
5. After starting warming up of 106 Kg/cmg line, second burner may be lit. After lighting up
second burner, the total firing rate should be kept minimum so as to maintain the rate of
temperature and pressure rise.
6. The firing rate to be adjusted by throttling the oil return valve or by opening the FCV.
7. Feeding of the boiler has to be done intermittently through the bypass valve to maintain the
drum level.
10. Start phosphate dosing to steam drum and maintain normal phosphate and pH values in
boiler water.
11. When the exit steam temperature goes above 400 C, open the isolation valves of
attemperator TCV.
12. When the steam line pressure equals the boiler pressure, main steam stop valve can be
opened fully. Confirm the opening of main steam stop valve physically. During the pressure
equalising, PCV 0105 may have to be throttled. After opening the main stop valve fully, close the
integral bypass valve.
16. All the burner guns are to be locked in position and atomising steam should be lined up to all
burners.
18. When pressure reaches about 100 Kg/cmg, take load gradually.
19. Close the start-up vent gradually after confirming the load taken. All the drains can be
closed fully.
20. Adjust the firing rate. Cut in more burners as per the requirement so as to keep the steam
pressure steady and the oil pressure below 8 Kg/cmg. Adjust air flow as per the requirement.
21. Open injection control valve to keep the exit steam temperature within limits. Do not allow
the temperature to exceed 490 0C.
22. When the boiler load is about 35 % of the rated load, close the fuel oil return valve gradually
and adjust the FCV simultaneously, keeping the fuel oil header pressure constant (minimum four
burners to be on line).
24. Drum level controller can also be switched over to cascade control.
25. Keep injection control on "MANUAL" mode until the boiler feedwater temperature inlet
economiser reaches 150 0C.
28. The condition of each part of the boiler should be constantly watched during pressurising and
if any abnormality is found, suitable action should be taken.
29. Pilot gas system to be kept isolated, cylinders to be closed and delinked.
30. Top row burners should be cut in only after lining up all the bottom row burners. To ensure
uniform heat distribution, middle burner should be cut in first.
31. Take all trips excluding drum level low trip on line.
32. Check the gauge glass indication once more and ensure the level is OK by raising and
lowering the level.
1. Reduce the load on both boilers to less than 50 % of the rated load.
2. After reducing the boiler's load, transfer the load from the boiler to be shutdown to the other
boiler by reducing the firing rate in the former. If only one boiler is in line and that has to be
shutdown, this is not necessary.
3. Cut out two burners in the top row one by one and purge the same.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 91
4. Take the fuel oil controller to manual operation. Open the oil return valve watching the oil
pressure( adjust FCV and oil return valve to have a flow of around 4 TPH). (note: dont take
master pressure control in manual if two boilers are running)
5. Cut out two more burners one by one. Adjust the oil return valve again to have a
comfortable oil flow through the control valve. Burners to be steam purged immediately.
7. Open start-up vent gradually to about 50 % and close the main steam stop valve. (Confirm
physically that the main steam valve and its integral valve are closed).
9. Cut out one more burner and purge it. Only one burner is in line. Reduce the firing rate to
minimum. Adjust the air flow accordingly.
10. Before putting out the last burner, it is preferable to operate the soot blowers in air heater
region.
11. Attemperator TCV should be isolated when the exit steam temperature falls down to 400 C,
the TCV in closed condition.
13. Bring down the Boiler pressure to the required level (as described below) by adjusting the
start-up vent.
For natural cooling, prolonged shutdown, the boiler can be boxed up at around 80 Kg/cmg.
If it is necessary to bring the boiler on line after a few hours, the boiler can be boxed up at
90 -95 Kg/cmg pressure.
If the boiler is to be cooled down urgently for maintenance work etc., the boiler can be boxed
up at 40 - 45 Kg/cmg pressure. 14. If Ammonia injection in flue gas is open, this should be
closed before cutting out the last burner.(now this line is disconnected).
14. Cut out the last burner also by tripping from the BCC panel or from the Control Room. LAST
BURNER SHOULD NOT BE STEAM PURGED.
15. Isolate the feed line FCV with a level of + 200 mm in the steam drum.
16. Close CBD and other sampling systems. Close start-up vent.
17. Bring air flow to minimum and cut off steam to steam air heater.
18. Establish oil circulation in burner front as per the given procedure or isolate the complete
system depending on the situation.
19. Trip FD fan after about 15 minutes of tripping the boiler for purging out the explosion mixture
out of the boiler.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 92
21. Line up the starting oil pump and keep it running till the bearing temperature of the turbine
unit comes down to 65-70 C.
22. Isolate the 45 Kg/cmg and 12 Kg/cmg steam lines to FD fan, after stopping the starting oil
pump.
23. Open drains in turbine and 12 Kg/cmg line before the isolation valve on the turbine side and
check that there is no passing of steam.
24. Cut off atomising steam to all the burners and isolate the main.
25. Pull out all the burner guns and clean them immediately. Oil is to be drained from the last
cut out burner for proper disposal.
26. Feeding of the boiler is to be done intermittently whenever the level falls to -200 mm.
27. When the steam pressure reaches to about 5 Kg/cmg all the vents can be opened.
28. Feeding of the boiler should be done until the temperature (max. recorded) of boiler reaches
125 - 150 C.
29. Boiler can be handed over for maintenance after satisfying all safety precautions.
3. Take the fuel oil controller to manual mode and reduce firing.
4. Cut out all burners except one burner in the bottom row and steam purge one by one.
6. Open start-up vent to about 50 % and close the main steam stop valve.
7. Isolate the injection control valve when the steam temperature starts dropping below 4000 C.
11. Trip the boiler and box up the same as per the required condition.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 93
12. Isolate all individual burner valves and put oil circulation if necessary depending upon the
condition.
13. Isolate atomising steam, pull out and clean the guns.
Emergency Operation when one boiler trips while both units are running on load
1. See the cause of the trip in Trip annunciator and acknowledge the alarm.
2. Take the running boiler on "MANUAL" control. Keep oil at 6.3 TPH (Max) and air flow at
maximum.
4. If the trip cause is known and boiler can be restarted immediately, main steam valve need
not be closed.
6. Maintain the drum level within normal range. If water level goes high, isolate feed water
system.
8. If there is any delay in starting up close the Main stop valve and box up the boiler at slightly
lower pressure than the working pressure.
10. Isolate all individual burner oil valves and put oil circulation around the boiler front by
opening the main trip valves bypass.
11. Take more care of the running boiler's FD fan exit steam temperature, drum level etc.
12. After rectifying the defect, line up the boiler as per normal start up. Open Main Steam valve
when the boiler pressure is about 3-5 Kg/cmg less than the main steam header pressure.
Before opening the main steam valve, ensure that exit steam temperature has attained its
normal value, by venting for some time through the start-up vent.
NOTE :
If both the boilers have got tripped, close both steam stop valves immediately and box up the
boilers as described above. Start and line up the boilers one by one at the earliest not neglecting
any of the above procedure. If any one of the boiler is on line and it trips suddenly, box up the
boiler immediately. Close main steam valve, open start-up vent if pressure tends to increase.
Isolate TCV & CBD. Maintain drum level. Start the boiler after getting clearance from the Shift
Engineer. Before opening the main steam valve, bring steam temperature to the normal value.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 94
1. Phosphate dosing to be done twice or more in each shift to maintain phosphate and pH in the
boiler water.
Phosphate : 3 - 10 ppm
pH : 9.5 - 10.5
3. CBD is to be adjusted so as to have silica in boiler water less than 1 ppm and Iron 0.1 ppm.
4. Gun cleaning to be done once in 15 days and also whenever a gun is suspected to be
choked.
5. Mass flow meter filter is to be cleaned periodically. (DP across the filter should not exceed 2
Kg/cmg).
6. IBD of all panels to be operated twice a week and also depending upon the analysis report.
7. Draft values and temperatures at various points are to be watched carefully and any
abnormality is to be reported.
8. Gauge glass is to be kept on line always and checked frequently. Only gauge glass level is to
be taken as the correct level. Boiler should never be operated without atleast one of the gauge
glasses on line.
9. Control Room level indication is to be adjusted as per the local gauge glass indication (if the
difference is significant).
11. Boiler should be tripped if the water level cannot be maintained within the gauge glass even
if the drum level very low trip is kept on bypass, the boiler should never be operated without
level indication in the panel.
1. This will be immediately indicated by steam flow increase. "Master pressure Low" will also
appear.
2. Take the Master pressure controller on manual operation and keep the fuel oil flow to the
individual boilers at maximum limit, however not exceeding 6.3 TPH.
4. Bypass the Drum level low trip. (Do not operate the boiler without visible level indication in
the field and the panel)
5. If the feed water pressure is low it should be increased. Inform control room or field
operator.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 95
6. Have a glance at the chimney. If it smokes black slightly reduce the oil flow. Find out which
boiler smokes black using O2 analyser. If the chimney is clear, fuel flow can be increased slightly
until smoke in the chimney is observed.
7. If necessary, take injection control on manual. Do not allow the temperature to go beyond
490 0C. Boiler should not be operated at 490 0C even for a short duration.
8. Have a close watch on the FD fan speed. While decreasing air flow do it slowly. Otherwise it
may cause over speed trip.
9. Have a close watch over the other parameters and physical conditions. If any abnormality is
found, limit the load accordingly.
11. If necessary, take the feed water flow controller to manual operation.
12. After normal conditions are achieved, put back all the controllers on AUTO mode one by one.
1. Steam flow will fall down "Master Pressure High" alarm will appear.
3. Adjust the air flow. Reduce slightly and keep 50 to 60% of rated air flow (ie., above low flow
alarm level).
4. Firing rate will be reduced by Master pressure controller if it is not sufficient, reduce it
manually.
6. If the load is very low ie., 35 % of the rated load, take one of the boiler fuel control valves to
MANUAL and reduce the load in that boiler to minimum by opening the oil return valve.
7. Get instructions from the shift in-charge and proceed further accordingly.
ASGU is designed to produce 106.5 Kg/cma steam which is mainly utilised for Captive power
production in TG I. TG I exhaust is 45Kg/cmg steam and it is used again for captive power
production in TG II as well as to meet the requirement of 48 Kg/cma steam demand.
Supplier : ASGU
Consumer :
1. TG I
2. To ammonia header through HC 202C
3. Through PCV 2600 to 48 Kg/cma header
4. Through MFCV 2600 to 48 Kg/cma header in case of TG I turbine or generator trip.
48 Kg/cma steam
Supplier :
1. TG I exhaust
2. 106 Kg/cma to 48 Kg/cma let down PCV 2600
3. MFCV 2600
4. From OSB through FCV 2603
5. From ammonia plant 48 Kg/cma header.
Consumer :
12 Kg/cma steam
Supplier :
Consumer:
Supplier :
Consumer :
Desuper heating
From the boiler feed pump discharge through PC 2662 pressure is let down to 60 Kg/cmg and is
fed to all desuperheaters.
When the ASGU is to be run to supply steam for power generation, all systems and utilities will
be made independent of Ammonia Plant.
Steam will be charged to the unit from OSB to enable start up of FD fan, BFW pump, FO pump
and to supply to Deaerator, FO Header Atomising Steam etc., until the Boiler generates steam to
make it self-sufficient for these and other requirements.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 98
Inlet and Exhaust isolation valves of FD Fan Turbine, BFW Pump Turbines, FO Pump Turbines
and TG-II Condensate Pump Turbine.
Steam - Air Heater TCV isolation valve and its bypass valve.
Ensure that instrument signal for FX 2603 is reversed, to enable steam flow from OSB to be
measured. (after steam system stablised by receiving steam from ASGU FX 2603 should be
normalized back).
3. Ensure that instrument air system of CPP is stabilised, IA from Ammonia Plant is isolated and
IA from CPP lined up to all Boiler are instruments.
5. Ensure that 48 Kg/cma Header isolation valve at OSB has been opened and the line warmed
up and pressurised upto CPP battery limit isolatiion valve (FCV 2603 downstream isolation valve).
7. Open FCV 2603 by 5% and its upstream isolation valve integral bypass valve and start
warming up the 48 Kg/cma header.
8. After condensate has stopped issuing from all drains, start pressurising the header slowly by
opening battery limit valve. Throttle the drains as the pressure increases.
9. When the pressure is about 10 Kg/cmg, open isolation valve on 48-12 Kg/cma letdown,
open PCV 2626 slightly and start warming up 12 Kg/cma header.
10. When condensate stops issuing out of the drains, start pressurising 12 Kg/cma header by
throttling the vent PCV.
11. When the pressure is about 5 Kg/cmg, put the vent controller on "AUTO" and continue
raising the pressure.
12. Start warming up the 2.1 Kg/cma header through the 12-12.1 Kg/cma letdown as done
above.
13. Gradually bring up 12 and 12.1 Kg/cma header to normal pressure, keeping letdown PCV's
on "MANUAL" and vent PCV's on "AUTO". Allow 48 Kg/cma header pressure to come up and
float with OSB header pressure.
14. Desuperheaters need not be lined up if the 12 and 12.1 Kg/cma header temperature are not
much higher than normal. If required water has to be drawn from Ammonia plant until BFW
pump is started.
1. All equipment and boiler heating sections should be checked for rags, tools and any other
foreign matter and they should be removed. The heating surface should be kept clean.
2. Check inside the steam drum for any foreign materials and close the drum manhole.
3. Check air duct and flue gas duct for any foreign materials and close the manhole covers.
5. Line up level gauges of steam drum, CBD tank and IBD Tank. (now CBD tank is shifted to
main plant for use of 12 ksc to 2.1 ksc flash drum).
8. Close all drain valves of the headers and CBD / IBD Valves.
12. Check oil levels in bearing / sump of FD fan, FD fan turbine, boiler feed water turbine make-
up the level if required,
FD Fan bearings
FD Fan Turbine oil cooler
Sample coolers
Boiler Feed water turbine oil coolers and seal water coolers.
14. Open the drain valve upstream and downstream of HCV 202 C.
15. Open the Start -up Isolation valve and its MOV.
16. Confirm that all the soot blowers are kept at pulled out condition.
17. Check whether all the pilot igniters are properly fixed.
1. If Deaerator is taken in line after prolonged shut down it has to be inspected inside for
collection of any foreign material. This is to be done for storage tank also.
2. After thorough inspection / cleaning, the system is to be filled up with polished water and to
be flushed several times. If inlet and outlet water quality is the same, flushing can be stopped.
(Check for Silica and Iron.) The Deaerator and storage tank must be drained fully and drain
valve to be closed.
3. Ensure that all the instruments and control valves are available. Stroke check all the valves
related to Deaerator.
4. Keep open all the vents including the control vent provided with an isolation valve.
5. Admit steam through the startup steam line provided in the storage and allow the system to
warm up slowly. Temperature of the steam to be kept at 200 0C. If all the entrapped gases are
released and adequate temperature is attained, slowly close the controlled vent isolation valve.
Pressure of the unit must be controlled at 0.4 Kg/cmg. Check all the pipe lines, manholes,
flanges etc for any leak. All the instruments connected with pressure must be in service. Check
them for any malfunctioning.
6. Admit water gradually through the LCV since in this line only strainer is available. Watch for
any hammering, which must be avoided. Slowly increase the water quantity to reach the normal
level in the storage. Initially the drain valve in the storage may have to be used to have a
continuous water flow till the BFW pump is started and water is used in Boiler. In that case,
establish a flow rate of about 10 to 15 TPH through drain and stabilise the Deaerator.Check
oxygen content in deaerated water after achieving the design conditions of 0.4 Kg/cmg and 109
0
C.
1. Ensure that 24 V DC power is available. LO Auxiliary Pump must be started as a first step
before warming up of casing is done. For starting Auxiliary Oil Pump, the level in the LO
Reservoir should be above alarm level. After starting the pump, ensure that all the lines are
filled up and normal flow is observed in the slight glasses provided on LO return lines. Ensure
that the priming valve provided for main oil pump, to fill its suction line, is in open condition.
2. Line up suction isolation valve of the pump (before this, the Deaerator system must be in line
and adequate water make up available). Prime the pump thoroughly and check the suction
pressure. It should be about 1.5 Kg/cmg. The minimum allowed pressure is 1.0 Kg/cmg.
Ensure that spill back valve is full open and that discharge valve is fully closed.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 102
3. Initially turbine is warmed up thoroughly through casing drains by opening the exhaust
isolation valve slowly. (Care to be taken not to pressurise the line and casing suddenly).
4. Reset the manual trip latch and over speed trip latch. Reset the trip throttle value by closing
it fully. Finally reset the panel reset provided in the local panel. Open the main steam isolation
valve and pressurise the line upto trip valve. Ensure that the first nozzle valve is kept open fully.
5. Slightly open the trip throttle valve and roll the turbine. Set it at 100 rpm and watch for any
abnormal noise or bearing temperature rise. Allow the casing to warm up thoroughly. Once the
casing is warmed up and inlet temperature starts picking up above 280 0C, increase the speed to
500 rpm. Allow the turbine to run at 500 rpm for 5 minute, check vibration and temperature.
Turbine speed can be taken up in steps of 500 rpm, allowing the turbine to run for 5 minutes at
every stage before raising the speed. Once minimum Governor speed is reached, open the trip
throttle valve fully. (Keep it half turn closed to enable it to close at the time of trip.) Slowly rise
the speed using Governor speed change knob and line up the pump at required pressure (100
Kg/cm for start up). After reaching the minimum governor speed the leak off steam is lined up
to the 2.1 ksc header.
The BFW heater provided with the BFW pumps in a 'U' tube type. BFW passes through the tubes
and on the shell side, 12 Kg/cma superheated steam is used as a heating medium. The shell
side pressure is controlled to achieve in the shell which enables condensate level to be
maintained. The condensed water is directly fed to Deaerator storage tank.
After starting the BFW pump and before lining up the heater, ensure that priming vent is kept
open slightly and heater is primed thoroughly before lining up. Once circulation is established
through the heater, shell side steam isolation valve to be opened slightly and steam must be
admitted slowly through the PCV. Initial liquid collection in the shell can be drained locally.
Once the system is warmed up thoroughly and checked for leaks in the flanges, the shell side
can be pressurised slowly to get the exit BFW temperature of 185 0C. Line up LCV after checking
the quality of condensates to Deaerator Storage Tank.
1. Ammonia dosing and Hydrazine dosing should be done in the feed water.
2. Open air vent in feed water line before FCV 201C and release the air lock.
3. Keep FCV 201C Isolation valves and by pass valve in closed condition.
4. Open all panel drain valves. Keep economiser drain valve and common drain valve to IBD
tank closed.
5. Open the boiler filling isolation valves and start filling the boiler through all panel IBD.
6. Adjust the feed rate to about 15 tph so that working level may be reached in about three
hours.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 103
7. Feed the boiler upto 50mm in gauge glass. Close filling up line valves and line up feed
through FCV 203 C.
8. Start rinsing the boiler keeping the level constant . Rinsing shall be done by opening the
drain valves in the water wall panel bottom headers. Rinse through all panels.
9. Check the gauge glass for its correct functioning by raising or lowering the level through the
drains.
1. Ensure oil lines isolation valves for individual burners are kept closed.
2. Ensure the fuel gas line isolation valves are in closed condition.
3. Establish oil circulation in the burner front atleast 8 hours before lighting the boiler.
4. Inform CPP to start Fuel oil pump. Line up PCV and put it in auto at 15 Kg/cmg.
5. Ensure that oil recirculation valve after fuel oil heater is kept partially opened and line up
steam to fuel oil heater . slowly raise the oil temperature to 120 0C.
6. Check all drains and Vents in boiler area are kept closed. Open Isolation valves of Mass flow
meter and FCV 203 C.
9. Open the Isolation valve in fuel oil supply line. Open FCV 203C and its bypass valve and
adjust so as to have a flow of about 8 TPH, and pressure of about 10 Kg/cmg.
1. Check oil level in turbine oil sump and fan bearings. Keep cooling water to oil cooler closed
and water to bearing jackets open.
2. Check position of auxiliary oil pump auto/local switch in control Room. Keep the switch on
'Local'.
3. Start the aux. oil pump using the start - stop PB station near the turbine. Ensure that it
develops a minimum of 1.8 Kg/cmg, Oil pressure (the 'low lube oil' trip switch gets reset at a
pressure of 1.7 Kg/cmg). Put the auto/local switch on 'auto'.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 104
4. Check that the governor speed knob is set at the minimum position (turned fully counter-
clockwise from the top).
5. Ensure that the steam inlet and exhaust lines upto the turbine isolation valves are thoroughly
warmed up and that no condensate issues from the drains.
6. Open the turbine exhaust valve slowly and gradually pressurise the turbine casing. Keep the
turbine casing drain sufficiently open to drain all condensate and warm up the casing. Also open
the gate valve in the steam inlet line.
9. Push the 'start' PB in the control Room to open the hydraulic stop valve in the steam inlet.
10. Inform the concerned department for requirement of steam. Slowly open the globe valve at
the turbine inlet. Allow the turbine speed to pick up such that the lube oil pressure increases to
3.8 Kg/cmg and the auxiliary lube oil pump can be stopped and put it in auto. In the control
panel, watch 12 ata header pressure and ensure that it is steady.
11. When the governor starts controlling the speed at minimum setting (about 600 rpm), slowly
open the steam inlet valve fully.
12. Check the fan bearings for adequate oil level, any abnormal temperature rise, vibration, etc.
13. Open water to turbine oil cooler and maintain the oil exit temperature at about 45 0C.
Backflush the cooler for sometime before taking it in line.
14. Raise the speed to 980 rpm using the governor speed changer knob (turn clockwise).
15. The fan suction damper can be opened at this stage for further start up activities.
SHUT DOWN
3. Close the globe valve on the steam inlet. Check that the aux.oil pump starts on auto when
the oil pressure reaches 1.7 Kg/cmg.
4. Press the stop' PB in control Room to close the hydraulic valve. Also pull the hand trip knob
to the trip position.
5. Check that the aux.oil pump runs for half an hour before stopping.
6. Isolate and drain water to oil cooler and fan bearing jackets.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 105
1. Fix all the four guns in position and connect them with respective hoses.
3. Open the suction damper of FD fan and establish about 30% of rated air flow. Check the
draft losses at each section of the boiler and verify with the normal values. Check for any
abnormal air leakage.
5. Ensure service air supply to all pilot burners and flame scanners.
6. Charge the LPG header by opening the cylinders valves and check the header pressure.
7. Line up the gas header pressure regulating valve and maintain a pressure of 2 Kg/cmg at
the gas header.
1. Steam will be found to issue freely out of the vents in about half an hour after lighting up.
Close all air vents. Throttle the start up vent control valve PCV 203 C gradually to about 30%
opening to raise the boiler pressure.
2. Pressure at the end of the one hour will be about 10 Kg/cmg. Throttle drains in steam.
Continue raising the pressure by increasing fule oil firing.
5. Line up desuperheater TCV 203 C and control steam temperature to limit superheater metal
temperatures.
6. Continue raising boiler pressure by increasing firing, to achieve 90 Kg/cmg at the end of the
third hour.
3. Keep a watch on the superheater coil skin temperatures. The temperature should be kept
below 500 0C, by using the attemperator to control exit steam temperature.
4. Check the drum level on the gauge glasses and the remote level indicator frequently.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 106
5. Line up the CBD and the sample coolers when the boiler pressure is about 50 Kg/cmg.
6. Operate the IBD and all the bottom header drains once at about 60 Kg/cmg pressure.
7. Start warming up the main steam line when the boiler pressure is about 80 Kg/cmg (if
steam is to be supplied to CPP). Inform CPP Operator and ensure that all interbattery drains are
kept open. Slightly open integral bypass of MOV to CPP.
8. If steam is to be supplied to Ammonia plant, ensure that isolation valve at hook up point is
kept closed, open drains downstream of MOV and downstream of HCV 202 C. Then slightly open
integral bypass of MOV.
9. Line up the feed water FCV and take drum level control on cascade auto.
10. Start dosing phosphate to the steam drum and maintain normal PO4 and pH.
1. Check the master pressure controller PC 201 setting and increase the pressure of the III
boiler to this value.
2. After warming up the 106 ata header to Ammonia plant, gradually pressurise the header and
equalise with III boiler (also with boilers I & II). Throttle all drains.
4. Ensure that the master pressure controller PC 201 C change over switch is set to receive
signal from PC of boilers I & II.
5. Open the MOV on the steam line to Ammonia plant. Close the integral bypass.
6. Gradually close the start up vent PCV 203 C and feed steam to Ammonia plant. Loads on
auxiliary boilers are to be adjusted without any upset.
7. After the start up vent is fully closed, increase the firing gradually (either raise FO pressure
or light another burner).
8. When steam flow to Ammonia plant is established (minimum 40 TPH), put 'Combustion
Control' on cascade auto. Adjust ratio contact to share load as required.
1. Inform CPP Operator, check that all interbattery drains are kept open and slightly open
integral bypass valve of MOV to CPP.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 107
2. After the header is completely warmed up (as confirmed by CPP Operator), gradually
pressurise the header and equalise with boiler pressure (105.5 Kg/cmg).
4. Line up 106-48 letdown station PCV 2600 and FCV 2600 and also the desuperheater TCV
203 C.
5. Inform OSB Operator and gradually open PCV 2600. Import steam from OSB will get
reduced. Close start up vent to maintain boiler load at same value (about 30 TPH).
7. Put start up vent PCV on auto with set point slightly higher than boiler pressure.
2. Reduce boiler load gradually by reducing oil firing. Watch other boiler loads. Cut off burners
depending on FO pressure. (Cut off top row burners first).
4. When the boiler load drops below 30%, start closing the MOV on main steam line slowly.
Simultaneously open the start up vent to maintain the drum pressure. Keep a watch on
superheater coil skin temperatures.
6. After the MOV is fully closed (and start up vent proportionately opened), reduce firing further
to bring down the pressure to 90 Kg/cmg.
7. As TG-I and TG-II load are reduced, allow boiler load to come down. Cut off burners as
necessary.
8. When the load is about 30%, take the combustion control on 'manual' and reduce firing.
Open FO return.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 108
9. Open start up vent to maintain the steam header pressure. Watch superheater coils skin
temperature.
10. When TG-I / TG-II are shut down, 45 ata steam will be required for boiler and CPP auxiliaries
only (about 25 TPH). Inform OSB regarding this requirement. Gradually close 106 - 48 ata
letdown PCV 2600 and draw steam from OSB. When letdown is closed, isolate letdown station
and close MOV at boiler exit to CPP. Keep start up vent open to maintain boiler pressure at the
same firing.
14. Stop FD fan after purging the furnace for about 5 minutes. Isolate steam to SAPH.
15. Close and isolate FCV 201 C when the drum level is + 150 mm.
18. Cut off atomising steam to all burners and isolate the main.
20. Keep the drum level not less than - 150 mm by intermittently supplying feed water to drum.
21. Allow the boiler to cool naturally. When the pressure reaches about 5 Kg/cm, all vents can
be opened.
22. Feeding of the boiler should be done until the temperature of boiler reaches 125-150 0C.
1. Phosphate dosing is to be done in each shift to maintain PO4 and pH in the boiler feed water.
PO4 - 3 to 10 ppm
pH - 9.5 to 10.5 ppm
2. Hydrazine and Ammonia are to be dosed to boiler feed water to maintain the following
values:
pH N2H4
BFW 9.5 -
CBD 9.5-10.5 0.08 max
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 109
3. Steam soot blowing is to be done once in each shift or more frequently depending on boiler
conditions.
5. Gun cleaning is to be done once in 15 days minimum and also whenever a gun is suspected
choked. Also clean the Y-strainer in the FO line to each burner.
6. Check FD fan turbine and boiler feed water pump turbine oil level.
7. IBD (all panels) to be operated twice in a week for about 4 seconds each.
8. Draft values and temperature at various points are to be watched carefully and any change to
be reported.
9. Gauge glasses should be kept on line always and are to be checked frequently. Only gauge
glass level is to be taken as the correct level.
12. The superheater coils are provided with skin thermocouples at 12 locations. The temperature
at any point should not exceed 517 0C. Any abnormal increase should be immediately reported.
13. Conduct 'Walk Down Check' of the entire boiler atleast once every shift.
Normally the boiler feed water supply temperature will be 185 0C. In case boiler feed water is
available at 105 0C only a drum Preheater is provided to minimise or prevent corrosion in
Economiser and TAPH.
Water temperature is raised from 105 C to 155 0C in the drum coil heater and fed to the drum
through economiser.
Open the isolation valve in the line to drum Preheater (located downstream of FCV 201 C) in
boiler feed water line and close the isolation valve for the economiser. Circulation of boiler feed
water is established through drum Preheater.
While the boiler load is being raised, keep a watch on economiser exit water temperature. If the
temperature increases beyond 260 0C, open economiser inlet valve slightly to control the
temperature below this value.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 110
Compressor
Compressor train consists of two casings. A step up gear is provided in between the casings with
the gear ratio of 1:1.47. Rated speed of the LP casing is 7500 rpm and HP casing is 11000
rpm.
Main lube oil pump driven by turbine, takes oil from reservoir (capacity 6300 liters) and
pressurises to 6 KSCG. This is cooled to 40 0C in oil cooler, filtered to 25 microns, letdown to 2.2
KSCG by lube oil pressure control valve and further reduced 1.5 KSCG to journal bearings and 1
KSCG to thrust bearing, through adjustable restriction orifices. A part of the oil discharged from
the pump is branched off at the upstream of the oil filter and supplied to the governing system.
Oil drain from the lubrication and governing system returns to oil reservoir across the flow sights.
1. Auxiliary lube oil pump driven by motor. If the lube oil pressure drops to 1.2 KSCG due to
any trouble, this pump will start automatically and deliver the lube oil to the main line.
2. Accumulator : If the lube oil pump fails, the accumulators will prevent the oil pressure from
dropping during the startup of Auxiliary oil pump.
3. Standby oil cooler and oil filter are provided. This filter is to be lined up when the filter on-line
differential pressure increases to 2 KSC.
4. Nitrogen gas connection for oil reservoir is given for purging the reservoir and to keep under
Nitrogen atmosphere during normal operation.
Roll-O-Matic filter
This is fixed inside a Plenum chamber with suction on one side through a suction tower, the
outlet connected to the compressor first suction. The filter roll is fixed on the top and filter cloth
passes through chamber and it is rolled up in the bottom. This is driven by a motor. The rolling
of the filter is done manually depending upon the suction pressure and filter differential pressure.
Turbine
Hitachi condensing turbine having 6 stages, double flow at the exhaust and multi-control valve.
The turbine uses 12 ata steam, about 53 TPH at normal full load conditions.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 111
Condenser
Surface condenser is designed to condense about 57 TPH of the turbine exhaust steam at 56.2
0
C and -635 mmHg pressure. The condensate is collected at the hotwell and is pumped out by
the condensate extraction pump. The cooling water is on the tube side. It is divided into two
halves to enable isolation of one side for cleaning while the turbine is in operation.
Ejector
This is for maintaining vacuum at the turbine exhaust. There are two sets of Primary &
Secondary Ejectors. One set will normally function and the other set is kept as standby. This
takes suction from the surface condenser above the hotwell. The ejector outlet steam is
condensed in the intercondenser and put back into the surface condenser. A startup ejector is
provided for additional capacity during startup. Gland ejector is provided to remove the leakoff
steam from the main turbine. The leakoff steam will pass through gland condenser and the
condensate is drained. The gland ejector outlet is put into the aftercondenser. The non-
condensable from aftercondenser is put into atmosphere through vent.
Condensate Pump
The main pump is turbine driven and the standby is motor driven. It takes suction from surface
condenser hotwell and pumps condensate to the SCC header.
2. Prepare and check instruments : Ensure that instrument air to all instruments has been lined
up. Obtain clearance from Instruments Maintenance for completion of jobs.
1. Check the reservoir level. Ensure that sufficient oil is available for filling up oil coolers, filters,
accumulators and piping.
2. Line up pump suction. Close the pump discharge. Line up one cooler and one filter to the
system.
2. Open the discharge to get 6 KSCG at the cooler inlet pressure gauge.
3. Adjust the lube oil pressure to 2.2 KSCG (now the lube oil control is set for correct pressure).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 112
4. Check the oil pressure to the journal bearings and gear box is more than 1.5 KSCG and for
thrust bearing is more than 1 KSCG.
5. Confirm the lube oil circulation in close sights and the drain piping of the compressor gear
box and turbine.
6. Vent the trapped air in the oil cooler filter and gauges through the vent valves.
7. Check the cooling water to main oil cooler. Vent any air from both the shell and tube side of
the oil cooler. Adjust the water flow to have the outlet temperature of the cooler within the
range of 35-40 0C. Maximum allowable oil temperature is 51.7 0C at the exit of oil cooler.
3. Flush the condenser by filling up and draining repeatedly till the water is clear from the drain.
Then close the drain.
4. Build up level in the surface condenser. Line up motor driven pump suction valve and close
the discharge. Keep the vapour equalising line from the pump to surface condenser in the open
condition.
5. Start the condensate pump and line up the level control valve isolation valves. Keep the local
drain open and isolate the line to SCC header till analysis is OK. The condensate may be lined up
to SCC header at a convenient time after analysing the condensate for Silica and Iron.
6. Line up the seal water to all the valve glands and lines under vacuum to prevent air leakage
into the system. Line up seal water to condensate pump gland seal.
2. Check the governor oil pressure is normal (more than 5 KSCG) and lube oil pressure is
2.2 KSCG.
1. Start warming up of the steam line atleast half an hour before the startup to ensure that the
steam temperature is 100 0C above the saturation.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 113
2. Line up cooling water to surface condenser. This is to be done in co-ordination with Control
Room. Vent any air locked up in the cooling water chamber of the surface condenser.
3. The following drain valves in the main steam line shall be kept open.
4. Charge the steam upto to MSV by opening the bypass valve around the main isolation valve.
5. Then open the main isolation valve. The drain may be throttled if excessive steam is blowing
out.
6. For warming up the steam line, the startup ejector steam line shall be kept fully opened. For
this charge the steam to ejector and keep the start-up ejector steam fully opened.
2. Pull vacuum in the surface condenser (if the turbine is hot, seal steam shall be admitted
before pulling vacuum and immediately turbine shall be put on roll) To do this, close the vacuum
breaker valve. Check the startup ejector steam is opened.
3. Open the air valve to start-up ejector. Now the vacuum in the surface condenser will come
to -500 mmHg. One set of Primary and Secondary Ejectors also shall be lined up by lining up the
steam to the ejectors first and then opening the air valve from surface condenser to the ejector.
4. Reset the pedestal trip. Governor oil pressure will increase to 5 KSCG in the local panel.
5. Now the turbine driven lube oil pump and condensate pump shall be started and lined up.
When opening the turbine driven lube oil pump discharge valve, the motor driven lube oil pump
discharge valve shall be closed to maintain the lube oil header pressure in the header.
6. Then the motor driven pump shall be stopped and put on auto start service. To do this
"STOP", "AUTO" & "START". Switch on the local panel shall be turned to STOP position and then
to auto.
7. Check the auto starting of the standby lube oil pump by stopping the turbine driven pump.
8. Check the auto start of the standby condensate pump by increasing the condenser level.
Stop and keep it as standby on auto start position. Discharge valves on the standby pump shall
be kept open during normal run. Keep the standby lube oil pump discharge throttled to avoid
overloading of the motor.
9. Check the extra-low lube oil pressure trip by actuating the pedestal trip, and governor oil
pressure indicating and the local panel to go down.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 114
10. Check PIC 1-201 and FIC 1-201 outputs are kept at zero. Check the LP casing hand control
vent is kept fully opened. Physically check the valves in the field and ensure that they are full
open.
11. Check the Woodward governor speed control knob is set at minimum position.
12. Start opening the main steam stop valve. When the rotor starts rotating, throttle the MSV, to
avoid the rotor speeding up. Maintain the speed at 500 rpm for about one hour.
13. As soon as the rotor starts rotating, line up sealing steam by opening the steam valve to seal
steam regulator and the bypass valve of the seal steam regulator if necessary.
14. Line up the gland ejector and maintain 20 mmHg in the gland condenser, by throttling the
steam to gland ejector. Line up gland ejector drain to the surface condenser.
15. Check for any rubbing noise from the turbine and compressor.
16. Do not allow the condenser pressure to go below -700 mmHg. This will damage exhaust
wheel blade. Now check the turbine driven lube oil pump and condensate pumps are in service
and motor driven pumps are on "AUTO" before increasing the speed.
17. Speed up the turbine to 1000 rpm according to the start-up diagram.
18. Check the physical tripping of the machine at 1000 rpm by actuating the pedestal trip. Reset
and start continue to run at 1000 rpm. Increase the speed according to the startup diagram for
PAC.
To load up, reset the push button "BLOW OFF", then start closing FIC 1-201 manually to build up
the pressure. Check the minimum flow required to prevent surging and keep the flow above this
value.
Increase the speed to 7500 rpm. Load up the machine to 32.5 KSCG and put FIC & PIC on Auto
control.
When the process air is being lined up to Secondary Reformer, the operator shall be present to
take action in case any problem.
Adjust the seal air pressure by throttling isolation valves. Use the pressure gauges provided on
the seal air lines and keep the header pressure about 0.5 KSCG above the seal pressure.
In this case, DPG trip-2 will appear on the local panel. Compressor anti surge valve FIC 1-201
will open full.
wait for the Control Room to reset the Trip Panel Reset No. 9-A.
reset the "BLOW OFF" valve. Start closing FIC 1-201 manually to get pressure to 20 KSCG
on the discharge so that instrument air supply is ensured. Wait for the instruction from Shift
Engineer for further loading.
Immediately put PIC and FIC 1-201 on manual and bring down the signal to zero.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 116
Inform the Control Room that the compressor is ready for start-up.
In case the compressor is to be started immediately, enquire about the steam load.
Open the MSV and bring it upto minimum governor speed gradually but without any delay.
Then load up the PIC 1-201 and FIC 1-201 to get 32.5 KSCG at the final discharge. Put both the
controls on auto.
If the compressor has to be stopped, open all the drains. Break the vacuum, isolate the steam
line, stop the condensate pump and keep only the lube oil pump (motor) running. This
shutdown shall be done systematically.
If the vibration slightly goes up or a slight noise is heard, we can try to reduce the load and see
the vibration or noise comes down. Inform the Shift Engineer first. But if the trend is on the
increasing, it is better to take a planned shutdown.
If the vibration or noise is heavy, use the pedestal trip and stop the machine immediately.
No. of stages 4 + (1 X 2)
Compressor
LP case HP case
Compressor shall be operated at 35600 Nm3/Hr for a minimum duty of 29820 Nm3/Hr and rest
shall be vented.
Vibration
Permissible 14 microns
Axial displacement 600 - 650 microns
manual trip value
Axial displacement 375 microns
permissible
8. Open all the cooler drains, compressor casing drains, separator drain trap bypass valves.
9. Start motor driven lube oil pump and condensate pump. Stop the turbine driven pumps.
10. Cut off the air valve to air ejector and isolate steam to air ejector.
11. Open the vacuum breaker and wait for the vacuum to come down to absolute zero.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 118
12. Cut off the sealing steam. Isolate gland ejector air line and steam.
13. After 15 minutes, stop the condensate pump. Isolate the DM water make-up. Drain the
surface condenser and leave the drain in open condition.
14. Isolate the main steam valve. Open all the steam line drains.
15. Keep only the motor driven lube oil pump running till the turbine and the compressor are
cooled down below 90 0C.
16. Once the turbine metal temperature cools down below 90 0C, stop the lube oil pump. Isolate
the cooling water lines and drain the water from the cooler. Leave the cooling water chamber
drain and vent in open condition.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
Compressor
The Compressor is a three casing machine, the final wheel of the third casing forming the
circulator. The first casing is split into two sections, gas being cooled between the sections. This
gives a more efficient stage.
The normal suction capacity of the Synthesis Gas Compressor is 130522 Nm3/Hr. A bleed is
taken off after the first casing and this gas is mixed with product hydrogen and sent to the
Naphtha desulphurisation section. The rest of the gas is delivered to the Ammonia loop at 190
Kg/cmA (128,700 Nm3/Hr). The actual make-up requirement of the loop is 127,573 Nm3/Hr.
The difference between these two figures is the allowance for losses from compressor seals and
loop flanges.
The Circulator has a capacity of 531,120 Nm3/Hr and its suction and discharge pressures are 185
and 195 ATA respectively.
Turbine
The driver is an Extraction Condensing Turbine 3701-001 powered by 268 tph of 106 ATA steam
at 475 0C, developing 19035 KW AT 10,309 rpm (at normal rated point). The turbine has a
passout connection into the HP 45 ATA steam main and exhausts at 0.17 ATA in the condenser,
and it comprises basically the following equipment:-
3701 - 012 Ejector Condenser. The auxiliaries are driven by MP 12 ATA, 278 0C
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 2
steam and the auxiliary turbines exhaust into the condenser of the main
turbine.
Governor System
Governor system consist of speed control device and extraction control device to maintain speed
and extraction constant even when load and extraction flow are changed.
When the compressor load is decreased with constant extraction flow, turbine speed goes up.
Woodward governor driven by turbine shaft end pushes up its folk to push up point "K" of the
main lever. As the extraction flow is constant, point "C" at the extraction control oil cylinder
becomes fix point. When point "K" is pushed up, main lever turns upward to pull reset lever as
these two levers are connected at point "B" and "D". Reset lever is pulled up with point "F" as a
fix point to pull up pilot valve for regulating valve at point "D".
At the inlet port of the regulating valve oil pilot valve, governor oil is introduced. When the pilot
valve is pulled up, pressure oil flows into the upper port of regulating valve oil cylinder to pull
down connecting lever. By the above, regulating valve is closed to decrease speed.
When the connecting lever is pulled down, point "F" of the reset lever is pushed down to reset
regulating oil pilot valve.
Meantime, when the main lever is pushed up by governor, point "A" is also pushed up. With this
action, extraction control oil pilot valve is pulled upto lead pressure oil at the bottom port of
extraction control oil cylinder. Then the extraction control valve is closed to decrease steam flow
into low pressure part to maintain same extraction flow. Reset of the extraction control oil pilot
valve is also made by the reset lever mechanism.
When more extraction flow is required for plant use, signal air pressure from the flow controller
increases. With higher pressure, bellow in the askania extraction controller is pushed to shift oil
jet sideway. Pressure oil is then led to the top part of the extraction control oil cylinder. As the
compressor load is constant, point "K" becomes fix point when the main lever is turned. By the
above action, point "B" is pulled down and point "A" is pushed up.
Therefore, inlet steam is increased and the extraction flow also is increased since extraction
control valve is closed to reduce steam flow into low pressure part.
Critical Operation
In case that the extraction flow is too large or too small for the turbine load, extraction control is
locked with stopper and governor only is used for turbine operation.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 3
When extraction flow requirement is too large for a output, lift of the extraction control valve
cylinder is limited by the upper stopper to keep minimum flow for low pressure part. Under such
condition, when load on the turbine is further reduced, regulating valve is closed to reduce load
however, extraction flow becomes less than the plant requirement. In this case, steam by-pass
valve in plant steam piping shall be opened to maintain steam flow.
When extraction flow requirement is too small for the output, lift of the extraction control valve
oil cylinder is limited by the lower stopper to protect lower pressure turbine blades. Under such
condition, when the load is increased further, regulating valve is opened to increase output
however, extraction flow increases since the control valve does not move.
Then the excessive steam flow must be led to the lower pressure line or vent to atmosphere via
relief valve.
This is a device for adjusting the turbine speed by changing air pressure to the Woodward
Governor.
