Organic pressure swing adsorption

Carbon dioxide removal in ammonia plants is usually accomplished by organic or inorganic solvents with suitable activators and corrosion inhibitors. In a few circumstances, C02 is removed by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) (see Chapter 3). The removed C02 is sometimes vented to the atmosphere, but in many instances it is recovered for the production of urea and dry ice. Urea is the primary use of carbon dioxide and, in case of a natural gas feed, all of the C02 is consumed by the urea plant. This practice is especially significant since C02 is a proven greenhouse gas. Typically, 1.3 tons of C02/ton of NH3 is produced in a natural gas-based ammonia plant. The C02 vented to the atmosphere usually contains water vapor, dissolved gases from the absorber (e.g., H2, N2, CH4, CO, Ar), traces of hydrocarbons, and traces of solvent. Water wash trays in the top of the stripper and double condensation of the overhead help to minimize the amount of entrained solvent. The solvent reclaimer contents are neutralized with caustic before disposal. Waste may be burned in an incinerator with an afterburner and a scrubber to control NOx emissions. 

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