Utilizing Indirect Heat Exchange Patents (Class 564/71)
  • Patent number: 11331593
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for stripping in a stripper a urea synthesis solution received from a urea forming process wherein ammonia and CO2 are reacted under urea forming conditions. The shell space of the stripper comprises a continuous vertical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: STAMICARBON B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Wilhelmus Gevers, Juan Coloma González
  • Patent number: 10759745
    Abstract: Processes and plants for the production of purified urea solution are described. In a described urea production process, urea is produced in a synthesis section without a high pressure stripper and the urea solution is subjected to purification after the recovery section, to give purified urea solution and off-gas. The purification comprises e.g. steam stripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Stamicarbon B.V.
    Inventors: Ronny Albert Mathijs Pustjens, Johan Albert Arno Van Den Tillaart
  • Patent number: 8927770
    Abstract: A process for the direct synthesis of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide at high pressures and temperatures, with the formation of ammonium carbamate as intermediate, comprising a decomposition step of the ammonium carbamate and stripping of the gases formed, operating substantially at the same pressure as the synthesis step, wherein the recycled liquid streams are fed, at least partially, to the same decomposition and stripping step after being preheated by heat exchange with a stream included in the high-pressure synthesis cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Salpem, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lino Carlessi, Alessandro Gianazza
  • Publication number: 20140081046
    Abstract: A process for the direct synthesis of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide at high pressures and temperatures, with the formation of ammonium carbamate as intermediate, comprising a decomposition step of the ammonium carbamate and stripping of the gases formed, operating substantially at the same pressure as the synthesis step, wherein the recycled liquid streams are fed, at least partially, to the same decomposition and stripping step after being preheated by heat exchange with a stream included in the high-pressure synthesis cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Saipem S.P.A.
    Inventors: Lino Carlessi, Alessandro Gianazza
  • Patent number: 8541619
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning flue gases from combustion plants. The method includes removing dust and removing nitrogen from flue gases, bringing flue gases into contact with an aqueous ammonia solution in the presence of an oxidizing agent whereby a reaction solution forms which contains at least ammonium carbonate, heating the reaction solution such that ammonium carbonate decomposes and carbon dioxide and ammonia transfer into the gas atmosphere, and reacting the gaseous carbon dioxide and the gaseous ammonia to form urea. The apparatus includes a device for removing nitrogen and removing dust from the flue gases, a washing device downstream of the device for removing nitrogen and removing dust, a stripper downstream of the washing device, and a urea installation downstream of the stripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Steag Energy Services GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Winkler
  • Patent number: 8377399
    Abstract: Process for increasing the capacity of an existing urea plant comprising a high-pressure urea synthesis section and one or more recovery sections, wherein next to the existing urea plant a urea production unit, comprising a high-pressure urea synthesis section and a medium-pressure recovery section, is installed, wherein a urea-containing stream is produced from ammonia and carbon dioxide and the urea-containing stream is sent to the existing urea plant where the urea-containing stream is further purified in the low-pressure recovery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Stamicarbon B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 8283494
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in a urea production process comprising, in a high-pressure synthesis section: a. a reactor, wherein ammonia and carbon dioxide react to form a urea-comprising synthesis solution; b. a stripper, wherein the urea-comprising synthesis solution is heated and stripped, optionally in counter-current with a stripping agent; c. a submerged condenser, wherein the gas leaving the top of the stripper is, at least partially, condensed to form a condensate solution and d. an ejector, in the line connecting the submerged condenser and the reactor, supporting the transport of the condensate solution from the submerged condenser to the reactor, wherein a gas stream leaving the top of the submerged condenser is controlled by one or more controlling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Stamicarbon B.V.