For example, in case it is desirable to drop the turbine speed, signal air pressure to the governor
shall be decreased. If air pressure falls, the lever turns upward with point "C" as fulcrum,
through the pneumatic speed change equipment incorporated in the governor. As a result the
governor valve oil pilot valve is pulled up, and the turbine speed is dropped by the same action
as in the case of an increase in the turbine speed due to a decrease in the load.
In case it is desirable to raise the turbine speed, the action goes on in the direction opposite to
that described above. Further, the relationship between control air pressure and turbine speed is
as follows:
By turning the speed change knob provided at top of the governor it is possible to adjust the
required speed in the same way as described in (a) above.
Moreover, in the case of changer over from manual control to pneumatic control, be sure to
maintain the speed at 7216 rpm by means of the speed change knob provided on top of the
Woodward Governor and then introduce pressure air at 0.2 Kg/cm.
If the above procedure is neglected a balance between signal air pressure and turbine revolution
is lost, so sufficient attention must be given to this point.
Anti-surge control:
The phenomenon of surge in a centrifugal compressor occurs when flow is reduced sufficiently to
cause a momentary reversal of flow in the compressor. This reversal tends to lower the pressure
in the discharge line. Normal compression resumes and the cycle is repeated. This cycling or
surging can vary in intensity from an audible rattle to a violent shock. Intense surges are
capable of causing complete destruction of the components such as blades and seals. Therefore,
for different speeds there are points of corresponding pressure head and flow where this
phenomenon occurs and this is called the surge line as shown on the compressor performance
curves. To prevent this occurring, valves between the suction and discharge of the compressor
casings open to maintain sufficient flow through the casing and the anti-surge control system is
programmed to open those valves at a set point line to the right of the surge line.
On the first casing of the machine the suction pressure PI 101, discharge pressure PT 104 and
discharge flow FIC 101T are monitored and out put signals are fed to FIC 101. The output from
this controller actuates the surge valve FCV 101 across the 1st casing.
The second casing is similar. The suction pressure is monitored by PT 105, the discharge
pressure by PT 106 and the discharge flow by FIC 102 which in turn send a computed signal to
the anti-surge valve FCV 102 across the second casing.
The third casing is more complex as the circulator is in the same casing. For the synthesis gas
section, the suction pressure is monitored by PT 107, the discharge pressure by PT 108, the flow
by FIC 103 which sends an out put to the anti-surge valve across the compressor section FCV
103. Across the circulator there is a similar system.
The recycled gas in the circulator is cooled between suction and discharge by a water cooled
exchanger.
Main lube oil pump driven by turbine takes oil from the reservoir and pressurises it to about 10
Kg/cmg. This oil is cooled to about 43 0C in oil cooler filtered to 25 microns by oil filter
controlled to 1.4 Kg/cmg by pressure control valve (PCV 144) and flows into bearings and
couplings for the compressors and turbine for lubrication. A part of oil discharged from the lube
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 5
oil pump is branched off at the upstream of oil cooler, filtered to 60 microns and supplied to the
governing system of the turbine as governor oil.
Oil drain from the lubrication and governing systems returns to the oil reservoir across the flow
sights.
If the governor oil or lube oil pressure drops due to any trouble in lube oil pump, this pump will
be started automatically and deliver the oil to the main header.
2. Accumulators :
If the main lube oil pump fails these accumulators will prevent the oil pressure from dropping
during the startup of Auxiliary Pump and rise it to the normal pressure. The bladder inside the
accumulator is kept under 5.8 Kg/cmg Nitrogen pressure.
Standby lube oil cooler and oil filter are provided in this stream.
This is for injecting Nitrogen into the oil reservoir for purging out air completely and for
providing nitrogen atmosphere inside the reservoir.
Two seal oil sources are provided in this system. One of them is low pressure seal oil source for
low pressure compressor (463-B5/4) and the other is high pressure source for medium pressure
compressor (2 BF9) and high pressure compressor (2 BF 9-7). The low pressure seal oil is
pressurised to 65 Kg/cmg from downstream of lube oil filter by main low pressure oil pump
driven by steam turbine (common drive along with the lube oil pump) filtered to 10 microns by
low pressure seal oil filter and reaches the low pressure seal oil tank to level control valve (LCV
108). The high pressure seal oil is pressurised to 230 Kg/cmg from downstream of lube oil filter
by main pressure seal oil pump driven by a steam turbine, filtered to 10 microns by high pressure
seal oil filter and sent to medium and high pressure seal oil tanks through level control valves
(LCV 109 and LCV 110).
Seal oil supply pressure at the compressor is based on the seal oil reference pressure and is
always kept 0.35 Kg/cmg higher than the gas pressure.
Seal oil head tanks are mounted at a level about 4570 mm higher than the shaft centre of
compressor to provide about 0.35 Kg/cmg oil head. The tops of the tanks are connected to seal
oil reference pressure and oil level in each is controlled by LCV's 108, 109 & 110.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 6
In this way, the seal oil supplied is kept at a pressure of seal reference pressure + 0.35 Kg/cmg
under any operating conditions. Most of the oil flowing into the seal port of the compressor
flows out to the bearing chamber through the outer seal ring and returns to the lube oil reservoir
along with the lube oil drain.
A small amount of oil (80-160 lits/day per casing) flows into the leakage gas port through the
inner seal ring and flows out to seal traps with leakage gas.
The mixed flow of oil and gas separated at seal oil traps, the gas is blown off outside the system
and the oil is returned to the oil reservoir after it is degassed in the degassing tank.
If the oil level in LP seal oil head tank drops due to any trouble in the main LP seal oil pump, this
pump will start automatically to deliver oil. This pump will also be running when the lube oil
pump starts because their driver is common.
During the initial start, LP seal oil seal pump should take suction from the oil reservoir
directly. For this a bypass line with a valve is provided between LP seal oil pump suction and oil
reservoir. A few minutes after the lube oil pump has reached the rated speed, the valve can be
closed slowly.
If the oil level in MP or HP seal oil head tank drops due to any trouble in the main HP seal oil
pump, this pump will be started automatically.
Accumulators :
These are provided to absorb the pulsation due to HP seal pump which is of axial plunger type.
They consist of a steel cylinder with a bladder inside. Nitrogen is filled into the space between
the bladder and the cell at the following pressure.
Spare seal oil filter and HP oil filter are provided in this system.
Two seal oil traps are usually operated for each compressor. If one of them fails, operation
can be kept with one trap.
Degassing tank :
This is mounted on the top of the oil reservoir, it collects sour oil from the seal oil traps and
strips off the dissolved gases, by bubbling Nitrogen into the coil and heating it to 70-80 C using
steam in the steam coil.
Turbine exhaust steam condenses on the surface condenser tube external surface and collects at
the hot well. The condensate extraction pump (Main pump driven by turbine) takes the
condensate from the hot well and pumps into the SCC header through the inner and after
condensers where the ejected out steam from surface condenser is condensed. The level in the
surface condenser hot well is maintained by an LIC. Seal water supply is taken from the
condensate recovery pump discharge to the valve glands operating under vacuum. A standby
motor driven pump is provided which will start automatically when the hot well level increases for
any reason.
These are provided in this system to remove the leak off steam from the outermost part of the
turbine seal. Cooling water is used in the gland condenser for this purpose.
Turning device :
Turning device is provided on the compressor side pedestal. Before and after turbine operation,
the rotor has to be turned with this device to minimise rotor deflection due to non-uniform
heating and cooling.
Check that CO & CO2 content in the compressor suction gas is less than the following values
:
CO + CO2 - 10 ppm
CO2 - 5 ppm
Check all instruments before startup and confirm all the instruments are available.
Open fully the isolation valve of each pressure gauge, flow meter and level gauge.
1. Confirm that oil level in the oil reservoir is at normal level or higher. Additional quantity of oil
is required for filling up of oil coolers, filters, accumulators, head tanks and other equipments.
The oil required for initial charge is approximately 13000 litres.
open the gauges, valves and close the drain valves and vent valves.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 8
open the valve on suction line of low pressure oil pump connected to oil reservoir.
close the bypass valve of PCV 144 (lube oil pressure control valve).
adjust the bypass valve on LP seal oil header to about 1/6 opened and set the pressure
controller at 30 Kg/cmg.
open the bypass valve of PCV 151 (HPSO header pressure controller).
close the inlet valves and bypass valves of LCV 108, 109 & 110. (control valves for the 3
overhead tanks level)
3. Charge instrument air to all instruments and check the set pressure of all the pressure
regulators.
4. Charge nitrogen to all the accumulators and desurgers and set the following pressure using
hand pump.
1. On the steam turbines (3102 - 011 & 017) check lube oil level in the bearing chamber and
drain each port.
2. Start the steam turbine for lube oil pump and LP seal oil pump with the exhaust lined up to
the atmosphere.
3. Adjust the lube oil pressure at 1.4 Kg/cmg by pressure control valve (PCV 144) and confirm
the lube oil circulation in close sights and drain piping of the compressors and turbine.
4. Vent the trapped air in all the coolers, oil filters and gauges through vent valves.
5. Close the block valve gradually and adjust the LP seal oil pressure controller to normal
operating pressure of 63 Kg/cmg by closing the bypass valve.
6. Charge the cooling water to the main oil cooler and vent away any air from the water
chamber of oil cooler. Adjust to keep the oil outlet temperature in the range of 35 - 45 C by
controlling the cooling water flow. Maximum allowable temperature from the oil cooler is 51.7
0
C.
7. Open the valve (VF 544 and VF 547) for seal oil supply to PCV 11 A & B (steam bypass valve
station).
8. Start the main high pressure seal oil pump (turbine driven). This turbine exhaust also shall
be lined up to atmosphere and the valve on the exhaust line to the surface condenser shall
remain closed, till cooling water is lined up to the surface condenser.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 9
10. Vent the trapped air in instruments and their piping through vent valves.
11. Pressurise gradually through bypass valve of pressure control valve (PCV 151). Adjust the
pressure controller PIC 151 to about 100 Kg/cmg and put the controller on auto.
14. Charge oil into the seal oil head tank according to the following procedure.
Line up the seal oil overhead tank LCVs 108, 109 & 110.
Open them manually to charge seal oil into the seal oil head tanks. Watch the level into the
gauge glass.
When the oil level has been charged approximately, to the normal level, put the controllers
on auto.
Check the sour oil traps for oil. When the pressure in the compressor is lower, the seal oil
from the traps does not return to the reservoir. So the pressure in the compressor should be
increased. Expected value of sour oil quantity is about 80 - 110 lits/day per casing.
(The maximum sour oil drain quantity is 500 lits/day per casing)
CAUTION : Do not charge the seal oil into the head tank when there is no pressure in the
casing. The oil will flow into the casing.
15. Measure the oil quantity periodically and check whether there is any change or not.
Measurement of sour oil can be done by filling in the drums from the trap drain.
16. Pressurise the HP seal oil pump discharge according to the pressure in the compressor casing
by adjusting PIC 151. In normal operation, the pressure shall be at 230 Kg/cmg.
17. Sour oil drain is returned to oil reservoir after degassing. Suitable temperature for degassing
is 70 - 80 0C and suitable volume of the Nitrogen is twice the sour oil volume. Never raise the
temperature above 90 0C. Charge new oil into the system if the oil contains more than 5 ppm of
ammonia.
18. Check the actuation of all of the safety devices, such as alarm circuit, pump cut in circuit and
compressor shutdown circuit before startup of the compressor.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 10
19. Turning of the compressor shall not be done without lube oil and seal oil circulation. To
begin turning,
NOTE : Do not line up cooling water to lube oil cooler until the temperature reaches 40 0C.
Open the surface condenser DM water make-up valve. Flush the condenser through hot well
drain. Open the suction valve to both the pumps. Keep the turbine driven pump discharge
closed. Open the equalising valve from the pumps to the surface condenser to prime the pumps.
(Motor driven pump discharge shall be kept open).
Line up the isolation valve of FCV 105 and LCV 105. Keep the SCC local drain open and the valve
on the line leading to SCC header closed.
Line up the turbine exhaust to atmosphere. Keep the line to surface condenser closed. Open
the sealing steam to turbine. Check oil level in the bearing cups.
Reset the steam trip valve. Open the steam isolation valve. Start the turbine by pulling the
minimum steam lever. When the turbine picks up speed, allow the lever to go back to original
position. Now the turbine comes to 2900 rpm (Governor set speed). Open the pump discharge
and line up seal water to glands of valves operating under vacuum.
Maintain the hot well level with make-up DM water. Confirm that water circulates through inter
and after condenser and through FCV 105. Now cooling water to the surface condenser shall be
lined up in co-ordination with the cooling tower operator. Open the vents and the cooling water
chamber to vent air.
Before startup, carry out the protection device test for lube and seal oil.
By throttling the lube oil pump turbine steam check the following :
a) The governor pressure does not drop below 6 Kg/cmg and lube oil pressure does not drop
below 0.6 Kg/cmg before repressurising to normal condition by startup of Auxiliary Pump.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 11
d) When the turning gear is running, do not stop seal oil and lube oil supply.
f). Rapid change of pressure upsets the head tank level and it overflows into the casing.
g) In case compressor trips, all emergency valves ESV 101, 102, 103 & 104 will close and
JCV 101, 102 & 103 will open.
Trip values :
h) Never supply seal oil into compressor when compressor casing is at atmospheric
pressure. If oil is flown into the casing, it should be drained out from the drain line of the
casing and gas piping.
Valve positions :
FCV 101, 102, 103, 104 & JCV 103. The following valves to be closed :
ESV 101, 102, 103, 104 JCV 101 & 102. All drain valves and vent valves.
Purge the compressor with Nitrogen by venting the gas in all suction and discharge pipings,
separators and through JCV 101 & 102. Then close all the drains and vents. Keep a pressure of
1 - 2 Kg/cmg with Nitrogen till synthesis gas is admitted for pressurising the compressor.
Cooling water to all gas coolers should be lined up and air vented from the vent on the CWR
line.
Check CO + CO2 in the process gas is less than 10 ppm and gradually introduce syn. gas into
the compressor through the bypass valve of ESV 101 on the first suction line.
CAUTION : If syn gas is introduced rapidly the rotor will rotate and the compressor would be
damaged.
Pressurise upto to normal pressure (23 Kg/cmg) and check for oil and water in the compressor
casings, pipelines, separators and drain if found.
Check that the suction compressor pressure is above the design value. The minimum
reference gas pressure specified by vendors for
1. Confirm that the condenser and condensate system is functioning normally. Put the rotor on
turning with the turning device as follows :
apply ratchet lever at the end of the spindle and turn worm until worm wheel comes in
contact with the shaft.
regulating valve.
6. Start gland condenser ejector and maintain - 200 mmHg in the shell.
a) Open bypass of main steam gate valve. Open startup vent and drain valves of main steam
pipe to warm up piping.
b) Open bypass valve of extraction steam gate valve. Open vent and drain valves of extraction
piping for warm up.
casing drain.
d) Open extraction gate valve gradually confirming temperature rise of the line is steady and not
abrupt. Do not use this valve to control flow and pressure. Leave it fully open.
e) Open main steam gate valve gradually to the full open position. Confirm thermal expansion
of main line does not twist the casing.
f) Open seal air supply valves slightly to supply seal air into oil slinger of each pedestal.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 15
g) Line up seal steam pressure control valve (put water into header at the top of the control
valve to protect the diaphragm).
h) Open the startup seal steam valve slightly and confirm the seal steam header pressure is
above 0.2 Kg/cmg.
j) Start hogging ejector by opening the air valve and drive steam valve. Evacuate until
condenser shell pressure reaches -500 mmHg and then maintain it.
k) Start second stage ejector opening air valves and drive steam. As the steam entering the
condenser is only from seal steam line, second ejector is sufficient. Stop hogging ejector. Close
air valve and then steam valve.
apply ratched lever and turn spindle to loosen the worm gear.
Install stopper. Be sure that the stopper cover pushes the limit switch. (turning motor
on lamp in the panel will disappear.)
Install spindle cap. Shut the lube oil supply valve. Do not open the main steam valve
until every part of turning device is in right position.
n) Reset the pedestal reset lever. Now the regulating valve will open.
o) Ensure that casing pressure has equalised with pressure on PIC 1509 and open ESV 101 (ESV
101 bypass close).
p) After confirming all pipes are completely warmed up and the steam temperature comes
within the range of safe operation, turn the reset lever. When the unit starts to rotate, close
main stop valve and let the unit run with inertia. Use sound detecting rod to confirm that there
is no unusual sound from the internals. If everything is alright, open main stop valve again and
maintain the speed between 300 & 500 rpm. Confirm all the systems are working normally.
q) Push trip button after removing safety piece and confirm the following :
r) Turn the pedestal reset and then reset main stop valve by pulling return lever. Reset of main
stop valve should be done after closing the valve wheel to the fully set position. Open main stop
valve again and continue warming up at 300 - 500 rpm. Refer to startup diagram for duration.
Check casing expansion with expansion gauges.
s) Increase speed in accordance with startup diagram. Pay attention to the following items :
Pass the critical speed band as quickly as possible and do not stop speeding up within
this range.
watch bearing oil supply temperature and control oil temperature around 45 0C.
t) At the end of the warm up start raising vacuum by operating drive steam valves of air
ejector. For detailed steps refer to startup diagram.
u) During speedup, first stage pressure starts increasing. When this pressure becomes higher
than atmospheric pressure, start closing the seal steam supply valve. At this stage also, close
the following valves.
v) When the speed reaches minimum governor speed, governor starts to control the unit.
Confirm that the system is functioning and the manual control knob is in the position
"MINIMUM". At this stage, if extraction controller is set at a positive value, extraction comes out
suddenly to fluctuate the steam line pressure. Therefore set Askania signal at 0.2 Kg/cmg until
speed reaches minimum governor speed. As the regulating valve is now controlling the speed,
fully open the main stop valve. Turn the handle back half, turn after fully opening, to avoid the
sticking due to heat. Line up the first gland leak off steam to 12 ATA steam header and close the
vent.
w) Introduce air signal of 0.2 Kg/cmg to the governor and observe speed. If the speed
increases higher than the predetermined value, reduce the pressure and set the manual knob to
minimum position.
x) Increase speed and extraction in accordance with the plant requirement. Increase signal air
pressure as gradually as possible to avoid shock load.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 17
a) Start increasing the speed by increasing the air signal into governor.
b) Watch the flow quantity and manually close FCV 101, 102 & 103 to build up pressure. When
the second stage pressure reaches 40 Kg/cmg, inform the Control Room for lining up recycle
Hydrogen.
c) As soon as the main panel reset button No. 17 is reset, open PCV 0224 manually to
pressurise the recycle Hydrogen header and put the controller on auto after pressurising. (Raise
the set point of PCV 0224 to 43 Kg/cmg when the second stage pressure rises)
d) Check that LP seal oil header pressure is at 65 Kg/cmg and HP seal oil pressure is at a
minimum of 150 Kg/cmg (minimum required for operation of steam bypass valve). Then raise
the speed of the compressor and load upto 100 Kg/cmg pressure at circulator discharge. When
the pressure rises, the HP seal oil pressure should always be kept at 10 Kg/cmg above the
fourth stage suction pressure.
e) Confirm synthesis loop is ready for pressurising and open ESV 104 bypass lightly and
pressurise the loop at the rate of 50 Kg/cmg. When syn loop pressure is equal to that of
circulator discharge, open ESV 102, 103 & 104 one by one and close JCV103.
f) Further increase in compressor load depends upon the syn loop startup.
Compressor might be damaged by the scales produced from reaction of NH3, CO, CO2 and H2O.
So check the Methanator gas periodically for CO & CO2.
Do not operate the compressor at lower gas suction temperature than the design value. Drain
the separators periodically.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 18
c) Observe the performance of the compressor, gas flow rate, compression ratio, suction and
discharge temperature and Nitrogen : Hydrogen ratio etc.
d) Shaft vibration and axial displacement, bearing temperature, seal oil and gas differential
pressure, seal sour oil quantity to be watched carefully.
a) Open the FCV 104, 103, 102 & 101 very gradually, watching the seal oil reference pressure,
to full open position. (if the gas pressure is rapidly changed, seal oil will flow into the
compressor).
b) Decrease the speed to minimum governor speed while opening the FCVs.
c) Line up recycle Hydrogen from IG plant before second stage pressure drops below 40
Kg/cmg.
e) Close ESV 102, 103 & 104 and open JCV 103 manually.
f) Line up startup sealing steam to main turbine and open make-up DM water to surface
condenser before stopping the turbine.
g) Trip the unit by means of manual trip knob or signal from control panel. Check main stop
valve is fully closed and extraction gate valve is closed.
vent valve on 12 ATA leak off steam line and close the header isolation valve.
start motor drive lube oil and LPSO pump, HPSO pump and condensate recovery
pump and stop the turbine driven pumps.
open FCV 105 bypass valve to allow condensate to circulate. Close the air valve to the
ejector and open the vacuum breaker.
Stop the drive steam to first stage ejector and then to second stage ejector. Allow the
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 19
Close the seal water valves and the seal water lines to valve glands operating under
vacuum.
Confirm the pressure in the surface condenser to Absolute Zero and only then the
sealing steam is to be isolated. After isolating the sealing steam, gland ejector drive
steam shall be isolated.
As soon as the unit comes down to a complete stop, put the rotor on turning. Maintain
minimum 7 Kg/cmg gas pressure in the barrels. This is to be done in the same way as
it was done before startup of turbine.
Keep the turning for about 4 hrs. and stop turning motor. Even after turning is over, do
not stop supplying oil to the bearings until the unit cools off to the safe temperature.
k) On Compressor side :
- Lube oil can be stopped only when the turbine metal temperature cools down to
100 0C. A minimum of 24 hrs. of oil circulation is required for cooling the turbine.
- If bearing motor is in line, stop it and fix the stopper. (barring case may be stopped 4
hrs. after stopping the turbine. In that case hand barring should be done every half an
hour for atleast for 4 hrs.
- Reduce the pressure in the barrel. A minimum pressure to push the sour oil from the
traps to reservoir shall be maintained till all the seal oil is drained.
- Bring down the levels in the seal oil head tanks and isolate the LCVs. If the seal oil
head tank LCVs are not isolated, the governor oil may pass through the HPSO pump
and then LCV to fill up the overhead tank. Finally oil would enter the barrel. (Keep
the JCV 101 and 102 isolation valves closed)
- When the oil level drops from the head tank, depressurise the casing and drain the oil
from sour seal oil traps using the local drain into the drums.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 20
- Check separators/gas pipe lines/barrel drains for any oil/water and drain them.
- Stop HP seal oil pump first and isolate the pump and the drive. Stop lube oil and LPSO
pump and isolate the pump and the drive.
- Isolate water to lube oil cooler and drain the water to prevent contamination oil in case
of tube leakage.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
A. PGL 1 trip
This is a total compressor trip due to non-availability of syn gas from the front end. This
occurs whenever feedstock to the primary reformer is cut. Also for local trips such as
- overspeed trip
It causes a complete shutdown of the machine. It will close ESVs 101, 102, 103 & 104
and open FCVs 101, 102, 103 & 104 and JCV 103. In case of lube oil and seal oil head
tank level trips, this will open JCV 101 & 102 also.
Actions to be taken
a) A very important and immediate action is to use the pedestal trip and make sure the
machine trips, if the trip indication appears in the local panel and the machine has not
actually tripped.
b) Check with the Control Room whether to isolate the machine or it is to be restarted
immediately.
c) If it is to be stopped.
- bring down signal on the speed controller and FCV 101, 102, 103 & 104 to zero.
- watch the seal oil head tank level and adjust the seal oil header pressure. Usually it
is required to reduce HP seal oil pressure in case the casing pressure is dropping.
- Check JCV 103 opens. When the turbine stops, put it on barring and proceed with
the normal shutdown.
d) If the machine is to be started ask the Control Room to reset the trip panel. Reset the
local panel by pushing START OK push button.
- open FCVs 101, 102, 103 & 104 on manual. Bring PIC signal to zero.
- open ESV 101 (Check the casing pressure is equal to that of the methanator exit).
Keep ESV 102, 103, 104, JCV 101 & 102 closed and JCV 103 open.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 2
B. PGL 2 trip
This trip is caused by trip H (1113 extra high level) which will close ESV 101 and open
FCVs 101,102,103 and 104 and JCV 103.
- Load back
C. PGL 3 Trip
This is caused by all Secondary Reformer, Methanator and Refrigeration trips. This will
close ESV 102 and open FCV 101, 102, 103, 104 & JCV 103.
Actions to be taken
- Bring down FICs 101, 102, 103 & 104 signal to zero.
- Loadup for recycle Hydrogen duty if possible and contact Control Room for further
instructions.
In case of Secondary Reformer trip, recycle Hydrogen can be provided for a short period. But
seal oil DP has to be watched for hunting, as hunting indicates the partial surging of the machine
due to higher Hydrogen concentration in the make-up gas.
D. PGL 4 trip
Catch pot level high, 1128, 1527 high level, refrigeration trips will cause this trip.
This will cause closing of ESV 103 and opening of FCVs 101, 102, 103 & 104 and JCV
103.
Actions to be taken
-Adjust refrigeration compressor load if the trip is because of 1122 high level.
-Start refrigeration compressor if it has tripped on 1128/1517 high level, after normalising
the condition.
-Reset trip.
E. HWP Trip
This will cause sudden increase in Compressor discharge pressure. As soon as the lamp
appears on the local panel, check for circulator discharge pressure and restrict at 228
KSCG.
F. Trip due to axial displacement , seal oil head tank level low and lube oil failure
These trips causes a complete shutdown of the machine. ESV 102, 103 & 104 will close.
FCV 101, 102, 103 & 104 will open. JCV 101, 102 & 103 will open full to depressurise the casing.
a) JCV 101 & 102 isolation valves are usually kept throttled to avoid the sudden
depressurising of the barrel and the consequent upsets. So check that the barrel gets
depressurised before all the oil in the head tank is lost.
d) In case of oil level is lost or lube oil is lost, try to resume the oil supply and head tank
level as soon as possible. Pressurise the barrel slightly with Nitrogen and keep the
rotor turning.
e) If the trip is due to axial displacement, balance piston high pressure drop, the machine
has to be cooled for maintenance and inspection.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 4
If the vibration is slightly goes up or a slight noise is heard, we can try to reduce the load
and
see the vibration or noise comes down. Inform Shift Engineer first.
But if the trend is on the increasing, it is better to takeup planned shutdown. If the
vibration or noise is heavy, use the pedestal trip and stop the machine immediately.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 5
The main pump driven by turbine takes oil from lube oil reservoir (capacity - 4000 lits) and
pressurises it to 6 Kg/cmg. The oil is cooled to 40-45 0C in an oil cooler and filtered to 25
microns before being reduced to 2-2.5 Kg/cmg for lube oil service by a pressure control valve.
This oil pressure is further reduced to 1.5 Kg/cmg for journal bearings & couplings and to 1 KSC
for thrust bearings through adjustable restriction orifices.
A part of the oil is trapped at the upstream of the oil filter and supplied to governor. This system
is also provided with the following :
The system is provided with a turbine driven seal oil pump which takes oil from seal oil reservoir
and pressurises to the required pressure (Max. pressure 20 Kg/cmg, Normal pressure is at 5
Kg/cmg). The oil is cooled to 40-45 0C in an oil cooler and filtered to 25 microns and supplied to
seal oil overhead tank. Level of the overhead tank controls the spill back flow to reservoir tapped
upstream of the seal oil filter in the seal oil line.
The sour oil from the casing is collected in the sour oil trap and then send to degassing tank on
the top of the seal oil reservoir. The sour oil is degassed to < 0.5 ppm of ammonia content and
allowed to overflow into the seal oil reservoir. The gas from the sour oil trap is returned to the
first suction.
The sweet seal oil returns to the seal oil reservoir directly.
This compressor has 8 wheels on the rotor. It takes suction at 1.4 Kg/cmg at the first stage. A
sidestream at 3.4 Kg/cmg (from primary chiller) enters the third impeller. At normal operation,
discharge pressure is 17.5 Kg/cmg. A gas balance is taken from the side stream and given to
both sides of the compressor.
Turbine has six stages. It is driven by 45 ATA steam and all the steam is condensed at the
exhaust. The condensate from the surface condenser hotwell is removed by a turbine-driven
condensate extraction pump. This condensate is used for cooling the air ejector inter & after
condensers and gland condensers before joining SCC header. A sealing steam regulator is
provided to regulate the pressure of seal steam.
7.5 START-UP
1) Open the suction valves of lube oil pumps. Keep the discharge valves closed for both the
pumps.
4) Check the oil reservoir level is normal. Additional quantity of oil for filling up the coolers,
filters and pipelines will be required.
9) Check the oil return flow for good oil circulation (through sight glass).
10) Open the cooling water return line to oil cooler and vent the air from the water chamber.
2) Check oil level in the reservoir is above normal and prepare additional quantity of oil for start
up, filling up of coolers, filters, overhead tank and piping.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 7
3) Line up one cooler and filter and open all the valves in the normal oil flow line.
4) Line up both swivel traps; trap vent valve to atmosphere shall be opened and the valve on
the line to first suction shall remain closed.
6) Open the LCV bypass fully and LCV isolation valves. Line up the LIC instrument and
instrument air to all the instruments and valves.
7) Start the motor driven pump. Vent air from coolers and filters.
8) Open the transfer barriers isolation valves and the bypass fully.
9) Start building up level in the seal oil head tank by closing the LCV bypass.
10) When the level comes to the normal value, LCV will start opening to maintain the level. Now
slowly close the bypass and leave the LCV to control the level.
13) Open the suction isolation valve and pressurise the casing to normal pressure.
16) Open cooling water outlet valve to oil cooler and vent air from water chamber.
1) Check both antisurge valves are in open position. FIC - 2-201 and FIC - 2-202 shall be kept
at minimum signal.
3) Check seal oil DP is steady at about 0.6 Kg/cmg and seal oil flows through the flow sights.
4) Check lube oil flow, pressure at 2 - 2.5 Kg/cmg. Governor oil pressure 5 Kg/cmg. Lube oil
temperature about 30 0C. Do not line up cooling water to oil coolers now. The oil temperature
shall be allowed to increase during start-up.
9) Check seal oil trap levels and line up the drain to degasser.
10) Line up steam and Nitrogen to degasser. Degassing temperature shall be maintained at
about 80 0C and shall not exceed 90 0C at any time.
12) Line up the TCV 1811 quench Ammonia upto TCV 1811 and keep one isolation atleast closed
till the time the Ammonia quench is required. Quench shall be taken from Ammonia feed pumps.
14) Line up cooling water to 1528 A, B & C and prime the coolers.
Turbine Start up
Reset the panel. Warming of the turbine and rolling of the turbine shall be done in the same
manner as that of the process air turbine. For further details refer to START-UP DIAGRAM.
Speed up the machine according to the start-up diagram to minimum governor speed. Close the
seal oil trap vent to atmosphere and line up to first suction. When the flow indications on
FIC - 2-201 and FIC - 2-202 starts increasing, start closing them watching the minimum flow
required to prevent surging.
Line up the Ammonia quench through TCV 1811 and control the gas temperature. At the
discharge, the temperature shall not exceed 190 0C. While using TCV 1811, watch 1128 level
and 1527 level (too much of quench and low rate vapourisation in 1128 will lead to dumping of
too much of liquid from 1128 to 1527). Further loading shall be done after establishing level in
1526 and 1527. Wait for start of syn loop circulation. Once the synthesis unit is started, more
vapour is produced in 1526 and 1527 to give increased load on the machine. Further loading is
done to maintain the suction pressure for the required refrigeration. Changeover quench from
pump to 1127 after obtaining a discharge pressure of 10 - 12 Kg/cmg on the compressor.
When the compressor flows are well established and the antisurge valve FIC - 2-202 is closed,
quench will not be required. TCV 1811 can be isolated.
1) The compressors shall be operated with the minimum flow requirements according to the
performance curve given. FIC - 2-201 and 202 may be put on auto control once a steady
condition is reached.
2) Suction pressure of the compressor shall be maintained by loading up / unloading to give the
required refrigeration.
4) Lube oil and seal oil supply temperature shall be maintained around 40 - 45 0C. Normally the
oil temperature at the bearing outlet is 60 - 70 0C.
3) Start opening the FCV 2-201 and FCV 2-202. Use TCV 1811 to maintain discharge
temperature below 190 0C.
4) Bring down the speed watching the minimum flow required to prevent surging.
5) Open all FCVs and speed control output are brought to minimum, inform the Control Room
and trip the machine using the pedestal trip. Close the MSV fully.
8) Start motor driven lube oil, seal oil and condensate pumps and stop turbine driven auxiliary
pumps.
9) Isolate air valve to ejector and cut off dry steam to air ejectors.
12) In the meantime, line up seal sour oil trap vent to atmosphere and close the valve to first
suction.
13) Once the condenser pressure comes to zero, cut off seal steam and gland condenser and
ejector.
Seal oil circulation shall be maintained atleast for 4 hours after stopping of the compressor. Then
bring down Nitrogen pressure in the casing below 0.5 Kg/cmg and stop seal oil pump. Close
the transfer barrier bottom valve. Isolate cooling water to oil cooler and drain the cooling water.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 11
Once the turbine metal temperature drops below 90 0C, stop lube oil pump. Isolate the cooling
water to cooler and drain the cooling water.
Actions to be taken.
a) Open FIC - 2-201 and 202 on manual and maintain the required flow.
d) Control the gas temperature using the Ammonia quench. The discharge temperature
shall be less than 190 0C.
Actions to be taken,
e) Proceed with the rest of the shutdown procedure to isolate the machine.
For other trips such as low lube oil pressure and condenser pressure high, action is to
proceed with the normal shutdown. If the system which had failed comes back, start the
machine.
In case of lube oil failure, try to establish oil flow as soon as possible to save the bearings
from overheating from the turbine / compressor metal temperature.
3. The 1527 high level push button trip on the main panel will give "MAIN PANEL TRIP"
indication on the local panel. For this trip, compressor shall be restarted after draining 1527.
This trip may be initiated for other reasons even as reduction in steam demand etc. Proceed with
normal shutdown actions but do not break the vacuum until instructed by the Shift Engineer.
If the vibration slightly goes up or a slight noise is heard, we can try to reduce the load and see
the vibration or noise comes down. Inform Shift Engineer first.
But if the trend is on the increase, it is better to take a planned shutdown. If the vibration or
noise is heavy, use the pedestal trip and stop the machine immediately.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 1
8.1 DESIGN
The IG plant produces Hydrogen or Nitrogen using Ammonia as the raw material. This plant
makes available at battery limit 1200 Nm3/Hr of cracked gas ( H2 + N2 ) of the following
quantity, in three streams
H2 : 75%
N2 : 25%
O2 : less than 10 ppm
NH3 : less than 100 ppm
Alternatively this plant can produce maximum of 1950 Nm3/Hr of N2 of the following quality, in
three streams.
Each stream can be run independently either on cracked gas or Nitrogen service or in parallel.
Further it is possible to run one stream on Nitrogen at low throughput and transfer Hydrogen
available as excess to the other unit, if running on cracked gas, to the extent of the capacity of
the compressor.
8.2 DESCRIPTION
Each of the three streams in the plant consists of two Ammonia dissociators, Nitrogen generator,
dual duty reciprocating compressors, deoxopreheater, aftercooler and humid dryer.
A. Dissociator
There are two dissociators per stream. Each dissociator consists of a furnace, dissociator
chamber and vapouriser. Liquid ammonia from the bulk storage is vapourised in the shell side of
the vapouriser by the sensible heat of dissociator exit gas passing through the vapouriser coil.
The vapouriser has a relief valve set at 13.5 Kg/cmg.
The vapourised ammonia is passed through the bundle of tubes (9 Nos) containing the catalyst.
A pressure regulator controls the pressure at 0.4 Kg/cmg. There is a pressure relief valve set at
0.42 Kg/cmg to protect the dissociator tubes against pressure.
The tubes are mounted vertically within the furnace chamber. ICI 27/2 Nickel catalyst supported
on grid is employed as the catalyst. It operates over a temperature of 850 - 1000 0C. The
tube is housed within the furnace which consists of cylindrical casing lined with refractory,
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 2
backed up by graded insulation. The furnace chamber is heated electrically. The heating
elements are arranged in two zones with automatic temperature control in each zone. When the
furnace temperature in any zone falls below the set value, the furnace heating element in that
zone are switched on. The cracked gas after giving away the sensible heat is fed to the suction
of the compressor or sent to the Nitrogen generator depending upon the service of the stream.
There is manually operated flow control valve at the exit of the vapouriser to regulate the
dissociated product gas flow which is measured at the exit of the vapouriser. In addition a
manual vent valve is also provided to vent the cooled product gas when necessary. Each
dissociator produces 212.5Nm3/Hr of cracked gas. Each dissociator consumes approximately 82
Kg/hr of liquid ammonia at full throughput.
B. Generator
There are three nitrogen generators in the plant, one in each stream. Each generator produces
675Nm3/Hr of nitrogen from 425 Nm3/Hr of cracked gas at maximum throughput. Each
generator consists of combustion air fan, fuel gas, air; regulating and metering equipment, a
pilot burner and a main burner firing into a refractory lined combustion chamber and a direct
contact cooler.
The Nitrogen gas is produced by a combustion process in which cracked gas is burned with air to
consume the Oxygen in air. By running with slightly less than the theoretical air requirement for
complete combustion, the product gas will contain residual Hydrogen in addition to water and
Nitrogen. The ratio of air to gas is maintained at 1.8 Nm3/Nm3 by a proportionating valve.
The combustion is carried out in a refractory lined combustion chamber, mounted horizontally
from which the gases pass into and cooled in a vertically mounted direct contact cooler. This
cooler is in effect, a counter flow heat exchanger where the gas passes vertically upward first
through stainless steel pall rings and through ceramic saddle packings with water sprayed at the
top. Cool gas pass through a stainless steel demister to the buffer receiver and suction of
compressor through a separator to knockout any moisture.
a) gas failure
b) water flow failure
c) air failure
d) flame failure &
e) high gas pressure.
C. Compressors
There are three compressors one in each stream. These are four stage reciprocating
compressors developing 43.4 Kg/cmg from suction pressure of 250 mmWC. These are dual
duty compressors, specified to run either on Nitrogen or on Hydrogen. There is a vent control
valve at suction chamber of the compressor to maintain the suction pressure by venting gas to
atmosphere when the pressure increases higher than a preset value.
There is an another control valve which feeds cooled gas from the discharge of compressor to
the suction in case the suction pressure falls below a preset value.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 3
In addition, if the control valve feeding suction of the compressor fully opens, the compressor
trips out automatically.
D. Deoxo reactor
The compressed gas, if hydrogen is passed to an aftercooler bypassing the deoxo preheater and
deoxo reactor. If the compressed gas is Nitrogen, it is initially preheated in the deoxo preheater.
Each heater is rated for a minimum flow of 200 Nm3/Hr. Each gas heater is capable of heating
675 Nm3/Hr of Nitrogen from 110 0C to 230 0C. When the compressor is stopped or tripped, the
heater is cut off automatically.
The gas is then passed over a deoxo catalyst in deoxo reactor. The catalyst used is GRIDLER G-
43 which is a Platinum-Nickel bearing Alumina. The recommended quantity of Hydrogen in the
gas stream is 1 % by volume of the process flow rate. The temperature rise across the catalyst
bed will be approximately 140 0C for each percentage of Oxygen plus Nitrogen Oxide reacted.
Therefore with design inlet figure of 0.615 % by volume of Nitrogen Oxides, the temperature rise
across catalyst will be approximately 86 0C.
E . After cooler
Each aftercooler will continuously lower the temperature of gas stream to 40 0C.
F. Humid drier
Each Humid drier will continuously and automatically dry up 425 Nm3/Hr of cracked ammonia
gas (inclusive of purge requirement) to an outlet dew point equivalent to 10 ppm moisture. In
addition to the inlet ammonia content of 0.5 % volume will be lowered to below 100 ppm.
Alternatively, it will continuously and automatically dry up 675 Nm3/Hr of Nitrogen gas entering
Humidrier saturated with water vapour to an outlet dew point of 5 0C. 25Nm3/Hr of process gas
will be required for the purge. Hence Nitrogen availability from the receiver from each stream at
maximum throughput is 650 Nm3/Hr. Hydrogen to receiver from each unit at maximum
throughput is 400 Nm3/Hr. The process gas enters the top of the absorption tower and flows
down through molecular seive where the drying operation is completed and the gas flows out
through the nozzle at the bottom of the tower. It flows further to dust afterfilter where any
desiccant dust particles which may have carried over from the absorber towers are removed.
The two absorber towers are operated cyclically with one absorber tower in service while the
other is being reactivated and cooled. The drier operation is fully automatic and works in the
same manner regardless of which gas stream is being processed. At the end of drying and
purification period, the freshly reactivated absorber tower is brought into service and the spent
tower begins its reactivation cycle. The tower is first depressurised to approximately atmospheric
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 4
pressure by opening the pressure blowdown valve and allowing the gas contents of the vessel to
exhaust to atmosphere. The pressure blowdown then closes and the reactivation purge valve
opens allowing purified process gas from downstream of the dust filter to flow into the terminal
chamber at the top of the absorber tower. At the same time, as the purge valve opens, the
reactivation heater is switched on. The purge gas then flows from the terminal chamber down
through the heater sheath in direct contact with heater elements and out at bottom of sheaths
and flows upward through the bed and exhaust through the reactivation purge valve to
atmosphere. The closed terminal chamber ensures that only dry process gas is in contact with
the electrical heater terminal. Although the internal heaters are the main source of reactivation
heat, bypassing the purge gas over them, a more efficient, reverse flow reactivation is achieved.
At the end of the reactivation heating period, the internal heaters are switched off and the bed is
cooled by the purge gas flow. This continues until just before the changeover of the towers
when the valve closes and allows the tower to be repressurised by the purified process gas still
taken from downstream of dust afterfilter.
In the event of compressor shutdown or failure, an absorber tower which is in reactivation phase
will carry on reactivating by drawing purge gas through the emergency reactivation control valve
which opens in case of compressor stoppage and feeds gas either from Nitrogen receiver or
Hydrogen receiver as the case may be. Hence when regeneration is interrupted, receiver
isolation valve should not be closed as closing the isolation valve will prevent drawal of purge gas
from receiver through the emergency valve.
On completion of regeneration, "Safe to Stop Drier" lamp appears in the drier local panel and
sounds in the annunciator panel. On acknowledging it, receiver may be isolated as regeneration
is completed.
NOTE : When H2 receiver and N2 receiver are under a pressure of 43.5 Kg/cmg, capacity of the
receiver is 25 m3 and 36 m3 respectively.
A. Nitrogen service
a) Temperature controllers in both zones are set at 800 0C and OTC are set at 850 0C.
c) Vapourised ammonia valve exit vapouriser is opened but upstream of pressure regulating
valve
is closed.
e) Vent valve to atmosphere and valve feeding the compressor/generator and the manual
flow control valve are in closed position.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 5
a) Raise the setting of TC to 850 0C and OTC to 900 0C and allow the temperature to raise
to 900 0C.
c) Open the vapouriser exit valve and check for proper functioning of regulator. If it is not
OK, throttle the vapouriser exit valve and maintain the pressure at 0.4 Kg/cmg.
