CF Industries’ Port Neal nitrogen complex’s ammonia and urea plants successfully started

The ammonia plant, which began production in late November, has operated at approximately its nameplate capacity of 2425 short tpd. The back end of the plant (ammonia synthesis) was recently taken offline to replace a gasket and is expected to resume production shortly. The front end of the ammonia plant continues to operate and produce carbon dioxide that is used to feed the new urea plant. The urea plant, which was commissioned earlier this month, has produced on specification granular urea. The urea plant was also recently taken offline to replace a relief valve and is expected to resume production shortly as well.

“CF’s capacity expansion projects are complete,” said Tony Will, President and CEO of CF Industries Holdings Inc. “With projected returns significantly above our cost of capital, we have built the foundation for CF’s growth and greatly increased our cash generation capability.”

Total annual gross ammonia capacity at Port Neal is now 1.2 million short tpy, up from 380 000 short t previously. Output from the new ammonia capacity will largely be upgraded to urea. Total annual urea capacity at Port Neal is now 1.4 million short tpy, up from 50 000 short t previously. Total annual UAN capacity remains largely unchanged at 800 000 short tpy.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/nitrogen/04012017/cf-industries-port-neal-nitrogen-complexs-ammonia-and-urea-plants-successfully-started/