    Inventors: Stephen Rudolf Alexander Zwart, Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 8158824
    Abstract: Process for the production of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in a urea plant containing a high-pressure synthesis section comprising two reactor sections, a stripper and a condenser, and a recovery section, wherein in the first reactor section a first synthesis solution is formed that is fed to the second reactor section; fresh carbon dioxide is fed to the second reactor section and in the second reactor section a second synthesis solution is formed that is fed to the stripper, wherein the second synthesis solution is stripped with the use of carbon dioxide as stripping gas and the mixed gas stream obtained in the stripper is sent to the condenser together with fresh ammonia and a carbamate stream, whereafter the condensate that is formed in the condenser is fed to the first reactor section and the urea stream that is obtained in the stripper is further purified in the recovery section, wherein the flow of the first synthesis solution from the first reactor section to the second reactor section, the flo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Stamicarbon B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Wilhelmus Gevers, Jozef Hubert Meessen, Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 8158823
    Abstract: A method for revamping a conventional self-stripping urea plant is disclosed, where a minor portion (18a) of the carbon dioxide feed is fed to the stripper (7) and used as a stripping agent. In further embodiments, another carbamate condenser is installed, or the conventional horizontal shell-and-tube carbamate condenser (6) is replaced with a vertical submerged unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Zardi, Andrea Scotto
  • Patent number: 8129565
    Abstract: A process and a related plant layout for producing urea are disclosed, wherein the high-pressure loop (1) comprises a synthesis reactor (2), a thermal stripper (3), a condenser (4), and an adiabatic CO2 stripper (10) disposed upstream said thermal stripper, separating a vapour phase (13) containing ammonia from the urea solution (9) discharged from the reactor, and recycling said vapour phase to the reactor. The adiabatic stripper (10) can be incorporated in a reactor (200) having a top reaction zone and a bottom adiabatic stripping zone. A revamping method for a conventional urea plant in accordance with the inventive process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Zardi, Andrea Scotto
  • Patent number: 8106241
    Abstract: An enhanced process is described for the synthesis of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, at a high pressure and temperature, with the formation of ammonium carbamate as intermediate, which includes a high pressure synthesis section, comprising at least one separation step by decomposition-stripping with ammonia of the non-converted ammonium carbamate, carried out in a vertical apparatus, commonly called stripper, characterized in that said step also comprises a feeding, in the lower part of said stripper, of a stream of CO2, heated to a temperature ranging from 130 to 230° C., in a quantity of 1 to 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the fresh CO2 fed to the process, containing a passivating agent in such a quantity that its equivalent content of O2 in moles varies from 0.05% to 0.80% with respect to the moles of CO2 of said stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Saipem S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lino Carlessi, Alessandro Gianazza
  • Patent number: 8063246
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning flue gases from combustion plants. The method includes removing dust and removing nitrogen from flue gases, bringing flue gases into contact with an aqueous ammonia solution in the presence of an oxidizing agent whereby a reaction solution forms which contains at least ammonium carbonate, heating the reaction solution such that ammonium carbonate decomposes and carbon dioxide and ammonia transfer into the gas atmosphere, and reacting the gaseous carbon dioxide and the gaseous ammonia to form urea. The apparatus includes a device for removing nitrogen and removing dust from the flue gases, a washing device downstream of the device for removing nitrogen and removing dust, a stripper downstream of the washing device, and a urea installation downstream of the stripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Energy Services GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Winkler
  • Patent number: 7982068
    Abstract: A process for urea production from ammonia and carbon dioxide, in which part of the aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbamate and ammonia obtained in a urea synthesis section is subjected to dissociation in a treatment section operating at a predetermined medium pressure for the recovery of the ammonium carbamate and of the ammonia contained in it, comprises the steps of subjecting the urea aqueous solution resulting from the aforementioned dissociation step to decomposition in a low pressure urea recovery section and of using at least a part of the condensed steam, obtained by indirect thermal exchange with a second part of said aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbmate and ammonia in a high-pressure stripping unit, as a heating fluid for the dissociation of the first part of the aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbmate and ammonia in the medium-pressure treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Zardi, Paolo Brunengo, Paolo Sticchi
  • Patent number: 7815874
    Abstract: A reactor including a reactor vessel and heat exchange tubes provided in the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel includes a tubesheet and is configured to receive a reaction fluid. The tubesheet has a first plate member configured to contact the reaction fluid and a second plate member configured to not contact the reaction fluid. Heat exchange tubes are provided in the reactor vessel and fixed to the first plate member. The heat exchange tubes are configured to receive a heat exchange medium. At least a portion of the first plate member configured to contact the reaction fluid is made of a metal that has a high corrosion-resistance against the reaction liquid, and the second plate member is made of a metal that has a low corrosion-resistance against the reaction liquid. The second plate member is detachably fixed to a remainder of the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sakai, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 7786327