Remember there is a relief valve to pop at 0.42 Kg/cmg.
d) Open the manual control valve and adjust the record flow.
e) At the exit of dissociator, check the gas for ammonia slip. In case of ammonia slip, more
than 500 ppm gradually take up the temperature in steps, not forgetting to raise the OTC
setting at +50 0C above the TC. Do not raise the controller set point above 950 0C.
c) Close the butterfly valve at the exit of generator to the compressor and open the local vent
valve at the upstream of butterfly valve.
d) Switch on generator panel. Set the switches to START and ZERO position.
e) Open the isolation valve at the inlet of generator and check that the "GAS FAILURE " lamp
disappears. Increase incoming pressure if necessary.
f) Admit cooling water to the water jacket of combustion chamber and water to the direct
contact cooler, check that the "WATER FAILURE" disappears. Ensure that water does not back
up into the combustion chamber.
g) Start the combustion air fan and check that "AIR FAILURE" alarm disappears.
h) Audible alarm should sound and this is silenced by turning the control switch from START to
Normal position.
i) Leave the fan running for few minutes to purge out the combustion chamber.
j) Maintain adequate flow by opening the Selas proportionating valve and ensure that all the air
is vented locally, upstream of Nitrogen butterfly valve and not through the vent stack. This is to
avoid the possibility of a fire in the vent stack, which is venting cracked gas from dissociators
already.
j) Turn the control switch to Position 1 from Position 0. Check that ignition lamp illuminates.
The Solenoid valve on the Pilot gas line opens and pilot flame is established. Check whether a
stable pilot flame is established. "FLAME ON" lamp should now illuminate and "FLAME FAILURE"
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 6
lamp should be extinguished. If the pilot flame is not established within a set time after turning
the control switch to Position 1, combustion air fan will be tripped and the Solenoid valve on
pilot gas line is closed and the startup procedure should be repeated.
l) Ensure that the plug valve on the main gas line is closed and turn control switch to Position 2
and check the IGNITION ON lamp goes out.
m) Reset the main gas Solenoid valve by operating the reset button from the bottom.
n) Slowly open the main gas burner valve and establish main flame. Slowly open the Selas
valve further to the desired output watching the gas pressure. Vent valve, if opened at the exit
of dissociators, should be fully shut. In case of flame failure during Step (m) total shutdown of
generator occurs and all the steps from Step A are to be repeated.
o) On establishing the main flame, turn the control switch position to 3. This will cut off pilot
gas by closing the Solenoid valve.
p) On starting Nitrogen generation, open the butterfly valve exit generator and feed the gas to
the compressor suction. On transferring the gas to suction part of compressor, the vent control
valve opens and maintains the pressure of the suction chamber.
o) By now, cracked gas venting from dissociators also would have been stopped and hence
close the local vent upstream of butterfly valve.
q) If the suction pressure is not controlled by venting, manual venting may be resorted to.
Check the generator through the view glass for normal conditions.
Check the direct contact cooler shell and ensure that there is no hot spot.
a) Start lube oil pump of the compressor and ensure that the DP across the filter is less than
1 Kg/cmg. If necessary, clean the filter.
b) Ensure adequate water flow to the cylinder jackets and glands. Clean the filter if necessary.
d) Ensure that inlet and exit valves of Deoxoreactor are closed and bypass valve is opened.
Check that the drier valves are in the correct positions.
e) Check that the line downstream of drier upto receiver isolation valve is through. Keep the
receiver isolation valves closed and open the vent upstream receiver isolation valve.
f) Check the inter-stage separators for any liquid level, drain them thoroughly. Ensure that
cooling water is flowing to all the intercoolers, lube oil cooler and aftercooler.
g) Open the block valve of MASONEILAN control valve near the suction chamber and near drier.
h) Analyse the gas at suction chamber for Hydrogen and Oxygen. If Hydrogen is too much,
check the Hydrogen valve from dissociators to compressor. Till the situation is made OK, do not
start compressor.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 7
j) Start the compressor and watch the suction pressure. If there is a tendency for sharp falling,
take Masonielan valve on manual and admit more recycle gas till suction pressure is stabilised.
Manual vent from suction chamber should have been fully shut by now. While operating
Masonielan, remember that if the valve is wide open compressor will trip.
k) On starting the compressor, check the interstage pressures and interstage temperatures.
Check the PCV at the discharge of compressor for proper operation. Set the suction pressure
controller at 250 mmWC and take it on AUTO.
Switch on the drier after checking the various valve positions for the proper cycle of operation.
Till this time, the gas at high pressure is being dried and vented upstream of receiver. Before
lining up the gas to receiver, the Oxygen content should be brought to less than 10 ppm to meet
the specification.
a) Crack open the inlet of deoxo unit and pressurise slowly, not exceeding 2 Kg/cmg/min.
b) When the pressure has equalised with compressor discharge, open the outlet valve also
and close the bypass valve.
c) Switch on the deoxo unit local panel and raise the temperature gradually not exceeding
100 0C/hr. Remember that OTC has to be set always at +50 0C above the set point of TC.
When the deoxo catalyst bed temperature has come up and reaction has picked up as indicated
by rise in temperature at the exit of reactor, analyse for Nitrogen quality downstream of drier.
If it meets the required specification, line-up the gas to the Nitrogen receiver. Ensure that both
block valves at the discharge of the compressor to Hydrogen receiver are shut and the bleed is
opened fully. Remember that Hydrogen receiver is always under a pressure of 43 Kg/cmg when
the plant is running but Nitrogen receiver pressure is variable. If the double block and bleed
system is not made use of, there is every chance of Nitrogen being contaminated with Hydrogen.
a) Temperature controllers in both zones are set at 800 0C and OTC are set at 850 0C.
d) Vapourised ammonia valve exit vapouriser is opened but upstream of pressure regulating
valve
is closed.
e) Vent valve to atmosphere and valve feeding the compressor/generator and all Nitrogen
feed the suction at compressors should remain closed.
a) Raise the setting of TC to 850 0C and OTC to 900 0C and allow the temperature to raise
to 900 0C.
c) Open the vapouriser exit valve and check for proper functioning of regulator. If it is not
OK, throttle the vapouriser exit valve and maintain the pressure at 0.4 Kg/cmg.
Remember there is a relief valve to pop at 0.42 Kg/cmg.
e) At the exit of dissociator, check the gas for ammonia slip. In case of ammonia slip, more
than 500 ppm gradually take up the temperature in steps, not forgetting to raise the OTC
setting at +50 0C above the TC. Do not raise the controller set point above 950 0C.
a) Start lube oil pump of the compressor and ensure that the DP across the filter is less than
1 Kg/cmg. If necessary, clean the filter.
b) Ensure adequate water flow to the cylinder jackets and glands. Clean the filter if
necessary.
d) Ensure that inlet and exit valves of Deoxoreactor are closed and bypass valve is opened.
Check that the drier valves are in the correct positions.
e) Check that the line downstream of drier upto receiver isolation valve is through. Keep the
receiver
isolation valves closed and open the vent upstream receiver isolation valve.
f) Check the inter-stage separators for any liquid level, drain them thoroughly. Ensure that
cooling water is flowing to all the intercoolers, lube oil cooler and aftercooler.
g) Open the block valve of MASONEILAN control valve near the suction chamber and
near drier.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 9
i) Start the compressor and watch the suction pressure. If there is a tendency for sharp
falling, take Masonielan valve on manual and admit more recycle gas till suction pressure
is stabilised. Manual vent from suction chamber should have been fully shut by now.
While operating Masonielan, remember that if the valve is wide open compressor will trip.
j) On starting the compressor, check the interstage pressures and interstage temperatures.
Check the PCV at the discharge of compressor for proper operation. Set the suction
pressure controller at 250 mmWC and take it on AUTO.
Switch on the drier after checking the various valve positions for the proper cycle of operation.
Check the quality of Hydrogen exit drier and line up to Hydrogen receiver. Ensure that block
valves at the discharge of compressor to Nitrogen receiver are shut and bleed in-between is
opened as there is every chance of Hydrogen entering Nitrogen receiver and contaminating the
quality Nitrogen.
1. NITROGEN SERVICE
a) Isolate receiver . Open the manual vent upstream of receiver isolation valve and close the
receiver block
valves.
b) Isolate deoxo unit. Switch off the heater of Deoxopreheater. Open the bypass valve of
deoxo unit. Do not close inlet and exit of deoxo unit immediately.
c) Stop drier operation. If the regeneration of the tower is complete "SAFE TO STOP
DRIER" alarm would appear and receiver isolation valves can be closed. Switch off drier
panel. If
the regeneration of any of the towers is incomplete and heating cycle is on, receiver
should not be isolated so that the emergency valve will feed gas to the drier for
regeneration from the receiver. Wait for "SAFE TO STOP DRIER" alarm appears.
d) Stop compressor.
Stop the compressor and watch the suction pressure. If the pressure is not controlled by
vent control valve, at suction, manual vent may be opened.
e) Stop generator.
Open the local vent upstream of butterfly valve and close the butterfly valve. Close the plug
valve on gas line and change the position of switch to 0 from 3.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 10
When gas to generator is cut off because of decrease of drawal rate from dissociators, the
vapourised ammonia pressure will go up. If the pressure regulators on the vapourised
ammonia line do not function properly, relief valve may lift. When there is a tendency for
pressure to go up, the valve upstream of pressure regulator may be throttled to control the
pressure and local vent of the dissociator may also be opened. If after cutting off gas to
generator, run the fan for about 10 minutes to purge out the combustion chamber
completely.
Close water to jacket of combustion chamber when it is cooled down. Close water to
direct contact cooler when it is not necessary.
f) Isolate dissociators.
Close the manual flow control valve, vent valve and the valve to the compressor /
generator.
Reduce the set point of the temperature controllers to 800 0C and set OTC at 850 0C.
2. HYDROGEN SERVICE
Same as Nitrogen service except (b) & (e) which are to be deleted.
a. Dissociators
OTC should be set always at + 50 0C above the set point of temperature controller whenever
the set point of temperature controller is changed, set point of OTC also should be changed
correspondingly. Same setting for OTC for onload and offload conditions should not be kept.
Whenever any earth fault or OTC trip occurs, power to dissociator is cut off and hence
though "heater on" lamps glow in the local panel, dissociator heaters are not switched on
actually. The reset button in the panel has to be pressed for switching on the heaters after
power is made available.
When the main contacter of the panel is switched on, reset button should be pressed, as
power is not supplied to heaters though heater on lamp appears.
Whenever the dissociator is not in service, set point of temperature controllers should be
brought down to 800 0C.
b. Generators
Shell of the direct contact cooler should be checked often for any hot spot and water jacket
on the combustion chamber should have adequate flow always.
Before lighting the generator and after putting out the flame, generator should be purged
with air for adequate period.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 11
When there is no air / gas flow to generator and when water is flowing to direct contact
cooler, it should be checked that there is no back flow of water to combustion chamber.
Before lighting the furnace, the purge air should be vented locally and it should not be vented
through vent stack.
After stopping water flow to the direct contact cooler, the drain from the top of the direct
contact cooler should be opened and any residual water in the compartment around the demister
should be drained out.
c. Compressors
Open the bypass of various traps provided in the separators to drain out any condensate.
Do not wait for the alarm to appear and do not depend upon the traps.
Ensure that the crossovers at the suction of the compressor are properly isolated when
the machine runs on Nitrogen to prevent any Hydrogen ingress.
Check the opening of Masoneilan valve feeding the suction from final discharge.
Increase in opening indicates starvation of suction.
Check the suction pressure. Any increase indicates deterioration in performance which
has to be confirmed by amperage of compressors.
d. Deoxo Unit
Check for any abnormal temperature rise in the bed which indicates off quality gas at
inlet.
e. Drier Unit
The inlet temperature of gas to drier unit should not exceed 43 0C.
Various vent valves, blowdown valves etc., should be checked for correct position as
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 12
2) Heat the catalyst at the rate of 25 0C/hr till the catalyst attains temperature of 100 0C. For
heating raise the set point of TC by 25 0C each hour maintain the set point of OTC above the set
point of TC by 50 0C always.
3) After attaining 100 0C, the rate of heating may be increased to 50 0C/hr raise the set point of
temperature controller by 25 0C every half an hour.
5) Remove the slip plate at vapouriser inlet and disconnect Nitrogen hose from the drain.
7) Analyse for moisture and Ammonia content exit dissociator once in two hours.
8) When there is a drop in moisture and Ammonia slip exit dissociator, raise the Ammonia
input by another 10 %.
10) As the catalyst is fresh, higher operating temperature is not required and set points of
950 0C on TC and 1000 0C on OTC are expected to be adequate. After checking
ammonia slip at 100 % throughput, operating temperature may be increased if necessary.
9.1 DESCRIPTION
Flaring is employed to dispose the waste gases without polluting the atmosphere.
The major components of a flare system includes the flare tip, flare pilot, flare seal, ignition
system, base drum etc.
The water seal is located at the base of the flare to provide a solid water barrier to prevent
passage of flame from the flare back towards process area. This water seal can also serve as a
back pressure device to maintain positive pressure in the relief header. It should be ensured that
no air enters the flare seal drum in case of water failure.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 13
Explosions in the flare system are prevented with a patented molecular seal in which the design
utilises minimum purge gas to prevent air entering the flare.
The operating principle of the molecular seal, when using purge gas having molecular weight of
less than 28, uses of buoyancy of the purge gas to create a zone of greater than atmospheric
pressure at the tip of the flare in an area protected from wind action. Air cannot flow to higher
pressure thus air cannot enter the flare. Following are some of the possibilities for air to enter
otherwise:
1. Rapid closure of relief valves and creation of low pressure zone behind the column of gas.
2. Thermal contraction can draw in air when flaring stops and gas cools rapidly. This problem is
aggravated by rainfall which accelerates the cooling process.
3. Wind is a major factor causing introduction of high velocity air which is countered by purge
gas.
A molecular seal is a gas seal which functions as a dynamic flame arrestor. In order to prevent
push back the molecular seal requires purging at a minimum rate.
Three pilots are used to ensure that flame covers the tip and guarantees ignition at all rates of
design flame. This pilot should remain alright and cater for any contingency and to retain the
flame at high velocity.
Flare top is one of the key components in any system. There are two injection points in the flare
tip. One through the upper outer steam injector which jets to produce smokeless combustion
and the second into the core of the flare tip to maintain the tip in a cool condition and to prevent
burn back. Steam injected into the flare causes a shift reaction and changes the burning
characteristics of the gas eliminating smoke.
Steam tips are set away from the flare gas discharge to prevent flame impingement and provide
long life. Remote placement also provides the distance necessary to draw in adequate
combustion air for smokeless operation. Vortex steam action of this design keeps the flare gas
flame erect, even in high winds and prevents the flame from missing the steam mixing zone
which could cause smoke.
Upper end of stack is lined with high temperature refractory anchored with SS expanded metal.
When the drain from molecular seal is used for any water removal, it must be closed after use.
Open drains have been responsible for internal flare explosions because of oxygen drawn
through the drain valve into a lower pressure zone.
4. Keep a pressure of 0.5 Kg/cm in the gas line to ignitor and maintain 0.5 Kg/cm in the air
line to ignitor.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 14
5. Just press the ignitor and leave it. Prolonged pressing of ignitor button should not be done
as it might damage the ignitor transformer.
6. Check through the view glass that the spark is produced. Do not look at the view glass
directly.
7. If the flame is not getting established, change over the 3 way valves and try with other pilots.
While changing over, check that the gas and air pressures do not increase. Increase in pressure
indicates choke in the line.
8. After establishing a flame, admit steam to the outer ring and inner core through 2" and 1"
steam line to stabilise the flare to make it smokeless and to make it free from wind disturbances.
1) Check the oil level in the lube oil reservoir. Also in main turbine governor, bearings of
cooling water pump and auxiliary machines.
2) Ensure cooling water to auxiliaries like gland condenser, gland ejector condenser and main
condenser. Cooling water to oil cooler need not be opened. This is to be done only after the
initial increase in the lube oil temperature has been observed.
3) 12 Kg/cmg & 45 Kg/cmg steam valves at battery limit should be opened gradually keeping
the drain valves open for warming up the lines. The steam trap bypass and the common header
drain should be kept open till the steam coming out from the drain is free of any condensate.
6) The shaft turning motor should be started after engaging the clutch provided. The lamp
indications provided in the panel should indicate "ON".
Note : If the lube oil pressure is not to the required value, the turning motor cannot be
started. Gland sealing steam from 12 Kg/cmg header should be opened slightly to maintain the
sealing steam pressure at 0.2 Kg/cmg.
7) Hogging ejector should be started (steam valve should be opened first and then air valve).
8) Steam valve to gland condenser ejector of main turbine should be opened such that the
pressure is about 5 Kg/cmg.
9) Pump gland sealing line valve should be opened keeping its own cooling water line in closed
condition for initial starting up. Put the pump priming ejector in service. Check that the valves in
the bearing cooling water inlet and outlet are kept in opene condition. Bearing cooler drain
should be kept in closed condition.
10) The bypass to condensing turbine steam inlet line should be opened very little for warming
up keeping open the drain before turbine for 10 minutes.
11) Check the opening of inlet and exhaust valve for lube oil pump turbine. Then warm up the
turbine by screwing down the handle of emergency stop valve. After screwing down, the handle
should be screwed off for emergency stop. After screwing up them, locking pin should be
introduced. After warming up, slowly increase the speed by screwing the butterfly valve nut.
After attaining full speed and checking the pump stop the Motor Driven Oil Pump. The panel
switch (knob) is to be turned to "Auto" start position.
12) All the drain tanks are to be checked and drained by isolating the incoming valves and
opening the air vent and tank drain. After draining, put the drain tank into service.
13) If the vacuum is about 600 mm Hg, change over to Main ejector. Following are the
procedure in case of 1st and 2nd stage ejector. Open the valve nearer to the ejector cooler.
Open the steam valve to that particular ejector. Open the air valve. If the left side first stage
ejector was put on service the corresponding left side second stage ejector should be put on
service. If the vacuum is okay cut out the starting ejector.
Attention : Close first air valve and then the steam valve. If there is a drop out on
vacuum, start the other set of ejectors. Even then there is a trouble, cut in starting up
ejector. While running, if there is any drop in vacuum, put on the starting up ejector till
vacuum is restored.
14) Check all the equipment such as Lub oil pump turbine, condensing pump turbine for bearing
temperature, speed, inlet steam pressure and temperature, vacuum etc. Condenser level should
be checked.
15) Open the main valve of turbine keeping a watch on the colour of the steam. It should be
colourless. Open fully the main valve.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 16
16) Check that the water is coming out through the priming line of the pump. Check the reset
button in the panel and the level handle in the emergency main valve. Keep the knob of the
governor in the minimum position.
17) If priming is okay, start rolling by opening the emergency valve. (When the turbine starts
rolling, turning gear gets disengaged automatically) Maintain 100-200 rpm for about 45 mts. If
everything is okay increase the speed to minimum governor speed (i.e.) 385 rpm. Check all
bearing temperature, and maintain the speed for 15 mts.
Attention : Speed increase should be done quickly in the range 200-350 rpm since the
critical speed of the machine is 280 rpm. Check the bearing temperatures of pump
turbine and the discharge pressure of pump.
18) Then increase the speed to normal (i.e.) 485 rpm and check all point temperatures. Cooling
water to pump gland should be changed over from sealing steam line. Change the turbine
sealing steam to its own source.
19) Put "ON" the automatic level controller for condenser and close the recirculation. Check the
condensate pump performance and open the discharge. Maintain discharge pressure around 5.2
Kg/cmg.
20) Open discharge valve of main pump gradually keeping the header presure constant (when
one pump is in service). Close the pump priming valves and ejector steam.
21) All temperatures, pressure and vacuum are to be checked. Readings are to be written every
one hour.
22) Lube oil temperature is to be maintained between 35 0C and 40 C. Vacuum above 700
mmHg (Normal 635 mmHg). Max. bearing temperature 75 0C. Turbine is to be
stopped at 80 0C.
Attention : The emergency valve should not be closed tightly and also should not be
opened to the tight condition.
2) Bring down the speed by turning the knob anticlockwise to 385 rpm.
4) After the speed comes to zero put "ON" the turning motor, close the sealing steam, close the
ejector (gland condenser ejector) steam valve and finally the main valve. Open the drains fully
for casing.
6) Stop the lube oil pump turbine after starting the motor driven pump. If the auto start for
motor is to be checked then turning motor would have got tripped due to low oil pressure. So
again it has to be started.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 17
7) Lube oil pump turbine turning motor should be in service for minimum four hours after
stopping the turbine.
2) Oil filter DP to be checked. If it is more than 0.6 Kg/cmg, change over to the other filter
and clean it.
3) Only one oil cooler should be in service. The cooling water should be opened or closed
according to the required temperature of lube oil, i.e., 35-40 C.
4) Drain tank drains are to be operated once in a shift (for operation see previous instruction).
6) Once in a week the spindle movement for control valve and emergency valve to be checked
by closing the emergency valve to some extent and increasing the speed to 500 rpm. After that
they should be brought to the original position.
Alarm Trip
10.5 GENERAL
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 18
When both the condensing and back pressure turbine are stopped close the 45 Kg/cmg line
battery limit valve to avoid passing of steam to turbine. If only one pump is running the body
temperature of the other turbine to be checked. If it is hot put on the turning motor in
continuous service.
There are two condensate pumps. The condensate pump should be changed once in a month.
10.6 START UP
If the condensing turbine pump is already in service, the warming up of steam lines, running of
lube oil pump all would have been taken care of. Or else follow the instruction for warming up.
1) Check the oil level in the pump bearing and in turbine governor.
3) Line up water for gland sealing and start priming of the pump.
5) Open all the drain in 3 Kg/cmg line venting system. Open the exhaust valves in 3 Kg/cmg.
line and venting system.
6) Switch "ON" the turning motor after putting the clutch in "ON" position.
8) Open gradually the main valve 45 Kg/cmg line and warm up the turbine. Colour of the
steam should be watched. It should be colourless.
10) Check the reset button in control panel. Check the level of the emergency valve. Keep the
governor knob in the minimum position.
11) If everything is okay start rolling the turbine by opening the emergency valve. Maintain 100-
200 rpm for 30 mts. Check all points, temperature, pressure etc.
12) If everything is okay increase the speed 385 rpm - minimum governor speed. Maintain for 15
mts. Check bearing temperature for pump and turbine. Check the discharge pressure of pump.
Attention:
Pump critical speed is 300 rpm. So increase speed quickly 220 to 350 rpm.
13) Increase the speed to 485 rpm. Change gland sealing water to cooling water of its own.
14) Put the PCV in the venting system on auto. Maintain pressure to 2.8-2.9 Kg/cmg and close
the drains. Safety valves are set to 3.1 and 3.25 Kg/cmg.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 19
15) Open the discharge valve gradually keeping the header pressure constant and take the pump
into service. Close the pump priming valve and ejector valve.
16) If steam is to be supplied to off site boiler deaerator, open the valve near the condensate
stripper after informing the offsite boiler. Check for all the points for any abnormality.
17) Oil temperature to be maintained at 35 to 45 0C. Accordingly close or open the water inlet
valve to oil cooler.
Attention : Emergency stop valve should not be kept opened or closed in tight condition.
1) Close the discharge valve of the pump. Before that change over the steam from offsite boiler
to venting system after informing offsite boiler control room.
2) Bring down the speed to minimum by turning the knob to anti-clockwise direction of governor
control.
3) Close the emergency valve and watch for decreasing the speed.
4) After speed comes to zero put "ON" the turning motor after switching "ON" the clutch. Check
for lamp indication in panel.
5) Close the main steam valve and open the casing drains.
6) Lub oil and turning motor should be in service for min 4 hrs.
2) Lube oil filter DP to be checked. DP not more than 0.6 Kg/cmg. If it is more change over to
the other filter and clean that.
5) Once in a week the handle to be checked for emergency valve and by increasing the speed to
500 rpm for control valve. Then bring back to original positions.
Alarm Trip
10.10 GENERAL
When both the condensing and back pressure turbine are stopped close the 45 Kg/cmg line
battery limit valve to avoid passing of steam to turbine.
If only one pump is running, the body temperature of the other turbine to be checked. If it is
hot put on the turning motor in continuous service.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 21
11.1 INTRODUCTION
The Naphtha contains impurities that could be detrimental to steam naphtha-reforming catalyst.
These impurities are variable in nature and in quantity depending on the origin of the crude
petroleum. The most important amongst them is Sulphur, Nitrogen, Oxygen and metals. The aim
of the hydro-desulphurisation is to eliminate these impurities by catalytic treatment in presence
of hydrogen.
As there are wide ranges of susceptible compounds in the naphtha products to be treated, it is
difficult to give precise examples of chemical reactions.
a) Hydrofining reactions.
Desulphurisation.
Denitrogenation.
b) Hydrogenation reactions:
Aromatic saturation.
The Hydrofining reactions are essentially characterised by the breaking of the C-S; C-O & C-N
bond. They lead to the formation of hydrocarbons and the elimination of S, N & O in the form
of H2S, ammonia and water respectively. These reactions are slightly exothermic.
The parallel reactions of saturation of double bonds by hydrogen are more strongly exothermic.
Hydrofining Reaction
1. Desulphurisation
The Mercaptons, sulphides and disulphide react easily to give saturated hydrocarbons and
corresponding aromatics.
The removal of combined sulphur in the Aromatic ring such as Thiophene (mainly in the case of
Benzothiophenic and dibenzothiophenic derivatives) becomes more difficult. The main reaction is
constituted by the opening of heterocycle ring resulting in a phenyl mercaptan and finally sulphur
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 22
is removed as Hydrogen Sulphide. These reactions could be accompanied by the cracking of the
lateral chain or rings after Hydrogenation. The desulphurisation reactions are exothermic in
nature, 12-17 KCal/hr per mole of Hydrogen being the energy released.
Denitrification
Of all the reactions accompanying the desulphurisation, the denitrogenation is the most
important.
R-NH2 + H2 RH + NH3
The denitrogenation reaction is obviously less rapid than the desulphurisation reaction. It is
particularly slow in the case of aromatic hetrocyclic compounds.
Other reactions
The saturation reactions of the aromatics are partial in the normal conditions of
hydrodesulphurisation.
In general, only the poly nuclear aromatics are affected in the presence of Cobalt catalyst.
Raw naphtha feed from the storage enters the unit by means of a Motor driven raw naptha
pump 3203, , it's flow being controlled by a flow controller FC 1103. 3203 E having the VFD
control to regulate the discharge pressure (PC1112). This feed is blended with a mixture of
recycle and make-up gases discharged by the Hydrogen gas compressors 3101 North & South.
Both the liquid feed and gases are heated in the heat exchangers 1505 A, B & C in the shell side
while the hot reactor effluent passes through the tube side. This hot mixture of vapour naphtha
and gas arrives at the fired heater 1431.
At the startup
Naphtha is directly sent to the stripper column by means of 3" line. The bottom liquid of this
stripper is sent to the storage tank by a 3slops line. This is to avoid the starvation of the
reboiler due to tube side hot fluid flow during startup.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 23
Preheated naphtha and hydrogen are brought to the reaction temperature (330-355) at furnace
1431. In this furnace, feed has to pass both in the radiation and convection section. Symmetrical
arrangement of inlet, outlet and tube bundles of the furnace helps in a good distribution of the
process stream. The heated feed then flows across the reactor 1101 filled with Cobalt
Molybdenum catalyst (HR 103) wherein the desulphurisation reactions take place. There are
twelve thermocouples spread out in the catalyst bed of the reactor to found the carbon
deposition in the catalyst vessel. Normal operation and regeneration of the catalyst can
therefore be controlled accurately. A differential pressure gauge PDI 1105 is used to indicate the
pressure drop across the catalyst bed. The reactor inlet temperature is controlled by means of
TC 1102, which in turn acts upon the fuel quantity to the furnace burners.
The effluent from reactor is cooled and partially condensed in a series of heat exchangers as
follows:
In the tube side of 1507 wherein the recovered heat is made use of to boil the stripper
Column bottoms.
In the tube side of 1505 C, B & A, the recovered heat being utilised to preheat the
feed.
The reactor effluent is split into two phases in the separator 1102. The liquid phase is sent to
the stripper column 1103, to strip out the dissolved H2S. One part of the vapor gas is recycled
while the rest is sent as purge to 1431 and fired. The purge can also be taken to flare.
The liquid level in the separator is controlled by a controller LC 1102. In addition, it is provided
with a high level alarm LI 1108 (70%). At the top of the separator, a wire mesh demister is
placed to prevent liquid entrainment along with the gas to the compressor.
The unit pressure is controlled by the pressure controller PC 0201 of make-up gas located at the
reforming section. FC 1105 allows control of purge gas flow and thereby indirectly the make-up
gas flow. The recycle gas along with the make-up gas is compressed by two reciprocating
compressors 3101 N & S working in parallel having capacity of 5000 NM3 each. Before mixing
with recycle gas, the make-up gas passes through a knockout drum 1133. The compressed gas
is then mixed with the Naphtha feed after metering the flow. A low flow alarm is provided in gas
line. (225 NM3)
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 24
Stripping section
Before being fed to the stripper column 1103, the liquid from the separator 1102 is heated in
exchangers 1540 A & B, passing through the shell side, recovering heat from the treated
Naphtha from stripper on the tube side.
The column consists of 30 ballast trays, single pass type. Feed enters at the 21st tray. A part
of the stripper bottom is boiled in the heat exchanger 1507 on the shell side, recovering heat
from the reactor effluent passing through the tube side. TC 1118 acting on the reactor effluent
controls the bottom temperature of the stripper.
Hot sweet naphtha from the stripper bottom is cooled and sent to the storage tank 1203.
Cooling is carried out first, in the tube side of the heat exchangers 1540 B & A and finally in the
water cooler 1504.
The stripper bottom level is controlled by means of the controller LC 1106 acting on the product
flow. The stripper overheads are cooled and Naphtha / water is condensed and separated in the
integral condenser 1508. The stripped gas from the top is sent to the flare/fired in 1431. The
liquid is totally refluxed back to the column. A down comer at the bottom of the integral
condenser withdraws condensed water and sends it to the collector 1135. Corrosion inhibitor is
pumped by means of a pump 3218 and introduced at the top of the column. A differential
pressure gauge is provided to indicate the pressure drop across the stripper column (not now in
operation). Both the off gases from the stripper and the naptha knockout drum can vent to flare
by PC1111 or by a separate isolation valves
Reactor and stripper sections are to be purged free of Oxygen before charging Hydrogen to the
system. Whenever hydro fining section is shutdown for maintenance job or for decoking
operations, system gets exposed to atmosphere. Therefore after a shutdown, the reactor and
stripper sections are to be purged with Nitrogen.
1) Check the circuit consisting of 3101 N & S, 1505 A, B and C, 1431, 1101, 1507, 1506 & 1102.
Ensure that all the flange joints opened out during shutdown have been boxed up.
2) "Swing elbows" at 1431 inlet, 1101 outlet should be linked up to the normal operating lines.
Process lines used for decoking should be blinded.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 25
3) Check the slip plates on the LP Nitrogen line at 3101 N & S inlet have been removed for
taking Nitrogen.
4) Pressurize the system with Nitrogen to about 0.5 - 1.0 Kg/cmg. Observe for any major leak.
If so, get it attended. Depressurize the system through all possible drains and vents.
Pressurizing and depressurizing can be done several times till O2 content in the reactor loop
comes down to 0.2 %. If the catalyst has not been oxidized, purging operation should ensure
forward flow of Nitrogen i.e., the section exposed to atmospheric oxygen shall not contaminate
the reactor, which was on Nitrogen blanket.
5) Once reactor section is free of O2, pressurize the system with Nitrogen to 5-17 Kg/cmg.
Attend to the flange/gland leaks, if any, in the system.
6) Use the Nitrogen in the reactor section to purge the stripper column. For this 1" startup line
exit 1102 to 1103 can be used. Once stripper section is also purged free of Oxygen both reactor
and stripper section can be boxed up under Nitrogen atmosphere at a convenient pressure.(say 5
ksc)
1) Cracked gas from IG unit will be available only if it is not used in the reformer. However,
process gas from 1113 exit is normally used as long as Methanator is in line. Purge gas from
recovery unit is not being used as Hydrogen source. Line is kept isolated permanently. Due to
formation of ammonium sulphate which will form sludge.
2) Inform Control Room operator and line up PCV 0201. Set it at 18 KSCG pressure on AUTO.
3) Take Hydrogen feed through 1133 into the system. Drain up condensate at 1133-drain flow
indication. Pressurize the system to 15(18) Kg/cmg.
4) Check FC 1105 opening and keep it on neutral position to facilitate to operate at hand jack
and from control room.
1) Confirming that FCV 1103 isolation valves are closed and the drain upstream FCV 1103 is
kept open to prevent premature entry of naphtha into the reactor.
3) Close the isolation valve at the sweet naphtha product line going to 1203.
4) Open isolation valve on slop naphtha line downstream of LCV 1106 : Can be done even after
getting level in stripper.
7) Start raw naphtha pump and take naphtha to stripper through start-up circulation line
upstream of FCV 1103. Adjust the valve opening to get 10 TPH of flow (slop line capacity is 10
tph). Once level appears in 1103 gauge glass, commission LCV 1106 and send the naphtha to
slops. Unless stripper pressure is maintained above 4 KSCG, naphtha will not flow back to the
tank.
2) Line up CWS/CWR for lube oil cooler, cylinder jacket cooling and gland cooling. Ensure that
enough cooling water flow is maintained in glands. If necessary, clean the filter elements.
3) Start the lube oil pump. Maintain lube oil filter DP less than 1 KSCG.
4) Inform Control Room and ask the Control Room operator to reset the hydrofiner trip
condition (Reset No 3). HC 1118 shall be kept open.
5) Pull the commissioning button in the local panel for start-up of the compressor. Check that
all trip conditions are healthy.
6) Open compressor suction and discharge valves. Open block valve downstream of FX 1104 in
the Hydrogen line.
7) Keep the manual loaders of the cylinder in unloaded condition and start the compressor.
Load the valves. Check for flow in FI 1104.
8) Line up cooling water to 1506 after the shell side pressure reached 4 kscg
1) Line up atomizing steam and purge the individual burners and ensure the draft is established.
3) Keep the chimney damper full open .(now it is always in open condition).
4) Light one burner, adjust the firing rate to get 40 C per hour heating up rate.
3) When all the 12 points in the bed and 1101 outlet temperature also reach 270 C, the catalyst
is ready to receive naphtha.
4) Open block valves of FCV 1103. Close the drain valve upstream of FCV 1103.
5) Light additional burner in 1431. Open FCV 1103 on manual and introduce feed to 1101 at
slow rate (2 tph). Do not allow the catalyst bed temperature to drop below 270 C at any point.
It will cause the naphtha to condense inside the catalyst bed, naphtha saturation temp is 250 c.
7) When the feed rate to reactor reaches more than 50% of the design flow, close the globe
valve on the startup line to stripper by matching the initial flow through the LC 1106.
8) Stripper bottom product is sent back to raw naphtha tank through slop line till attain the
quality.
9) Maintain a minimum of 60 % of the normal flow rate to the reactor. If the catalyst is fresh, it
takes 24 - 48 hours for the desulphurisation to attain its activity fully. It also depends on the
Sulphur content of the feed.
10) Stripper column reboiling temperature is adjusted by TCV 1118 B. While adjusting TCV 1118
B and HCV 1118 ensure that pressure exit 1101 does not increase.
11) Start corrosion inhibitor pump after establishing level in the tank. About 500 ml of corrosion
inhibitor is required for every 24 hours. Use the agitator to mix the corrosion inhibitor with
naphtha.
1) Reduce the naphtha feed rate to 12 TPH gradually. While doing so, one burner in 1431 may
have to be cut off.
2) Cut off feed to hydrofiner. Close FCV 1103 manually. Inform the field operator to close FCV
1103 block valves and open the drain valve upstream of FCV 1103.
4) Open the 3" valve in the start-up line to the stripper and maintain stripper circulation rate at
10 TPH through slops.
5) Continue to circulate Hydrogen gas across the reactor and keep one burner in 1431 and
gradually reduce the bed temperature of 1101. Bed temperature shall not be reduced unless
FCV 1103 is positively isolated and bleed open.
6) Residual naphtha in the reactor section will be removed during circulation and it will be
collected in 1102. As LCV 1102 is in control, collected naphtha will be pushed back to raw
naphtha tank through 1103.
7) Once 1101 bed temperature drops below 170 0C all burners in 1431 may be cut off and
reactor cooling is further continued with Hydrogen circulation.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 28
8) After cutting off all burners in 1431, purge out all burners with steam. After purging out,
isolate atomizing steam.
9) When bed temperature of 1101 comes below 70 0C, Hydrogen circulation may be stopped.
10) Before starting depressurizing of the system, push out remaining liquid naphtha from 1102
and 1103.
11) After confirming that liquid naphtha from 1102 has been pushed out fully, close LCV 1102 on
manual and isolate it.
13) Stop stripper circulation and push the stripper bottom naphtha, to tank under column
pressure.
14) After stopping hydrogen compressor, allow the lube oil pump to run for an hour, to cool the
bearing, cross head, distance piece, etc.
15) If it is required to depressurize the system for maintenance job or decoking of 1101,
proceed as follows :
Remove the slip plate in Nitrogen inlet line to 1431/ Hydrogen gas compressor 3101.
Purge the entire unit with Nitrogen till hydro carbon content is less than 500 ppm and
Hydrogen concentration comes below 0.2 %.
keeping a small Nitrogen bleed through 1101 "From 1431 outlet Nitrogen connection"
provide slip plates at 1101 inlet and outlet flanges. Then the equipment other than
1101 can be released for maintenance jobs.
Note : Without reoxidation of the catalyst, 1101 catalyst shall not be exposed to atmosphere,
since it is pyrophoric.
This causes the shutdown of raw naphtha pumps and Hydrogen compressors, in effect tripping
the entire section. Following actions occur automatically :
Actions :
Control Room Operator has to take TCV 1102, FCV 1103 & FCV 1105 on manual and bring the air
signal to zero. Field operator has to isolate FCV 1103 and open the drain upstream FCV 1103.
Isolate fuel to 1431. Raw naphtha to fuel naphtha jump over block isolation valves, sweet
naphtha product to 1203, LCV 1102 isolation valves are also to be closed. Lube oil pumps of
Hydrogen compressor should be started when emergency power becomes available. Compressor
should be unloaded.
If power failure is of short duration, then quickly establish start-up circulation in 1103 and
Hydrogen circulation across reactor section. This avoids condensation of naphtha inside 1101.
Light up one burner in 1431 after getting clearance from Control Room.
If power failure is prolonged, then depressurize the reactor section slowly through FCV 1105
(open on hand jack) to keep a purge through reactor 1101.
Unless the cause of these trips is not rectified, Hydrogen compressors cannot be started. Raw
naphtha pump continues to run. If IA fails and it is not resumed soon, open FCV 1105 on hand
jack to keep a purge through 1101. Other actions are similar to electric power failure trip. After
restoring normality in the trip initiations, proceed as before.
Since Main Plant has also tripped, no feed gas is available for restarting. Proceed as per normal
shutdown procedure.
This is an emergency trip on hydrofiner alone. The trip actions are similar to Case of electrical
power failure. If Hydrogen circulation cannot be established for any reason keep a purge
through 1101, if possible.
a) Naphtha K.O drum level high - Trips both the compressors. (80%)
When only one compressor trips, reduce the feed input to 16 TPH. Do not maintain high feed
rate (more than 70 % of the feed rated capacity) as the Hydrogen partial pressure required for
Sulphur removal may not be adequate.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 30
When both the compressor trips, following actions take place automatically :
If compressors had tripped on 1102 high level, bring down the level. Quickly start back the
compressors and establish Hydrogen circulation and stripper circulation. Get the concurrence of
Control Room Operator and light 1431.
For this trip, only XCV 1101 and TCV 1102 close.
Actions :
Field operator should quickly relight and establish atleast one burner. If the trip is due to defects
in flame scanner circuit/burner etc., proceed with normal shutdown procedure.
Control Room operator can reduce feed rate immediately to the required extent but never less
than 50 %. If bed temperature cannot be maintained above 260 0C and/or if heater outlet
temperature has dropped to 260 0C, cut off the feed completely.
1. Preparatory Jobs
Instrument
d) PCV 1122 in process air line and FCV 1101 in steam line and FCV 1102 in air line must be
stroke checked.
Mechanical
Slip plates to be removed from Nitrogen lines at 1431 inlet and reactor inlet.
1) Cut off feed to reactor and cool down the reactor to ambient conditions using Hydrogen
compressors.
3) Keeping a Nitrogen purge to reactor, swing elbows at 1431 inlet and 1101 outlet for
regeneration. Blinds are to be fixed in open flanges.
4) Line up circuit for regeneration. Admit Nitrogen at maximum possible rate through reactor /
heater circuit to vent and light 1431. Bring up bed temperature above 125 0C at the bottom
most point.
5) Introduce CW through the spray nozzles located in the inlet line to quench separator.
6) Cut in steam and keep a flow rate of 4 TPH and cut off Nitrogen completely. Increase the
bed temperatures to 400 0C at 40 C/hr. Keep reactor inlet temperature at 400 0C maximum.
7) Slowly introduce air at the rate of 100 Nm3/hr through the service air line. Watch catalyst
bed temperature. If temperature at any point tends to increase beyond 480 0C, reduce or cut off
air flow. Analyse combustion gases for O2, CO & SO2 contents every hour. 1431 coil skin
temperature are to be monitored and visual observations of the coils are to be made for any local
hot spot.
8) If temperature raise is under control, increase air flow in small increments of 50 Nm3/hr
limiting maximum temperature of 480 0C.
9) Line up process air header and keep a pressure of 3 KSCG in the header downstream of PCV
1110.
10) Switch over air feed from service air to process air. Keep the low range flow meter (0
- 840 Nm3 ) in line.
11) Keep air flow of 250 Nm3/hr (corresponding to 1 % O2 with 4 TPH steam flow). If reactor
bed temperature decrease, gradually increase bed temperature to 450 0C at 40 0C C/hr, keeping
the maximum bed temperature at 480 0C.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 32
12) Slowly increase air rate to 1000 Nm3/hr( 3% O2 )and steam rate to 5 TPH. If CO2 content in
the exit gas is 0.2 % increase the inlet temperature to 480 C confirming that there is no
temperature increase in bed. Whenever bed temperature exceeds 480 0C, reduce/cutoff air flow
to control the temperature.
13) If there is no fresh combustion, increase air flow to 2400 Nm3/hr(8% O2) for oxidation.
Keep air flow of 3500 Nm3/hr and 480 0C inlet temperature for 4 hours and confirm analysis of
CO2/O2/SO2 etc. Until oxidation is completed limit maximum temperature to 500 0C.
14) Decrease reactor temperature at the rate of 40 C/hr to 250 0C. Cut off heater and cut off
steam. Slowly cool the reactor to ambient temperature keeping the air flow.
15) After cooling down, clearance can be given to open the reactor top manhole for
inspection of the catalyst.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 33
The Emergency Trip System in Ammonia Plant automatically shuts down the plant or sections of
the plant, when process conditions deviate from normal operating values to such an extent that
hazardous conditions can arise or damage can be done to the plant / personnel.
Generally, trip initiation is preceded by an alarm, which alerts the operator to take corrective
action and rectify the situation before the trip takes place. Following are the details described in
this section :
2. The various trip initiators in the trip panel (totally 64 Nos) and corresponding trip actions that
will take place automatically. Related reset groupings also are indicated.
4. The various emergency actions to be taken immediately after a trip by various area
operators.
5. Reset procedure.
6. Guide lines to be followed in case a restart is possible, immediately, after rectifying the
cause, which must be read in conjunction with the appropriate sections of normal start-up
procedure.
Initiators
1.
a) XCV 1902 closed Ammonia exit sphere 1
2.
a) XA 1107 A & B H2 Compressors stopped 3
3.
a) XA 0112 Aux Boiler 'A' shutdown 4
(Will not occur for C.W low pr. and push button 'A')
4.
a) XA 1616 lean pump stopped 5
5.
a) XA 1320 ID north stopped 6
6.
a) XA 1204 tripped fuel to 1432 7
8.
a) XA 0114 PAC shutdown 9
10.
a) FCV 1501 closed steam to HT shift 11
Reset No.
