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  4. Clariant catalyst technology expected to cut 275 000 tpy CO2e at Sichuan

Clariant catalyst technology expected to cut 275 000 tpy CO2e at Sichuan

Published by , Editorial Assistant
World Fertilizer,

Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, has announced that its EnviCat N2O-S nitrous abatement catalyst is performing successfully at Sichuan Lutianhua's nitric acid plant and is projected to reduce annual emissions by 275 000 of CO2e.1 Sichuan Lutianhua is one of the winners of Clariant's 2021 - 2022 global Climate Campaign, which offered a free load of the catalyst to nitric acid producers lacking N2O abatement technology. Located in Sichuan Province, China, the 135 000 tpy nitric acid plant started operating in 2009 with no N2O removal system in place.

Xaver Karsunke, Vice President of Clariant Specialty Catalysts, commented, "With China supporting crucial decarbonisation efforts to combat climate change, we are proud to partner with Sichuan Lutianhua on reducing their carbon footprint through our innovative catalyst technology." Sun Guang, Assistant General Manager at Sichuan Lutianhua, added, “Our company is committed to sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact. Partnering with Clariant to install the catalyst is an important step towards achieving our emissions reduction goals. We have already measured a significant decrease in N2O emissions from our nitric acid production and look forward to continued positive results.”

Founded in 1959 and based in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, China, Sichuan Lutianhua Co. Ltd. is a producer of chemicals with capacities in ammonia, urea, methanol, and dimethyl ether. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 1999, the company has advanced technological capabilities with a strong focus on research and development.

Nitric acid is essential for producing fertilizers. However, its production emits N2O, which is nearly 300 times more damaging to the climate than CO2. Adding to the problem, more than half of nitric acid producers do not remove N2O from their off-gas. Based on 66 million tpy of nitric acid produced around the world,2 N2O emissions equal to approximately 100 million tpy of CO2e.3

Using the catalysts, N2O and other nitrogen oxides can be removed almost completely (up to 99% for tertiary abatement and 95% for secondary abatement) from production emissions. The catalysts are currently installed in over 50 plants globally.

The aim of Clariant’s Climate Campaign was to provide nitric acid producers around the world with an economical path to emission reduction. Enabling customers to reduce their nitrous oxide emissions is part of the company’s broader initiative to support a wide range of industries in the energy transition. This includes decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, advancing the hydrogen economy, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.

  1. The methodology used by Clariant to calculate carbon reductions achieved by its customers is based on internationally recognized standards. The baseline for calculations is name plate capacity, defined conversion rate to N2O and GWP according to IPCC IV.
  2. IHS Market 2020
  3. Annual N2O emissions from nitric and adipic acid production. Source: IPCC, 5th AR, Working Group III Report “Climate Change 2014”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/nitrogen/05122024/clariant-catalyst-technology-expected-to-cut-275-000-tpy-co2e-at-sichuan/

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