    Abstract: A method for co-producing electric power and urea from carbonaceous fuels such as coal, by pyrolizing the coal with oxygen to produce a raw rich gas and a hot char which is gasified with air to produce a raw lean gas. Subsequent to the cleaning of the two gases, the cleaned rich gas is made up of CO and 2H2, and the clean lean gas is made up of N2+CO. The CO in the rich gas is separated from the 2H2 and is added to the lean gas to enrich it with CO to become a lean fuel gas which fuels a gas turbine and is part of a combined cycle system which efficiently generates electric power while exhausting an off-gas (flue gas) made up of N2+CO2. The 2H2 separated from the CO, and the N2+CO2 of the exhausted flue gas are together synthesized to produce urea —CO(NH2)2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Calderon
  • Patent number: 7732640
    Abstract: A process for urea production comprises a first process step in which ammonia (7) and carbon dioxide (6) are obtained, subjecting natural gas (1) to reforming treatments (12, 14), and a second step of urea (8a) production from such ammonia (7) and from carbon dioxide, through a formation of a solution comprising urea and ammonium carbamate in a urea synthesis reactor (20) and a subsequent decomposition of the ammonium carbamate and. urea recovery, the process comprises the steps of:—treating combustion smokes (5) comprising carbon dioxide with an aqueous solution (9a) comprising a part (7b) of such ammonia (7), obtaining an aqueous ammonium carbamate solution (9c);—supplying the solution (9c) thus obtained to the second process step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Romiti, Paolo Sticchi
  • Patent number: 7687041
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing urea are provided. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for producing urea can include a first zone, which can include a first flow channel in fluid communication with a first tube disposed about a first end of a plurality of trays, a second flow channel in fluid communication with a second tube disposed about the first end of the trays and a second end of the trays, and a third flow channel in fluid communication with a third tube disposed about the first and second ends of the trays. The apparatus can include a second zone, which can include a fixed bed comprising one or more inert packing materials disposed therein to provide additional surface area. The apparatus can include a third zone, which can include a plurality of tubes disposed therein. The second zone can be disposed between the first and third zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Vishnu D. Singh
  • Publication number: 20100063321
    Abstract: A process for urea production from ammonia and carbon dioxide, in which part of the aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbamate and ammonia obtained in a urea synthesis section is subjected to dissociation in a treatment section operating at a predetermined medium pressure for the recovery of the ammonium carbamate and of the ammonia contained in it, comprises the steps of subjecting the urea aqueous solution resulting from the aforementioned dissociation step to decomposition in a low pressure urea recovery section and of using at least a part of the condensed steam, obtained by indirect thermal exchange with a second part of said aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbmate and ammonia in a high-pressure stripping unit, as a heating fluid for the dissociation of the first part of the aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbmate and ammonia in the medium-pressure treatment section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: UREA CASALE S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Zardi, Paolo Brunengo, Paolo Sticchi
  • Patent number: 7674933
    Abstract: A method for modernizing a urea production plant including a urea synthesis reactor, a stripping unit and at least one condensation unit. The method includes providing: means in the condensation unit for substantially condensing at least a portion of a flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapor phase leaving the stripping unit; a second stripping unit; means for feeding a first portion of a reaction mixture flow comprising urea, carbamate and free ammonia in aqueous solution leaving the reactor to the first stripping unit; means for feeding a second portion of the reaction mixture flow leaving the reactor to the second stripping unit; and means for feeding at least a portion of a flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapor phase leaving the second stripping unit directly to the synthesis reactor. A de-bottlenecking of the high-pressure section downstream of the synthesis reactor may be achieved, improving production capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventor: Federico Zardi
  • Patent number: 7642377
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing urea are provided. A method for producing urea can include exchanging heat from a syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a urea solution comprising urea and ammonium carbamate. The heat transferred can be sufficient to decompose at least a portion of the ammonium carbamate. In one or more embodiments, the syngas can be reacted with liquid ammonia to provide a carbon dioxide lean syngas and an ammonium carbamate solution. The ammonium carbamate solution can be heated to a temperature of about 180° C. or more. At least a portion of the ammonium carbamate in the heated ammonium carbamate solution can be dehydrated to provide the urea solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Vishnu D. Singh