Initiators
As PXL 1310, PXL 1320, LXL 1306, TXL 1205, TXL 1314 and FXL 1204 are normally kept in
bypass, manual trip must be taken when conditions reach trip value.
1.
a) XA 1107 A & B H2 Compressors stopped 3
3.
a) XA 1204 tripped fuel to 1432 7
4.
a) HCV 1408 opened process air to vent 9
6.
a) FCV 1501 closed steam to HT shift 11
Initiators
FXL 1303 is kept on bypass normally.PDXL 1405 is kept in line during air cut in and at lower plant
load. FXL 1401 is taken in line when plant load is more than 18 TPH and PDXL 1405 is bypassed.
When Secondary reformer trip is initiated through initiators other than PAC , then reset 9A is to
be pressed for loading PAC for instrument air service.
D.Methanator Trip
Initiators
LXL 1605 is kept bypassed normally. Push button trip 'D' to be taken when situation warrants.
5.
a) PCV 0224 closed recycle H2 from SGC 17
E.Hydrofiner Trip
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 40
Initiators
XA 1104 is normally kept on bypass. But fuel cut off to 1431 takes place even if it is bypassed,
with 5 seconds time delay.
After trip 'G' initiation and XA 0109A initiation, when the initiation is made healthy, Reset No : 3
is to be pressed to start H2 compressor. Then XA 1105 vanishes. No. 3 has to be reset again to
open control valves.
Initiator
c) Push button trip 'F ' Used in case of emergency arising out of ammonia leak downstream
Horton Sphere. Separate push button trips are provided to take shut down of ammonia
importation site also.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 41
Initiators
H. Boilers trip
Initiators
This provision is given to trip both Auxiliary Boilers (S) & (N) and ASGU respectively. This will be
useful during failure in BFW system and during emergencies in boiler which requires remote trip.
Initiators
Initiators
2. Push button trip 'E' (for LRC shut down through LXH 1803)
K.PGL 2
Initiator
2.
a) XA 0116 Gas to SGC stopped 16
When there is no power available in TP 30, TP 31 and TP 32 transformer secondaries, the under
voltage relays in TP 30, TP 31, TP 32 senses undervoltage. If all the three senses the
undervoltage of 144 V simultaneously XA 0109A Electric failure is initiated.
* Important Note
There is a provision to bypass XA 0109B. It is normally kept bypassed due to availability of 830
KVA DG set. Even if the trip is in line, these actions occur only after one minute time delay. If
bypass is removed after one minute, actions will instantaneously occur . Trip initiator lamps will
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 44
appear irrespective of the bypass key position. In case both 830 KVA DG set and TG-I are not
available during power failure, this trip must be taken in line.
Apart from this, ESVs and FCVs action will occur as described in SGC section.
For any ID or FD fan trip, corresponding FD or ID fan will be tripped. Dampers of both tripped
fans will be closed.
PCV 1305 cut back naphtha to furnace will be actuated. The plant load should be reduced
immediately to 14 TPH sweet naphtha rate and stabilised.
When the scanner senses no flame for 5 seconds, fuel valves will be closed. No reset is required
from trip panel. Pressing 'Main Flame Start' at local panel, relighting can be done.
This trip is provided to save the lean pump from starvation and hence to avoid CO2 slippage
from absorber because of lean flow failure.
This trip is provided to save the semilean pump from starvation and hence to avoid CO2 slippage
from absorber and because of semilean solution failure. Further this prevents lower part of the
LP regenerator running dry.
1.
a) XA 1616 lean solution pump stopped 5
6.
a) PCV 0224 closed recycle from SGC 17
Normally these trips are provided with bypass key provision and they are kept on bypass mode.
S.HWP Shutdown
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 46
Thus, various trip actions that will automatically take place for 64 initiators are described above.
Manual actions to be taken immediately after trip are described in the table under "Emergency
Actions during Plant trips".
1. Two limit switches are provided in FCV 1303. One switch is used for trip output lamp
indication. The other switch is connected in series in the signal to close FCV 1304 during total
plant trips. Thus availability of FCV 1304 is ensured, if FCV 1303 fails to close protecting
reformer from low steam/carbon ratio.
2. PXH 1313 - Annunciation will occur as soon as the furnace pressure reaches trip value.
Actions will occur, if it persists for 5 seconds.
3. seconds time delay is provided in the signal to close XCV 1406, to purge out air by blanketing
steam in the air inlet line.
4. A limit switch at ESV 102 will initiate HWP shutdown whenever the valve closes.
XCV 0102 A & B opening is initiated by PAL 145, Governor oil low pressure switch of SGC,
whereas FCV 0107 closing will be initiated by XA 0107. FCV 0107 closing will take 80 seconds
from the present opening. Similarly, XCVs will get reset when PAL 145 is healthy, and FCV 0107
by pressing Reset 15. It is wise to take, XA 0107 trip in line as soon as SGC reached MGS.
It may be relevant here to know the function of PAL 145. Whenever SGC shutdown is initiated
by main trip panel (PGL I) or local panel. Solenoid valve No. 100 is de-energised. This leads to
draining of governor oil through a pneumatic actuator. Oil draining leads to closure of MSV and
initiation of PAL 145. PAL 145 sends signal to close all ESVs, open all FCVs, open JCV 103, open
XCV 0102 A & B and send signal to main trip panel to initiate XA 0107, which will actuate closure
of FCV 0107 in a slow mode. Because of this 45 Kg/cmg steam header pressure will be
controlled smoothly by PC 0104 during SGC trips.
6. To prevent compressors from possible surging, due to remote resetting, local reset buttons
also have been provided in series, in SGC and PAC panels. Ensure signals to FCVs are zero,
before attempting local reset. FCVs can be operated only after this local reset.
7. When local push button trip for Ammonia Converter start-up heater was used, Reset 'H' shall
be used to cancel the initiator.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 47
8. For all trips leading to the closure of FCV 1303 will close HCV 1306 also. This action can be
reset by pressing reset 7.
2. Remember reset is a planned action and never do it in hurry, without ensuring completion of
secondary actions.
3. But 'Reset 9 A' can be pressed at the earliest, whenever a trip initiates unloading of PAC, so
that, compressor operator can load back PAC for instrument air service. 'Reset 9 A Actuated'
annunciation will appear in PAC local panel, when 9A is reset. After blowoff valve reset, machine
can be loaded. This reset makes PCV 0223 also available for operation.
Remember 'Reset 9 A' can be used for only loading PAC when it runs unloaded on a trip. It
cannot be used to restart PAC, during total plant trips. When 'Reset 9' is pressed, Reset 9A will
get cancelled with one second off time delay circuit.
4. To enable reset, get the initiation cancelled, by one of the following three ways :
b) Normalise the process parameter, to normal value for trips like high temperature or
high pressure, etc.
c) Use the bypass key to cancel the initiation wherever recommended, like low flow trips.
5. When initiation is made healthy as described above, reset is to be done in the numerical
sequence in which they got initiated. (Refer Section I). Reset shall be done one by one, or as
required as per the progress in start-up.
6. There is a bypass key provision to bypass the reset sequence interlock. There will be no
necessity to use it, for routine trip check and shutdown maintenance. Ensure it is always in line.
Under special circumstances, get clearance from Shift Engineer for operation of this key.
1. Never take a trip in line, without clearance from the Shift Engineer.
2. Before commencing start-up activities of the plant, do the "Trip Check of Trip panel" for
various initiators. Check actuation of control valves, annunciation at Control Room, Boiler and
Compressor House, trip output lamp indications and timer operations wherever applicable.
Maintain close co-ordination with Instrument Department during trip check.
In most of the occasions, Trip check may have to be done when following sections of the plant
are alive.
Relevant actions may have to be bypassed to keep these sections alive without tripping, during
Trip check.
Ensure all these connections are normalised on completion of Trip check and before commencing
start-up activities.
Before taking the trip do the lamp test. If the lamp is healthy during test condition alone, it
indicates that the trip initiator has become healthier. Ensure that the trip initiator is reasonably
above the trip value and take the trip in line. In case of triple redundant trip initiator ensure that
all the inputs are above trip value.
3. Among the 64 initiators in Trip panel, 30 initiators have bypass key provision. Rest of the
trips must be in line before starting the plant. Generally, following will be the sequence of taking
trips in line during plant start-up.
Take 'XA 0108 - PAC shutdown' trip in line as soon as PAC reaches its minimum governor
speed.
Take ID & FD fans trip in line as soon as the corresponding set is paralleled.
c)PXH 1313 trip must be taken in line before lighting the reformer.
4. Take FFXL 1303 steam/feedstock ratio Trip in line when start-up compressor is stopped, after
admitting naphtha to reformer. In case of a immediate restart without start-up compressor, this
trip can be taken in line, before admitting naphtha to reformer.
5. Take FXL 1302 fuel naphtha to furnace low flow trip in line, when feedstock rate is stabilised
at 40 % plant load and fuel naphtha spill back at reformer is closed fully.
6. Take PDXL 1405 trip in line before cutting in air to secondary reformer.
7. Take FXL 1203 Liquid feedstock low trip in line when feedstock rate is stable above 40 %
plant load.
8. Take XA 0107 trip in line as soon as SGC reaches its minimum governor speed.
9. Take XA 1816 trip in line as soon as LRC reaches its minimum governor speed.
10. When plant load is above 18 TPH, and 1433 exit temperature is above 400 C, take FXL 1401
trip in line after checking impulse lines of the flow transmitter. PDXL 1415 shall be bypassed
after taking FXL 1401 in line.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 49
a) Ensure that cooling water pressure is normal. Start PAC and line up for instrument air
service. Reset the trip panel Reset 1 and get XCV 1902 opened for running IG plant. Start
Ammonia feed pump, in case there is any consumption by the downstream plants.
b) Reset trip panel and start ID/FD fans and set PC 1313 at -1.27 mmWC. Note that flue gas
fan should be started before combustion air fan. Note, while resetting trip panel for ID/FD fans,
that vetrocoke section would have been reset already. Run the wash water pump. Further
fuel naphtha valves are also reset while resetting the panel for ID/FD fans. All the control valves
should be in "Tripped" position before resetting trip panel.
c) Open the spillback on the fuel naphtha return header and establish fuel naphtha circulation
(all the valves for individual burners are in closed condition). Ensure that isolation valves for the
rows at both inlet and outlet are wide open especially for 4th and 6th rows for which the return
header isolation valves would have been closed while the plant is running.
d) Relight some burners in a staggered pattern and bring the flue gas temperature up 50 C per
hour. If auto ignition is not possible, switch over to ignitors immediately.
e) While taking up the reformer temperature, take up process steam to reformer to about 45
TPH. There should not be any sudden increase in steam flow to reformer as this might lead to
quenching of the tubes.
f) Take up the temperature exit reformer to 760 C and check the furnace visually.
g) Before resetting the trip panel for cutting in feedstock, ensure that all the valves are in
tripped condition. In the field, vapour naphtha block valve should be in closed condition and the
bleed in-between FCV 1303 & its block valve should be in full open condition. Desulphuriser
should have been depressurised to avoid any entry of naphtha to reformer.
h) Stabilise the primary reformer exit temperature at 760 C with about 50 TPH of process steam
and about 30 burners in line well distributed, maintain midstream pressure at 20.5 Kg/cmg.
After reset 7, establish a flow of about 600 Nm3/Hr of cracked gas from the IG plant through
1432 and 1104 bypass venting the gas at the PCV 1208 vent upstream of FCV 1303. Maintain
the pressure in PC 1208 at 25 Kg/cmg by throttling the PCV 1208. Equalise the pressure in 1104
with that in PC 1208. Ensure that cracked gas receiver pressure maintains above 35 Kg/cmg.
Light the flare.
After stabilising the flow and pressure, light one burner in 1432, keeping the ring header
pressure at the minimum (about 4 Kg/cmg). On the panel, start monitoring all the parameters
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 50
concerning 1432 - flue gas temperatures, skin temperatures, process temperature and flow etc.
for any abnormal change.
Line up sweet naphtha to 1432, when the highest skin temperature crosses 200 C, admit
about 2 TPH of naphtha to 1432. Gradually increase the flow to 4 TPH and also raise the firing
on the burner. Maintain PC 1208 at the same pressure by PCV 1208, as the flow through 1432
and the exit temperature increases.
When the temperature on TC 1205 reaches 380 C, line up 1104 completely, line up vapour
naphtha to reformer and light the second burner in 1432 if necessary. Maintain ring header
pressure initially at 4 Kg/cmg and increase the sweet naphtha throughout to continue raising TC
1205 to 400 C. Ensure that all the points in 1104 and TI 1/1301 (exit of 1104) is above 377 C.
1104 bypass is fully closed and bleed should be kept opened.
Gradually increase sweet naphtha rate to 10 TPH and stabilise 1432 exit temperature at 400
C and reformer exit temperature at 760 C.
l) Bring rest of the plant in line in accordance with the normal start-up procedure.
If reformer exit temperature could not be brought up to 760 C within 4 hours after cutting of
feedstock, because of steaming without feed stock, the catalyst in Primary Reformer, Secondary
Reformer and HT shift catalyst get oxidised. It should be rereduced to regain its full activity.
a) The reformer exit temperature should be above 500 C and bring this temperature to 760 C
and stabilise.
c) Keep inlet, exit and bypass valves of LT shift vessel in closed condition.
d) Purge the section from LT exit to syn gas compressor suction free of H2 to less than 0.2 %
(The residual process gas before purging may be used for purging the section from FCV 1203 to
FCV 1303 via start-up compressor bypassing 1104. For this the slip plates in Start up
Compressor suction and discharge is to be removed).
e) Purge the feedstock header from FCV 1203 to FCV 1303 free of hydrocarbons, and hydrogen
to less than 1 ppm and 0.2 % respectively.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 51
f) Do not use the process gas for purging 1104. Purge 1104 independently with Nitrogen.
g) When all the sections in start-up loop except the section from reformer inlet to PCV 1504 has
been purged, pressurise with nitrogen and analyse.
i) Open LT shift vessel bypass and establish start-up circulation through 1112 bypass; light
1432 and bring up the exit temperature.
j) Keep the circulation rate initially to minimum possible to avoid cold nitrogen condensing
steam at reformer inlet.
k) Watch reformer inlet temperature and keep the drains on feed stock header on reformer inlet
open for sometime to blow out any condensate.
l) Ensure that the pressure of 1104 is less than the system pressure to prevent the possibility of
hydrocarbons entering the system.
m) Inject Ammonia to Primary reformer inlet watching mixed feed temperature and PRO
temperature. Cut off Ammonia if PRO drops below 760C. Build up ammonia in steps to carry out
reduction. Parallely admit recycle hydrogen from IG plant and build up enough concentration.
n) Bring up the bed temperature of 1104 above 350 C and line up.
o) After a re-reduction period of about 2-6 hours naphtha can be cut into reformer.
p) For further operations, appropriate sections in normal start up can be referred to.
After a trip caused by P.B. trip 'A' if reformer exit temperature has fallen below 500 C, before
relighting the furnace, process steam to reformer should be cut off and further cooling should be
done by nitrogen only.
After cutting off steam to reformer, steam should positively be isolated and the pressure of 1537
should be reduced below plant pressure.
Purging of the entire plant should be carried out till Hydrogen and Oxygen are less than 0.2 %
respectively. Hydrocarbons should be purged away from the feedstock header, after draining, to
less than 1 ppm.
After building up the system pressure with N2 circulation may be established at a minimum rate.
Keep the feed stock header drains and other low point drain in the pipe work open to blow out
accumulated condensate. Circulation rate may be increased gradually.
All the steps as mentioned in the normal shutdown procedure should be carried out to cool down
the plant, by starting the startup compressor. When possible to relight the furnace, normal start-
up procedure should be adopted.
The occasions when this trip occurs should be rare as there are effectively two sources of
instrument air namely the process air compressor and instrument air compressor. However, there
are possibilities for this trip to occur, e.g. tripping of auxiliary boilers after power failure or any
other steam system upset leading to non-running process air compressor and non-availability of
power to run instrument air compressors. Consequences for this trip are the same as for control
room manual plant trip A but in addition there is the air failure action of the valves to consider.
All the control valves fail shut on air failure except the following which fall open :
TCV 1118, PCV 1206, PCV 1205, PCV 1303, XCV 1405, HCV 1408, HCV 1605, HCV 1606, HCV
1607, HCV 1608, PCV 1705, HCV 1810, PCV 1903, LCV 0203 B, LCV 0202 B, PCV 0229, XCV
1603, PCV 2101, PCV 2111, PCV 2106, PCV 2107, PCV 2108, PCV 2109, PCV 1208, PCV 1111.
Restarting procedure is same as for Plant A trip on resumption of I.A. supply. But the following
points also are to be considered.
b) for maintaining 12 ATA and 2.1 ATA steam header pressure vent control valves have to be
adjusted on hand jack.
This is a total plant trip as Trip 1 and actions for restarting the plant are the same as Trip 1. If
there is a common fault on turbine driven units, motor driven pump should be started and
coolers should be isolated to maintain 4 Kg/cmg pressure (Aux boilers continue operation with
fire water lined to L.O. cooler). BFWPs & IACs will run with fire water back up. However ASGU
has to to be stopped as there is no back up for its FD fan.
The procedure for restart of the plant is same as Trip 1 except that the first objective before
restart is to establish levels in waste heat recovery system steam drum and auxiliary boiler steam
drums. If level in steam drum (1106) cannot be established, steam to reformer should be cut off
to conserve water in CCJT system.
Ensure instrument air pressure, cooling water pressure, steam system and BFW system are
stable. Restarting procedure is same as in
Trip 1.
Possible causes :
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 53
b) Excess air rate, or reduced vapour naphtha flow to reformer leading to high temperature at
secondary reformer exit.
FCV 1401 close, XCV 1406 close, HCV 1408 open or FCV-2-201 open. All these will
lead to low flow trip.
Restart procedure
d) Re-establish flow of process air to instrument air system and stop IACs.
e) Cut in air to secondary reformer as per normal start-up procedure (Reset 9 to 11).
i) Establish synthesis loop circulation and line up converter (Reset 16). Line up production.
G.Methanator Trips
Possible causes :
a) Excessive CO2 slip exit Absorber, due to one of the following reasons.
i) Poor regeneration
ii) Low system pressure
iii)Low specific gravity of the solution
iv) Low solution circulation rate
v) Foaming
vi) Flooding
vii)High differential pressure across absorber.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 54
Restart procedure
d) Bypass methanator and transfer venting to PCV 1509 ensuring solution circulation.
e) When CO2 analysis is satisfactory, take methanator in line and close bypass valves. Open
bleed (Reset 12)
f) Line up recycle H2 from SGC (Reset 16 & Reset 17). Stop IG units. Start Hydrofining
section.
g) Establish synthesis lop circulation after checking CO, CO2 at SGC 4th suction.
h) Line up production.
H.Power failure
Possible causes :
Restart Procedure
If TGS are running in unloaded condition, power can be made available in a short time.
The main factors which affect the operation is the rise in cooling water temperature because of
trip of CT fans.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 55
Rise in cooling water temperature will result in the lowering of surface condenser vaccum,
vetrocoke solution temperatures, compressors suction and discharge temperature and
refrigeration duty of the loop. This further rises the CWS temperature and thus a vicious circle is
formed.
If both 1100 KVA and 830 KVA DG sets are available, all emergency loads and 5 CT fands
(E,F,G,H,I) have to be started immediately. With this the plant load can be stabilised at 18 TPH
at a cooling water temperature of 35 C above which the CWS temperature should not be allowed
to rise.
If TG is coming in line immediately, the load reduction can be started after the cooling water
temperature reaches 35 C in such a way that the cooling water temperature is maintained at 35
C.
If either 830 KVA DG set power or TG power is not resuming within one minute, take power
failure trip in line and LRC will trip and SGC will get unloaded. This removes major heat load for
the cooling tower. The front end load should be stabilised at 18 TPH when power resumes plant
load is to be raised.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 56
A.Precautions
1) The rate of cooling down of the reformer brick work should not exceed 50 0C/hr.
2) It is essential at all times to avoid condensate deposition on the low temperature shift
catalyst as this causes deactivation. Since the low temperature shift catalyst operates fairly close
the gas dew point, a constant check should be carried out so that the gas temperature to this
unit does not at any point fall below its dew point. The L.T. shift vessel is taken off line fairly
early in the shutdown procedure, purged with nitrogen and left under nitrogen pressure higher
than the adjacent plant pressure.
3) As for L.T. shift catalyst, liquid water must not be allowed to contact the reforming catalyst.
When the temperature in any part of the reforming system drops to 50 0C above the saturation
temperature of the steam at the tube inlet pressure, all steam should be purged out with
Nitrogen.
4) Gas containing CO should not be allowed to stay in contact with Nickel containing catalyst or
construction materials of primary reformer and secondary reformer at low temperatures. This is
because significant amount of extremely poisonous Nickel Carbonyl will be formed at
temperatures below 150 0C. Apart from the dangers of poisoning, this reaction will tend to
remove Nickel from the catalyst thus causing deactivation.
5) At the plant, downstream of the reformer tubes, steam will condense from the gas. This
condensate should be drained off immediately from the drain points on exchangers, vessel and
pipe work to avoid possible bulk carry-over of condensate directly into any catalyst at a later
stage.
6) If the plant is to be depressurised prior to entering the process vessels, all toxic gases must
be purged out with Nitrogen.
7) Depressurisation of the plant must be carried out very slowly as the catalyst are porous and
sufficient time must be allowed for gas diffusion to take place or severe catalyst damage may
result. A rate of depressurisation not exceeding 7 ATA per hour is always recommended.
8) One of the primary concerns of shutdown should be the prevention of carbon deposition on
the reforming catalyst due to momentary low steam/feedstock ratios. This can be and is often
caused by leaky valves. It is therefore essential that immediately following a shutdown, the
feedstock should be manually isolated by the block valve provided. The line between the valve
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 57
and the control valve should be vented and then pressurised using HP Nitrogen. This prevents
both forward leakage of the feedstock and backward leakage of process gas, either of which
cause carbon formation in the absence of steam.
9) Two items of equipment in the flue gas duct should receive special consideration on
shutdown. These are the process steam superheater and turbine steam superheater. The steam
flows, through these, should be high enough to prevent design metal temperatures being
exceeded.
10) Depressurisation of the Ammonia loop should not exceed 50 ATA per hour.
The plant capacity is reduced in 5 % steps to 70 % capacity by reducing the settings on the
controllers in the following order :
b) Reduce simultaneously :-
1) Feedstock vapour naphtha FC 1303, then feedstock FC 1203 and then FC 1204 to
maintain the pressure in PC 1208.
2) Fuel naphtha rate by reducing the set point on PC 1305. The reformer outlet
temperature should be maintained at the normal value.
3) Purge gas fuel rate to reformer dual fired burners by closing HCV 1302.
e) Reduce the speed of the synthesis gas compressor and circulation in the Ammonia loop
to maintain suction pressure PC 1509.
Get clearance from HWP, open HWP bypass valve and the discharge of the syn gas compressor
and close all the valves on the lines to and from HWP namely liquid Ammonia lines to and from
HWP and 1" recycle gas line to HWP.
C. SGC Shutdown
Start I.G plant on cracked gas service to supply recycle hydrogen to 1432. Isolate recycle H2
from syn gas compressor. Take syn gas compressor off line as per the procedure described in the
section on Syn gas compressor. Check PC 1509 and ensure that PDXL 1405 trip does not get
initiated.
D. LRC Shutdown
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 58
Load on LRC will reduce as SGC is unloaded. on stopping the circulation in Syn loop stop
refrigeration compressor according to the procedure described in the section on refrigeration
compressor.
Watch the chiller pressures and drain NH3 from 1526, 1527 and 1127 sphere. In case the
pressure in 1526, 1527 is inadequate, pressurise them with Ammonia from 1127 and then
depressurise to sphere. Carefully watch the pressures to avoid relief valves lifting or liquid from
sphere backing up into the chillers on the other extreme.
The procedure for a controlled shutdown of the synthesis loop depends to some extent on
whether maintenance on the loop is required. If the shutdown is of a short duration with no
maintenance required, the loop may be left under syn gas pressure. If maintenance is required,
the loop is depressurised and purged with Nitrogen.
1) Open direct bypass HCV 1801 gradually so that the first bed inlet temperature is reduced by
10 OC in not less than half an hour.
2) As bed temperatures fall, adjust and finally reduce quench rates to zero.
3) Stop circulation (or use converter bypass HCV 1810 to achieve the same effect).
4) Empty ammonia from catchpot and isolate HCV 1811 and LCV 1812.
6) Purge converter and the loop with Nitrogen. Open all control valves from around the
converter and purge through quench lines etc. Purge systematically to all drains and vents.
2) Reduce circulation rate by opening HCV 1810. Do not cool down more than 10 OC in half an
hour.
3) When ammonia production ceases, drain catch pot and isolate LCV 1812 and HCV 1811.
Inorder to cool down the converter reasonably quickly, it is necessary to maintain a circulation
rate, allowing the converter to cool down at a rate not more than 50 0C/hr.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 59
O
4) When the temperature is down to 50 - 60 C stop circulation and blow down loop.
6) When loop is completely purged, disconnect converter exit piping whilst continuing to purge.
7) Connect a Nitrogen hose to the converter exit and sweep out in the reverse direction.
8) When the converter is opened, the surface of the catalyst should be covered as much as
possible but use Nitrogen purge through the opening. Make sure that the converter is not
opened at the top and the bottom at the same time.
2) Make sure there are no openings at the top of the converter - other than for Nitrogen purge
connection.
3) Remove HP covers from catalyst discharge nozzles and connect slide valves and water
washed catalyst discharged chutes. Discharge catalyst (keeping it wet) into a wagon and tip on
waste ground and spread out evenly.
In the new Ammonia Converter, a shell gas flow of around 50000 - 70000 Nm 3 / hr has to be
maintained necessarily through HCV 1807 to cool the HP shell. The shell temperature shall be
monitored periodically, using contact thermometer and shall be recorded.
In case of no shell gas flow due to valve problem etc., the following actions are to be followed:
1) Confirm the reduction in shell gas flow (FI 1803 ) as indicated in loop circulation flow
(FI1809) for any momentary sharp drop in flow.
3) Close HCV 1806, 1808, 1809 and 1810. Open HCV 1807 to 5% (if it cannot be opened, do it
with handjack and open HCV 1812 to 1% and maintain forward flow through the converter.)
4) If HCV 1807 could not be opened in any means, depressurise the loop as per normal rate
through HCV1812.
The following method of shutdown can be used in cases where converter temperatures are
dropping in an uncontrolled manner. This situation should be avoided as too rapid cooling of the
converter can cause cartridge bending and other internals damage. The procedure may be used
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 60
to cover other emergencies on the loop except that in some circumstances the
compressor/circulator may be tripped out as the first step.
2) Close both quench control valves HCV 1806 and HCV 1808.
4) Provided the above instructions are carried out quickly it should be found that loss of
temperature will have been checked, and restart can be made from the appropriate point in the
start-up procedure.
5) If shutdown is prolonged, a small purge should be taken from the loop. This provides some
gas flow in the converter sheath and prevent overheating of the shell. Drain ammonia from the
catch pot and close isolation valves.
1) When syn loop is isolated, open water side bypass of 1539 fully.
2) Stop purge gas flow to reformer burners. Vent any purge gas still flowing from ammonia
loop to flare via PCV 1303. Increase naphtha fuel rate to dual fuel reformer burners to maintain
same burner heat output.
3) Reduce process air, naphtha feedstock, naphtha fuel and process steam flows in the
sequence described previously. Air and feedstock should be reduced to 40 % steam to 50 %.
Increase temperature inlet L.T. shift to maintain this temperature 28 0C above gas dewpoint.
4) Bypass and isolate the Methanator. Purge the vessel with nitrogen and leave under nitrogen
pressure greater than adjacent plant pressure.
5) Bypass and isolate the LT shift vessel. Purge the vessel with nitrogen to remove the steam
containing process gas and leave under nitrogen pressure greater than the adjacent plant
pressure.
6) Reduce the process air flow to just above the trip value and then trip the air flow by pressing
trip B. Stop firing on process air preheater. Isolate all valves at 1433 inlet and 1105 inlet.
8) Isolate the process air supply to the instrument air system and stop the process air
compressor. (This may be done later if desired if there is no problem.)
9) Trip degassed condensate to drain downstream of the degasser. Turn off steam to the
degasser. Stop quench water pump after lining up PCV 0207.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 61
10) Reduce the flow of naphtha feedstock to a minimum. Cut off fuel to Reformer furnace and
take Fuel Naphtha trip. Isolate fuel to 1432. Close the block valve on the liquid feedstock line
downstream of FCV 1203 and the block valve on the recycle gas line downstream of FCV 1204.
Close the block valve on the vapourised naphtha line downstream of FCV 1303 and open vent
upstream isolation valve. Open 2" vent upstream FCV 1303 slightly to prevent pressure rise in
1104. Throughout the above steps, keep on adjusting the I & II bed temperatures of the HT
shift vessel.
11) Open the low point drains at various points and drain away condensate.
13) Ensure that all burners in reformer are isolated. Re-establish fuel naphtha circulation and
relight about 18 burners to hold reformer exit temperature TI 1314 at 760 0C.
14) When feedstock to reformer is stopped, transfer the venting to PCV 1504 from PCV 1509.
16) Maintain levels in 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116 & 1131 and isolate LCVs at appropriate time.
17) Stop semilean solution pump and change over lean circulation to regenerators. Drain the
regenerators and maintain levels at about 60 %. Isolate side stream filter from system.
19) Stop the quench water supply to TCV 1509 A & B. Close the block valve on the quench water
supply line.
20) Isolate and bypass 1104. Depressurise the vessel to about 0.5 KSCG pressure.
21) Drain the naphtha from FCV 1203 to 1432 free of liquid naphtha.
22) Open bypass valve of LT shift vessel slightly to divert the steam partially to reboilers to
regenerate the vetrocoke solution. Maintain HP regenerator pressure more than 1.0 kscg with
nitrogen to continue lean and semi lean circulation across absorber.
23) Analyse lean and semi lean solution FC once in an hour. Stop regeneration when solution FC
comes down below 0.18.
24) Close the bypass valve of LT shift vessel after regeneration completion.
25) Drain the solution from the system to storage tank, if is a long shutdown.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 62
26) Line up section from LT shift vessel exit to feedstock header via the bypass of Methanator
and 3109.
27) Use the gas available in Absorber section to purge the feedstock header section from FCV
1203 to FCV 1303 free of hydrocarbon to less than 1 ppm. Nitrogen can be used later if the
hydrocarbon content has not come down. Check for Hydrogen and Oxygen to be less than 0.2
% and pressurise with Nitrogen.
Note : Gases from absorber section should not be used to purge 1104. 1104 should be
purged with Nitrogen separately.
24) When Absorber section is fully depressurised, feed Nitrogen into this section via 1513
LP Nitrogen point, purge and pressurise to get Hydrogen and Oxygen less than 0.2 %.
25) The process of furnace temperature reduction in the reformer should be taken up in such a
way that the system is ready for Nitrogen circulation when primary reformer exit temperature
has come down to 500 O C
In other words, temperature exit reformer (process side) should be reduced such that
the back end will be purged and pressurised with Nitrogen in the next 5 hours. Ensure
that steam is not cut off without Nitrogen circulation and reformer is not held anywhere
in between 500 & 700 C. 26. When primary reformer exit temperature (Process side)
has come down to 500 C, open the bypass valve of LT shift vessel, open the block valve
of FCV 1303, close the vents open for purging and establish Nitrogen circulation with
start-up compressor.RGB & 1539 bypass valves will remain open. Maintain 1104 at a
pressure less than plant pressure.
26) Maintain circulation rate as low as possible initially to avoid cold nitrogen condensing steam
at inlet of reformer. Check the circulating gas for hydrogen, oxygen, CO, CO2 and hydrocarbons.
29) After establishing Nitrogen circulation, cut off steam to primary reformer. When steam to
reformer is cut off, system pressure will drop. Adjust conditions such that rate of
depressurisation of 7 ATA is not exceeded.
30) Isolate block valves of FCV 1304 and close inlet block valve of 1537 to reduce 1537 pressure
less than plant pressure.
31) Check raw naphtha to fuel naphtha jump over system and isolate all burners in reformers and
purge.
32) Stop fuel naphtha pump after isolating raw naphtha to fuel naphtha jump over.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 63
33) Isolate air inlet valve of 1433 and cut off blanketing steam to 1105. Keep HCV 1408 open.
Without closing air valve inlet 1433 and keeping HCV 1408 open, blanketing steam should never
be isolated.
34) Continue to feed Nitrogen into loop to build up loop pressure to about 18 Kg/cmg. Open the
combustion air bypass on 1511.
37) Isolate coolers not in line in compressor house, vetrocoke and synthesis areas and stop OGT
101 A.
38) When the circulating gas temperatures inlet 1517 drops to about 80 0C, stop lean solution
circulation and drain regenerators, reboilers, pumps, filters, coolers and pipings.
39) Drain and flush all level gauges. Flush the solution pump casing with seal water.
41) When the gas temperature exit primary reformer and secondary reformer has come down
less than 70 0C, stop water to jackets of RGB, RGM & secondary reformer.
0
42) When gas temperature exit secondary reformer drops to 40 C, stop gas circulation and
isolate start-up compressor.
43) Isolate block valves of FCV 1303, 1108 inlet, LT bypass, 1112 bypass and 1113 exit.
46) Stop auxiliary boiler and maintain steam system with steam from OSB.
48) Check the trip system to see that all trip valves are in tripped position.
Probable Probable
Sl. S h u t D o w n A c t i v i t y time of time of
No. starting completion
hrs. hrs.
5) Purge feed stock header with back end gas, 6.00 8.00
push out liquid Ammonia from 1122 & 1123
6) Purge back end section free of H2, CO & CO2 7.00 10.00
10) Cut off process steam to Reformer Cut off 16.30 16.30
burners in Reformer
Probable Probable
Sl. S h u t D o w n A c t i v i t y time of time of
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 65
No. starting
completion
hrs. hrs.
14) Purge 1104, LT, Methanator; Stop OGA 101 B 18.00 24.00
17) Purge syn gas barrel free of Hydrogen; Stop LO 36.00 40.00
& SO circulation
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 66
14.1 GENERAL
a) Suction pressure
b) Discharge pressure
c) Lubrication
d) Lubeoil for quality (colour, contamination, foaming etc.)
e) Bearing temperature
f) Vibration
g) Abnormal noise
h) Amperage in case of motor driven units
i) Steam leaks leading to heating up of bearings.
j) Gland leaks / seal leaks
k) Adequate seal water flow for vetrocoke solution pumps.
2) Check the stand by machinery for availability for use with reference to relevant points
mentioned under (1).
3) Check the level glasses and confirm that they match with level trols or DP transmitters.
4) Check the control valve openings in the field and confirm they match with the output from
Control Room.
6) Check for adequate cooling water flow to cylinder jackets of compressors, glands, bearing
housings, etc. Periodic cleaning of Duplex filter in cooling water lines to machinery should be
done.
7) Check D.P. across lube oil filters and change over when warranted.
8) Watch for any leaks and get them attended at the earliest. Leaks of hazardous fluids should
be blanketed with steam.
9) Double block and bleed system in the nitrogen points should be checked and bleed valves
should be kept open. In case of excessive passing, slip plates may be inserted or RSP may be
removed.
10) Passing drains on hazardous piping (e.g. Naphtha service) should be piped away to a safe
area. They should not be allowed to contaminate the effluent leading to safety hazard.
11) Drains of vent headers should be kept open to avoid liquid accumulation and hammering.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 67
12) Good house keeping should be ensured. Any oil spills, etc should be cleaned immediately.
13) No block valve should be kept throttled normally unless absolutely necessary.
14) There are services where two block valves in series are provided for positive isolation. e.g
IBD from RGB/FGB, drain from RGB, drain from separators of SGC etc.
When these are put into service, high pressure valve (first valve in the flow direction) should be
opened fully and the second valve only should be throttled to get the required flow. Throttling
both the valves should never be practiced as this leads to passing of both valves.
15) Process conditions on both sides of exchangers should be monitored during shutdown periods
also. e.g. (i) Cooling water can leak into syn loop if the loop is under pressure < 4 KSC and if
1524 is leaking. (ii) Spare lube oil coolers of turbines can lead to contamination of stagnant oil.
16) Highly volatile fluids should not be locked up by isolating valves at both ends as this can lead
to thermal pressurisation. In case of necessity to isolate at both ends drain/vent should be kept
open as a measure of thermal relief e.g naphtha lines, ammonia lines etc.
17) Hot side of any exchanger should not be isolated, unless the possibility of freezing because of
cold fluid on the other side is eliminated. e.g. cooling water to 1528 should not be isolated
unless ammonia on shell side is fully eliminated.
18) Record the various parameters regularly in the log sheets. Any abnormal condition should be
brought to the notice of Shift Engineers/Asst Shift Engineers immediately. Existence of an
abnormal condition already doesn't mean normality.
a) Reforming furnace
Regular visual checks must be made on the furnace for uniform firing, flame geometry, tube
conditions etc. Any burner having the tendency to impinge on to the tubes must be attended
and the situation rectified. Throttling may be done but it should be followed by change of gun if
adjustment of air/steam doesn't help. Throttling the burners and leaving them as such will build
the pressure in the fuel naphtha header and conditions of many other flames will become worse.
Burners which have bad flames even after trying all possible adjustments must be noted down in
a defect register for taking up the jobs during any shutdown. Furnace walls and furnace roof
must be inspected regularly, any tendency for hot spot to develop on furnace wall and bulging of
furnace wall or peepholes must be attended to immediately. Furnace roof must be checked on
the top as well as inside the furnace. The areas where there is any tendency for the bricks to fall
down must be watched more carefully and brought to the attention of Shift Engineer/Asst Shift
Engineer. Packing of gaps in refractory bricks and reformer roof or gaps around tube collars may
be done with Kaowool to prevent the support materials on the top of the furnace being exposed
to radiation. Various supporting rods, hooks etc on the hanging roof cannot stand the high
temperature of the furnace and they are cooled by Ambient conditions on reformer top. It is
essential that reformer top is absolutely free from all debris, loose materials, loose insulation.
Loose insulation may cover the support materials leading to the overheating and failure. Debris
and other loose materials can catch fire under the hot condition on the top.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 68
If spill-back valve and fuel naphtha header on reformer top is opened because of load reduction,
it should be done gently and very carefully. Otherwise there is a possibility of flames getting put
out by sudden drop in fuel naphtha pressure.
Whenever a new burner is lit, check with explosive meter. Any leak should be attended.
Otherwise the burner should be put out. Keep naphtha valve full open and keep the combustion
air damper in locked position. Close the ignition port with the cap. Burners with passing valves
should be noted down in the register for attending them later. If a combination burner burns
only gas and not naphtha, steam to burner should be on to keep the tip cool.
When the plant is in normal operation, burner should be checked with explosive meter regularly,
say one row of burners per day.
Keep steam lances available on reformer top always charged and free from condensate. Fire
hydrants should never be used to put out fire on reformer top.
b) RG Mains
All the jackets in the RG mains should be visually checked for correctness of level and visual
overflow from the jacket. Water flow at the inlet of jacket should be adjusted to have overflow
only through the overflow pipe of the jacket and not through the walls of the jackets. If the
water splashes along the walls of the jackets especially the ones near the outlet pigtails, there is
a possibility of water spray on the outlet pigtails and consequent damage. Whenever there is an
upset in the plant leading to upset in the water system, jackets should be checked more
carefully. Check the skin temperatures of RG mains regularly.
c) Reformer tubes
Visual checks of the tubes should be done frequently as this is the best guide for conditions
inside the tubes. This should be done especially after each change in feedstock load and firing
rate in addition to regular inspection.
If the catalyst is working satisfactorily all the tubes should be approximately at the same
temperature. The tubes will appear to be colder normally over about the top two metre of the
length than over the rest of the tubes which will be at a higher temperature. Overheating occurs
when the amount of steam reforming reaction is insufficient to remove the heat input at that
point in the tubes. The faults which cause this may often be identified by the appearance of that
particular tube.
Tiger Tailing
If clear well-defined hot bands develop at random on individual tubes, this is usually associated
with a void in the catalyst bed at that position and is normally known as tiger tailing. If care is
not taken and filling the catalyst a bridge can be formed in the tube by catalyst rings locking
together and will lead to this problem later. The tube should be recharged and refilled at the
next opportunity.
Hot zones
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 69
Hot zones are not as well defined as the hot bands described above. Generally the cause for hot
zones is deactivation of the catalyst caused by general fall in activity or masking with carbon or
some other deposit. If steaming does not remove the problem, affected tubes should be
discharged and refilled at the earliest opportunity.
Giraffe necking
This is the term used to describe the tube showing a number of uneven hot zones. It may occur
for three reasons. It may be an extreme type of hot zone, it may also be because of channeling
caused by broken catalyst and dust or by accumulation of carbon. Lastly especially in case of old
catalyst it may indicate that the catalyst requires changing as it is nearing the end of its active
life.
Hot tubes
Where the carbon deposition or the catalyst breakdown mentioned in the section on Girrafi
necking it is extensive enough to restrict the flow of gas through the tubes, the whole tube will
become overheated. It may be possible to regenerate catalyst in these tubes by steaming but
this is often ineffective because the steam will flow preferentially through the unaffected tubes.
Usually the tube is discharged and recharged at the next opportunity. If all the catalyst tubes are
hotter than anticipated and no overall restriction in flow is observed, there are two possible
explanations.
I. The catalyst activity is low throughout the catalyst bed. This will probably show up in the exit
gas analysis. If this occurs immediately after a start-up it may indicate an incomplete catalyst
reduction and further period of reduction is required.
II. It is possible that the temperature of the reformer exit is reading too low and reformer is
being run at too higher temperature as a result. This should be indicated by higher firing rate
than usual and the relevant thermocouples should be checked. If all the tubes are hotter than
anticipated and an overall restriction in flow is observed as indicated by high D.P., this indicates
that some plant malfunction has occurred which has deposited carbon more or less evenly in all
tubes or has caused catalyst breakdown throughout the furnace. If steaming and rereduction
doesn't remove the problem, the catalyst change at the next shutdown is indicated.
Whenever any change is made in firing rate, response in both the flue gas temperature exit
reformer and process gas temperature exit reformer should be taken into care before making any
further move. Contrasting responses require immediate attention lest the possibility of
overheating exists.
When increasing the plant throughput, steam is always first increased followed by feedstock and
then air. While it is advantageous to have high inlet temp at reformer to reduce heat duty of
furnace inlet temperature should not exceed design temperature of 457 0C as otherwise the inlet
pigtails are in danger.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 70
While reformer is being heated up prior to cutting in steam till the time the plant conditions have
been brought up to the required level, the pressure of process steam superheater should be
maintained at a value less than the reformer inlet pressure to avoid premature entry of steam
inside reformer.
After cutting off steam to reformer if steam flow to process steam superheater is maintained to
keep it cool, the pressure of superheater should be less than reformer inlet pressure. This is to
avoid contact of steam with magnesia in catalyst below 500 0C, when magnesia can hydrate
under some conditions leading to weakening and disintegration of catalyst.
Check reformer tubes for any bowing and inform. This occurs because of uneven firing
conditions or improper supports.
Check the pigtails for normal expansion, any abnormal expansion which may lead to fouling with
pigtails or support columns in the vicinity should be intimated immediately. Skin temperature of
reformer tubes should be measured regularly say one row per day and record along with steam
rate and process temperature.
Skin temperature should be checked during the catalyst reduction period when the tube exit
temperature is the normal operating temperature, but when there is no endothermic reaction for
good heat transfer in the tubes.
Steam/Carbon Measurement
A measurement problem arises from the variable physical characteristics of different naphthas
since orifice plates are calibrated for a particular set of conditions including pressure,
temperature and fluid density. Pressure of desulphuriser should be maintained at the design
value always irrespective of the load. Variations in the naphtha/hydrogen ratio should not occur.
For example if a deficiency of Hydrogen exists this will tend to higher figure of vapour naphtha
flow measured.
1) While operating IBD, it should be done carefully not to affect the natural circulation. It
should not be kept open more than 5 seconds.
2) During start up of the plant when the system has inadequate heat input for establishing
natural circulation, start up steam must be introduced through the risers of RGB and FGB to
establish circulation. Rate of temperature rise on saturated steam should not be more than 66.6
0
C/hr.
3) When start up steam is introduced to steam superheaters, it should be ensured that there is
not too much back pressure on steam drum which can affect natural circulation.
Skin temperature of the superheater coils should not be allowed to exceed the design values at
any period of operation. The temperature of steam inlet high temperature superheater should be
higher than saturation temperature at the working pressure by 100 0C. Attemperator should be
adjusted for fulfilling this requirement.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 71
At low load operation, combustion air bypass of 1511 is to be adjusted to get flue gas
temperature of 150 0C at the stack.
Secondary Reformer
2) Ensure adequate water flow to the jacket in Secondary Reformer confirmed by the visual
overflow.
3) Rate of steaming from vents of jacket should be watched for any abnormal boiling.
4) Drain from the jacket of Secondary Reformer should never be opened while the plant is in
operation as this will lead to starvation of water. Slip plate may be inserted downstream of drain
valve for positive isolation.
5) Slip plate may be inserted downstream of drain valve of Secondary Reformer in the nitrogen
line, to avoid the valve becoming heated up in case of any passing.
1) Check the flames regularly for any impingement and correct. Adjust air registers and stack
dampers to get good flames and to maintain slight excess of air.
2) Check the skin temperature of shell regularly. Whenever air inlet block valve of 1433 is
closed, blanketing steam to Secondary Reformer may be isolated to avoid steam baking up and
condensing in the coil.
3) Whenever blanketing steam to process air line is charged, air inlet valve of 1433 should be
opened and process air venting should be transferred to HCV 1408; otherwise steam will
condense inside 1433 and the condensate will get carried over to Secondary Reformer catalyst
when process air is admitted.
4) Whenever there is any trip leading to unloading to PAC, HCV 1408 should be opened fully on
manual before resetting trip panel. Otherwise in case of immediate resetting, HCV 1408 will
close and build up pressure in 1433 (higher than compressor discharge) and the relief valve exit
1433 is likely to pop.
5) The operation problem with any process naphtha vapouriser is a tendency to lay down a
carbonaceous deposit usually on the region where final vapourisation occurs. This is especially
so in the vertical legs where refluxing of heavy ends increases the residence time of heavy ends
which can crack. To prevent overheating of coil, because of poor heat transfer through these
deposits, close observation of metal skin temperature must be maintained. When high
temperature are observed, deposits can be removed by a high temperature steaming process
with traces of air added to the steam.
6) Keep the auxiliary units required for lighting up of fired heater, as pilot gas torch, LPG
cylinder etc., available always. Check the gas cylinder for availability of gas. Ensure that pilot
gas header is kept charged.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 72
Hydrodesulphurisation
Bed temperature of C-20-6 should not be allowed to exceed 430 0C (alarm value) as shortly after
this hydrocracking reaction which is highly exothermic sets in.
Sulphur slip exit HDS reactor should be monitored regularly as this is the guide to predict the life
of ZnO catalyst.
Sulphur slippage in extreme cases can upset the kinetic balance between the carbon formation
and carbon removing reactions and carbon can be deposited on reforming catalyst.
Any possibility of oxides of carbon entering the reactor should be prevented especially during
start-ups, as methanation reaction starts and temperature rises rapidly.
Ammonia is a poison to the catalyst and hence special care should be taken with regard to
recycle H2 quality if the source is ammonia.
During start-ups it is suggested to keep 1104 under lower pressure than system pressure till the
time it is lined up to avoid any hydrocarbon in the vessel entering the start up loop in case of
inlet/exit valve passing.
Keep a regular watch on the D.P. of catalyst vessels and HT shift guard vessel. Any abnormal
increase needs immediate attention. At low load operation, drain valve on the gas line exit 1539
should be kept open to drain away all the condensate and to prevent this being carried over to II
bed of H.T. shift vessel.
Set point of PC 0207 should be kept very close to the discharge pressure of quench water pump
so that the temperature of LT shift vessel is not affected and wash water to stripper gas washpot
is ensured. When there is a change in plant pressure, PC 0207 should be adjusted accordingly.
Start up lines inlet and exit of L.T. shift vessel should be isolated for main process lines by slip
plates. Passing of start up valve on the exit line can lead to contamination of quality of syn gas
exit 1113. Passing of inlet start up valve will lead to build up of off-quality gas in 1434 and may
lead to contamination of syn loop when start-up circulation is established.
During start-up when LT shift vessel and Methanator are on bypass, they should be maintained
at a pressure higher than plant pressure.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 73
When LT shift vessel and Methanator are bypassed after a shutdown, catalyst should be purged
free of process gas and pressurised with N2 above plant pressure. Remember that steam and
CO2 in process gas from ZnCO3 in the catalyst below 160 0C and lead to disintegration of
catalyst. CO at temperatures below 150 0C can form Ni(CO)4 on Methanator catalyst.
Check the drains on gas lines exit 1515 and 1539 for any boiler feed water.
Check 1113 for any abnormal increase in level which may indicate malfunctioning of control
valve, leak in 1516 etc.
LT shift catalyst loses activity because of poisons by sulphur, chlorine and thermal sintering.
Special care should be taken to prevent sulphur entry especially during start-ups when Reformer
and HTS catalyst are being reduced. Temperature of about 240 0C should never be exceeded to
protect the catalyst from thermal sintering.
14.5 METHANATION
There should be no carry over of Vetrocoke solution to the methanation catalyst ; blocking of
pores of catalyst occurs by evaporation of K2CO3 solution. AS2O3 also is a poison and catalyst
activity is lost.
Methanator catalyst being a nickel catalyst, sulphur is a poison to the catalyst. Because of low
temperature of operation (compared to Reformer) subsequent operation with sulphur free gas
will not restore the activity, as it will in case of Reformer. Hence the adverse effect of sulphur on
a Methanation catalyst is permanent.
The solution circuit being a closed loop, no solution escape from the system because of the
poisonous nature of arsenic trioxide in the solution.
Periodic analyses for arsenic should be made in the acid gas leaving the regenerator and process
gas leaving the stripped gas washpot.
Any solution which may escape from the solution system due to pump gland leaks, leaking
valves, etc., must be collected in the make up tank and returned to the solution circuit through
side-stream filter. The regenerator base levels should be watched carefully to ensure that
the levels do not rise above the top of the level gauges ;
the levels do not drip sufficiently to cause cavitation in the pump or even loss of
suction. The level in the base of regenerators must be maintained constant for any load
by adjusting the water balance in the system to maintain the concentration of the
solution.
The suction strainers of solution pumps tend to block slowly over a considerable length of time
after the start up of the plant and, in fact due to the excessive heating and cooling of the
absorber and regenerator equipment there will be a certain amount of ceramic packing
breakages which will eventually be carried through to the suction strainer of pumps.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 74
The level gauges and level controllers in the base of absorber and regenerators should be
periodically blown down and flushed with seal water. The washings should be collected in make
up tank. Operator in the control room must be advised before the instrument is blown down.
No piping or equipment should at any time stand full of static solution. After closing down the
solution pumps, they should be drained and washed and washings collected in make up tank.
Air Injection
Once in the solution iron forms complexes with the plant chemicals. In the ferrous form, these
compounds can under certain conditions be insoluble above a concentration of 50 mg/l (at 80
0
C). Since the iron content of the complex is only of the order of 10 - 15%, a very small amount
of iron can precipitate a considerable amount of sludge. In order to prevent sludge formation,
the iron is maintained in the oxidised ferric form which is soluble upto about 3 g/litre. Addition of
air, preferably at the base of the Absorber, control the ferrous content of the solution at less than
1 ppm. An approximate guide on the amount of air addition is to achieve a steady arsenate
increase 0.01 g/litre/day (as AS2O3).
During start up and restarts of the plant sufficient air should be injected into the Absorber base
to give 10 - 15 ppm oxygen in the stripped gas. As the rate of increase of total iron content of
the solution levels out of the air may be cut back to give between 5-10 ppm oxygen; but
maintain ferrous content at less than 2 ppm.
Side stream filter should be kept in line always filtering a portion from lean pump discharge and
feeding back at lean solution pump suction. The filter should be primed to release any vapour
lock at least once a day. The maximum allowable D.P. across the filter is 1.8 Kg/cmg. Since
arsenate is not effective in the absorption of CO2 at arsenate concentration of over 30 g/litre,
action should be taken to reduce the arsenate concentration by batch ammoniation and
precipitation when the arsenate level reaches 25 gm/litre.
The ratio of total K2O to total arsenic (expressed as As2O3) should be maintained at a minimum
1.33. Lower ratios than this could give rise to precipitation f arsenic salts. Higher ratios than
1.33 are not serious but it is suggested that the ratio be maintained between 1.33 and 1.43.
Index of Carbonation
Mole of K2O
The exact indices required on lean and semilean solutions at any time will be dependent on
obtaining the required performance from the Absorber. The values should be in the following
ranges:
Foaming
As well as the foam tests, gradual increase in tower pressure drops may be an indication that the
solution is starting to foam. UCON HB - 5100 anti-foam agent should be injected into the
solution when there is foaming tendency. Over enthusiastic addition will destroy all the foam
leading to decrease in absorption efficiency.
Temperature of CO2 exit 1118 should be maintained above 81.4 0C always as carbon steel
cannot stand wet CO2 below this temperature. It should be strictly ensured that there is no
possibility of oil or grease or any other organic material entering the solution loop especially
during maintenance of equipment. Maintenance crew should be instructed clearly on this.
Various conditions in the plant should be guarded against any foreign material entering the
system.
Rain water pit level should be maintained at minimum level possible always especially during
rainy seasons. There should not be any back flow from effluent header into rain water pit. Any
contamination of contents of make up tank by rain water pit contents should be prevented.
Pressure drop across LCV 1604 B should be checked regularly. It should not exceed the design
value. If this happens, it may create excessive vibration and flashing across the valve and result
in valve failure.
Any pump handling Vetrocoke solution should have seal water to its seals, even if it is not
running. Seal water should be charged to seals before opening the suction valve and filling up
pump casing itself.
Equal loading of 1117 A & B and 1517 A & B should be ensured always unless the situation
warrants otherwise.
While running the make up pump to fill up the system during any start up, the filter exit valve
should be lined up to Regenerators so that reboilers are filled up before building up levels in
Regenerators.
14.7 SYNTHESIS
1. Operating Variables
The main variables to be considered in the operation of the loop are as follows :
a) Ammonia concentration inlet converter - As the loop is cooled by refrigeration, the catchpot
temperature and hence the ammonia returned to the converter, will remain fairly constant at
constant loop pressure.
b) Methane and Argon take no part in the synthesis reaction and hence their concentration
keeps building. Since the effective pressure for ammonia synthesis is the partial pressure of
Hydrogen and Nitrogen, inerts in the system lowers this effective pressure and so the conversion
is reduced. The inerts in the recycled gas are always much higher than the inerts in the make up
gas, as in the process only Hydrogen and Nitrogen get converted into Ammonia while the inerts
keep on accumulating. Hence the inerts must be maintained at the designed values by purging
out a small portion of the gas from the loop which is equivalent to the inerts in the make up gas.
c) H2 : N2 ratio :
A thorough understanding of the way make up gas composition and circulating gas composition
are controlled is necessary for the efficient operation of the loop. It is essential that the H2 : N2
ratio in the MUG and circulating gas be known at any time, that all gas analysers be maintained
in good order and reliable laboratory gas analyses be available as required.
The object of the operator is to maintain the circulating gas H2 : N2 ratio constant at the
optimum value by suitable adjustment of the process air rate. The optimum value corresponds
to approximately 63 % H2 in circulating gas containing 12 % inerts. In practice it is not
necessary to keep the ratio exactly constant, nor is it possible since the effect of slight variation
on the make up gas composition is greatly magnified in the circulating gas. Therefore the
operator should only make an adjustment to the make up gas when circulating gas composition
is 1 - 2 % away from normal e.g. 64 - 65 % or 61 - 62 % H2 and this causes the previous drift in
composition to be reversed. Thus the trace on the H2 recorder will be a wavy line whose mean
position is the 63 % H2 line. The period of the oscillation depends on the skill of the operator
but could commonly be of the order of one hour.
It is often not realised that the circulating gas H2 : N2 ratio does not have to be 3 : 1. It can be
controlled at any value desired widely different 3 : 1.
It is possible that the ratio of circulating gas gets upset because of the change in the make up
gas quality due to following reasons.
c) Change in 1104 pressure (probably because of 1432 flame failure). Care should be
taken to maintain converter bed temperature and stabilise.
There is a possibility of converter losing temperature even with normal ratio in make up gas,
because of coupling of HWP at low loads of SPIC Ammonia Plant, reducing the effective load on
SPIC converter. The ammonia converter can operate auto-thermally upto a minimum load of
30% only.
d) Converter temperature
Once the high initial activity of the catalyst has been gained, the converter should be operated at
the lowest temperatures consistent with stable operation. During early life of the catalyst it may
be possible to operate with bed inlets in the region 370 - 390 C. In later life 420 - 430 0C may be
necessary. Temperatures should be adjusted upwards if there is a tendency towards a slow
continuous fall, although the reason for this could be, for example, incorrect H2 : N2 ratio,
increase in inerts level or inlet ammonia level.
As mentioned above, the converter should be run at the lowest temperature consistent with
stable operation and therefore at the highest total circulation rate. Also, in order to achieve low
2nd and 3rd bed inlet temperature it is necessary to use as high as possible quench rates.
f) Pressure
The loop should be run as close as possible to design pressure as described in (b) above ; this
means that high inerts can be tolerated in the circulating as during early catalyst life.
Alternatively, during early life, design output can be achieved at lower than design pressure and
inerts level.
The converter is designed to produce the rated plant output two years catalyst life. The design
also assumes a total of 1 ppm CO + CO2 in the make up gas. Provided the design poisons level
is not exceeded and the catalyst is not run at a temperature in excess of 530 0C, a significantly
greater life may be expected, although it may be necessary to run at low inerts level when the
catalyst has aged considerably.
a) Catalyst poisoned.
b) Internal leak in cartridge.
c) Carry over of liquefied ammonia to converter.
d) Excessive use of quenches.
e) High inerts.
f) Bad H2/N2 ratio.
I bed of catalyst should be operated at high allowable temperature to take advantage of low NH3
inlet of the bed and high reaction rate and high temperature. Subsequent beds may be operated
at low temperature to obtain the equilibrium.
The maximum operating temperature for the converter is 530 0C (limited to 510 0C as a safe
practice in our plant) but if for some reason the temperature rise above this to say 540-
550 0C, do not take "panic measures" to reduce the temperature but at the same time do not run
for more than a few hours at temperature of 540 - 550 0C and do not operate at all above 550 0C
as this will lead to a greatly increased rate of catalyst deactivation.
Adequate flow must be ensured through the annulus of converter shell and internal cartridge to
keep the shell cool from the radiation from the cartridge.
In case the relief valves at discharge of circulator blow and fail to reset, there is a possibility of
syn loop getting depressurised by reverse flow through the converter. Reverse flow through the
converter can damage the internals. To prevent this occurring, Syn gas compressor should be
isolated from the syn loop immediately and converter inlet valve should be closed. A positive
flow of syn gas should be established through the HP vent downstream of 1523. While
depressurising the syn loop for any reason, DP across the converter should not exceed the
design value.
Whenever syn loop pressure is less than BFW header pressure especially during a shutdown or
start-up gas drain exit 1523 should be checked for any water to prevent water entering the
converter.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 79
During shut down when no work is being done in the loop, drain the catchpot free of liquid
ammonia and leave the loop boxed up under nitrogen pressure 5 - 10 Kg/cmg topping up when
necessary, leaving the total bypass open with the converter inlet valve and quench valves closed.
This will prevent nitrogen containing some oxygen passing continuously over the catalyst and so
slowly reoxidising it.
2) Check the breathers on the floating roof, for any abnormal issue of gas/vapour.
3) Keep the water level in the naphtha tanks at minimum say 2 - 4 cm.
4) Centre drain disposing water from floating roof is to be kept open to avoid any water
accumulation on the roof.
7) Though reboiler exit temperature is 186 0C as per design, it may be possible to obtain the
required quality of naphtha with less temperature. When unit is running normal, reduce the
temperature gradually, observe the results and stabilise.
8) As 355 0C is the design temperature for catalyst bed at end of life, operation at about 320 0C
may be tried initially. Temperature may be taken up at later stages, when necessary.
9) During any upset like power dip/failure, entry of naphtha inside reactor at temperatures less
than 270 0C should positively be prevented by blocking the control valve FCV 1103 and keeping
drain open.
1) Maintain efficient co-ordination with field operators and other panel operator.
2) Whenever any instrument maintenance job is taken up, close co-ordination with field
operator and instrument technician should be maintained. Otherwise there is a chance of a plant
upset.
4) Use the memory points in the controllers to indicate the output signal. Check for change in
output requiring action.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 80
5) Check whether all controllers are on auto. In case any controller is on manual, pay special
attention to them. When plant conditions change rapidly, especially during an emergency
controllers on manual should be monitored continuously to control the parameters within normal
values.
6) Check the alarms and their values present in the alarm summary panel and take corrective
action. Ensure that remedial action in the field or panel is adequate to cancel out the alarm.
7) Check all the parameters indicated in the control room, whether there is any change from the
normal values. Existence of an abnormal value, though present for quite sometime, does not
mean that a normal condition exists.
8) Check whether `fire alarm' and `electrical power status' panels are OK.
9) Take special care when there is a pump change over to avoid a process upset/trip.
10) Confirm all the control valves having hanjack provision are on neutral, eg. the quench valves
on converter. Fix tags for valves on handjack.
11) If vetrocoke solution flow rate comes down to zero, close FCV on manual and do not open if
unless flow can be established. While checking for flow by opening the valve slightly if no flow is
obtained, close the valve again.
12) Keep the set points of vent controllers such as PC 0105, PC 1504, PC 1509 etc. close to the
process point to avoid `overshoot'. Do not keep the set point too close leading to unnecessary
venting.
13) Set Fuel Naphtha jump over controller close to the actual header pressure. Do not keep it
too close, leading to fluctuation in FN header pressure because of jump over cutting in and out.
14) Set `FN high flow alarm' at a value more than the actual value by 0.4 TPH. Set TI 1313 high
alarm at a value more than the actual value by about 15 C. Vary the set points for those alarms
as process conditions change.
15) Cross-check the panel indication with the receiver gauge in the field or with the duplicate
instrument whenever provided.
16) Cross-check the actual valve openings in the field with controller outputs.
17) Rhythmic fluctuation in catchpot exit temperature may be an indication to liquid carry over to
LRC.
18) When there is an alarm from trip panel, note the alarm which is flickering. The flickering
alarm is the first trip initiator. Any other trip lamps appearing alongwith the first cause alarm
might have got initiated as a consequence of or subsequent to the first trip.
19) After a trip, when a restart is possible, never reset the trip panel without moving the control
valve position to the `trip' positions (`Close' or `Open' as the case may be).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 81
20) Whenever a trip leading to unloading of SGC or PAC occurs, do not reset without getting
concurrence from Compressor House operator. Though the cause initiating the trip might have
been corrected, flow controllers, pressure controllers etc., of the centrifugal machines might not
have been taken on manual to keep the machine beyond surge condition.
21) Avoid bypassing of sequence in the trip panel. If sequence is bypassed, before removing the
sequence bypass, ensure that the required reset buttons are pressed.
22) Inform Urea Plant, OSB & HWP whenever an action is taken which might affect conditions at
their end.
Operating Notes
1) Steam temperature should be above the saturation temperature. Warming up the steam line
should be done gradually to keep the thermal stress as low as possible.
4) The turbine should not be operated below the low vacuum alarm limit except for warming up
run.
5) Bearing oil temperature : Allow the oil temperature to rise with speed. The oil temperature
should atleast be 38 C by the time machine speed is raised after the speed after warming up.
6) It is essential to check the lube oil failure trip before every start. A periodic check up is
necessary for the emergency speed governor.
7) Check the oil pressure and temperature. The temperature rise should not be more than
20 0C.
8) While increasing the speed maintain the initial load until the exhaust hood cools down to
saturation temperature.
9) Check that compressor casing, inter coolers and separators do not have any water liquid
level.
3) Check oil sight discharge from bearings, to ensure that there is adequate flow from each
bearing.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 82
4) Bearing oil temperature are to be maintained as specified. The oil temperature rise across
the bearing should not exceed 20 C.
5) Steam pressure : Compare initial and present steam stage pressure as they may indicate
abnormal pressure drop which should be investigated.
7) An increase in the vibration can be controlled by reducing the speed. If the vibration cannot
be controlled by the reduction in speed the machine should be stopped and the cause
investigated.
8) On the compressors : interstage temperature should not exceed specified values. Check the
intercooler water is lined up fully and the water chamber is primed.
9) The balance piston DP of SGC should be watched. An increase in pressure drop indicates
labyrinth seal damage. This will increase axial load on the thrust bearing.
10) Seal oil flow through the seal exit line sight glasses should be watched. An increased flow
indicates the seal is getting worn out. The normal seal oil flow from each casing is 75 - 150
lit/day. If this flow exceeds 500 lit/day it would cause serious problems.
Shutdown :
1) In general shutdown should be done by unloading as fast as practically possible reducing the
speed to minimum governor and tripping the turbine. This way the turbine is not cooled down
and remains hot for restart.
While restarting it may be difficult to match the steam temperature with a high turbine
temperature.
2) After tripping the unit, start the motor driven oil pumps and stop turbine driven oil pumps.
3) Sealing steam should be in service as long as vacuum exists in the turbine to prevent cold air
being pulled in along the shaft.
4) As the speed decreases the oil temperature shall be brought down to 27 to 32 C by the time
the rotor slows down.
5) In process air compressor open out all the casing, intercooler and separator drains.
8) As soon as the rotor stops in SGC engage the barring gear and put the rotor on slow roll.
9) In case the rotor cannot be immediately be rolled by barring motor or if it is found that the
turning gear will not turn the shaft, never admit steam to the turbine to try to turn the shaft. If
the problem is only with motor, try hand barring.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 83
10) Steam or water should not enter the turbine when it is out of service.
11) Keep the barring gear in service as long as possible or atleast till the unit is thoroughly
cooled. However, barring motor should be run after stopping Lube Oil circulation.
12) In the compressor casing keep a minimum pressure until the seal circulation is stopped to
prevent the seal oil entering the casing. Casing drains should be opened and checked for any oil,
when the seal oil is in circulation.
1) To stop the seal oil circulation the over head levels should be dropped below the gauge glass
indication. Casing should be depressurised. The seal oil pump should be stopped. The
remaining oil in the sour seal oil traps shall be collected in drums with a hose. The sour seal oil
traps shall be completely drained by this way to prevent the oil in the seal oil supply line entering
into the casing.
3) Shut off all the water to the coolers. Vent and drains of cooler and separators should remain
open.
5) Keep the vent and drain points at the downstream of Main Stop Valve and isolation valve in
open condition.
15.1 INTRODUCTION
The feedstock and the Fuels used in Ammonia Plant are received from Indian Oil Corporation
Limited. IOC receives Naphtha and Fuel Oil through Shipments and store them at their Terminals
situated at Tuticorin Harbor. Shipment composite sample is taken and analysed for the
acceptable level, then unloaded to their Tanks. IOC has totally six tanks, three tanks for Naphtha
and three tanks for Fuel Oil. Their capacities are:
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 84
T1: 8923 KL
T2: 8896 KL
T3: 8639 KL
Naphtha Tanks
T4: 13550 KL
T5: 13400 KL
T6: 13590 KL
IOC has three Fuel Oil Pumps and three Naphtha pumps each with a pumping capacity of
approximately 250 KL/Hr
IOC Naphtha tanks samples are collected (Top, Middle & Bottom) and analysed for allowable
limits. Depending on the requirement, tank opening stock will be taken prior to transfer. Naphtha
and fuel oil are transferred through pipelines to our tanks.
1. All the Naphtha tanks are Floating Roof Type to minimize the evaporation loss and to
eliminate explosive mixture formation inside the tank.
2. Adjustable supporting legs are provided which are normally kept at 2 Mts height. They rest
the roof at 2 Mts height facilitating maintenance inside the tank.
3. Neoprene seals are provided to seal the gap between roof and tank. It also prevents the
direct contact between the roof and tank eliminating the possibility of spark production due to
friction. Zinc made whether plates are used to protect the seals.
4. All the naphtha tanks are provided with double seal arrangement to minimize the
vapourisation loss of naphtha.
5. Two numbers of breather vents are provided for each tanks which open at 2.25 Mts height
and avoid vacuum formation side the tank while pumping is carried out after the roof is seated.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 85
6. One number Rim Vent is provided for each tank to release the vapour naphtha formed
between the Pantoon and the Neoprene seal.
7. To drain the rainwater from the roof, a roof center drain with swivel joints, emergency
drain plug, and a siphon drain are provided. An NRV at the top of roof drain to avoid naphtha
reaching the roof through the drainpipe in case of drainpipe leak.
8. Tank drain is provided to drain the water collected at the bottom. The source is generally
seawater, which is used for line flushing after ship unloading.
9. Each tank is provided with a Level Indicator. Control room indication also available.
10. Wind Girders are provided for giving stiffness to overcome the wind velocity. (120 km/hr)
11. Level measurements are done through dip leg, which is provided with holes to eliminate
the capillary effect.
12. The floating roof is electrically earthed to shell and the ladder to avoid static electricity.
14. Naphtha tanks are Aluminium painted while to reflect away radiation heat thereby
minimizing evaporation loss.
2. Fuel oil tanks are painted black to absorb radiation heat thereby reducing its viscosity for
each pumping.
3. Fuel oil tanks are earthed to avoid static electricity accumulation.
4. Three fuel oil transfer pumps (Gear type) are used to transfer oil to consumer ends like
Auxiliary Boilers Day Tank, ASGU Day Tank, Off Site Boilers Day Tank and to DAP Plants.
5. Auxiliary boilers day tank has the capacity of 216 KL. (license obtained for 246 kl)
6. There are three Fuel oil pumps for delivering oil to auxiliary boilers. From the day tank
normally one screw pump of turbine driven runs for oil supply to the boilers and other two
pumps are kept as standby on auto. Out of these two one is motor driven, it is provided with spill
back arrangement to facilitate the operation during the trial run etc..,
7. Fuel oil pump takes suction from the day tank through a strainer and delivers oil through a
heater 1502 and discharge strainer. Oil is at 16 kg/cm2g and at 120oC before entering the boilers.
8. PC 0206 controls fuel header pressure and return oil is sent back to the day tank thereby
maintaining the tank temperature.
15.5 SAFETY FEATURES OF NAPHTHA & FUEL OIL STORAGE YARD
1. All naphtha line flanges are provided with C clamps to eliminate static electricity
accumulation in pipes.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 86
2. Dyke walls are provided around to tanks to avoid spreading of Naphtha / Fuel Oil in case of
damage/leakage in the tanks. They have the capacity to hold the largest capacity tank. To hold
up the small leaks, Bund walls / Firewalls are provided.
3. Flame Traps are provided for the drainage system.
4. Fire monitors and fire hydrants are provided inside the tank farm. A separate central hose
station with foam cane, hoses and foam nozzles is installed near the security booth.
5. Tank farm is fended and is guarded by security personnel. A separate entry register is
maintained.
6. A dedicated Foam pourer system and Medium velocity water curtains are installed for the
Naphtha tanks.
7. For Emergency communications, a flameproof Phone is provided inside the tank farm.
8. Four nos of Fire Alarm Push button is provided around the tank farm, which initiates an
alarm in the main control room as well as in Fire Station.
9. Electrical fittings inside the tank farm are flame and explosion proof.
10. A ring road is laid for easier movement of Fire Tender and Fire Trolleys.
11. Floor in and around the storage yard dyke wall is covered with concrete slabs to avoid
vegetation, which is a potential source of fire.
15.6 NAPHTHA SPECIFICATIONS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Steam reforming of Naphtha is a sensitive process and is suitable only for certain specification of
naphtha. The Naphtha should be straight run naphtha obtained by straight distillation of virgin
crudes. Use of cracked naphtha is seldom attempted, as desulphurisation of cracked naphtha is
difficult. The crudes processed by various refineries are different and the import naphtha also is
of wide variations. Each fertilizer unit is designed for a particular grade of naphtha and there is
no standard specification on national basis. A typical specification of naphtha is given below:
Typical specification of naphtha
Specific Gravity: 0.65 0.75
Distillation - 10 % - 45 97oC
- 50 % - 60 115oC
- FBP - 130 200oC
PONA Analysis
Paraffins - 75 % Min
Olefins - 2 % Max
Naphthenes - 36 % Max
Aromatics - 15 % Max
Sulphur - 0.15 % Max
C/H Ratio - 5.5 6.0
Reid Vapour Pressure - 10 psi
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 87
The various characteristics of naphtha and their limiting values are discussed below:
BOILING POINT RANGE
The final boiling point is indicative of the presence of high molecular weight hydrocarbons in the
naphtha. Although the amount of high boiling hydrocarbon is small in comparison to the bulk,
they tend to lay down carbon resulting in lowering of the activity of the reforming catalyst.
Further, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons contain sulphur compounds, which are difficult to
remove.
TOTAL SULPHUR CONTENT
Normally naphtha contains sulphur as received and is desulphurised at the ammonia plant before
reforming, bringing down the sulphur content to less than 0.5 ppm. The specification for raw
naphtha includes a maximum limit of 1500 ppm of sulphur of which not more than 100 ppm is
unreactive sulphur that is sulphur compounds other than sulphur, Hydrogen sulphide,
mercaptans, Disulphides and Thioethers. Sulphur lowers the activity of Nickel based reforming
catalyst.
OLEFINS
Olefin content in straight run naphtha is normally very low. To ensure that the product is straight
run naphtha, a nominal value of 2 % is specified. However, the presence of Olefins beyond limit
is not desirable because of the tendency to thermal cracking and laying down carbon in
vapouriser and over catalyst bed.
NAPHTHENES
The naphthenes are more susceptible to dehydrogenation and deposition of carbon over the
catalyst bed. However, naphthenes have been successfully reformed if present within the limit
specified.
AROMATICS
Aromatics are normally difficult to reform. Aromatic content in the naphtha is one of the factors
deciding the catalyst loading and higher aromatic content than design results in reduction of
throughput.
Further, operation of the plant with high aromatic naphtha will lead to higher hydrocarbon slip
and continuous operation under these conditions could lead to progressive carbon lay down on
the catalyst as high aromatic feedstocks are prone to deposit carbon under even slightly adverse
conditions leading to severe pressure drop and loss of catalyst activity.
Higher aromatic content further implies higher amount of thiophenic sulphur, which is difficult to
be converted in the desulphuriser unit.
The Carbon / Hydrogen ratio normally increases with rise in FBP. As C/H ratio increases, H2 yield
per tonne of naphtha comes down and specific consumption of feedstock increases. As high C/H
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 88
ratio is indicative of higher boiling hydrocarbons, severe operating conditions are required in
Reformer.
RVP provides a guide to the amount of extremely light fractions present in the naphtha, either as
dissolved gases or as low boiling hydrocarbons. Naphtha with high RVP leads to increased
storage losses and risk in storage, increased NSPH requirement of pumps and losses in stripper
section of hydrodesulphurisation, in a tropical country like India.
ROE is monitored in any naphtha parcel to ensure that the naphtha is not contaminated with
high boiling hydrocarbons, which will deposit carbon over reforming catalyst.
Though the method ASTM-D-381 also is in use to determine ROE, it may be noted that ASTM-D-
381 (Jet Evaporation Method) is a measure of existent gum in fuels and is a guide to possible
fouling tendency of fuels in engines only. This method found to be inadequate to detect any
contamination of naphtha with high boiling hydrocarbons, which will result in carbon deposition
on the reforming catalyst. However, the method ASTM-D-1353 is found to be a sensitive and
consistent method to detect any contamination of naphtha with high boiling hydrocarbons.
INORGANICS
13.1.4 LEAD
There is a possibility of contamination of naphtha by lead particularly during storage and
transportation in multi product installation and tankers/tank wagons, etc., which handle petrol
containing the anti-knocking agent called Tetra Ethyl Lead. Normally lead concentration upto 50
PPB is tolerated in the naphtha.
With the presence of lead in Naphtha, there is an increased tendency for carbon formation in the
vapouriser and desulphuriser catalyst. Further, Lead can also cause fluxing of the corrosion
resistant oxide film on the outer tube wall when naphtha is used as fuel.
13.1.5 VANADIUM
This must not be present as it can cause severe corrosion of the tubes by reforming a low
melting slag, which fluxes the protective oxide film.
13.1.6 SODIUM
Particularly in association with vanadium, this can cause severe corrosion as above. A limiting
concentration of 0.03 ppm is specified.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 89
13.1.7 COPPER
This must not be present.
13.1.9 ARSENIC
Generally naphtha contains arsenic less than 0.01 ppm. Poisoning action is delayed while it
accumulates in the catalyst. Loss of activity of catalyst is shown by increase in the level of higher
hydrocarbons slip. This results in deactivation of catalyst and development of hot tubes.
Arsenic impregnated on the reformer tube can poison the fresh catalyst also, even if the
poisoned catalyst is discharged.
.oOOo.
1. Raw Material
Composition (mole %)
H2 57.57
N2 19.65
Ar 5.05
CH4 9.77
NH3 7.96
b) Flash gas (tapped off from the 1124 exit gas line)
Composition (mole %)
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 90
H2 56.23
N2 18.96
Ar 6.27
CH4 18.44
NH3 0.10
2. Products
a) Product Hydrogen (joining the SGC II suction seperator after I stge cooler)
Composition (mole %)
H2 94.19
N2 4.85
Ar 0.60
CH4 0.36
NH3 -
Synthesis loop purge gas at a pressure of 215.3 Kg/cmg and temperature of 23.5 0C is tapped
off after converter feed interchanger at the rate of 7900 Nm3/Hr the loop purge gas has the
following composition.
CH4 9.77 %
NH3 7.96 %
Loop purge gas enters the tube side of No. 1 Precooler and the temperature is brought down to
5 0C by heat exchange with Freon R22 which evaporates at 0 0C at a pressure of 4 Kg/cmg.
The pressure at the shell side of HEA 101 is controlled by PIC 2112. The level of the refrigerant
in HEA 101 is controlled by LIC 2105 provided at the liquid Freon to the exchanger. The shell
side is protected by the relief valve SV 2111-2 provided at the vapour outline. A high
temperature alarm TI 2102 set at 7 0C and a low temperature alarm TI 2102 set at 0 0C are
provided, on the gas line exit HEA 101.
The cooled purge gas with condensed ammonia is fed to the ammonia separator. The
condensed ammonia at the rate of 250 kg/hr after separation is sent to the let-down vessel 1123
through LCV 2101. The separator is provided with high and low level alarms. The pressure of
the purge gas from the separator is let down to 60 Kg/cmg through FCV 2101.
The flash gas from the ammonia absorber at a pressure of 19.4 Kg/cmg and at 40 0C is fed to
the suction of the flash gas compressor HGB 101 A/B. The flash gas has the following
composition.
mole %
H2 56.23 %
N2 18.96 %
Ar 6.27 %
CH4 18.44 %
NH3 0.1 %
The pressure of the flash gas is boosted up to 60 Kg/cmg by means of flash gas compressor
HGB 101. The suction pressure of the compressor is controlled at 19.4 Kg/cmg by PIC 2111 by
recycling the gas from the discharge. A low suction pressure alarm PS 2141at 17 Kg/cmg is
provided. The delivery of the flash gas from the compressor is at 43 0C and a high temperature
alarm TI 2105 set at 50 0C is provided. The flash gas from the compressor discharge mixes with
the purge gas down stream of FCV 2101 and the feed gas enters the bottom of the water
scrubbing tower.
The water scrubbing tower has 5 beds of 1" Ceramic Raschig rings. The remaining ammonia in
the feed gas is reduced to 100 ppm in this tower by means of scrubbing with water. The normal
source of the scrubbing water is from the ammonia recovery unit, tapped off from the exit of
1532. A quantity fo 1350 kg/hr tapped off from 1532 at a pressure of 24 Kg/cmg is pumped to
the scrubbing tower by water pump at a pressure of 62.5 Kg/cmg. A low flow trip for the
scrubbing water measured at the pump suction is provided. To ensure a sustained operation of
the PGHRU in the event of any upset in ammonia recovery section, an alternate source of
scrubbing water is provided from the seal water header.
The aqueous ammonia solution from the bottom of the scrubbing tower containing 15.9 % by
weight of ammonia is returned to the ammonia still at the rate of 1592 kg/hr through LCV 2102.
Both high and low level alarms are provided for the scrubbing tower.
The feed gas from the scrubbing tower at 45 0C is cooled to 35 0C by heat exchange with
product hydrogen from cold box, in feed product heat exchanger. The feed gas flow is through
the tube side whereas the product hydrogen flow is in the shell side. The feed gas temperature
is further brought down to 15 0C in No. 2 pre-cooler by means of evaporation of Freon R22 in
the shell side at 0 0C and 4 Kg/cmg. The level of refrigerant in HEA 102 is controlled by LCV
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 92
2106 provided in the liquid Freon line to the exchanger. The shell side of HEA 102 is protected
by the relief valve SV 2111-1 set at 20 Kg/cmg.
The evaporating pressure for Freon in both HEA 101 and HEA 102 is controlled at a value of 4
Kg/cmg corresponding to a saturation temperature of 0 0C by means of a pressure controller.
The Freon vapour from HEA 101 & 102 (approximately 5800 kg/hr is taken to the No. 1 Cryo
compressor suction through the PCV 2112. The pressure and temperature conditions at the
suction end of the compressors are 3.9 Kg/cmg and 8-10 0C respectively. The oil carried over
along with liquid freon to HEA 101 & 102 is continuously drained off to the accumulator provided
at the suction of the compressor. The freon vapour is compressed to 15 Kg/cmg and leaves for
condensation at 80 0C. The condensation of the vapour takes place at a pressure of 14.8
Kg/cmg and 40 0C in the condenser E 101. Relief valves SV 2112 and SV 2113 set at 26
Kg/cmg are provided at the discharge of HGC 101 A & B respectively. Also the condenser shell
side is protected by SV 2114 set at 21 Kg/cmg.
The feed gas from HEA 102 enters the water separator HFA 102 where the saturated moisture
content of the gas is knocked off and drained through LCV 2103. The drain liquor (9 kg/hr)
containing maximum of 1 % ammonia is sent to the ammonia flash vessel. A low temperature
alarm set at 5 0C is provided for the feed gas at the exit of HEA 102 to protect against the
possibility of freezing of moisture in the separator and associated piping.
The feed gas from the water separator is fed to the drying system consisting of two molecular
sieve adsorbers operating in a cycle. The final traces of moisture and ammonia are adsorbed in
molecular sieve as these components if present, would freeze in cold box and could lead to
operational problems. The adsorber cycle is 12 hours on stream and 12 hours on reactivation, in
which heating operation takes 5 hours cooling operation 6 hours and change over operation 1
hour.
A part of tail gas (700 Nm3/Hr) from the cold box heating in the shell side of regenerating heat
exchanger HEA 103 by 45 ata steam, is passed through adsorbent bed for reactivation. This gas
rejoins the balance of the tail gas through the regenerating gas cooler HEA 105. After
completion of 5 hrs. of heating operation in the reactivation cycle, off line adsorber is cooled
down to the operating temperature by passing tail gas for a period of 6 hrs. with the
regenerating heat exchanger off the line.
The dry feed gas exit M.S. adsorber unit enters the cold box consisting of two heat exchangers
and two separators. The heat exchangers are of plate fin type and constructed of aluminum
alloy. The separators are also made of alumimium alloy. The drain separator and associated
piping and control valves are insulated with Rockwool whereas the rest of the cold box unit is
filled with Perlite insulation. There is a provision to purge the cold box continuously with dry
Nitrogen (dew point -70 0C) at a flow rate of 1 Nm3/Hr and Pressure 0.5 Kg/cmg. The purge
nitrogen from the top of the cold box is let off to atmosphere through an oil seal. The main
purpose of purging cold box with dry N2 is to drive out all residual air and prevent
moisture/other impurities from entering the cold box and to facilitate detection of any leak by
constant analysis of purge nitrogen at the inlet of oil seal pot. A relief valve set is provided at
the top of the cold box to ensure safety of the equipment. The feed gas at 20 0C from the M.S.
adsorber is cooled down to -38.5 0C by heat exchange with product hydrogen and tail gas in
No. 1 heat exchanger HEC 101.
The feed gas leaves cold box and is further cooled down to -40 0C in No. 3 heat exchanger
located outside cold box unit by evaporating liquid freon in the shell side at -45 0C and
corresponding pressure of -130 mmHg. The level of refrigerant in HEC 103 is controlled by LCV
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 93
2107 provided in the liquid freon inlet line. The evaporating pressure of freon in HEC is
controlled by PIC 2113 at a value of 130 mmHg corresponding to a saturation temperature of -
45 0C. The freon vapour from HEC 103 enters the compressor through PCV 2113 at -22 0C and -
130 mmHg pressure. Similar to the drain provision for HEA 101 & 102, provision is made for
HEC 103 also for draining off oil into the accumulator at the compressor I stage suction.
The vapour is discharged from the I stage of 1.87 Kg/cmg and 40 0C and gets cooled to -60 0C
by mixing with the freon from the oil cooler. In the second stage the vapour is compressed to
14.8 Kg/cmg at a temperature of 80 0C. The vapour discharged from the II stage after oil
separation is condensed at 14 Kg/cmg and 36 0C in the condenser E 201 provided with a relief
valve in the shell side set at 21 Kg/cmg.
The feed gas from HEC 103 enters back cold box and is further cooled down to -193 0C with
partial condensation by heat exchange with product Hydrogen and tail gas in No. 2 heat
exchanger. The partially condensed feed gas is introduced into the drain separator in a state of
gas liquid mixture. The hydrogen gas is separated from the liquid and discharged as product
hydrogen through a pressure control valve PC 2106 which controls the system pressure at 57.5
Kg/cmg. High and low pressure alarms are provided for the system pressure at 63 Kg/cmg
and 45 Kg/cmg respectively. The system is protected against excess pressurisation by SV 2101
and SV 2102 set at 66 Kg/cmg located at the inlet of the scrubbing tower and on the drain
separator HFA 103 respectively. The product Hydrogen gets cooled to -194.2 0C after expansion
through PCV 2106 (from 57.5 Kg/cmg to 47.5 Kg/cmg) and exchanges cold with incoming fed
gas in exchangers HEC 102 & 101 thereby getting heated upto -47.5 0C and + 17 0C respectively
and leaves the cold box for further heating in HEA 104. Composition of the produce hydrogen is
as follows :
mole %
H2 94.19 %
N2 4.85 %
Ar 0.60 %
CH4 0.36 %
The liquid condensed and separated in the drain separator is expanded at 2.5 Kg/cmg through
LCV 2104 which results in lowering of temperature due to Joule-Thomson Effect. HFA 103 has
both high and low level alarm provisions. The flashed liquid gas mixture enters the phase
separator HFA 105 at -194.8 0C. There is a provision to inject product hydrogen from HFA 103
to the inlet of HFA 105 through HCV 2101 to effect lowering the evaporating temperature of
liquid from HEA 103 by way of reducing the partial pressure of the gas which would inturn
improve the prouduct purity by the resultant temperature drop at the inlet of HFA 103. The
liquid from HFA 105 after evaporation mixes with the gas stream in HEC 102 and the tail gas
stream leaves cold box through HEC 102 and 101 and -42.5 0C and + 17 0C respectively,
effecting cooling incoming feed gas.