  • Patent number: 7622609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in a urea plant that contains a high-pressure synthesis section and one or more recovery section(s) at a lower pressure, the high-pressure synthesis section comprising a reactor, a stripper and a condenser, with gases leaving the high-pressure synthesis section being condensed in a medium-pressure condenser at 0.5-12 MPa to which also a carbamate stream from one of the recovery sections is supplied, after which at least a part of the formed condensate is supplied to the high-pressure condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 7619114
    Abstract: A method for revamping a urea plant of the type comprising a synthesis section (2) having a urea synthesis reactor (5), a thermal stripping unit (7) and at least one horizontal condensation unit (6), a treatment section (3) operating at medium pressure and a recovery section (4) operating at low pressure foresees the transformation of said at least one horizontal condensation unit (6) into a vertical condensation unit of the submerged type comprising a tube bundle and the provision of means (37, 41) for feeding a flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapor phase and a flow of condensation liquid comprising carbamate simultaneously and independently in each of the tubes of said tube bundle with circulation inside said tubes in equicurrent from the bottom towards the top, and means (39, 50) for feeding at least one part of the feed carbon dioxide into said stripping unit (7) for use as stripping agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Pagani
  • Patent number: 7608735
    Abstract: A process for urea production from ammonia and carbon dioxide, in which part of the aqueous solution comprising urea, ammonium carbamate and ammonia obtained in a urea synthesis section is subjected to dissociation in a treatment section operating at a predetermined medium pressure for the recovery of the ammonium carbamate and of the ammonia contained in it, comprises the step of subjecting the urea aqueous solution resulting from the aforementioned dissociation step to decomposition in a low pressure urea recovery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Zardi, Paolo Sticchi, Paolo Brunengo
  • Patent number: 7582795
    Abstract: It is intended to enable an apparatus for synthesizing urea and a method for revamping the same to place a heavy condenser at a relatively low position and to circumvent problems associated with letting a process fluid flow within a tube in the condenser. The present invention provides an apparatus for synthesizing urea including: a synthesis reactor for reacting NH3 with CO2 to obtain a urea synthesis solution containing urea, unreacted NH3 and CO2, and water; a stripper for stripping the urea synthesis solution with use of at least a part of raw material CO2 to separate a gas containing the unreacted NH3 and CO2; a vertical submerged condenser having a shell and tube structure for condensing the gas in an absorbing medium on the shell side while cooling the gas with a cooling medium passing through the tube side; and recycling means for recycling a liquid obtained from this condenser to the synthesis reactor, wherein this condenser is placed below the synthesis reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 7579502
    Abstract: It is intended to enable more smooth operation in an apparatus for synthesizing urea by circumventing the downward flow of a urea synthesis solution which is a gas-liquid two-phase flow and stabilizing the flow of the urea synthesis solution still remaining the gas-liquid two-phase flow and to reduce energy loss by giving smaller flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 7498464
    Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for synthesizing urea which synthesize urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, the operating condition can be grasped easily and with good accuracy. A process for synthesizing urea which includes: a reaction step of obtaining a urea synthesis solution which contains urea, unreacted ammonia, unreacted carbon dioxide and water by causing ammonia and carbon dioxide to react with each other; a stripping step of separating a gas mixture containing the unreacted ammonia and the unreacted carbon dioxide by stripping the urea synthesis solution by using at least a portion of raw material carbon dioxide; a condensing step of obtaining a condensed liquid by condensing the gas mixture in an absorbing medium while cooling the gas mixture; a recycling step of recycling the condensed liquid to the reaction step; and a step of measuring the density of the condensed liquid online. An apparatus for carrying out this process is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 7220882
    Abstract: In a process for urea production of the type comprising the reaction between ammonia and carbon dioxide in a high-pressure reactor followed by an autothermal stripping of the resulting reaction mixture so as to obtain a gaseous flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide and a liquid flow comprising urea and residual carbamate in aqueous solution and by a stripping of said gaseous flow in units operating at medium pressure, a gaseous flow coming from said units operating at medium pressure and comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide is partially condensed in a condenser to give a mixed liquid/gaseous flow. The uncondensed gases comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide are separated from the liquid phase in a separator and subjected to washing in a packed portion of a column in countercurrent with a flow of a carbonate solution obtaining a gaseous flow essentially consisting of ammonia and a liquid flow comprising a carbamate solution in which the carbon dioxide contained in said uncondensed gases has been absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Lino Porro, Pasquale Gueli
  • Patent number: 7094927
    Abstract: Process for increasing the capacity of a urea plant comprising a compression section, a high-pressure synthesis section, a urea recovery section, in which a urea melt is formed, and optionally a granulation section, the capacity of the urea plant being increased by the additional installation of a melamine plant and the urea melt from the urea recovery section of the urea plant being fed wholly or partly to the melamine plant and the residual gases from the melamine plant being returned wholly or partly to the high-pressure synthesis section and/or the urea recovery section of the urea plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Tjay Tjien Tjioe, Jozef Hubert Meessen
  • Patent number: 7091379
    Abstract: A process for urea production comprises the steps of:—performing a reaction between ammonia and carbon dioxide in a reaction space to obtain a reaction mixture comprising urea, carbamate and free ammonia in aqueous solution,—subjecting said mixture to a stripping treatment with carbon dioxide feed as a stripping agent to obtain a first flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapor phase and a flow comprising urea and residual carbamate in aqueous solution,—feeding said flow comprising urea and residual carbamate in aqueoue solution to a urea recovery section,—separating in said recovery section said residual carbamate from the urea to obtain a first flow of carbamate in aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventor: Federico Zardi
  • Patent number: 7052655
    Abstract: Urea is prepared by reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide in an apparatus comprising a vertical condensation and synthesis column and a stripper, to provide a urea synthesis solution comprising urea, unreacted ammonia, unreacted carbon dioxide and water. The urea synthesis solution is transferred from the top of the vertical condensation and synthesis column to the top of a stripper. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the bottom of the stripper and contacted with the urea synthesis solution, thereby separating the unreacted ammonia and the unreacted carbon dioxide from the urea, and providing a mixed gas comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The mixed gas is transferred into the bottom of the vertical condensation and synthesis column, where it is reacted with liquid ammonia injected into the bottom and a middle of the vertical condensation and synthesis column. The mixed gas and liquid ammonia are condensed and react to form urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja
    Inventors: Tadashi Fukunaka, Kenji Yoshimoto, Kenji Sakai, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 6921838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide with the application of a synthesis reactor, a condenser, a scrubber and a stripper, wherein an outlet of the stripper, through which a gas stream is discharged during operation, is functionally connected to the inlet of the condenser and to the inlet of the reactor and wherein an outlet of the condenser is functionally connected to an inlet of the scrubber and wherein the obtained reaction mixture is stripped in the stripper in countercurrent with one of the starting materials, wherein the division of the gas stream from the stripper to the condenser and the reactor is completely or partly controlled by one or more controlling elements present in the non-common part of the functional connection between the outlet of the stripper and the inlet of the condenser and/or the inlet of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Kees Jonckers, Jozef Hubert Meessen
  • Patent number: 6875892
    Abstract: A method for the production of synthesis urea from liquid ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide, comprising the step of feeding separate flows (6, 8) of liquid ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide in continuous to a substantially vertical or horizontal column synthesis reactor (1), is distinguished in that the feed of liquid ammonia is split up into at least two consecutive sections (Z1-Z7) of said column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Domenico Romiti
  • Patent number: 6855846
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in which all or part of the liquid ammonia needed for the process is supplied to the high-pressure scrubber in such a way that it is in direct contact with the other streams supplied to this scrubber. In particular in such a way that there is direct contact between the liquid ammonia and the off-gases transferred to the high-pressure scrubber from the urea synthesis reactor. More in particular in such a way that there is direct contact between the liquid ammonia and the off-gases transferred to the high-pressure scrubber from the urea reactor and with the carbamate stream, which is transferred from the low-pressure urea recovery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Johannes Biermans, Kees Jonckers
  • Patent number: 6852886
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in which a urea synthesis solution containing urea, ammonium carbamate and unconverted ammonia is formed in a synthesis zone, a part of the urea synthesis solution being transferred from the synthesis zone to a medium-pressure treatment zone operating at a pressure of 1-4 MPa, and a gas stream from the medium-pressure treatment zone being absorbed into the low-pressure ammonium carbamate solution from the urea recovery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 6730811
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in which the low-pressure carbamate stream formed in the further upgrading of the urea synthesis solution is stripped in a CO2-carbamate stripper in countercurrent contact with CO2, which results in the formation of a gas mixture consisting substantially of ammonia and carbon dioxide. This gas mixture is preferably subsequently condensed in a high-pressure carbamate condenser and then returned to the synthesis zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes H. Mennen
  • Patent number: 6702992
    Abstract: A method for the modernization of a plant for urea production of the type comprising a reactor (2) for urea synthesis, a stripping unit (3) with carbon dioxide and at least one vertical condensation unit (4) of the film type, foresees the provision of means (36) for feeding a major portion of a flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapor phase leaving the stripping unit (3) to the condensation unit (4) and the provision in said condensation unit (4) of means (37) for subjecting to substantially total condensation such major portion of the flow comprising ammonia and carbon dioxide in vapour phase, obtaining a flow comprising urea and carbamate in aqueous solution, then fed to the reactor (2) for urea synthesis. Thanks to the present method of modernisation, the efficiency of the condensation unit (4) is remarkably improved, thus permitting an increase of its capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Pagani, Federico Zardi