The tail gas pressure is controlled by PC 2108 Kg/cmg. The quantity of tail gasleaving cold box
is about 3006 Nm3/Hr. A part of the tail gas 700 Nm3/Hr required for reactivation of M.S.
adsorber is tapped upstream of PCV 2108 and joins back the tail gas header downstream of PCV
2108. There is a pressure controller PC 2109 set at 2 Kg/cmg on the tail gas header to relieve
the tail gas to vent gas header. The tail gas header joins the primary reformer fuel gas header
downstream of PCV 1301. The composition of the tail gas joining the fuel gas header is as
follows :
Mole %
H2 12.81 %
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 94
N2 47.28 %
Ar 13.17 %
CH4 26.74 %
The product hydrogen leaving the cold box at the rate of 4725 Nm3/Hr enters the shell side of
HEA 104 and gets warmed upto 35 0C. An analyser with an alarm is provided in the product
hydrogen line to monitor the hydrogen purity. The product hydrogen header pressure is
controlled at 47.5 Kg/cmg by PCV 2107 which relieves any excess pressure into the tail gas
header. The product hydrogen is fed at the upstream of II suction separator of syn gas
compressor.
2. UTILITES
a) The following are the utilities required for operations of the Hydrogen Recovery Unit.
1. Steam
2. Cooling water
3. Instrument air
4. Nitrogen
5. Electic power
1) Steam
The requirement of steam is for the purpose of preheating of the tail gas during the reactivation
cycle of the M.S. adsorbers. The quantity required is about 1003 Kg/hr at a pressure of 42
Kg/cmg and temperature 380 0C. The quantity of steam is made available to the unit from the
45 Kg/cmg steam line to the still reboiler 1534. The same source of steam is used for the
purpose of heating up of the cold box unit during shutdown, using HEA 103.
2) Cooling Water
The total requirement of cooling water at a pressure of 4 Kg/cmg and at 33 0C is 94 M3/hr with
the following break-up.
This requirement is met from the branch off line from the C.W. supply mains going to the
ammonia refrigeration condensers. The cooling water return from each of the above units is
collectively joined back to the C.W.R header of the refrigeration condensers.
3) Instrument air
The total requirement of instrument air at a pressure of 7 Kg/cmg with a dew point of -35 0C
is 42 Nm3/Hr. This is met from the main instrument air header.
4) Nitrogen
Dry nitrogen at 7 Kg/cmg with a dew point of -70 0C for diluting the leakage gas from the
piston rod seal of flash gas compressor a the rate of 29 Nm3/Hr and 1 Nm3/Hr for purging the
interior of the cold box unit. This quantity of dry nitrogen is from HWP. Alternatively it is made
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 95
available from the Nitrogen receiver through a pressure control valve followed by a dryer unit of
30 Nm3/Hr capacity operating on a 12 hrs cycle.
700 Nm3/Hr at 30 0C and 7 Kg/cmg to purge out air in piping and equipment.
700 Nm3/Hr at 80 0C and 7 Kg/cmg to defrost the cold box unit before any long shutdown.
The temperature of 80 0C is achieved by heating Nitrogen with steam in HEA 103.
500 Nm3/Hr at 30 0C and 7 Kg/cmg to dilute the vent gas rich in methane from drainage liquid
tank HFA 104.
75 Nm3/Hr at 80 0C and 7 Kg/cmg to warm up the vent gas during short shutdown if
required.
The requirement of N2 for the above is met from the LP N2 header.
5) Electric Power
The total power requirement at 415 V is 162.5 KW. The break up is as follows :
The above power requirement is met from the urea plant sub-station.
1. Sequence of start-up
e. Introduction of purge gas and pressurisation of the purge gas system to synthesis loop
pressure.
f. Line up water pump to scrubbing tower and stabilise scrubbing tower level and
pressure.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 96
i. Start flash gas compressor and line up flash gas to scrubbing tower.
i) Ensure the positive isolation of the total system from the main plant by closing the following
valves :
d. Purge gas vent control valve PCV 2101 (The controller PC 2101 to be on manual).
e. Block valves in the N2 line to HEA 101. (Ensure taht the spectacle blind provided in
between the block valves is in "Open" position).
d. Block valves of nitrogen line to flash gas compresor (Spectacle blind to be in "Open"
position.
c. Drain valves at the suction and discharge lines of HGA 101 A & B.
E. Aqueous Ammonia System
b. Isolation valve of sample point at the inlet of MS adsorbers HDA 102 A & B.
f. Isolation valves on the Nitrogen line to HEA 103 (spectacle blind to be in "Open"
position).
h. Isolation valve of the sample point in the feed gas line exit MS adsorbers.
i. Bypass valve of the strainer exit MS adsorber and drain valve of the strainer.
j. Isolation valve on the Nitrogen heating line to the feed gas line at the inlet of cold box.
k. Isolation valves of pressure points in tubeside inlet and outlet of HEC 103.
a. Isolation valve on the nitrogen heating line at the exit of cold box.
b. Isolation valve of the pressure point on the product hydrogen line exit cold box.
b. Isolation valve on the Nitrogen heating at the exit of the cold box.
g. First isolation valve at the battery limit. (Spectacle blind to be in "Open" position).
ii) Ensure the system is "through" for purging by keeping the following valves in "Open
condition"
b. HCV 2101.
a. 1" line at the inlet fo HEA 101 in the purge gas line.
2.Ensure the charging of LP Nitrogen header and availability of Nitrogen for purging.
3.Admit Nitrogen into the purge gas line at the inlet fo HEA 101 and into the suction line of HGB
101.
8.Check for oxygen content in the system by analysing the samples from the following points
10. Repeat the purging operations till the oxygen content in the system comes down to less than
0.2 % as confirmed by 2 successive analysis.
11. Carryout the total heating of cold box unit as per the detailed description given under
"Shutdown Procedures".
To ensure both M.S. adsorbers are ready to take up the feed gas, manual reactivation of both
the adsorbes prior to introduction of the feed gas is necessary. The reactivation of the adsorbers
is done in following following steps.
1. Ensure that the adsorber system is totally isolated from the rest of the system by Closing
the following valves :
2. To take up regeneration of Tower A set the cam timer at 13 hrs. Put the tower on 'RUN'
for 2 minutes and put tower back on 'STOP'. Then check that the following valves are in
CLOSED position.
b. Equalising valve.
5. Admit Nitrogen to the heater HEA 103 by opening the valves in the Nitrogen line.
Establish flow fo 700 Nm3/Hr of Nitrogen through the heater and adsorber by
maintaining a pressure of 2.3 Kg/cmg on PI 2104.
6. Open isolation valve in the steam inlet ine of HEA 103 after lining up the stream trap.
7. Adjust the heating rate such that the adsorbent bed temperatures reach 200 - 250 0C in a
duration of 5 hrs. of heating.
8. After ensuring the uniform temperature in the adsorber bed as indicated by the two TIs
provided cut off steam to the heater HEA 103.
9. Allow the same quantity of Nitrogen through the circuit for a period of 6 hrs to effect
cooling of the bed to ambient.
10. To regenerate tower B Set the can timer at 1 hr. Put of tower on 'RUN' for 2 minutes
and put the toewr on 'STOP' check that the heating / precooling valves of HDA 102 B
are open.
11. Check that the heating/precooling valves of HDA 102 A are closed.
12. Carry out the reactivation of HDA 102 B similar to the procedure adopted for
HDA 102 A.
13. After completion of reactivatoin of HDA 102 B cut off N2 to adsorber check that PIC
2109 has closed on auto.
2. Check for the dew point of Nitrogen at the battery limit to be -70 0C.
4. Ensure that the regulating valve controls the nitrogen pressure at 0.5 Kg/cmg at the inlet
of cold box, with a flow of about 1Nm3/Hr.
5. Check for the presence of any impurity like Oxygen and moisture in the Purge Nitrogen
by analysing the gas from the sample point at the inlet of seal pot.
8. Purging of cold box should be started atleast 4 days before the commencement of cooling
down operations.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 102
e. Block valves in nitrogen to HEA 101 (keep the bleed valve in "Open" condition).
c. Drain valves at the suction and discharge lines of HGA 101 A & B.
i. Isolation valve of the sample point in the feed gas line exit MS adsorbers.
l. Isolation valve on Nitrogen heating line to the feed gas line at the inlet of the cold box.
m. Isolation valves of pressure points at tube side inlet and outlet of HEC 103.
b. Isolation valve of the pressure point on the product hydrogen line exit cold box.
d. HCV 2101.
d. Isolation valve oon Nitrogen heating line at the exit of cold box.
Nil.
4. Open gradually the block valve at the battery limit in the purge gas line after getting
clearance from the control room.
5. Pressurise the purge gas line upto FCV 2101 at the rate of 50 Kg/cmg hr as indicated by
PC 2101, till the line pressure gets equalised to the synthesis loop pressure. Open the
block valve fully.
6. Put the FCV 2101 trip action, on bypass and gradually open FCV 2101 on "Manual"
admitting about 1000 Nm3/Hr. Reduce the syn loop purge rate through HCV 1812
accordingly. Adjust firing in 4 & 6 rows of primary reformer burners to maintain
reformer exit temperature.
7. Pressurise gradually the feed gas system to 45 Kg/cmg upto PCV 2106 as indicated by
PC 2106 (at 50 Kg/cmg per hour).
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 106
9. Open the battery limit isolation valve in the wash water line and check the header
pressure to be 24 Kg/cmg.
d. Check the pump for free rotation by turning V Pulley 5-6 times by hand.
e. Confirm the correct direction of rotation and check for any abnormality by kick start.
g. During no load running check whether valve and gear sounds are normal.
h. Ensure once again the complete removal of locket up gas by opening the priming vent.
11. Close the spillback valve of the pump fully and establish water flow in scrubbing tower.
12. Open fully the battery limit block valve in aqueous ammonia header.
13. Open fully the isolation valve upstream of the strainer in aqueous ammonia line from HDA
101.
14. Line up LCV 2102 of HDA 101 and set LC 2102 on "Auto" at 60 %.
15. Open the discharge valve of standby pump and set it on auto.
16. Take up the pressure gradually in the feed gas system to 57.5 Kg/cmg PC 2106.
i. Ensure that the freon refrigerant is adequately charged into the system.
ii. Switch on the crank case heaters for both the compressors atleast 12 hrs before starting
the compressors.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 107
vi. Ensure that the following valves are in SLIGHTLY OPEN position :
vii.Crack open the suction valve and start the compressor HGC 102 A.
viii.Bring down gradually the suction pressure to about -470 mmHG by adjusting the suction
valve. Ensure that the amperage of the motor does not exceed 30.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 108
ix. As the amperage reduces, open PCV 2113 gradually watching the amperage. When
PCV 2113 is open fully, set PC 2113 on auto @ 0.5 Kg/cmg.
x. Open gradually LCV 2107 on manual, watching the suction pressure of the compresor
and amperage of the motor.
xi.Close PCV 2107 gradually and set the controller on "auto" at 5 Kg/cmg..
xii.Close PCV 2108 gradually and set the controller on "AUTO" at 2.3 Kg/cmg.
xiii.Close PCV 2100 gradually and set the controller on "Auto" at 2 Kg/cmg.
xiv.Take up the purge gas flow gradually, following the differential temperatures flow rate curve.
Ensure that the purge rate through HCV 1812 is accordingly adjusted. Simultaneously stabilise
the ammonia recovery section and firing in 4th and 6th rows burners of primary reformer.
xv.Open gradually and manually LCV 2104 of HFA 103. Allow minimum required flow only
through PCV 2106.
xvi.Open tail gas isolation valve and line up tail gas to fuel gas header. Set PC 2108 @ 0.35
Kg/cmg higher than a real pressure indicated by PIC 2109.
xvii.When continuous flow through PCV 2108 is observed set cam timer at 10 hrs. and put the
tower on 'RUN'.
xviii.When the purge gas flow is increased to about 3700 Nm3/Hr, start Cryo Compressor
No. 1.
ii. Switch on the crankcase heater of HGC 101 A and ensure that it is on for a minimum period
of 12 hrs before start-up of the compressor.
c. Isolation valve on the freon line from the condenser to the oil coolers of HGC 101A&B
d. Isolation valve on the vapour freon line from oil coolers to compressor suction line.
k. Isolation valves of SV 2112 & SV 2113 at the discharge of HGC 101 A & B.
vi. Ensure that the following valves are in SLIGHT OPEN position.
vii. Crack open the suction valve to get a suction pressure of 3.5 - 4.0 Kg/cmg downstream of
the
valve.
viii. Start the compressor HGC 101 A and maintain the suction pressure at 3.5 to 4 Kg/cmg
by throttling the suction valve as and when required. Never allow the amperage of the
motor to exceed 80.
ix. When the suction valve is opened fully, open PCV 2112 gradually on manual watching
the suction pressure and amperage.
x. Set PC 2112 on "Auto" to get a pressure of 4 Kg/cmg at the shell side of the precoolers.
10. Observe the level of the liquid ammonia in the ammonia separator. Line up LCV 2101
by opening isolation valve of battery limit isolation rate A 522 and set LC 2101 on auto
at 50 %.
11. Line up LCV 2103 of HFA 102 by opening the isolation valve A 193. Set the controller
on auto at 50 %.
12. Increase purge rate through FCV 2101 till HCV 1812 is fully shut. Allow the cooling
process by means of Joule Thomson effect across PCV 2106 in the feed gas system and
LCV 2104 of the drain separator HFA 103 to continue further. When the inlet
temperature of drain seperator HFA 103 reaches - 150 0C, a portion of the methane in
the feed gas will start liquifying.
13. When the temperature of tail gas inlet phase separator reaches -195 0C, start closing
LCV 2104 gradually on manual not allowing the temperature to fall further. Stabilise
the level of HFA 103 at 50 % and set LC 2104 on "Auto".
14.Raise gradually the pressure of the product hydrogen line with PC 2107 (which is on auto) to
the specified pressure of 47.5 Kg/cmg. It is to be noted that the cooling by way of Joule
Thomson Effect across PCV 2106 comes down while pressurising the product hydrogen line to
47.5 Kg/cmg. Hence care has to be taken to ensure that the pressurisation is carried out
gradually without affecting the cold box, temperature and the degree of condensation of
methane in HFA 103.
15.Check for the purity of product hydrogen through the sample point AP 2107 and through the
on-line analyser AH2RA 2100. Ensure that the purity of hydrogen reaches the specified value of
93 % by stabilising the temperatures in the cold box unit at design values.
1. Set PC 2107 at a pressure equal to the I discharge pressure of SGC. Take PC 2107 on
manual.
2. Open gradually the battery limit block valve of the product hydrogen header.
3. Check there is no change in hydrogen header pressure before and after opening the valve
hydrogen.
4. If the hydrogen header pressure increases, isolate the block valve immediately and inform
control room.
5. On confirming that there is the change in H2 pressure start closing PIC 2101 gradually.
Increase the requirred amount of air to secondary reformer and load syn gas compressor.
6. It is to be noted that the product hydrogen from recovery unit at a relatively cold
condition( 30 - 35 0C) is joining the main stream of make up gas (40-45 0C) at the inlet
of the II suction separator of syn gas compressor. This would in effect bring down the
average temperature of the gas at the suction of II stage. Hence a close watch has to be
kept on the water level of II suction separator.
7. As hydrogen is lined up to SGC, available tail gas to fuel gas header comes down.
Adjust the firing rate in 4th and 6th row of burners.
8. Check that PCV 2107 & PCV 2109 are in closed poisiton on "Auto". Keep the set
points of both the contrtollers slightly above the actual pressures to avoid unnecessary
venting of the gas.
4. Line up seal nitrogen to the compressor by opening the isolation valve in the dry nitrogen
line to the compressor.
5. Open the battery limit isolation valve and check the pressure to be 19.4 Kg/cmg as
indicated by PC 2111.
9. Check for the direction of rotationof the motor by kick start. Check for any abnormality
also during kick start.
10. Start the compressor and run it on no load for 30 minutes with PC 2111 on manual and
full open position.
11. Watch the compressor performance (vibration abnormal sound, temperature etc)
12. Start loading the compressor gradually by closing the PCV 2111 on manual, till PCV
1301 just closes fully. During loading observe the downstream parameters like cooler
exit temperature, levels in HFA 102, HFA 101, HEA 102, temperature condition in cold
box etc. Set PC 2111 on ""Auto".
13. Stabilise the hydrogen recovery unit to cope up with additional load by way of flash gas.
2. Open FCV 2101 slightly and raise the system pressure to 45 Kg/cmg.
3. When PI 2103 low alarm cancels, start the scrubbing water pump.
4. Continue to raise the system pressure and stabilise PC 2106 @ 57.5 Kg/cmg.
7. As the cold box would not have lost the temperature, there will be condensation and
HFA 103 level would tend to rise.
9. When there is continuous flow that PCV 2108, line up tail gas to the fuel gas leader of
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 113
main plant.
10. Check that the differential of 0.3 Kg/cmg is maintained between PC 2108 and PC 2109.
11. Switch on M.S. adsorber, setting the cam timer at suitable position.
12. When the purge gas flow is increased to 3700 Nm3/Hr, start No. 1 Cryo Compressor.
Remove "FCV trip action" bypass.
13. Line up ammonia to 1123 and drain water to flash vessel 1132.
15. Continue the cooling down process and watch hydrogen puerly.
16. When the hydrogen purely is about 93 %, raise PC 2107 gradually to II suction pressure
of synthesis gas compressor.
1. Ensure that PCV 2101 is closed on manual always. This is to ensure that there is no venting
pf purge gas through the PCV 2101 on normal operation. During start up also, unless there is
positive flow through the tail gas line from cold box, PCV 2101 should not be used for venting.
2. Whenever any change in the purge gas flow through FCV 2101 is effected, ensure that
suitable adjustment is made in purge rate through HCV 1812 and in the air rate to secondary
reformer. Also ensure the primary reformer exit gas temperature is maintained by suitable
adjustment of firing in 4th & 6th row of burners. Recovery system also is to be stabilised
whenever changes are effected in the purge gas flow through FCV 2101.
3. Have a continuous monitoring of the purge gas temperature at the exit of HEA 101. The
normal value to be maintained in 5 0C for effecting maximum condensation of ammonia. An
alarm provision is given when the temperature increases above 7 0C. In case increase in the
temperature check the following :
a. The refrigerant freon level in HEA 101 through local level gauge and LC 2105.
c. Adequacy of oil blow down from HEA 101 to compressor suction accumulator.
4. Double check the level of HFA 101 with LG 2101 as well as LC 2101 as otherwise it
would lead to either carryover of liquid ammonia into the scrubbing tower or entry of gas
into the liquid ammonia line.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 114
1. Ensure that the suction pressure of the flash gas compressor is maintained by PC 2111
without affecting the letdown vessel pressure. In normal course it is expected that PCV 2111
would remain partly closed on auto and PCV 1301 closed on auto.
2. Close monitoring checking of the following is required to ensure a smooth and normal
operation of flash gas compressor.
e. Vibration level.
h. Steady flow of cooling water to the glands and after cooler as seen through the sight
glasses.
i. Periodical draining of suction and discharge snubbers for removal of any accumualated
condensate.
Scrubbing Tower
1. Normal operation of scrubbing tower depends upon the ammonia recovery unit as the water
is from the ammonia still 1125. Hence any upsets in the recovery system would lead to a
probable upset in the scribbing tower operation. Hence in the event of any upset in either of the
systems the operator should take care of the other unit immediately.
2. A low trip is provided for the water flow to the suction of water pumps. In the event of any
upset in the ammonia recovery system, and subsequent fall in 1125 pressure or level the water
to the suction of HGA 101 A & B to immediately changed over to the alternate source provided
from LP desuperheating water header to avoid the occurrence "Low flow trip". However this
would result in higher water input to the recovery system. Hence open the drain upstream of
LCV 1904 accordingly to maintain water balance in ammonia recovery system.
3. A low pressure trip is provided at the scrubbing tower exit gas line. The possibilities of
occurrence of this trip are :
4. Close monitoring of the pressure at the exit of the scrubbing tower is necessary. In the
event of any fall observed in the pressure check for normal operation of the following :
5. Monitor the % opening of LCV 2102 to know the extent of choking in the upstream strainer.
In
case of choking of the strainer, bypass the strainer and clean the same.
6. An alarm provision is given for high pressure at the scrubbing tower exit in the feed gas
system. This is likely to happen in the event of the following upsets.
As soon as the high pressure alarm appears in the panel take FC 2101 on manual and close the
FCV 2101 (otherwise sensing FC 2101 would open more on auto causing further pressure
increase which would result in popping of SV 2101 at the inlet of scrubbing tower and or SV 2102
on the vessel HFA 103).
Water pumps
i. The following are to be checked with regard to the normal operation of HGA 101 A/B.
ii.Change over the pumps once in 750 hrs without fail. Do not fail to operate the stand-
by pumps once a day for 5 minutes.
iii.Continuously monitor the suction pressure of the pump. In the event of low suction
pressure change over the pump and clean suction strainer.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 116
3. A low temperature alarm is provided for the feed gas at the exit of HEA 102 to avoid
freezing of condensate in the downstream piping and vessels.
On the other hand higher temperature would lead to moisture carryover into the M.S.
adsorbers. Hence the temperature at the exit of HEA 102 has to be maintained at 150 C by
controlling the following parameters.
b. Level of liquuid freon the shell side of HEA 102 through LIC 2106.
c. Oil blow down from HEA 102 to the suction accumulator of the compressor.
c. Pressure drops across the lube oil filter. If it exceeds 0.5 Kg/cmg change over the filter
and clean it.
d. Pressure drop across the suction strainer. If this exceeds 0.5 Kg/cmg change over the
compressor and charge the filter element.
g. Vibration levels.
M.S. Adsorbers
1. The operation of the M.S. adsorbers is on 12 hrs cycle consisting of 5 hrs of heating 6 hrs
of cooling and 1 hr of changeover operations which are to be carried out in the following
sequence.
H D A 102 A H D A 102 B
__________________ _______________
Time Valves Valves Valves Valves
Open lose Open Close
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 117
5 hrs - do - - do - - do - - do -
(End of heating
cycle & begining Equaliser A 117 is closed condition.
of cooling cycle) Heating valve A 335 cooling cycle.
11 hrs - do - - do - - do - - do -
(End of cooling
cycle and begining A 117 - close
of cooling operation) A 335 - On cooling side
H D A 102 A H D A 102 B
Time Valves Valves Valves Valves
Open Close Open Close
A 117 - Close
A 335 - On cooling side
A 117 - Close
A 335 - On cooling side.
H D A 102 A H D A 102 B
Time Valves Valves Valves Valves
Open Close Open Close
A 117 - Close
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 119
2. In the event of any stoppage of "Reactivation cycle" within 4 hours after commencement of
heating cycle, the reactivation cycle has to be once again started back from the beginning.
3. Close monitoring of the pressure drop across the strainer s-104 is necessary.
4. Analysis of moisture and ammonia slip from the adsorber unit is necessary to take corrective
actions to avoid choking in cold box.
1. Ensure that dry Nitrogen purge in "ON" to the interior of cold box to avoid any ingress.
3. Analyse the dry purge Nitrogen at the inlet of oil seal to check for any leaks.
4. Closely monitor the temperatures. The temperature difference between feed gas inlet and
product hydrogen exit cold box and tail gas exit cold box is normally maintained at 2 0C. Any
increase in DT is an indication of poor transfer in cold box suggesting a probably choking of the
heat exchangers HEC 101 & HEC 102.
5. The control of temperature at the inlet of HFA 103 at -193 0C and at the inlet of HFA 105
at -194.8 0C is most essential. Any further reduction in these temperatures may leak to freezing
of methane causing plugging in the cold box. However, any increase in these parameters would
lower the recovery efficiency and purity of the product. Hence it is necessary to meticulosly
control these temperatures in the cold box by suitably adjusting hydrogen injection through HCV
2101 and the tail gas header pressure through PC 2108.
6. Never open the heating valves A644, A645 & A646 during normal operation.
7. In case of any suspected ammonia blockage inside cold box warming up of cold box must be
carried out to bring up temperature TI-2108 and 9 to -40 0C.
8. In case of any upset leading to closure of FCV 2101, LCV 2104 should be closed immediately
on manual. Otherwise with no incoming as to cold box, cold generated by the liquid flashed will
not be dissipated and the temperature of tail gas / product H2 line will drop to negative
temperature.
9. During normal run as well as start up and shutdowns, ensure that the temperature TI 2105,
10 & 11 are always more than 0 0C.
10. In case LCV 2104 stucks up to open position during any shutdown, tail gas / product H2
temperature will fall less than 0 0C. To prevent this happening, open the drain valve A 391 and
drain away all the liquid to the disposal tank and depresurise the system gradually watching the
various temperatures.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 120
11. During disposing operations, hydrogen, methane, etc., are discharged through the vent line
provided over the drain tank HFA 104. It must be made as a practice to use the provision of
'nitrogen purge' into the interior of the vent line to prevent the formation of explosive gas
mixture in the stock.
12. Do not drain liquid from drain separator and phase separator if there is a fire near cold box.
1. Close the isolation valves at the battery limit in the product hydrogen line. While isolating,
check with local gauge and ensure that the product hydrogen system pressure and tail gas
pressure do not exceed the specified values 47.5 and 2.0 Kg/cmg. Reduce air flow to secondary
reformer accordingly.
2. Close the isolation valve at the battery limit in the tail gas line. Adjust firing in 4th & 6th row
burners of primary reformer to maintain the primary reformer exit temperature.
3. Take PC 2111 on manual and open PCV 2111 gradually watching the pressure of the let down
vessel system PC 1301. Unload the flash gas compressor fully.
4. Stop the flash gas compressor and close the suction and discharge valves and the battery
limit isolation valve A 413 in the flash gas line.
5. Reduce the purge gas flow gradually and increase purge acordingly through HCV 1812 to
maintain the parameter of the synthesis loop. Cut off the flow through FCV 2101. Put back the
controller FC 2101 on manual in closed condition.
7. Ensure that the PCV 2106 is in fully closed position, with PC 2106 on auto at a setting of 57.5
Kg/cmg.
9. Close the isolation valve of FCV 2101 and the battery limit isolation valves.
10. Open LCV 2101 on manual and drain liquid Ammonia to 1123. Watch lip Ammonia
header pressure at PGHRU battery limit valve and upstream isolation valve.
a) Close the liquid freon valve from E 101 to HEA 101 & 102 and allow the liquid freon to get
stored in the condenser E 101.
b) Observe a fall in the suction pressure of the compressor gradually from 4 Kg/cmg due to the
stoppage of the process load in the precoolers No. 1 & No. 2 HEA 101 & 102 and the fall in the
liquid freon level in HEC 101 & 102.
c) Stop the compressor HGC 101 A and close the suction and discharge valve.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 121
d) Put back LC 2105, LC 2106, LC 2112 on manual and close LCV 2105, LCV 2106 & PCV 2112.
e) Close the isolation valves of LCV 2105, LCV 2106 & PCV 2112.
f) Close the blow down valves from HEA 101 and HEA 102.
g) Close the drain valve from oil separator to HGC 101 A & B.
a) Close liquid freon valve from E 201 to HEC 103 and allow the liquid freon to get stored in the
condenser with compressor running.
b) Observe the fall in the suction pressure of the compressor gradually from -130 mmHG to -400
mmHG due to the stoppage of the process load in the precooler No. 3 and the fall in the liquid
freon level in HEC 103.
c) Stop the compresspor HEC 102 A and close the suction and discharge valves.
d) Put back LC 2107 and PC 2113 on manual and close LCV 2107 and PCV 2113.
g) Close the drain valves from oil separator to HGC 102 A & B.
14. Changeover MS adsorber unit HDA 102 A & B from "RUN" to Stop.
15. Stop the water pump HGA 101. 16. Close suction and discharge valves.
17. Close the battery limit isolation valve on the scrubbing water line.
18. Close the upstream isolation valve of the LCV 2102 and the battery limit isolation valve A 528
in the aqueous ammonia header.
19. Depressurise the feed gas system, the product hydrogen line and the tail gas line through
PCV 2106, PCV 2107, PCV 2108 and PCV 2109. Put back PC 2106, PC 2107, PC 2108 & PIC 2109
to about 2Kg/cmg.
20. Drain the entire liquid hold-up from the drain separtor HFA 103 to the liquified gas disposed
tank HFA 104 by opening the drain valve. Ensure that nitrogen seal is also simultaneously.
21. Admit Nitrogen to the vent header by opening Nitrogen valves A 657 and A 654 in the
Nitrogen purge line.
23. Ensure that the drain valve from HFA 103 in HFA 104 is fully open.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 122
24. Open the isolation valves of the Purge Nitrogen to HEA 101 and feed dry N2 to cold box.
25. Continue this operation till the temperature inlet of HFA 103 increases to -60 0C. Ensure that
the heating rate does not exceed 40 0C/hr by adjusting the nitrogen flow.
27. Admit N2 to M.S. adsorber through heating/precooling valve and take the dry N2 to cold box
by opening heating valve. Check that PCV 2109 and PCV 2108 are closed.
30. Carry out heating of the product hydrogen system similar to the feed gas system by venting
throught the drain valve.
31. Open LCV 2104 fully, when drain valve A 391 is defrosted.
32. Open Nitrogen heating valve intail gas system and close fully heating valve in product
hydrogen system.
33. Carrying out heating of the tail gas system similar to the feed gas and product hydrogen
systems till TI 2109 reads 40 0C.
34. Open Nitrogen heating valves A 646 and 644 in the product hydrogen and feed gas system
and continue heating operation through the drain of HFA 103.
35. Complete the total heating of the cold box unit, when all the thermometers indicate about 40
0C.
36. After ensuring the comletion of total heating close the following valves :
e. Isolation valves in the Nitrogen heating line to feed gas system, tail gas system and
product hydrogen system.
37. Purge the flash gas system independantly and box up under N2 atmosphere.
Short Stoppage
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 123
1. Isolate the product H2 block valves. Check the local PI while isolating and ensure that the
pressure does not shoot up. Simultaneously, adjust the opening of PCV 2107 on auto.
3. Reduce purge gas flow gradually and close FCV 2101 fully.
5. When continuous flow through PCV 2108 ceases, isolate tail gas header from fuel gas header
of main plant. Ensure that PCV 2109 controls the tail gas header pressure.
7. When ammonia separator level come down, isolate the LCV and its block valve.
9. Monitor the temperatures TI 2105, 10 & 11 and ensure that they are above 0 0C.
1. Close the block valves on purge gas line. This is necessary to avoid depressurisation of
synthesis loop through PCV 2101 which trip open on instrument air failure.
2. LCV 2104 of drain separator and FCV 2101 trip close on failure of instrument air. But PCV
2106, PCV 2107, PCV 2108 & PCV 2109 trip open to depressurise the cold box. Temperature TR
2105, 10 & 11 should be closesly monitored to check that the temperature do not go down below
0 0C.
3. The LCVs in the freon line to precoolers and PCVs on the suction of cryo compressors trip
close on failure of instrument air. Hence cryo compressor should be manually stopped.
4. LCV 2102 trip closes cutting off aqueous ammonia flow from scrubbing tower to main plant.
Stop the scrubbing water pump to build up level in the tower.
1. Close the isolation valves at the battery limit in the product hydrogen line. While isolating,
check with local gauge and ensure that the product hydrogen system pressure and tail gas
pressure do not exceed the specified values 47.5 and 2.0 Kg/cmg. Reduce air flow to secondary
reformer accordingly.
2. Close the isolation valve at the battery limit in the tail gas line. Adjust firing in 4th & 6th row
burners of primary reformer to maintain the primary reformer exit temperature.
3. Take PC 2111 on manual and open PCV 2111 gradually watching the pressure of the let down
vessel system PC 1301. Unload the flash gas compressor fully.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 124
4. Stop the flash gas compressor and close the suction and discharge valves and the battery
limit isolation valve A 413 in the flash gas line.
5. Reduce the purge gas flow gradually and increase purge acordingly through HCV 1812 to
maintain the parameter of the synthesis loop. Cut off the flow through FCV 2101. Put back the
controller FC 2101 on manual in closed condition.
7. Ensure that the PCV 2106 is in fully closed position, with PC 2106 on auto at a setting of 57.5
Kg/cmg.
8. Stabilise ammonia recovery section during the above operation.
9. Close the isolation valve of FCV 2101 and the battery limit isolation valves.
10. Open LCV 2101 on manual and drain liquid Ammonia to 1123. Watch liq Ammonia header
pressure at PGHRU battery limit valve and upstream isolation valve.
a) Close liquid freon valve from E 201 to HEC 103 and allow the liquid freon to get stored in the
condenser with compressor running.
b) Observe the fall in the suction pressure of the compressor gradually from -130 mmHG to -400
mmHG due to the stoppage of the process load in the precooler No. 3 and the fall in the liquid
freon level in HEC 103.
c) Stop the compresspor HEC 102 A and close the suction and discharge valves.
d) Put back LC 2107 and PC 2113 on manual and close LCV 2107 and PCV 2113.
g) Close the drain valves from oil separator to HGC 102 A & B.
a) Close the liquid freon valve from E 101 to HEA 101 & 102 and allow the liquid freon to get
stored in the condenser E 101.
b) Observe a fall in the suction pressure of the compressor gradually from 4 Kg/cmg due to the
stoppage of the process load in the precoolers No. 1 & No. 2 HEA 101 & 102 and the fall in the
liquid freon level in HEC 101 & 102.
c) Stop the compressor HGC 101 A and close the suction and discharge valve.
d) Put back LC 2105, LC 2106, LC 2112 on manual and close LCV 2105, LCV 2106 & PCV 2112.
e) Close the isolation valves of LCV 2105, LCV 2106 & PCV 2112.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 125
f) Close the blow down valves from HEA 101 and HEA 102.
g) Close the drain valve from oil separator to HGC 101 A & B.
14. Changeover MS adsorber unit HDA 102 A & B from "RUN" to Stop. 15. Stop the
scrubbing water pump HGA 101.
16. Close the battery limit isolation valve on the scrubbing water line.
17. Close the upstream isolation valve of the LCV 2102 and the battery limit isolation valve A 528
in
the aqueous ammonia header.
18. Depressurise the feed gas system, the product hydrogen line and the tail gas line through
PCV 2106, PCV 2107, PCV 2108 and PCV 2109. Put back PC 2106, PC 2107, PC 2108 & PC
2109 to about 2 Kg/cmg.
19. Drain the entire liquid hold-up from the drain separtor HFA 103 to the liquified gas
disposed tank HFA 104 by opening the drain valve. Ensure that nitrogen seal is also
simultaneously used.
20. Admit Nitrogen to the vent header by opening Nitrogen valves A 657 and A 654 in the
Nitrogen purge line.
22. Ensure that the drain valve from HFA 103 in HFA 104 is fully open.
23. Open the isolation valves of the Purge Nitrogen to HEA 101 and feed dry N2 to cold box.
24. Continue this operation till the temperature inlet of HFA 103 increases to -60 C. Ensure that
the heating rate does not exceed 40 C/hr by adjusting the nitrogen flow.
26. Admit N2 to M.S. adsorber through heating/precooling valve and take the dry N2 to cold box
by opening heating valve. Check that PCV 2109 and PCV 2108 are closed.
29. Carry out heating of the product hydrogen system similar to the feed gas system by venting
throught the drain valve. Analyse for dew point in the exit gas.
30. Open LCV 2104 fully, when drain valve A 391 is defrosted.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 126
31. Open Nitrogen heating valve intail gas system and close fully heating valve in product
hydrogen system.
32. Carrying out heating of the tail gas system similar to the feed gas and product hydrogen
systems till TI 2109 reads 40 0C.
33. Open Nitrogen heating valves A 646 and 644 in the product hydrogen and feed gas system
and continue heating operation through the drain of HFA 103.
34. Complete the total heating of the cold box unit, when all the thermometers indicate about 40
0C.
35. After ensuring the comletion of total heating close the following valves :
e. Isolation valves in the Nitrogen heating line to feed gas system, tail gas system and
product hydrogen system.
37. Purge the flash gas system independantly and box up under N2 atmosphere.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 127
17.1 INTRODUCTION
The Captive Power Plant has the capacity to generate 18.4 MW. There are two Turbo Generators
viz TG-I with a capacity of 5.4 MW and TG-II with a capacity of 13.0 MW. TG-I is driven by a
back pressure turbine while TG-II is driven by a condensing type turbine.
17.2 DESCRIPTION
Tubrines are of NKK-ALSTHOM impulse, multistage (TG-I is back pressure, TG-II is condensing)
turbines with single reduction gear mounted on the common bed.
The steam admitted to the turbine through the main stop valve, the emergency stop valves and
through steam control valves.
The reduction gear is of horizontal, single reduction and single helical type. The input shaft is
coupled to the turbine rotor with a diaphragm coupling, while the output shaft to the generator
shaft with a gear coupling lubricated by packed oil.
The after end of the pinion shaft is coupled with the turning device by way of movable teeth
clutch and the fore end of wheel shaft drives the main oil pump of gear type.
In order to control the turbine speed and ouput power in various operating conditions, speed
control and fuel limit is provided. The control system of the turbine consists of Woodward
Electric Governor, EGP 10 P Actuator with hydro-mechanical back-up governor, hydraulic
servomoter and steam control valves.
The oil unit is installed in the mezzanine of turbine house which comprises the circuits of lube oil,
control oil and servomotor oil.
The gland condenser installed in the first floor of turbine house, condenses the gland leak steam
of turbine.
The turning device is used to heat and cool the turbine rotor uniformly during warming up and
after stop so as to avoid the deformation of rotor and is equipped to the after end of pinion
shaft.
This device is driven by an AC motor and it has also the manual operating mechanism.
The turning device is disengaged automatically for the safe and easy operation.
Control system is composed of Electric Governor, Servo Motor, Steam Control Valves, Lever
Mechanism.
1) Electric Governor
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 128
This electric governor is Woodward 2301 type which performs three funtions - precise turbine
speed control, load control and load sharing with another tubro generator. If the magnetic
pickup signal fails, the turbine will be shut down with fail safe signal.
a. A magnetic pick up is equipped to the fore end of turbine as a speed detector. This
magnetic pick up generates an AC voltage whose frequency is proportional to turbine speed. F/V
transformer converts this frequency signal into a DC voltage inversely proportional to turbine
speed and sends it to speed controller.
b. Load sensor
Generator's load is measured by Potential transformer and Current transformer is sent to the
load sensor. The load sensor converts these signals into a DC voltage proportional to generators'
load.
The turbine speed is set with DIGITAL REFERENCE for speed setting. By using this module the
setting speed can be changed between 85% and 109% of rated speed.
The setting speed is changed by using a switch on the turbine start up panel in the turbine room
and also on supervisory control panel. The setting speed returns to the lower limit automatically
by the signal that the emergency stop valve is shut.
d. Speed Controller
The voltage sent from speed sensor is compared at the control amplifier with the speed setting
voltage sent from the external speed trim. Then the control amplifier sends an appropriate
voltage to Actuator.
For example, if the speed were greater than the speed setting, the control amplifier would
decrease its output and actuator would decrease the steam to the turbine.
2) Load Limit
a. Load limitter
It is a module which receives an actuator signal from speed controller and then sends an
appropriate signal to the actuator.
The signal sent from the speed controller is compared with signal sent from the DIGITAL
REFERENCE for KW setting and then lower signal is sent to actuator.
In case of operating parallelly with bus, this module prevents sudden increase of load caused by
fluctuation of the bus.
The setting of load limit valve is performed by the DIGITAL REFERENCE for KW setting. This
module will set the limit value of load limitter by the same way speed setting.
Functions
Refer to the safety interlocking diagram. Emergency stop signals caused by the troubles
indicated in this diagram are sent to the following protective devices and stop the turbine.
When the trip causes arises or somebody pushes the emergency button, 3-way solenoid valve
assumes the non-excited condition. The safety oil supplied to the oil chamber of protection relay
is then cut off and discharged to the oil tank via said solenoid valve. With this result, the trip oil
supplied to the emergency stop valve is discharged and the emergency stop valve is closed
instantly.
Hydromechanical overspeed trip device mounted at the fore end of turbine rotor actuates at the
set speed to discharge the safety oil supplied to the protection relay and the emergency stop
valve is closed instantly.
The oil exhaust vane is pressed to vane seat by the compression spring (D). The centre of
gravity of (B) is "X" distant from turbine rotor centre. At rated speed the force of compression
spring (D) is larger than the centrifugal force of oil exhaust vane (B). So the oil exhaust vane
closes and holds the safety oil pressure.
When the turbine speed is increased, the centrifugal force of the oil exhaust vane overcomes the
force of compression spring (D) and the oil exhaust vane moves outside separating from the
vane seat (C). At this time safety oil is discharged to the oil tank. The set speed is adjustable by
the adjusting screw (E).
Protection Relay
The protection relay is a device that stops the turbine by detecting directly the pressure drop of
the lubricating oil or by lowering the safety oil pressure by the action of solenoid valve or
overspeed detector.
The protection relay comprises a turbine stop part (AG) consisting of trip oil exhaust vane,
compression spring and piston, a turbine stop holding part (HJ) consisting of the stopper,
compression spring and reset knob and a turbine start interlocking part (KL) consisting of stopper
and compression spring. The port (O) is connected with safety oil line. The port (P) is
connected with lubricatory oil main line. The interlock oil supply port (Q) is connected with the
lower port of servomotor power piston.
The trip oil supply port (R) is connected with the rapid oil exhaust device in the emergency stop
valve. At the normal operating condition, the force between the lubricating oil pressure and
compressiion spring (G) are equalised. The balancing piston (F) settles down in the position
where it close the port (S). The piston (E) is lifted up by the force of the safety oil pressure
supplied through the port (O). The trip oil exhaust vane (A) is lifted up by compression spring
(B). Consequently the exhaust port (M) is closed.
Action of Turbine stop device
In the above each case, the safety oil pressure supplied through the port (O) drops. The force of
the safety oil pressure on the piston (E) becomes smaller than the force of compression spring
(O). Consequently the piston (E) pushes the trip oil exhaust vane (A) downward, and the
exhaust port (M) is opened. The trip oil connected to the rapid oil exhaust device in the
emergency stop valve is discharged via exhaust port (M). The emergency stop valve is closed by
acting the rapid oil exhaust device.
In the case of hydromechanical LO pressure low trip, the action of the device is same as above
mentioned.
By pushing the turbine stop button on TSP or SCP, the 3-way solenoid valve for the emergency
stop assumes the non-excited and lower the safety oil pressure. In the case of pushing the
push button on protection relay directly, safety oil pressure drops, the balancing piston (E) is
pushed downward and the emergency stop valves are closed by the same actons above
mentioned.
At normal operation, the compression spring (I) pushes the stopper (H) to the side of piston (E).
When the piston moves downward, the stopper (H) gets into the upper part of the piston (E) by
the compression spring (I). Even if the safety oil pressure and lubricating oil pressure are
restored to normal condition and the balancing piston (E) is forced to normal position, the oil
exhaust port (M) continue to open because the piston (E) is stopped with the stopper (H).
When the operator resets the protection relay, should pull out the reset knob after confirming the
safety oil pressure. So the oil exhaust port (M) is closed and the trip oil pressure connected to
the port (R) is restored. Consequently the emergency stop valve open.
In case of turbine start, the steam control valves should be closed whenever the emergency stop
valve is tried to open in order to avoid the turbine run out. The protection relay is equipped with
the interlocking device for said reason. If the steam control valve opens, it does not make
emergency stop valve open.
The port (Q) is connected with the lower part of the power cylinder in the servomotor. The
servomotor oil is suppled for the port (Q) as the interlocking oil. When the steam turbine is
operating normally, the reset stopper (K) is pushed to the side of stopper (H). Because the force
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 131
of reset stopper (K) by the oil pressure overcomes the force of compression spring (L). If the
protection relay acts, the piston (E) moves down, the stopper (H) rushes out by the force of
spring. Consequently the reset stopper (K) sticks into the groove of stopper (H) by the force of
servomotor oil pressure.
Accordingly, in order to pull out the reset knob (J) and open the ESV the reset stopper (K) wants
being released. For the purpose of doing it, the servomotor power piston must be let to lower
limit. So it makes the interlocking oil pressure lower. Emergency Stop Valve
The emergency stop valve mounted at the steam inlet part of upper turbine casing close the
steam inlet valve rapidly and stop the turbine after receiving the emergency stop signal from the
protection relay.
The stem freedom knob is mounted at the lower part of ESV Servomotor cylinder. The action of
ESV stem freedom is as follows:
* The piston (F) is pushed to the direction of ESV shutting by the force of compression
spring (E).
The moving distance of the piston (F) is about 10 mm in the stem freedom action. So there is no
trouble by the ESV stem freedom during the turbine operation.
The stick of the piston (F) is prevented by performing the periodic stem freedom (one
time/week) the ESV should be shut certainly in case of emergency.
INTERLOCKING DEVICE
When the ESV is opened at the turbine starting, the steam control valves should be closed
certainly lest the turbine should run away abruptly. Accordingly the protection relay is equipped
with the hydromechanical turbine starting interlocking device. The operator cannot open ESV if
Steam control valve are not closed.
The turning motor start interlocking is that turning motor cannot start if the turning motor is not
engaged and the lubricating oil does not have rated pressure.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 132
So each bearing metal is protected from the seizure and the claw clutch is prevented from
damage. In the case of automatic disengagement of turning device, the turning motor is
stopped automatically.
AUTOMATIC DEVICE
In case of lube oil pressure having dropped under the set value because of main pump trouble
and turbine low speed, the auxiliary oil pump driven by AC motor will start automatically with a
signal from the pressure switch.
17.5 OPERATION
The smooth operation and life of the turbine depends on the care for warming up, loading and
stopping the turbine. Therefore, it is necessary to be familiar with construction, the fabrication
and the control system of turbine and also necessary to grasp the condition of operating the
boiler and auxiliary equipments, for example oil unit, gland condenser in turbine house.
The important matters in the turbine operations are thermal stress, thermal deformation and
vibration caused by sudden fluctuations of steam condition and load or rapidly starting up and
suddenly stopping the turbine. So operate the turbine paying attention for these matters all
time.
During operation, a constant care should be taken to keep all equipments and instruments in
normal condition and daily periodical records of operation shall be carried out to perform
operation management. Even if an emergency happens deal with it by a suitable judgement.
The control of the turbo generator is carried out by the electric governor which controls the
turbine speed or generator load.
Speed control is achieved by controlling the steam control valves via the speed control governor.
In case of parallel running with BUS, BUS frequency is dominant over the turbine speed,
therefore, the steam control valves are kept open constant as long as BUS frequency does not
vary, which results in constant steam inlet flow and constant output.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 133
A variation of plant electric power demand is compensated by a variation of receiving power from
BUS.
While in case of isolated running, plant electric power demand is all covered by TG output, a
variation of plant electric power demand changes turbine speed, then speed governor working to
maintain turbine speed constant, consequently opening of speed constrol valves follows a change
of turbine output depending on plant power demand.
Load limiter (fuel limiter) limits the rotation angle of the output terminal of the governor actuator
to keep the lift of the steam control valves below the limit value.
While the parallel running with BUS, if speed control is selected, the turbine speed or the lift of
the control valves fluctuates according to the frequency of BUS. In order to achieve the stable
running, fuel limit operation should be selected.
Because the fuel limiter keeps the lift of the steam control valves and load constant in constant
steam condition.
1. Check the oil level Check the oil level in the oil tank by means of the oil
level gauge. When starting up the auxiliary oil pump,
if an alarm "OIL LEVEL LOW" is given, make up oil.
2. Check the open and close Fully open the main valves in the oil of valves in
of valves in the oil tank the oil line.
Close the drain valves, air vent valves and globe valves of
differential pressure gauge.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 134
3. Check the oil temp in Do not start the auxiliary oil pump in oil tankwhile the
oil the
oil tank temperature is less than 10 0C.
4. Start the oil purifier Check the open and close of valves on the oil purifier unit.
Draw out air from the oil cooler, the oil strainer and so
on.
6. Start the oil mist Start the oil mist extract fan by the extract fanthe switch on
extract fan TSP.
Note:
Note
If the LO temperature rises above 30 C after turning the
turbine, it is desirable to let the CW run through the oil
cooler.
1. Start the turning For the cold start: More than 2 hours
before the steam runs
to the emergency stop For the warm start: Continuous turningvalves.from the
turbine
valves stop.
For the hot start : Continuous turning from the turbine stop.
2. Make sure that the LO Make sure that the LO pressure ispressure is more
than indicated more than 0.9 Kg/cm by the the rated
valuepressure gauge on the TSP.
3. Put the turning clutch Push the turning clutch lever to the
lever in "ENGAGE" "ENGAGE" direction until the lever stops
position.
Set the handle to the shaft, and push the lever while
turning the handle to the same direction of the turning.
Note
Remove the handle from the shaft before starting.
C. Check for the actuation of the Control Device
1. Reset the turbine Reset the turbine by the switch on the TSP.
2. Check the setting Check the TSP to make sure that the
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 136
3. Draw out air from Let the servomotor piston move up and
the servomotor down by the turbine starting handle draw out air from the
servomotor.
4. Check the opening and Let the steam control valves open and
shutting action of close fully by the starting handle to
the steam control make sure that they move smoothly
valves without sticking and so on.
5. Set the valves at the Turn the starting handle to left until
lower limit position it is stopped.
by turning the
starting handle Make sure that the servomotor stroke
is -12 mm.
6. Draw out air from the Open the air vent valve and draw out
inlet pipe and the air until the oil overflow.
outlet pipe of main
oil pump. Make sure that the inlet and the
outlet pressure of the pump is about 2 to 3 Kg/cmg.
1. Check the open and close Close the drain valve, the air vent
of valves around the valve and the gate valve of the spare
gland steam condenser ejector (SV-3095, SV-402S, SV-311S,
SV-346N, SV-312S, SV-345N)
Make sure that the other valves are open.
boiler starts.
So now this line is warmed up enough and the drain
valves (SV-012S, NV- 013N) are opened.
4. Open the drain valves Let the drain valves (SV-016NF, SV-
of the turbine. 025NF, SV-014N, SV-015N) fully open.
8. Open the main steam Open the main steam stop valve (SV-001N) gradually
stop valve (SV-001N)
Shut the bypass valve of the mainsteam stop valve.
10. Pull the reset knob Pull the reset knob on the protection
on the protection relay.
relay and fully open
the emergency stop S.O. and trip oil pressure rise.
valve.
The emergency stop valve is fully opened.
11. Warm up the steam The steam runs to the steam chambers
chambrs of the turbine and warms up them.
F Rubbing Check
2. Close the bypass valve Make sure that this bypass valve (SV-
of the exhaust check 102N) is closed.
valve (SV-102N).
3. Open the steam control Make sure again that the drain valves
vlave slightly. around the turbine are opened.
4. When the turbine speed When the turbine speed exceeds the
exceeds the turning turning speed, the turning device is
speed, the turning disengaged automatically.
device is disengaged &
stopped automatically. Check the automatically stopping of
the turning device.
Carry out the turning if it needs a long interval to start up the turbine again.
2. Reset the governor Check the TSP to make sure that the setting values are equal
to following ones:
5. Pull the reset knob Pull the reset knob on the protection
on the protection relay relay.
and fully open the
emergency stop valves. SO pressure rise and the pressure of
trip oil for the emergency stop valves rise.
6. Start the turbine Open the steam control valves gradually to start the turbine
by turning the manual starting handle.
9. Set the manual starting Set the manual starting handle at its
handle at its upper highest position by turning it
limit position. gradually.
10. Set the turbine speed Check the lighting of "Lower limit
at the synchronous speed" on the TSP.
speed (the rated speed)
by raising the speed Set the turbine speed at the rated
setting. speed by raising the speed setting of
speed governor on the TSP.
11. Stop the auxiliary Stop the auxiliary oil pump manually
oil pump. by the switch on the TSP.
Check the vibration of the turbine by not only the monitor but
also your hand.
H Synchronising
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 141
2. Adjust the turbine speed Adjust the turbine speed at the rated
at the synchronised one by means of operating the switch
one. of electric governor.
Note
6. Close all the drain Close the drain vales of the emergency valvestop valves, the
steam chambers and the first stage (SV-016N to SV-025N).
8. Raise the laod Turn the KW setting switch of the electic governor toward
"INCREASE", and raise the generator's load gradually.
The time for raising the load follows the start up curve.
3. Unload the turbine Unload the turbine by opening the generator circuit breaker.
4. Open the drain valves Open the drain valves of the emergency
around the turbines. stop valves, the steam chambers and the first stage
(SV-016N, SV-025N).
Open the drain valves of the main steam stop valve and the
exhaust stop valve (SV-012N, SV-015N, SV-114N,
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 143
SV-147N).
Note:
Don't forget to make sure that the bypass check valve
of the exhaust valve is closed.
5. Lower the turbine speed. Avoid the long no load running after unloading as far
as possible.
7. Start the turning Make sure that the turbine rotor stops rotating.
8. Close the exhaust stop Close the exhaust stop valve (SV-101N)
valve.
Open the drain valve (SV-114N).
9. Close the main steam Close the main steam stop valve (SV- stop
valve.001N)
10. Stop the gland ejector. Close the inlet valve of the ejector to stop the gland
condenser.
11. After finishing the Stop the turning motor manually by the
turning, stop the switch on the TSP.
turning motor.
Make sure that the clutch lever is put in the
"DISENGAGE" position.
12. Stop the oil unit Turn the switch of the emergency oil pump to "MAN" from
"AUTO".
Close the inlet and outlet valves of the oil coolers and
open their drain valves.
1. Check the open and Close the drain valve, the air-vent
close of valves around valve and the gate valve of the spare
the gland steam ejector (SV-313S, SV-404S, SV-315S,
condenser SV-348N, SV-314S, SV-316S)
1. Make sure that the main Main steam pressure : about 46 Kg/cmg
steam pressure and
temperature in the Main steam temp : about 376 C
48 Kg/cmg header
are rate.
6. Open the main stop Open the main stop valve (SV-104N)
valve (SV-104N) gradually.
Shut the bypass valve of the main steam stop valves.
H. Rubbing check
2. Open the steam control Make sure again that the drain valves
valve slightly. around the turbine are opened.
3. When the turbine speed When the turbine speed exceeds the
exceeds the turning turning speed, the turning device is
speed, the turning disengaged automatically.
device is disengaged
and stopped Check the automatically stopping of
automatically the turning device.
Note
Carry out the turning if it needs a long interval to start up the turbine again.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 148
2. Reset the governor Check the TSP to make sure that the setting valves are equal
to following one:
5. Pull the reset knob on Pull the reset knob on the protection
the protection relay relay.
and fully open the
emergency stop valve. Safety oil trip oil pressure rise.
The emergency stop valve is fully
opened.
6. Start the turbine Open the steam control valves gradually to start the turbine
by turning the manual starting handle.
9. Set the manual starting Set the manual starting handle at its
handle at its upper highest position by turning it
limit position gradually.
10. Set the turbine speed Check the lamp of "Lower-limit speed"
at the synchronous on the TSP.
speed (the rated speed)
by raising the speed Set the turbine speed at the rated
setting. speed by raising the speed setting of speed governor
on the TSP.
11. Stop the auxiliary oil Stop the auxiliary pump manually by
pump the switch on the TSP.
Make sure that the switches are set at
"AUTO" and "SCP" position after stopping.
J Synchronising
Note: Before automatically synchronising, adjust the voltage and the speed manually.
8. Raise the load Turn the KW setting switch of the electric governor toward
"INCREASE", and raise the generator's load gradually.
of parallel operation.
3. Unload the turbine Unload the turbine by opening the generator circuit breaker.
4. Open the drain valves Open the drain valves of the emergency
around the turbine. stop valve, the steam chambers and the I stage. SV-118NF,
SV-119NF, SV-120NF, SV-121NF
7. Make sure that the Make sure that the A.O.P. starts
A.O.P. starts automatically when the LO pressure
automatically becomes less than 0.9 Kg/cmg.
8. Start the turning Make sure that the turbine rotor stops rotating.
Engage the turning device immediately after the
turbine rotor stops, and check the lamp of "ENGAGE", on the TSP.
9. Close the main stop Close the main steam stop valve
valve (SV-104N)
10. Stop the air ejector Make sure that no steam is admitted to the main condenser
without gland seal steam.
11. Break the vacuum in Open the vacuum breaking valve (SV-
the main condenser 510N) gradually.
12. Stop the gland seal Close the gland seal steam inlet valve
steam to the turbine (SV-301S).
gland.
Make sure that the pressure in the gland seal
reservoir is equal to atmosphere.
13. Stop the gland steam Close the ejector driving steam inlet
condenser. valve (SV-314S).
15. After finishing the Make sure that the turbine is cooled
turbine, stop the enough to stop the turning.
turning motor.
Stop the turning motor manually by
means of the switch on the TSP.
16. Stop the oil unit Turn the switch of the emergency oil pump to "MAN" from
"AUTO".
17.8 PRECAUTIONS
General
1. Keep the steam condition of turbine inlet and outlet at the rated state as far as possible.
2. Make sure that there is no rapid change of measuring value by taking operation data
periodically every day.
3. Check the oil level of oil tank and replenish the oil if necessary.
4. Keep the lubricating oil clean and pay attention to the intrude of water, foreign matters.
Perform the oil analysis periodically and change it if necessary.
5. Supply the oil some times to the sliding part of control lever mechanism.
6. Pay attention always to the noise and vibration of turbine inside. Stop the turbine if any
unusual sound or vibration occurs.
7. Pay attention to the invasion of drain to the turbine. Open the drain valve and bypass valve
of
steam trap if the steam involves much water.
8. Avoid the continuous no-load running as for as possible because of preventing the LP side of
turbine casing from excessive heating. (It is recommended that the lowest load for running
be
10% of the rated power)
9. Always put the switch of A.O.P., E.O.P. in position "AUTO". Always keep open the inlet and
outlet valves of the pumps.
1. Warming up the pipes and turbine sufficiently paying attention to the invasion of drain on
turbine start up.
3. Operate the equipments according to the start up curve in order to prevent the equipments
from deformation.
1. Adjust the TG output paying attention to the main steam pressure exhaust pressure and flow.
2. Avoid the rapid change of TG output and obey the start up curve.
In case of Stopping
Turning
When the turbine is stopped and there is no flow of steam in its casing, each part in the turbine
casing is cooled gradually, while the lower part is more cooled than the upper part.
If the turbine rotor is put in such condition, it gets deformed immediately. Therefore, after
stopping the turbine it is necessary to keep the turbine rotor rotating continuously by carrying
out the turning until the temperature in the turbine casing is lowered and uniformed enough. By
carrying out the turning sufficiently the turbine rotor is prevented from deforming and the
turning period for the next start-up can be shortened.
Before starting up the turbine, it is necessary to take more than 2 hours for the turning.
The turning should be carried out continuously until the next start-up.
The turning should be carried out continuously until the temperature in the casing is lowered and
uniformed enough. (It takes more than 24 hours to cool the turbine casing sufficiently)
When the turbine trips by one factor and is stopped still, the turning should be started
immediately.
However, if the turning can not be started because of a failure of the power source for the
turning motor or troubes of both the auxiliary pump and the emergency pump, the turbine rotor
left in such condition is deformed immediately.
In this case, it should set the turning handle on the end of the motor shaft and rotate the turbine
rotor 180 , i.e., rotate the generator shaft 30 , every 5 minutes. (45 for TG-II).
And at this time one should also send LO to the turbine by the hand pump.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 155
By carrying out this procedure, the turbine rotor is prevented from service deformation and it
becomes easy to start up next.
Emergency Stop 5E
Emergency Stop 5E
Grid I isolated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------
Trip Operation
Decription TAG No. -------------------- Trip set
Turbine C B Exit
trip trip trip
Differential 87
Earth Fault 64
Diode Failure 71 E
Pole slipping 78
Loss of excitation 40 T
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 160
Reverse power 67 RT
Over current 51 V
P T fuse failure 98
Our Ammonia Plant is designed based on "Total Energy Concept" and most of the drives in this
plant are turbine driven, utilising the heat recovered from the process stream in the various
stages. To augment the steam available from the process, Auxiliary Boilers are available. Hence
the requirement of electrical power is for
1) Instrumentation
2) Lighting
3) Non essential drives
There are four sources of electrical power sources for our plant.
1) TNEB
2) Captive Power Plant
3) Inverter supply with associated batteries and battery charger.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 161
4) DG sets
SPIC requires about 27 MVA (Maximum Demand ) of power and this is supplied by TNEB at 110
KV. Supply to SPIC is received from TNEB sub station located at north of Construction Road.
Two lines from TNEB substation comes to SPIC main substation. TNEB auto substation is
connected to TNEB grid by 230 KV feeders. One feeder comes from Kayathar which in turn is
connected Edaman-Kerala and two feeders from TTPS which in turn connected to Pasumalai.
The 230 KV is stepped down to 110 KV through 50 MVA auto transformers connected in parallel.
From Arumuganeri, one 110 KV feeder is connected at 110 KV bus.
To augment the power supply in case of power cut posed by TNEB, Captive Power Plant of 18.4
MW capacity is installed with two turbo generators. The installed capacity of TG-I is 5.4 MW and
TG-II is 13 MW. Our CPP is conceived as a co-generation plant with TG-I generating power and
its exhaust steam at 48 Kg/cmg being used to cater the demand of process requirements. Both
the turbo generators can be run (i) independently (ii) in parallel with another TG or in parallel
with grid.
The transformers in main substation step down the voltage to 11 KV for distribution inside the
factory. There is a limit to which we can make use of 11 KV directly after which we have to go
for lower KV. Generally, motors upto 160 KW are supplied power at 415 volts. 3.3 KV supply is
given to motors ranging from 150 KW to 1000 KW. Some deviations are exceptions.
The supply voltage at 110 KV can be varied 12 % from rated voltage and 3 % from rated
frequency. Though this variation is permitted as per Indian Electricity Act, a standard motor
cannot withstand to this variation. To limit the variation in supply voltage to 1.5 %, automatic
"ON LOAD" tap changers are provided on the main transformers. 'OFF LOAD' tap changers are
provided in the individual transformers for 11 KV / 3.3 KV and 11 KV / 415 volts.
The total installed capacity of Ammonia Plant is 3.4 MW which includes the 11 KV, 1880 KW
cooling tower pump and 825 KW, 3.3 KV start-up compressor motors. Normally both the motors
will be in idle condition and will be used during shutdown only. Hence the actual maximum
demand of Ammonia Plant will be about 2 MW. The electrical distribution of Ammonia Plant is
given in the enclosed drawing.
The Ammonia Plant receives power supply from MSS and CPP through 3 Nos. of 2 MVA 11 KV/
440 volts step down transformers viz., TP 30, TP 31 & TP 32 and out of which TP 30 (PCC 1A)
receives power from CPP 11 KV panel.
The critical loads of Ammonia Plant are fed by MCC 2 panel which normally receives power either
from PCC 1A or PCC 1B. In case of power failure,this panel will receive emergency power from
1100 KVA, automatically within 18 seconds.
There are 3 Diesel generators provided to cater the demand in case of total power failure
including failure of TG sets. When the under voltage relay in Ammonia substation senses 144
volts in 230 volts single phase supply, power dip annunciation appears in the main substation
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 162
and it gives signal for power failure trip initiation . 1100 KVA DG set is started automatically on
getting signal from one of the low voltage sensing relay from MCC 1,MCC 2, MCC 3 & PCC 3C
From the time the power failure sensed, within 15 seconds, DG sets builds up voltage and is
available for emergency use.
If normal power supply has not resumed within 18 seconds, this DG set starts supplying the
essential loads on MCC 2. When the DG set is on load, 'EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY ON'
appears in the Control Room. Till that time, this lamp does not appear even if DG set is started.
If MCC 2 does not get emergency power within one minute from the time of power failure,
"EMERGENCY POWER FAILURE" alarm will come in Main Control Room.
MCC 11 panel gets power from PCC 1B and feeding supply to 5 CT fans and effluent pump. In
case of power failure, Ammonia 830 KVA DG set will start automatically on getting signal from
MCC 11 low voltage sensing relay and it feeds emergency power.
MCC 18 panel gets power from PCC 9A and feeding supply to critical loads to critical loads of
CPP. In case of power failure in MCC 18 , CPP 830 KVA DG set will start automatically on sensing
low voltage in MCC 18 and feeds power.
Ammonia Plant has sufficient points for lighting to have good illumination. Due to the
importance of lighting, emergency power is used to light about 50 % of the plant lighting.
Normally these emergency lights will glow on main power supply. During power failure,
emergency power will be automatically supplied to these lamps. To avoid the plant to be under
total darkness during power failure, incandescent lamps are used on emergency power. In
addition to this, chargeable battery operated emergency incandescent lamps are fixed in Control
Room and in critical locations.
SOURCE
40 KVA Gutor redundant UPS receives power from MCC-11 and MCC-18. UPS-A receives power
from MCC-11 and UPS-B from MCC-18. Normally both the UPS will be in-line sharing the load. In
case of single UPS failure, other UPS will take the full load. Apart from this, there is a total
bypass main fed from MCC-2 for UPS, which will come on line in case of failure of both the UPS.
Each UPS is provided with independent 220VDC battery bank,designed for an hour back-up.
CONSUMING POINTS
a) All PLC and DCS system cabinets kept inside the partitioned enclosure at the control room.
b) All operator stations, utility consoles, engineering work station and printers for log, alarm and
events.
c) Long term trend PC, Trilogger, PLC work station and their printers operate on 230V AC
stepped up from 115V AC UPS power.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 163
d) All field transmitters, though operate on 24V DC derives power from system cabinets supplied
with UPS power.
f) Field instruments like mass flow meters and digital tachometer are operating on UPS power.
a) All control station will stop functioning and electronic signals received by all the I/P
converters will be Zero. Thus all the control valves will reach their fail safe condition
irrespective of the availability of instrument air. This is achieved by suitable closed loop
configuration to have the same state of valve for both signal failure and air failure.
b) All operator station will not be available for control and monitoring. Stations will become
available after 20 seconds after the resumption of power. 20 seconds being the initialisation
process of EOPS.
c) PLC will stop working. All solenoids will be deenergised because of null output from the
system. Thus all trip valves connected to PLC will reach their trip state.
d) The software has to be necessarily reloaded for PLC to resume operation. However once
EPROM of final software are fitted, reloading from workstation will not be required for the PLC to
resume operation.
e) Total plant trip action in the field shall be carried out, monitoring the process parameters
from the field mounted pressure gauges and temperature gauges. On resumption of EOPS, all
control valves shall be kept in the required status, as all controller status would have changed to
MAN mode, with zero MV.
f) 5.In case the power failure was more than 72 hours, all the control station images have to be
loaded from the engineering station, as the battery in EFCD is expected to last for 72hours only.
Check for control station images, as a check for battery performance, even if the power
interruption is for shorter duration.
g) Similarly PLC processor images shall be checked, and loaded from engineering station if
required.
110V DC POWER
SOURCE
There are two sources for 110V DC power, which is mainly used to power all the solenoids in the
plant except a few solenoids as detailed below under consumption.
Ammonia plant battery chargers C and D receive power from PCC-1A and MCC-2 respectively,
supplies Ammonia plant 110V DC. There is one battery charger for ASGU which receives power
from MCC-18 and supplies to the ASGU 110V DC feeder.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 164
At DCS control room, there is a provision to interconnect these two 110V DC power feeders for
switch over of source for both the consuming categories.
CONSUMING POINTS
2. Deaerator dump valve solenoid for which interlock execution is from DCS on energised to trip
concept.
3. There is a separate cable running to compressor house for auxiliary motors auto start circuit
execution.
2. MFCV2600, ASGU deaerator drain, BFW heater PCV,and CPP FOP auto start XCVs are
operating on 110V DC which were earlier operated on 24V DC.
110V DC Failure
All the solenoids connected to the relevant source will go to trip state leading to plant trip.
Alternative source can be lined up, if available, for restart of the plant.
Source
Battery chargers A and B receives power from MCC-2. Bypass mains for these inverters is also
from MCC2. Inverter A and B are connected to these battery chargers. These units feed power
to CSA 2A panel.
1 exit CO2, 1113 exit hydrogen, 1121 exit hydrogen, PGHRU product hydrogen, analysers.
3 IG control circuit.
7 Distribution panel at CH for compressor house instruments, and fired heaters lamp
annunciation. Barriers at compressor house operate on this power.
8 Aux.Boilers BCC panel lamp annunciation and individual burner solenoid valves.
3. Aux.boilers individual burners could not be tripped, however main trip valve can be operated
with, 110V DC and UPS power availability.
2. Reformer ignitors.
3. Paging units.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 166
4. Super phones.
6. Flare ignitor.
24V DC power
One 40amps battery charger feeds 24V DC distribution, getting source power from CSA 2.
Following are the consuming points:
Preparations
c) Swing elbow to be connected between 6"P12016 and P12018 for forward flow.
2. Inspect 1432 thoroughly, clean the furnace, remove any foreign matter and box up
manholes and burners.
OPERATION
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 167
Limits of temperature
Flue gas exit radiation section - Decoking maximum 677 0C
Decoking minimum 566 0C
Skin temperature (Radiation zone) Operating design 539 0C
Decoking maximum 760 0C
1. Establish cooling water to quench separator to allow a minimum flow of live steam through
vent.
2. Purge the coil with steam for about 10 minutes in the forward direction. Ensure that 1432 is
warmed up gradually avoiding hammering. Check CW from quench separator for hydrocarbons.
3. Light 1432 and raise flue gas temperature exit radiation section TI-1/1201 at a rate not
exceeding 150 C/hr. Adjust steam flow and maintain tube skin temperatures less than 690 C.
When conditions are steady, note the position of the steam valve spindle.
4. Open steam valve fully to effect a quick temperature reduction of the tube metal causing
spalling of coke. Do not adjust firing rate while increasing steam flow. Maximum steam flow to
be kept for about 5 minutes and flow to be reduced to the previous value.
5. Repeat the above operation 3 times to complete spalling. During this check, check the
quench water for colour change. As the spalling proceeds, colour changes from milky white to
gray and to black.
6. After completion of spalling, adjust steam flow (to approx. 1 TPH) and maintain tube skin
temperature at 567 0C by adjusting firing.
7. Inject air at very slow rate and initiate combustion. Once combustion begins, tube
temperature is reduced to 539 0C.
8. Combustion is to be controlled by varying steam and air flow and adjusting firing. In any
case, the highest skin temperature should not exceed 690 0C - 760 0C.
9. CO2 in the exit gases should not exceed 10 %. Any higher figure indicates that combustion
is too rapid and the proportion of air in the steam flow should be reduced.
10. Progress of decoking is monitored by CO2 in the exit gas, appearance of quench water and
exit vapour and VISUAL observation of the tubes. When the combustion starts, the quench
water will be gray or milky. As the conditions become more rapid, the quench water darkens in
appearance.
11. Completion of decoking is decided by the absence of CO2 in the exit gas, clean exit vapours
and disappearance of hot zones of combustion.
12. When this condition is reached, the air flow is shut off. Steam rate is increased to flush out
the tubes.
13. Shut the burners off, but continue a steam flow to cool the tubes. Cut off steam and connect
inlet elbow. Admit N2 to the coil . Light 1432 and dry out for 15 minutes. Give clearance for
connecting outlet elbow.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 168
3. Check the guns are fixed properly and close it's combination valves. Check pilot gas
availability.
4. Open all the air registers and allow for natural purging of the furnace.
6. Check fule naphtha header pressure. Ensure 1432 ball vales (remote & local) and individual
ball valves are in closed condition.
8. Slowly open the remote ball valve and charge naphtha upto 1432 ball valve.
9. Inform CR to reset and keep open the TCV 1205 at 30% opening on manual.
10. Open the isolation valve upstream of pilot XCV. Press pilot start push button to open XCV.
Now the ignitor will come in line and also XCV will open after a time lag of 60 secs.
11. Pilot flame is established and PILOT ON lamp will glow. In case the pilot flame does not get
established within 15 secs, pilot XCV will close automatically and ignitor will be cut off.
12. After ensuring pilot flame is on, press MAIN FLAME START push button to open XCV & TCV
1205. Holding the push button in press condition, open the fuel naphtha ball valve of main
burner gradually to establish main flame. Keep the ring header pressure 4.0 Kg/cmg.
13. Ensure the FLAME ON indication in the panel and release the push button and inform CR.
Closly monitor the stack and tube skin temperature and the rate of temperature raise should not
exceed 50 0C/hr.
1. C-18-HC is a low temperature, shift conversion catalyst having a copper oxide content of a
minimum of 38%.
CuO + H2 Cu + H2O
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 169
The H2O thus formed is knocked out from the circulating gas during reduction.
b) Check and calibrate all the thermocouple points, temperature indicators/recorders in the LTS
reduction loop and converter.
c) Check and calibrate the inert gas (IG) flow meter. Hydrogen flow meter precalibration may
be done. However, a calibration during the heating up of catalyst bed will have to be done.
e) Log all temperatures, pressures, flow rates and analyse every 15 minutes, except otherwise
specified from start of reduction till completion.
i) IG
1) H2 and O2 every 30 minutes.
2) As, S, Cl, Co, CO2 and NH3 before start of circulation.
3) NH3 once in 2 hours.
ii) Loop
1) O2 once in one hour.
2) H2 inlet and exit of LTS once in 15 minutes.
3.
a. IG quality may be controlled for oxygen and hydrogen as follows:
However do not exceed maximum of O2 1500 ppm maximum and H2 500 ppm maximum.
b) Further Ammonia content of IG should be controlled close to Nil ppm. This should not
exceed 0-10 ppm.
c) The traces of CO and CO2 in IG may not exceed 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.
4. Ammonia cracked gas as source of hydrogen is used for this reduction. There should not
be any S and Cl in cracked gas.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 170
5. LTS reduction
a) Purge the LTS loop and converter with IG to bring down the oxygen content to less than
1000 ppm. Also analyse the loop for hydrogen concentration. It should be less than 500 ppm
specified.
b) Establish a flow of IG to a space velocity of a minimum of 200 hrs. Space velocity is defined
as IG flow Nm3/hr divided by catalyst quantity in cm. Based on available gas flow of 27500
Nm3/hr, the space velocity will be 270 hrs.
c) Eventhough a linear velocity of around 0.2 ft/sec is preferred for the reduction, based on
above circulating flow rate of 27500 Nm3/hr, the linear velocity achievable will be around 0.12
ft/sec.
Gas flow rate M3/hr
Linear velocity = ------------------------------------------------
Cross sectional area of LTS catalyst bed
d) Start heating the LTS catalyst bed with inlet gas temperature at a rate not exceeding 50 0C
per hour.
e) The difference between the inlet gas temperature and minimise catalyst bed temperature
should not exceed 200 0C at any time during heating up or reduction. However, limit the inlet
gas temperature to 250 0C unless otherwise specified.
f) Calibrate the hydrogen flow meter when the maximum catalyst bed temperature reaches
700 C as follows:
Crack open hydrogen needle valve and inject hydrogen for 2 to 3 minutes noting down flow
rate.
After 5 minutes draw gas samples at inlet and exit of LTS and check hydrogen concentration.
Repeat the above operation at different calibrations of the flow meter and calibrate the flow
meter with laboratory analysis. During this operation ensure;
g) Continue heating at the rate specified to bring up maximum catalyst bed temperature to
180 0C. Keep analysing hydrogen at inlet and exit of LTS to check for hydrogen consumption.
i) If the temperatures are within specified limits (as below) and hydrogen consumption is
continuously confirmed, keep hydrogen needle valve crack opened continuously.
j) Limit maximum hot spot anywhere in catalyst bed to 210 C. If there is a tendency of run
away temperature, cut down or cut off hydrogen as necessary to limit temperature to less than
210 C maximum.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 171
l) Adjust needle valve opening to come to a hydrogen concentration level such as to limit hot
spot anywhere in catalyst bed to less than 210 C maximum. Keep hydrogen flow continuously at
this level for a steady reduction.
m) During reduction each TI in catalyst bed from top to bottom progressively will rise and fall in
temperature indicating completion of reduction at each point.
n) As the last point, the LTS outlet temperature rises and falls to near inlet temperature, the
hydrogen concentration at outlet starts building up.
o) At this point, there is a tendency for hydrogen build up in the loop. Therefore, out down inlet
hydrogen to keep inlet hydrogen concentration at 1% level.
p) Slowly, the outlet hydrogen concentration will be more or less the same as inlet hydrogen
concentration. At this point, start increasing inlet temperature to bring all bed temperature to
200 0C.
q) Increase hydrogen flow and bring up hydrogen concentration to about 5% in three hours.
Watch forsudden rise in temperature anywhere in catalyst bed. If so, cut down hydrogen or cut
off hydrogen and if necessary, purge the loop free of hydrogen to bring the temperature within
hot spot limits.
r) Continue raising hydrogen concentration to about 15% in a further prior of three hours.
s) At this point with hydrogen around 15%, all bed temperature around 200 C reduction is
essentially considered complete.
t) Continue circulation for about 6 hours. Purge free of hydrogen with quality IG and box up
LTS vessel under pressure.
N o t e:
1. In case of power failure or tripping of circulating gas compressor, cut off hydrogen
completely.
2. In case of any run away temperature indicating, cut down or cut off hydrogen as may be
necessary.
GENERAL
Ammonia synthesis catalyst is activated by circulating syn gas through catalyst beds by slowly
increasing the temperature.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 172
The catalyst reduction is the formation of water vapour by reduction of Iron Oxide and
separating the water in the down stream of the converter. The water formation due to the
reduction is about 30 Kg/Ton of pre-reduced catalyst and 280 Kg/Ton of oxidised catalyst.
The main control criterion for the reduction of catalyst is thus maintaining a steady syn gas flow
with a steady heat input, giving a well controlled, moderate temperature rise in the beds.
2. Ensure that all the temperature indication in the synthesis loop and refregeration loop are
available in DCS. Trip check 1434.
3. Analyse for IV suction CO + CO2, when CO + CO2 is less than 1 ppm, take gas to synthesis
loop by opening bypass of ESV 104.
5. Pressurise syn loop to 20 Kg/cmg and leak check all the flanges opened during the
shutdown. This procedure is to be repeated at 40 Kg/cmg, 80 Kg/cmg and 100 Kg/cmg.
0 - 40 Kg/cmg 1 Kg/cmg/min
40 - 80 Kg/cmg 2 Kg/cmg/min
80 - 120 Kg/cmg 2.5 Kg/cmg/min
6. Keep the XCV 1809 Valve open and HC 1810 closed. To remove the dust from the catalyst,
slightly open HP vent at the outlet of 1523 without allowing the loop pressure to decrease (by
adjusting the antisurge valves of SGC). Watch closely the closure of PC1509. HP vent isolation
valve is to be opened till PC 1509 is 10% opening. Watch the vent stack for dust. The dusting
operation should be continued minimum for one hour till the vent stack is visibly clear of dust.
Once the dedusting operation is completed, slowly close the HP vent isolation valve without
surging the machine.
8. Open ESV 102, ESV 103, ESV 104 and close JCV 103 to establish the circulation. Close ESV
104 bypass isolation valve.
9. Adjust converter bypass and heater inlet valves to achieve about 50,000 Nm3/hr in FI 1810
(1434 inlet) and 50,000 Nm3/hr in FI1803/B (Flush gas through HC 1807).
10. Remember that an alteration of any flow in the converter will affect all the flows to some
extent. Care should be taken to ensure that while increasing another flow, the FI 1810 is steady.
11. The loop refrigeration system should operate in such a way as to ensure the temperature in
the secondary chiller 10 C higher than freezing point of aqua ammonia solution separated in
1122. To achieve this, primary chiller is to be operated at 5 Kg/cmg and secondary chiller level
control valve should be isolated. Care should be taken to avoid build up in level of 1128.
12. Light up 1434 and raise the outlet temperature as per heating rate. Keep a careful check of
heater outlet temperature, skin temperature and condition of burner firing.
REDUCTION OF I BED:
1. This bed is charged with 18320 Kg of pre reduced catalyst. The temperature increase should
be as per the following rate.
3. When the I bed inlet temperature reaches 200 oC inform lab to analyse for the following
4. During the heating up and the reduction of the converter the converter inlet flow rate is
minimum. Hence converter shell temperatures should be watched.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 174
5. Converter inlet and outlet gas samples should be analysed for moisture and ammonia every
hour from 200oC (at I bed), some water will be detected initially (at 200oC) due to the catalyst
drying out.
6. The temperature in the chiller should not be allowed to fall below the freezing point.
0oC 0
- 5oC 4.0
-10oC 7.0
-15oC 9.5
-20oC 12.0
-25oC 14.3
-30oC 16.0
-33oC 17.0
Once the ammonia concentration is surely more than 10%, the risk of freezing is over.
7. When the I bed temperature is at about 350oC (in the range of 350oC-400oC), the rate of
increase if I bed outlet temperature will be more than the rate of increase of inlet temperature,
indicating the formation of ammonia.
8. When the I bed exit temperature exceeds 360oC, the II bed inlet temperature should be
controlled by opening HCV 1806. (Remember to keep steady FI 1810 and FI 1803/B).
9. The I bed outlet temperature is controlled by increasing the flow to the converter inlet
(through HCV 1807). Care should be taken to avoid swinging of the bed temperature.
10. When the I bed outlet temperature is 400oC, the concentration of aqua ammonia in 1122 is
expected to reach 10%. The secondary chiller can be lined up very slowly (to avoid any upset in
the I bed).
11. should be drained often and water should be collected in drums. Care should be taken to
avoid build up of level in 1122.
12. Converter outlet moisture should not exceed 1000 ppm v/v. In case of increase of moisture
above the limit, the rate of increase in I bed inlet temperature should be reduced.
13. When ammonia formation takes place, the loop pressure tends to decrease. Maintain the
loop pressure at 100 Kg/cmg and the loop pressure can be increased by 1-2 Kg/cmg/hr up to
150 Kg/cmg.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 175
14. II bed inlet temperature can be raised by 1-2oC/hr upto maximum of 400oC till the I bed
reduction is complete. Converter outlet moisture will slightly increase due to this.
15. When the I bed outlet temperature reaches 470oC the I bed reduction is said to be complete.
I bed outlet temperature is increased to 495oC (505oC max) and maintained.
16. Water content in the converter inlet should be below 100 ppm.
17. A small purge through HCV 1812 is required to ensure correct ratio.
CIRCULATOR TRIP
1434 TRIP
1434 to be lighted up with in few minutes. If it is not possible HCV 1801 is to be closed and
minimum flow through bed to be maintained through HCV 1807.
REDUCTION OF II BED
1. This bed is charged with 47550 kg of oxidised catalyst. When the I bed outlet temperature
is increased to 495oC, the II bed inlet temperature is at 400oC.
2. Increase the II bed inlet temperature to 420 oC at the rate of 3-4 oC/hr by reducing the
quench gas flow through HCV 1806. II bed activation begins when the temperature is at about
430oC. Increase the II bed outlet temperature (hot spot) at the rate of 2-3oC by increasing the
inlet flow to the converter (By opening HCV 1807, if necessary also open XCV 1809).
3. II bed reduction is completed when the bed outlet temperature reaches 470oC and quench
valve HC 1806 is about closed.
4. Open HCV 1808 III bed quench gas to maintain the III bed inlet temperature at 360oC.
5. The converter outlet moisture during the reduction of II bed and III bed should not exceed
2500 ppm.
6. Raise the III bed inlet temperature from 360oC to 400oC (max) at the rate of 1-2oC per hour
during the reduction of II bed.
7. should be kept in line and flow through the 1434 should be maintained till the converter
reaction is autothermic.
2. When the II bed reduction is complete, III bed inlet temperature should have been raised to
400oC. Raise the temperature of the III bed inlet to 420oC at the rate at the rate of 2-3oC/hr by
reducing the gas flow through HCV 1808. Catalyst activation is expected at about 430oC.
3. Increase the III bed outlet temperature to 480 oC at the rate of 2-3oC/hr by increasing the
inlet gas flow (By opening inlet gas flow).
5. When the first bed inlet temperature is steady, reduce the 1434 out let temperature and flow.
Cut off 1434 and reset the trip panel and maintain minimum flow through HC1801 to control the
first bed inlet temperature.
6. The design Optimum temperatures of the beds after the reduction at full capacity of the plant
is as follows:
INLET OUTLET
At reduced capacity the bed inlet temperature shall be increased; for instance at 60 % Load the
increase shall be around 30 oC.
7. The loop pressure after the reduction would be about 150 Kg/cmg.
8. When catalyst reduction is considered complete the converter can be increased by raising the
front end load.
9. Although the purity of the product over 99% full activity of the catalyst will not be achieved
for a few days.
1. After trip out, if the loop pressure is lower than 100 Kg/cmg, pressurise the loop with quality
syngas to 100 Kg/cmg as per normal rate.
g) HC 1810 - 75%.
h) HC 1812 - 0.1%.
6. Watch for sharp increase in 1121 exit temperature than other points; maintain purge rate of
around 2000 Nm3/Hr through HC 1812.
9. To control further the rise in I bed exit temperature. Open HC 1809 by 0.5% and ensure a
flow of 215 KNm3/Hr as indicated by FR 1809.
Slowly open HC 1809 up to 10% watching I bed exit. Following are likely to prevail.
10. Once the level is built up in 1122, line up HCV 1811 and LCV 1811. Put LCVB 1811 on auto.
11. Gradually open the HC 1809 and simultaneously increasing the loop pressure. Watch PC
1509 opening.
12. Once there is no delta T increase further, open HC 1806 to get reaction in II bed. Maintain
II bed inlet at 460oC. Throttle HC 1810 suitably. Maintain a loop purge of 3000 Nm3/Hr.
14. Maintain I bed inlet temperature not lower than 380oC by operating HC 1801.
Preparation
1. Hook up 1" drain near TCV 0103 in the desuperheating water header near 45/12 Kg/cma let
down station and 1" drain line from the main stream piping of SGC between MSV and regulating
valves, near flush chamber with a 60 mesh strainer.
2. Additional supports (temporary) for the main steam and extraction steam pipe work to take
up the additional load due to weight of water. Provision for thermal expansion should be there.