  • Patent number: 6680407
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, the installation comprising two reactor sections in a vertically placed combined reactor and a high-pressure condenser section. The installation may comprise a vertically placed combined reactor, with the two reactor sections being separated by a high-pressure condenser section. In another embodiment the installation comprises a vertically placed combined reactor that comprises two reactor sections and a high-pressure condenser section placed outside the reactor. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of urea in this installation. This involves feeding the gas stream leaving the stripper wholly or partly to the high-pressure condenser section of the installation. Preferably, a portion of the gas stream leaving the scrubber is fed to the second reactor section in the vertically placed combined reactor via an ammonia-driven ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Mennen
  • Patent number: 6649795
    Abstract: In a process for decomposing a carbamate aqueous solution coming from a urea recovery section of a urea production plant at a predetermined temperature by indirect heat exchange with a heating fluid having a different predetermined temperature, the temperature difference between said carbamate aqueous solution and said heating fluid is reduced to a value not higher than 70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Pagani, Federico Zardi, Domenico Romiti
  • Patent number: 6518457
    Abstract: A process for the synthesis of urea, which comprises subjecting a urea synthesis solution from a urea synthesis column to stripping with a raw material carbon dioxide under a pressure approximately equal to the urea synthesis pressure to separate a major portion of unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide as a mixed gas from the urea synthesis solution, condensing the mixed gas by indirect heat exchange with the urea synthesis solution from which the mixed gas was separated and that is preferably decompressed to a pressure lower than the urea synthesis pressure, and heating the urea synthesis solution by heat of condensation generated at the time of the condensation of the mixed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Sakata, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 6476262
    Abstract: Urea is prepared by reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide in an apparatus comprising a vertical condensation and synthesis column and a stripper, to provide a urea synthesis solution comprising urea, unreacted ammonia, unreacted carbon dioxide and water. The urea synthesis solution is transferred from the top of the vertical condensation and synthesis column to the top of a stripper. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the bottom of the stripper and contacted with the urea synthesis solution, thereby separating the unreacted ammonia and the unreacted carbon dioxide from the urea, and providing a mixed gas comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The mixed gas is transferred into the bottom of the vertical condensation and synthesis column, where it is reacted with liquid ammonia injected into the bottom and a middle of the vertical condensation and synthesis column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja
    Inventors: Tadashi Fukunaka, Kenji Yoshimoto, Kenji Sakai, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 6426434
    Abstract: A urea synthesis process with improved heat economy, wherein a urea synthesis solution obtained by removing most of the unreacted ammonium carbamate by stripping with carbon dioxide at a pressure approximately equal to a urea synthesis pressure is subjected to a high and low pressure decomposition. The gas mixture obtained from the high-pressure decomposition is condensed in at least two steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja
    Inventors: Kinichi Yoshida, Kenji Yoshimoto, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Publication number: 20020085965
    Abstract: In a process for the production of urea, substantially pure ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a reaction space (1) from which comes out a reaction mixture subjected to stripping (2) to obtain a partially purified mixture sent to a urea recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8). From the recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8) it is obtained a dilute carbamate solution, which is subjected to stripping (9) with recycling of vapors to the reaction space (1) after condensation (6). This process achieves high conversion yield with reduced energy consumption and low implementation costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: PAGANI GIORGIO, ZARDI UMBERTO
  • Patent number: 6392096
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, the preparation being effected in whole or in part in a vertical combi-reactor. The gas stream leaving the stripper is fed to the condenser section of a vertical combi-reactor in which this gas stream is wholly or partially condensed in the carbamate stream which is transferred from the scrubber section to the condenser section via a downcomer. Ammonia and carbon dioxide are partially converted into urea in this condenser section of the combi-reactor. The urea conversion is completed in the reaction section of the combi-reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes H Mennen, Kees Jonckers
  • Patent number: 6344588
    Abstract: In the present process for the preparation of urea, an off-gas stream released during the synthesis of melamine in a high-pressure melamine process which consists predominantly of ammonia and carbon dioxide, is introduced into at least one high-pressure section of a urea stripping plant and is used in the synthesis of urea. The off-gas stream can be used directly without any further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: DSM, N.V.