3. Removal of inspection cover of the LP casing and fixing up with a temporary cover having
provision for venting air and also a water outlet pipe with a sample point and temperature
indication.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 178
4. Gland condenser inlet pipe to be disconnected and left open with a provision for sampling.
5. Temporary level indication provisions on extraction steam line and on the condenser.
OPERATION
1. The temporary water line inlet to main steam line should be thoroughly flushed, after
charging the desuperheating water header and line to be connected back.
3. Start lube oil system and maintain normal lube oil pressure.
- PGL - 1 trip.
- Head tank level low.
- Low lube oil trip.
5. Keep regulating valves and extraction control valves full open. (Keep MSV and block valves
in main steam line and extraction line shut).
7. Before filling deaerated water into the turbine casing,. check the following :
- MSV and its block valve in extraction line are fully shut.
- Check all other drain valves & vent valves for a possible
leakage and loss of water.
8. Fill condenser with make up water until level comes to the height of exhaust flange of the
turbine. (Keep condensate pump suction and spillback shut).
12. Maintain level in the casing slightly above the axis of the rotor.
13. Sampling of water to be done at the following points (silica and conductivity).
Interval
a) Supply 1 hr.
b) Extraction line 10 - 15 minutes
c) Casing outlet - do -
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 179
14. Compare conductivity of supply water and the outlet water to judge whether scale in the
turbine is soluble in water.
15. When conductivity of outlet water reaches saturation, stop hot water supply and drain out
water from the casing and pipe work.
16. Repeat washing as above till the conductivity of outlet water comes to almost the same level
of supply. Thus the washing is considered complete.
17. All the preparatory jobs are to be removed and normal connections to be given.
18. Turbine to be started as early as possible to avoid rusting. A longer warning up period has to
be followed to ensure complete evaporation of water inside the casing.
Preparation
2. Condensate water connection from desuperheating water header is given through HP hoses
to the inlet steam PI point.
3. A sampling hose is provided and it syphons out the sample continuously through the
Inspection door.
4. Turbine has to be decoupled and manual barring provision is provided at the turbine coupling
end.
7. Fill up the condenser upto the shaft level with polished water and then admit desuperheating
water.
1. Ensure that tanker is parked at right place to connect liquid and vapour line hoses easily.
6. Connect vapour and liquid line hoses to the tanker liquid inlet and vapour outlet line. Hoses
are provided with 'Quick Fix' snap joints and they can be fixed easily.
7. Ensure that tanker liquid and vapour and vapour line bleed valves are kept closed.
8. Close drain valves in the liquid and vapour lines down stream of isolation valves in our side.
9. Fill up Ammonia loading clearance form and send it to Shift Engineer along with tractor key.
10. After getting clearance from Shift Engineer, open tanker liquid and vapour isolation valve
(keep both the valves full open).
11. Open vapour side MOV fully, slowly open the vapour line isolation valve at outside and
equalise the tanker pressure with sphere pressure.
13. Open feed pump discharge isolation valve (when there is no ammonia receipt from AIT) in
such a way that PCV 1903 in 25% open.
14. Check open the liquid loading line globe valve, now liquid Ammonia starts flowing into the
tanker.
15. Check the level and pressure of the tanker. If the pressure increasing rate is faster, throttle
liquid inlet globe valve further.
16. When the level comes to pre-marked position in the dip rod, close liquid inlet gate valve.
17. Close liquid MOV. Put water over the liquid line hose and push the liquid by vapourisation.
Close tanker side liquid isolation valve.
20. Open the bleed in the liquid and vapour line on the tanker side.
21. After ensuring that there is no vapour/liquid in the hose, disconnect both the hoses at the
tanker side.
Note
1. Keep liquid and vapor side MOVs on remote mode during loading.
2. Wear safety goggles and ensure the availability of service water hose nearby.
FO DAY
TANK 216 - - " 90 -
(AMMONIA)
FO DAY
TANK(CPP) 216 - - " 90 -
1204
(VETRO
STORAGE 510 - - " - -
TANK)
1209
VETRO
DISP.TANK 450
1205
VETRO
M/U TANK 10.5
1206
CONCN
TANK 11.4
NITROGEN
RECEIVER 36 - - 40 amb. -
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 183
CRACKED 25 - - 43 amb. -
GAS RECEIVER
The Ammonia Plant UPS power supply is fed from three sources:
In normal condition, MCC-11 (UPS 'A') and MCC-18 (UPS'B') share the total load of Ammonia UPS
power. Our UPS system is known as 'parallel redundant system'.
UPS OUTPUT
Voltage 115 VI 1%
Frequency 50 Hz to 0.1%
In normal operation load of each inverter is 14.4 KVA (18% of total load). Amps is 398 A. To
compensate for loss in voltage of battery the current taken is only 1-2A.
1. If MCC-11 fails
a) & MCC-18 both battery (220 V DC) will come in line sharing the total load on UPS.
b) Now if MCC-11 battery or MCC-18 battery or both MCC-11 & MCC-18 battery fails, the
monitor provided at the outlet of battery senses the lesser voltage and MCC-2 bypass main will
come in line. During this MCC-2 both static switch will come in line. If one static switch fails the
another static switch will take up the load.
Static switch will open and the power fed to UPS will stop.
For UPS Auxiliaries, power was taken from safe bus itself. For UPS'A' and UPS'B' separate control
units are provided. If the control unit with power supply fails, the another MCC-11 / MCC-18 will
take up the fuel load.
For R,Y,B cables, earthing is done. If cable disconnected, the monitors at the line senses lesser
voltage and the another unit will come in line (MCC-11 or MCC-18).
In water analysis,
a.pH value
b.M-Alakalinity
c.Silica
d.Phosphate
e.Hydrazine are measured.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 185
SPECIFICATIONS
pH - 8.5-9.0
Turbidity - Nil
Oil - Nil
pH - 9.5-10.5
1.WATER ANALYSIS
a. pH VALUE
pH is a measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of water. The determination is carried out by
electromeric method or the indicator method. However determination by electromeric method is
accurate and more reliable.
Electromeric method:
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 186
Apparatus:
pH meter.
Procedure:
The pH meter is standardised under conditions of temperature and concentrations by using 9.2
buffer solution. The electrode shall then be washed free of buffer solution by distilled water and
finally with sample. The electrode shoulld be left in the sample for several minutes to obtain a
stable reading.
Precautions:
b. M- ALKALINITY
The alkalinity of water is mainly due to the presence of carbonates and hydroxides and less
frequently due to borates,silicates and phosphates. Alkalinity is determined by titration with a
standard solution of a strong acid to certain end points as given by the indicator solution.
Reagents:
1.0.02 N H2SO4
2.Mixed indicator
Procedure
Take 50ml of the sample in conical flask, add 2 drops of mixed indicator which is titrated against
0.02N H2SO4 taken in burrette.
Calculation
M-Alkalinity as V x N x 50,000
ppm of CaCO3 = -------------------
Vol. of sample
Where,
V-Vol. of H2SO4
N-Normality of H2SO4
c. SILICA ANALYSIS
General
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 187
The presence of silca in BFW may be lead to the formation of dense scale on boiler tubes
consequently reduce the heat transfer . In addition, a very serious problem encountered in high
pressure operations is deposition of silica in turbine blades and superheater coils.
Procedure
Take 100ml of the sample in PVC conical flask. To this add 2ml of ammonium molybdate for
silica. Wait for 5 minutes. Small amount of oxalic acid is added. Shake well.After one minute
add 2ml of reducing agent for silica. Mix well & Wait for 5 min. Simultaneously conduct a
reagent blank. Read the absorbance using colorimeter with 660 filter.
Calculation
d. PHOSPHATE ANALYSIS
The test is based on the formation of phosphomolybdic acid through the reaction of the
molybdate reagent with phosphate present in water. The phosphomolybdic acid is then reduced
by 1-amino 2-naphtho l4 -sulphonic acid to give a blue color,(Molybdenum Blue). The colour
intensity is proportional to the amount of phosphate present.
Reagents
Procedure
Take 50 ml of the sample to which add 2ml of ammonium molybdate reagent and after 5min.
add 2ml of reducing agent. Wait for 5min. Find the absorbance using 660 filter in colorimeter.
Calculation
Absorbance x Factor
Phosphate as ppm = --------------------
Vol. of sample
e. HYDRAZINE ANALYSIS
General
Hydrazine is dosed in HP boiler feed water to remove dissolved oxygen from water.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 188
N2 H2 + O2 N2 + 2H2 O
Reagents
Procedure
Calculation
Absorbance x Factor
Hydrazine as ppm = ---------------------
Vol. of sample
The stream of converter inlet/exit gas is passed through a known volume of standard sulphuric
acid solution.
Procedure
Take 50 ml of 0.5N H2SO4 and 100 ml of 0.5N H2SO4 in two seperate glass bubblers for
converter inlet/exit respectively.To this add 100 ml of polished water and 2 drop of
mixedindicator.The bubblers are connected to gas flow meter. The stream of gas containing
ammonia is passed through the bubblers slowly (bubble by bubble) until the colour changes .
Note the gas flow meter reading. i.e vol. of gas passed.
Calculation
V1 x N x 22.4 x 100
% of NH3 = ------------------------------------------------
V2 x (P/760x273/273+t)x(1-Ps/760) + V1 x N x22.4
Where,
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 189
V1-Vol. of H2SO4 in ml
V2-Vol. of gas passed * FM Factor
N -Normality of H2SO4
P -Barometric pressure in mmHg
Ps-Vapour pressure of water at t in mmHg
t -Temperature of gas
32 35.7
33 37.7
34 39.9
35 42.2
36 44.6
SCOPE: The method decscribes the procedure for determining CO and CO2 in ppm range for
methanated gas samples (eg. SGC IV suction)
Principle
CO and CO2 are determined by first oxidising the CO present to CO2 in presence of a catalyst
and then absorbing the CO2 in Ba(OH)2 solution. The amount of CO2 absorbed is determined
tritimetically.
Apparatus :
Procedure:Purge a gas bubbler with the sample gas. Take 25 ml of 0.01N Baryta in the bubbler
and half fill the bubbler with CO2 free distilled water. Purge the train with the sample gas for
about 5 minutes. Then connect the Baryta bubbler in the train.
Pass 50 litres of gas throgh the train at the rate of around 60 L/hr. Disconnect the baryta
bubbler from the train & close both the ends with a rubber tube.
Take the bubbler to the lab and titrate with 0.01N HCl until the pink color disappear. Note the
volume of 0.01N HCl .
Blank
Titrate 25 ml of 0.01N Baryta using phenolphthalein indicator with 0.01N HCl. Note the volume
of 0.01N HCl.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 190
Calculation
General
In order to have proper control on combustion process an idea about the complete or incomplete
combustion of fuel is made by the analysis of flue gas . Thus
1. If the flue gas contain considerable amount of carbon monooxide ,it indicates that the
incomplete combustion is occuring .i.e wastage of fuel and it also indicates the short supply of
oxygen for combustion.
2.If the flue gas contain a considerable amount of oxygen it indicates the air supply is excess.
Apparatus
Orstat's apparatus
Construction
It consist of water jacketed measuring burette, connected in series to a set of three absorption
bulbs through stop-cocks. The other end is provided with three-way stop-cock.The graduated
pipette is surrounded by a water jacket to keep the temperature of gas constant during the
experiment. The lower end of the burette is connected to an aspirator bottle containing acidified
saturated solution of NaCl with 4 or 5 drops of methyl red indicator by means of a long rubber
tubing. The absorption bottles have solutions for the absorption of O2 and CO2.
Potassium hydroxide - it absorbs CO2 only
Alkaline pyrogallol - it absorbs CO2 & O2
Hence it is necessary that the flue gas is passed first through potassium hydroxide bulb, where
CO2 is absorbed then through alkaline pyrogallol bulb bottle where only O2 will be absorbed.
Working
Step1: The three way stopcock is opened to the atm. and aspirator bottle is raised, till the
burette is completely filled with confining solution and air is excluded from the burette . The
three way stopcock is now connected to the flue gas supply and the reservoir is lowered to draw
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 191
the gas to be analysed in the burette . The flue gas volume is adjusted to 100 ml then the three
way stopcock is closed.
Step2: The stopper of the absorption bulb containing KOH is opened and all the gas is forced into
the bulb by raising the aspirating bottle . The gas is again sent to the burette . The process is
repeated several times to ensure complete absorption of CO2 . The unabsorbed gas is finally
taken back to the burette till the level of solution in the CO2 absorption bulbs stands at the fixed
mark. The levels of containing solution in the burette and aspirator bottle are equalised and the
vol. of residual gas is noted. The decrease in volume gives the volume of CO2 in 100ml of gas
sample.
Step3: The volume of O2 is similarly determined by passing the remaining gas in alkaline
pyrogallol bulb. The gas remaining in burette after absorption of CO2,O2 is taken as N2.
In IG oxygen analyser, sample gas is directly sent to the pyrogallol absorption bulb. The
difference in volume gives the % of oxygen present in the given volume of the gas.
b. IG HYDROGEN ANALYSIS
Initially take 50 ml of air in the bottle of Orsat apparatus. Transfer the 50 ml of air to the
combustion pipette which is having a small heating coil. Heat the coil by giving 4-6 volts power
supply through a Dimmerstat. Cover the combustion pipette with a wire gauze.
Take 50 ml of sample gas in the burette. Then slowly pass the gas into the combustion pipette
in which the heating coil is glown.
Then again take the gas into the burette using the aspirator bottle. Repeat this operation for 4
to 5 times. In the combustion pipette Hydrogen in the sample gas reacts with oxygen in air
which is initially taken and it is converted to water.
Principle
The liquid ammonia is allowed to vapourise and react with 50% H2SO4 acid. The unreached
quantity of gas is determined.
Procedure
Open the sample point and purge the sample point. Connect the scrubbing apparatus to the
sample point with both the stopcocks 1 and 2 in open condition. Now the ammonia vapour enter
into the apparatus. Allow the vapour to purge through the apparatus for some time. Then close
the stop cock 2 and immediately close the stop cock 1 (Two way cock). Close the sample point
valve and disconnect the apparatus from the sample point. Equalise the pressure inside the
apparatus to atmospheric pressure by flash opening and closing of stopcock 2. Repeat this
operation for 2 or 3 times. Then slowly open the stop cock 1 (Two way stop cock) and raise the
aspirator bottle so that the 50% H2SO4 enter in to the apparatus and react with the ammonia
vapour present.The volume of the apparatus is 100 cc. The unreacted volume of gas is measured
from the apparatus itself which is already calibrated. The unreacted volume in cc will give the
percentage of inerts directly.
NOTE: Care should be taken while opening the sample point in which line pressure is around
15.0 Kg/cmg. Use single tube for sampling. Face along the wind direction when analysis is done.
18.13 SAFETY
The following safety regulations cover operations of particular concern to the personnel
responsible for the operation of the Ammonia Plant. They are intended to supplement, not
supercede, any existing general plant regulations which cover all units, and reference should be
made to the latter for all points not mentioned below. Mechanical craftsmen working on the unit
will be governed, in addition, by their own departmental regulations, but the unit operators
should see to it that not one of the regulations presented here is violated by a mechanical
craftsman.
a) All personnel must know the location and use of all fire extinguishers, fire hoses and
hydrants, fire blankets, gas masks and respirators and other protective equipments as hard hats,
rubber gloves etc.
b) Foam type extinguishers and water streams must not be used on fires around electrical
equipment because the water solution will conduct electricity and may aggrevate the difficulty or
result in the electrocution of personnel.
c) Carbondioxide or dry powder extinguishers may be used safely on electrical fires. The carbon
tetrachloride extinguishers liberate poisonous fumes and should not be used.
d) Carbondioxide, dry chemical or foam type extinguishers are suitable for oil fires. For large oil
fires, steam hose equipment or fog nozzles on the end of a water hose are suitable.
e) Gas masks must be worn whenever poisonous fumes are encountered such as HS.
f) Safety hats are to be worn around the plant when repairs are being made and there is a
possibility of falling tools or materials.
g) Gloves and goggles or face shields are recommended for use where hot oil samples are being
withdrawn.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 193
i) If there is a fire or other emergency, since persons not concerned in fighting the fire or
handling the emergency should stay away from the area involved.
2. Fire Protection
The plant is engaged in making Ammonia from naphtha. Practically all of the materials are
highly inflammable and extreme precautions are needed to prevent fires and explosions. Each
person must remember this whilst carrying out his work.
d) Fire fighting equipment must be kept in designated accessible places which are well identified
at all times.
e) Positively no one shall light a fire, or otherwise cause a possible source of ignition in the plant
area except under the authorisation of a work permit.
f) Do not use light distillates such as gasoline or naphtha to clean machinery or for any other
cleaning purpose. Use a heavier oil instead. Carbon tetrachloride is toxic and should not be
used.
g) Fire fighting equipment will only be used to fight fires. It is forbidden to tamper with this
equipment. If fire protection equipment is used, notify the supervisor immediately.
h) Good housekeeping is an important part of the fire prevention programme. Keep all areas
free of waste papers. Oil rags and oily clothes should not be left in lockers or tool boxes.
a) Fire extinguishers must be re-charged or replaced immediately after use. All steam and
water hose equipment must be put back in place after use. Access to such equipment must not
be obstructed.
d) Guards around moving shafts, couplings, belts, etc which have been removed for repairs to
the equipment must be replaced when repair work is completed.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 194
e) Tools, pieces of pipes etc., should never be left lying on platforms or railings of operating
equipment where they can be knocked off and injure someone below.
f) Access to ladders and fire escapes must be kept clear. Waste material and refuse must be
put in proper locations where they will not cause a fire or will not be stumbled over.
g) Liquid spills must be cleaned up immediately.
h) In the event that electrical equipment does not function properly, notify the electrical
department and stay clear of the equipment until the electrician arrives.
i) Gas cylinders should be stores so that they cannot fall over. Guard caps must remain in
place over the valves of cylinder which are not connected up.
4. Repair Work
a) Mechanical work around an operating unit must be carried out with minimum number of
persons.
c) No burning, welding, open fires or other hot work shall be allowed in the area unless
authorised by a work permit.
d) No personnel shall enter a vessel for any purpose whatsoever until it has been adequately
purged, blanked off as required and tested to ensure freedom from noxious or inflammable
gases.
e) Non sparking tools must be used for making emergency repairs where hydrocarbon gases,
hydrogen or naphtha and other inflammable gases are present.
f) When flushing equipment with fire hoses, the fire hose must be equipped with a non return
valve.
Because of serious accidents caused by thermal expansion of liquid trapped in exchangers, the
following procedure is outlined in an effort to eliminate these accidents.
a) When the cold side of an exchanger is to be bypassed with hot material is passing through
the other side, the drain or vent should be tried before bypassing to see that it is not plugged.
b) When the exchanger is bypassed, the bleeder or vent should be arranged so that the
pressure can be dissipated at a suitable place.
c) It is advised that warning signs be installed on all exchangers where it is possible to block in
the cold side of an exchanger with hot liquid going through the other side. (Note that even in
the absence of hot liquid flow chances in ambient temperature can cause failure and warning
signs should be posted.)
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 195
Sign
CAUTION
Thermal expansion of a trapped liquid can cause failure of the equipment and an
explosion.Do not trap liquid in this equipment
a) Only used in open air, not any tank or other confined space, except for rescue purpose. This
mask does not protect the user against a deficiency of oxygen.
b) The type of canister mask used must be suitable for the gas present.
c) When a seal is removed from a canister, the date should be marked on the canister and after
one year the canister should be discarded regardless of how little it has been used.
d) A record of the length of time that the canister is used must be kept on a tag attached to the
canister and the permissible time limit for the particular should not be exceeded.
a. Hose Type
When an employees is required to enter any tank, sewer, manhole or other confined area in
which the atmosphere contains 20% or more of the lower explosive limit of a combustive gas or
if there is evidence of H2S or toxic chemicals a fresh air mask be used. The blower on a hose
pipe must be placed where only fresh air may enter the hose. Do not use more than 100 ft
hose.
Be sure that the harness is buckled close to the wearer's body so that it will not slip over his
shoulders and pull off if a rope rescue is required.
A life belt and rope should always be used with the end fixed so that it will not fall into the tank
or enclosure.
8. General
a) When using any type of gas mask, be sure that the mask fits the face properly. Test by
squeezing hose with the hand and inhaling. If the face piece collapses, the mask fits properly.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 196
b) Care must be taken in the use of canister mask for rescue purposes, as it will not protect you
against a deficiency of oxygen. It should be used only where there is adequate ventilation.
c) The shift fireman is always available for information concerning the use of masks.
d) Become familiar with the accepted method of artifical respiration in order that you may
render assistance to anyone overcome by gas, electric stock or drawing.
9. Chemicals
a. Hydrogen
Under normal conditions, hydrogen exits as a colourless, odourless testeless diatomic gas, H2. It
is the lightest known substance. Hydrogen is not toxic or poisonous in the sense that H2S and
Carbon monoxide are toxic.
However, gaseous hydrogen in large enough quantities can cause asphyxiation by replacing the
oxygen normally in air that is needed to sustain life. If is much lighter than air and raises to the
top of any room or container in which it is present. Since gaseous hydrogen is colourless,
tasteless and odourless the risk of asphyxiation is seldom realised by the victim. The wide
explosive limits of hydrogen make exposure of humans, except under closely controlled
conditions, to air / hydrogen atmosphere extremely inadvisable.
The following constants apply to pure Hydrogen. Melting point -260 0C, boiling point at
atmospheric pressure -253 0C molecular weight 2.016, gas specific gravity (air - 1200) 0.0695,
solubility in water at 0 0C and 25 Kg/cma. 0.45 ml H2 per grain (H2O mm).
K Cal/Kg K Cal/Nm3
Methane is given as a comparison. Flame velocity for hydrogen-air is about eight times that of
methane-air mixtures. Make up gas and recycle gas in the unit will contain about 75% H2 with
25% N2. A hydrogen-air flame is light blue colour and is non-luminous. A small fire stemming
from a straight recycle gas leak would have a slight bluish tinge and could be seen quite readily
at night. The fire would not be readily apparent in strong sunlight.
Hydrogen has rather high theoretical flame temperatures, but special burner designs are
necessary to produce a compact, intense, high temperature hydrogen flame. Due to the low
heat of combustion per cubic metre of hydrogen, normal hydrogen fires run relatively cool and
do surprisingly little damage. There have been pinhole leaks in catalytic reformer furnace
fittings. The fires resulting from the pinhole leaks have been allowed to burn for months with no
apparent damage to the furnace or tubes.
Leaks
Hydrogen gas leaks relatively easily. It will leak through smaller holes than most other gases.
High concentrations usually prevent coke deposits that can seal off a leak. Under some
conditions, hydrogen can remove graphite deposits and carbide formation usually found in metal
walls and thus from its own leak holes. There is some technical evidence that molecular
hydrogen H2, has a significant diffusion rate through normal walls. The rate is so small as to be
negligible in commercial installations.
Molecular hydrogen can decompose to form atomic hydrogen. The following reaction expresses
the idea.
H2 H + H
The atomic H2 is the same as the material called 'nascent' hydrogen in acid corrosion attacks or
in hydrogen blistering. However, the temperature must be extremely high before there is much
atomic hydrogen present in a hydrogen atmosphere. There is considerable technical evidence
that 'Nascent' or atomic hydrogen will diffuse through metal walls at an appreciable rate.
Practical Precautions
From a practical point of view, the harmful qualities hydrogen stem from its extreme lightness, its
wide explosive limits, and its rapid flame transmission.
Lightness
Hydrogen floats on top of any gas. Be sure vessels are thoroughly steamed and vented. Watch
out for the top of rooms where hydrogen might be present. There may be an explosive mixture
up by the ceiling unless there is good roof venting.
Treat all hydrogen steams containing more than 10 or 20 Vol % hydrogen as though the steam
were pure hydrogen. If you suspect air is present and there is more than 4 Vol % hydrogen,
treat the situation immediately.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 198
The 74 Vol% upper explosive limit means that any air-hydrogen mixture that has more than 5.2
Vol% oxygen is explosive.
b. Hydrogen Sulphide
Hydrogen Sulphide is extremely toxic with concentration above 20 parts per million in the air
considered unsafe for breathing. In very low concentration, the gas has an odour resembling
rotten eggs, this warning of its presence must be heeded immediately because the gas has the
property of paralysing the sense of smell. Therefore the apparent absence of this characteristic
odour is no proof that hydrogen sulphide is not present. Men entering areas where H2S is
present must wear approved canister type gas masks. Where fresh air mask or a self-contained
oxygen breathing apparatus must be worn. The rules set down for inspecting, entering and
working on vessels that contain H2S must be strictly adhered to for the personal safety of
employees.
c. Catalyst
The catalyst are listed in appendix 1 of this manual. They are not toxic in nature but when
handling them, it is necessary to wear dust respirators and goggles. Special precautions are
required for unloading spent catalyst. These are listed elsewhere. At temperatures below 500
0
C Nickel containing catalyst (reforming and methanation) react with Carbon monoxide to form a
poisonous gas Nickel Carbonyl.
No Nickel containing catalyst should be allowed to remain in contact with gases containing
Carbon monoxide at temperatures lowere than this (see g).
d. Ammonia
Ammonia is a poison giving an alkaline action with serious irritation of the eyes, skin and upper
respiratory system. Fortunately, the concentration at which the odour is detectable is below the
safe limit for prolonged exposure. Ammonia is moderately combustible with explosive limits of
16 to 25 percent with air.
If liquid Ammonia comes in contact with the skin, flush with water immediately. A gas mask
should be worn whenever the odour of Ammonia is strong.
Mercury and Ammonia can under certain conditions, from explosive compounds. The use of
mercury on instruments likely to come into contact with Ammonia gas or liquid should be
avoided.
e. Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Carbonate is a strong alkali and is extremely caustic. Care should be taken therefore
to prevent all parts of the body from contact with the solution. In case of contact with the skin
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 199
or eyes the affected part should be repeatedly flushed with large quantities of water and the area
kept wet until the physician arrives, or for atleast 2 hours.
f. Arsenic Trioxide
Extreme care must be taken in handling the Arsenic Trioxide which is used in the Vetrocoke
plant. Protective clothing including gloves, masks and goggles should be worn when handling
this chemical. At all times great care must be taken to ensure that the atmosphere does not
become laden with arsenical dust.
Arsenical poisoning in Industry results from the absorption into the bed of arsenical compounds,
usually by inhalling arsenical dust over a long period. The dust alights on exposed skin and
mucous membranes and therefore acts as a local irritant, causing inflamation or ulceration.
Thus, when such losions are seen on a worker known to be working among arsenical
compounds, it is sometimes difficult to say at once poisoning. Arsenical dust alightiing on the
skin, especially where there are creases or wrinkles, or where there are moist patches, tends to
set up dermatitis which may assume on acneic form or an exzematous aspect and which, if
untreated, is prone to advance to ulceration. Some losions are commonly seen on the face
where the edge of a respirator causes friction on the skin surface which is creased, warm and
moist. They may be accompanied by evidence of simultaneous damage to mucous membranes
such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. Hoarseness is also a
prominent sympton. Ulceration of nasal septum not infrequently going on to perforation is
usually painless and does not result in deformity, for only the cartilagious part of the septum is
involved.
The above diseases, due to arsenic/poisoning are most common to operators who are continually
handling arsenic and its compounds and even then very rarely when appropriate precautions
have been taken. The danger of arsenical poisoning is, therefore, very remote where operators
only handle arsenic occasionally, as in the case with the Giammarco Vetrocoke Plant.
General Action
Treatment
In the event of any personnel being suspected of being poisoned by arsenic a medical
practitioner should be consulted immediately. The following is suggested as first aid measure
where arsenic has been taken internally.
1) Dilute the poison by giving 4 to 7 glass full of any one of the following emetics:
Salt and lukewarm water (a cupful of common salt in one quarter of water).
Soapy warm water.
2) Wash out the poison (empty the stomach) by having the patient stick his finger down his
throat to produce vomiting.
Warning: Only a physician should use a stomach tube.
3) Repeat the above procedure atleast three times.
4) Give the known antidote.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 200
5) After the stomach has been emptied and cleaned of the poison, give a soothing (demulcent)
drink such as milk, raw eggs, flour or starch and water.
6) If the patient feels weak or faint and to prevent collapse and shock, he should lie down
without a pillow and should be kept quiet and warm and given strong coffee or tea. Smelling
salts or aromatic spirits of Ammonia may be inhaled.
g. Nickel Carbonyl
This section summarises the known information about the toxicity of Nickel Carbonyl and outlines
the circumstances under which it may be formed. Fatal cases of poisoning by Nickel Carbonyl
are known and atleast one of these in the United States was caused by the entry into a vessel in
which Nickel Carbonyl had accumulated because of the cooling of plant containing Nickel in the
presence of Carbon monoxide.
Clearly, in order to avoid poisoning accidents, it is necessary to ensure that a reformer is cooled
down in the presence of gases not containing carbon monoxide. If for any reason, this
instruction is not followed, then any vessel it is intended to enter should be thoroughly cleaned
by steaming or other suitable means. The absence of Nickel Carbonyl must be established by
chemical test before entry is made.
Nickel Carbonyl may be formed by the contact of carbon monoxide containing gases with
Nickel by the reaction:
At normal steam reforming temperature of 750 0C or above the formation of Nickel Carbonyl
is thermodynamically impossible. At temperature below 500 0C significant quantities of
Nickel Carbonyl may be formed. Therefore, should a reformer be cooled down in the
presence of reformed or other Carbonmonoxide containing gas, the formation of potentially
dangerous and lethal quantities of Nickel Carbonyl may be expected.
It is possible that Nickel Carbonyl formed in cooling a reformer in the presence of Carbon
monoxide could condense in cold parts of the system, for e.g., waste best boilers, knock out pots
with subsequent danger of poisoning if the vessel is opened. Due to relatively high vapour
pressure of Nickel Carbonyl it will be practically impossible to prevent inhalation of the vapour.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 201
Carmicheal (1) reports a poisoning case where worker opened a vessel containing Carbon
monoxide and spilling possibly 1 or 3 ounces of Nickel Carbonyl. In this case poisoning was
caused by inhalation, but another possible cause was absorption of liquid through the skin.
ICI Industrial Products and Health Research Committee state 1 ppm. American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygieniets state 0.001 ppm for continuous daily exposure.
The initial symptoms which frequently develop during exposure include headache, giddiness and
nausea. These symptoms which could also be in part due to Carbon monoxide, usually disappear
within an hour of removal of fresh air.
The delayed symptom usually appear after 24 hours and include headache, nausea,
sleeplessness and pains in the chest. In severe cases, respiratory distress increases and delirium
occurs frequently. Oedema and haemorrhages in the lungs and brain injur have also been found
in fatal cases.In fatal cases, death occurs between 4 and 11 days after exposure.Case histories
and treatment are described in medical literature in reference (2) & (3).
5) Detection
Nickel Carbonyl may be detected quantitatively in inflammable gas by burning in a glass jet
burner a visible Nickel deposit forming at the top of the jet. Approximately 0.02 ppm can be
detected in this way.
The detection of Carbon monoxide in a relatively cold reformer would be sufficient evidence to
investigate the presence of Nickel Carbonyl preventation of Nickel Carbonyl formation cooling
down of the Steam Reformer.
6) Nickel Carbonyl should not be formed provided all parts of the reformer are purged of
Carbon monoxide with Nitrogen or steam before the Reformer or other Nickel containing
part of the plant is cooled to below 500 C.
7) Reference
c) Sunderman F W, Kincaid J F, 'Nickel Poisoning' Journal American Medical Association 155 899
(1954).
As soon as possible after equipment has been pumped out, steamed, purged or flushed out
sufficiently, all pipe lines should be disconnected and blanked from the vessel in which hot work
is to be done. All pipe connections shall be blanked as close to the equipment as is feasible. It
may be advantageous to prepare and block several pieces of equipment as one unit rather than
one particular vessel. This procedure applies only providing the same tests are made and the
same precautions taken in all pieces of equipment. It is the responsibility of the process foreman
to determine how many pieces of equipment can be considered as one unit. Any deviation from
the above prescribed procedure should be brought to the attention of the shift foreman. Before
allowing anyone to enter equipment, every effort must be made to free it off all oil and vapours
and gas tests shall be made by operator in order to be certain it is safe to enter.
When hot work is done, observe the following precautions:
Inspect all manholes, catch basins or other openings to sewers in the proximity of the hot work
area and it necessary flush them out with water. See that the tops of such basins or manholes
are covered with burlap or other suitable materials and see that atleast three inches of earth are
placed on top of the covering to prevent the escape of gases or the entrance of sparks. Before
any hallow object is heated, make sure that the free escape of air or gas can be obtained.
Authorised persons must issue hot work permits before hot work is started. quipment preparation
provisions as outlined in the hot work permit shall be followed.
The opening of equipment such as pipelines, drums presents a very special problem and unless
the proper precautions are taken in preparing the equipment, mishaps may occur. A particular
risk is present if the equipment to be opened is in corrosive or toxic chemical service.
a) To ensure safety in jobs of opening equipment, it is good practice to treat the equipment as if
it were under considerable pressure, even though you have taken all steps to relieve the
pressure.
b) In opening flanges or coverplates, employees should be cautioned to first loosen and remove
the bolts on the far side away from the downwind of the person doing the work, with a sufficient
number of bolts allowed to remain tight on the near side until the connection can be wedged
open. Any unanticipated pressure then will be released in a direction away from the person
doing the work.
c) See that workers wear special protectiive equipment when opening lines, valves or vessels
containing corrosive or toxic chemicals or hot or cold materials. If special protective equipment
is required, this information should be indicated on the work permit.
Necessary work permits must be issued before anyone enters a tank drum or other vessel.
Should there be any doubt about excessive amounts of gas at any time mechanical work is being
performed, the operator should stop the work immediately. Additional gas tests shall then be
made to ensure that combustible materials are not present. Every reasonable step should be
taken to remove the maximum amounts of oil and gas.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 203
Before allowing a person to enter a vessel, combustible gas tests must be taken at various points
throughout the vessel to determine whether or not any combustibles are present. The general
rule is that the vessel must be completely free of combustibles and toxic gases. An exception to
this general rule can be made in the case of tanks or drums. These vessels have little internal
equipment. Entry into such vessels may be permitted with concentration of combustible gas
upto 20% of the lower explosive limit (a reading of 0.2 on the combustible gas indicator) if the
following conditions are met.
a) The vessel shall have contained nothing other than regular petroleum hydrocarbons.
b) Measure must be taken to ensure that changing conditions do not cause any increase in
concentration. This procedure may necessitate that the gas tester remain in constant attendance
and periodically check the atmosphere within the vessel.
f) Employees entering the vessel must wear fresh air masks if the gas concentration builds up
higher than 20% of the lower explosive limit. Even when equipped with fresh air masks, none
must be allowed inside vessels having a concentration of combustible gas greater than 50% of
the lower explosive limit (a reading of 0.5 on the combustion gas indicator).
g) Maximum ventilation must be provided in all cases. This provision shall include removing
cover plates from vessels and may also include installing mechanical ventilation equipment.
h) In some cases, when work is done within a vessel, it may be considered necessary to station
someone outside the vessel so that he will be available to take action in an emergency. This
precaution is taken to warn the employees working in the vessel in case light hydrocarbons
escape in the area, or some other recognised condition occurs which might jeopardise their
study. Tank or vessels which may contain self-ignition scales or other deposits must be kept wet
until such materials have been removed or changed in such a manner that they will no longer
ignite.
This type of tubrines are employed for ID/FD sets. The lubrications and control system of
Hydrauctic Orifice Governor are described here.
Oil is drawn from the reservoir, though a strainer, by a gear type oil pump which is an integral
part of the governor and is driven by the turbine. The pump discharges initially into the
governor after which the major portion of the oil flow continues to the lubricating zone.
Governing System
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 204
The maximum oil pressure to the governor is controlled by the safety relief valve which discharge
into the lubricating zone. Governor Control is proportional to the oil pump pressure. Variation in
speed control is a accomblished by varying the orifice area which relives the pressure above the
operating piston.
Lubrication System
Oil discharge from the governor passes through a renewable cartridge type filter and then an oil
cooler, to the turbine bearings and where applicable to a gear unit and for driver equipment.
Oil filter
A continuous flow change over valve is provided to enable the cartridge clement to be repalced
while the turbine is in operation.
Oil Cooler
The amount of water circulated through the cooler should be regulated to maintain the
temperature of the leaving the cooler between 110 F (43 0C) and 120 F (49 0C). The correct
criterion for oil cooler water should be of course the temperature of the oil leaving the hottest
bearing. This temperature will vary with different unit and operating conditions. However in
general oil return temperature of 140 F (60 0C) to 160 F (72 0C) are considered good practice.
When starting the turbine the oil cooler water supply should not be turned on until the oil
temperature has increased to the approximate limits given above.
Reservoir
A baseplate type reservoir of rigid construction is provided with a sloping bottom for complete
drainage.
A Centrifugal over speed trip device (a spring loaded weight eccentrically mounted in a
transverse hole in the turbine shaft) operates by striking a trip lever which actuates the over
speed trip mechanism.
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 205
The standard butterfly type trip valve in mechanically unlatched by the over speed trip linkage
and in spring closed when the over speed trip device operates.
The simultaneous closing of both trip valve and governor valve, when the trip device operates,
provides the unique 'dual - protection' feature of weating house steam turbines.
The oil failure trip is connected to the lubricatiing oil system and when the pressure decreases to
approximately 3 PSIG, operates the overspeed trip linkage, causing the trip valve and governor
valve to close, thus shutting down the turbine.
Solenoid Trip
The solenoid trip operates through the oil failure trip and usually is provided to facilitate remote
shut down of the turbine.
Being driven by turbine shaft and controlled by an orifice, the pressure deliveryed by the
governing pump varies as the square of the turbine speed and thus provides a positive
governing force. The discharge pressure acting against the spring loaded operating piston,
causes the piston and hence the governing valve to move in response to change in speed.
Therefore, if the speed increases the oil pressure acting against the piston increases, thus
moving the piston outward to close the governing valve. Conversely, if the speed decreases, the
oil pressure acting against the piston decreases, thus allowing the spring to move the piston
inward and allowing the governing valve to open.
Speed Changer
The speed maintained by the governor can be varied while the unit is in operation by means of
the speed changer. This consists of the hand-operated, sleeve-type valve which is located
adjacent to the operating cylinder and is arranged to control a passage from the operating
cyclinder.
In normal operation, when this passage is adjusted to effect an increased orifice the oil pressure
in the operating cylinder would momentarily decrease and cause the steam admission valve to
open thus increasing the speed until equilibrium is re-established by the oil pressure in the
operating cylinder again attaining its proper valve. Closing the speed changer valve results in a
momentary increased oil pressure in the operating cylinder and therefore decreased the
operating speed.
This system basically comprises of a vertical oil relay governor which houses the speed sensing
governor elements and control valve and speed adjusting knob. Governor oil is passed through
rotary and edge type oil filter and then divides into two separate routes. The first route enters
the VOR governor which reduces the pressure to a predetermined value before passing the oil to
the control section of the servomotor which operates the governor steam valve.
This second steam passes through the overspeed oil trip device and then to the high pressure
section of the servomotor. The provision of speed adjusting knob helps to vary the speed of the
machine on line as and when required.
Governor controlling action is actuated by manipulating the clearance between the cup valve and
its seat housed inside the VOR Governor. Arrangements are given to move the position of the
cup valve by changing the position of the speed adjusting knob and the same clearance can be
varied by changing the position of the valve seat by the governor action. On either case the
clearance between the cup valve and it seat changes thereby chaning the control oil pressure
which is led to the servo piston top chamber to manipulate the opening of the steam chest valve.
When the speed adjusting knob is screwed inside it allows the cup valve to raise through its stem
thereby increasing the clearance between the cup valve and its seat. This drains more governor
oil into the sump and decrease the control oil pressure. Since the servo piston is exposed to
constant high pressure as it bottom the decreases in control oil pressure allows the servo piston
to go tup thereby opening the steam valve more. Similarly the steam valve can be closed more
by increased controlled oil pressure. A constant governor oil pressure is maintained by a fixed
orifice at the oil inlet to the VOR governor.
The VOR Governor houses a gear type pump at its bottom driven by the main shaft. Oil is taken
from the reservoir through the strainer. The oil is then discharged into two streams. The first
steam passes through the edge type rotary filter to the governing system while the next stream
passes through a twin oil filter/cooler arrangement to the lubrication system. The oil filter is a 25
micron cartridge type one. A continuous flow change over value is provided to enable the
cartridge element to be replaced while the turbine is in operation. This arrangement also
facilitates the maintenance of coolers while the turbine is in operation. The cooled lubrication oil
at 45 to 50 0C is supplied to the turbine bearings and governor drive gear spray.
Two oil coolers are provided which are of shell and tube side. One cooler provided in series with
each filter. It is designed to handle oil of 60 to 65 0C and cools the same to about 45 to 52 0C.
Generally while starting the turbine the cooling water supply to the coolers should not be turned
in until the temperature raises upto the given limits above. A relief valve has been provided
which maintains the pressure in the lubrication zone at about 0.6 Kg/cm2.
High pressure oil passes through the overspeed trip piston to the servo motor relay piston. The
trip piston is actuated by the overspeed trip linkage which closes the piston and shuts off high
pressure oil to the servomotor when the turbine overspeeds. This relieves the pressure under
the servomotor operating piston which moves downwards to close the govenor steam valve and
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 207
shuts down the turbine. The standard butterfly type trip valve is mechanically unlatched by the
overspeed trip linkage and is spring closed when the overspeed device operates.
The simultaneous closing of both trip valve and governor valve when the trip device operates
provides unique dual protection feature of Westinghouse steam turbines.
The oil failure trip is connected to the lubrication oil system and when the pressure decreases
approximaely to 0.2 Kg/cm2, it operates the trip linkage, causing trip valve and governor valve to
close simultaneously thus shutting down the turbine.
Accessories
Pressure gauges have been supplied across the cartridge filters to check the healthy condition of
the filter element. Also pressure gauges have been provided to check the governor oil, control
oil and lubrication oil pressures.
Temperature indicators have been provided across the coolers evaluate their performance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
36. TC202A Exit steam temperature (S) 492 490 475 460
43. TC202B Exit steam temperature (N) 492 490 475 465
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 214
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
166. TI1314 Primary Ref exit temp 775 770 755 750
730 0C
167. TI1314A Primary Ref exit temp 780 750 730 730
0
C
168. TI1314B Primary Ref exit temp 780 750 730 730
0
C
169. TI1405 Sec Ref exit temp 970 960 920 900
1020 0C
170. TI1405A Sec Ref exit temp 960 955 920 900
1020 0C
171. TI1405B Sec Ref exit temp 960 955 920 900
1020 0C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 221
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 226
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Sl TAG NO. COMMENT HH PH PL LL TRIP
RESET
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
1 HYDROGEN COMPRESSOR
2 IAD PANEL
3 IAC (SOUTH)
1. CW low pressure
2. LO low pressure
3. 100 % loading pressure
4. 50 % loading pressure
5 START-UP COMPRESSOR
Ammonia Plant Operating Manual 229
1. LO pressure low
2. LO temp high
3. Gas delivery temp high CYL No.1
4. Gas delivery temp high CYL No.2
5. Separator level high
6 ID/FD
7 IG
9 IG GENERATOR
10 III IG
11 CRYO COMPRESSOR II
NORTH
SOUTH
12 CRYO COMPRESSOR I
EAST
WEST
13 SRC
14 LRC
16 SGC
18 CPP IAD
19 CPP IAC
20 TG I
21 TG II
22 AUXILIARY BOILER(SOUTH)
23 AUXILIARY BOILER(NORTH)