    Inventor: Julius G. T. Van Wijck
  • Patent number: 6342632
    Abstract: In a process for the production of urea, substantially pure ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a reaction space (1) from which comes out a reaction mixture subjected to stripping (2) to obtain a partially purified mixture sent to a urea recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8). From the recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8) it is obtained a dilute carbamate solution, which is subjected to stripping (9) with recycling of vapors to the reaction space (1) after condensation (6). This process achieves high conversion yield with reduced energy consumption and low implementation costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Urea Casale
    Inventors: Giorgio Pagani, Umberto Zardi
  • Patent number: 6118023
    Abstract: Method for increasing the capacity of an existing urea process, the existing urea process comprising a reactor (R), a pressure-reduction section (SC) and a urea-recovery section (U), characterized in that(i) a stripping column (S) is added, in which ammonium carbamate from the reaction mixture is stripped with carbon dioxide or is thermally stripped at almost the same elevated pressure, resulting in a gaseous mixture (G1) and a liquid mixture (M4), which liquid mixture (M4) is fed to the pressure-reduction section (SC),(ii) a condenser (C) is added, which is fed with the gaseous mixture (G1), ammonia and optionally carbon dioxide, in which the gaseous mixture (G1) is condensed at almost the same elevated reactor pressure (P) and at least 30% of the equilibrium amount of urea obtainable under the condensation conditions is furthermore formed, in which a liquid mixture containing urea, water and ammonium carbamate (MS) is formed, which mixture is fed to the bottom of the existing reactor (R), and a gaseous mixt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Kees Jonckers, Hendrik F. Perree
  • Patent number: 6114579
    Abstract: In the present process for the preparation of urea, an off-gas stream released during the synthesis of melamine in a high-pressure melamine process which consists predominantly of ammonia and carbon dioxide, is introduced into at least one high-pressure section of a urea stripping plant and is used in the synthesis of urea. The off-gas stream can be used directly without any further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: DSM. N.V.
    Inventor: Julius G. T. Van Wijck
  • Patent number: 6093850
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for synthesizing urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide while preventing corrosion of sites, that are to be in contact with a condensate, of the joints of a tube plate and cooling tubes in a condenser installed vertically or horizontally. According to this process, the sites, that are to be in contact with the condensate, of the joints of the tube plate and the cooling tubes in the condenser are prevented from corrosion by enveloping the sites with liquid ammonia or a solution rich in ammonia in the synthesis of urea comprising separating unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide as a gaseous mixture thereof from a urea synthesis solution at a pressure substantially equal to the urea synthesis pressure, bringing the gaseous mixture into contact with an absorption medium in the condenser to form a condensate, and recirculating the condensate to the synthesis column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kojima, Hidetsugu Fujii
  • Patent number: 5936122
    Abstract: A vertical condenser is installed on or above a urea synthesis column to condense the mixed gas from the stripper by bringing it into contact with an absorption medium under cooling. A first down pipe for making the top part of the condenser communicate with the bottom part of the synthesis column is provided to allow the resultant condensate to flow down to the bottom part of the synthesis column by gravity. The condensate is subjected to urea synthesis together with feed ammonia or a part of feed carbon dioxide supplied thereto. The urea synthesis solution thus formed is introduced into the stripper by gravity through a second down pipe having an opening in the top part of the synthesis column. Unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide are separated as the aforesaid mixed gas by the rest of the feed carbon dioxide and introduced into the bottom part of the aforesaid condenser so as to be condensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kojima, Hidetsugu Fujii
  • Patent number: 5886222
    Abstract: Improved yield process for urea synthesis by starting from ammonia and carbon dioxide, comprising a reaction zone under high pressure and temperature conditions, a section wherein a portion of unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide are stripped and recycled to the reactor, which section operates under substantially the same reactor pressure, and a subsequent section, operating under medium and/or low pressure conditions, for urea purification and simultaneous recovery of residual carbon dioxide and a portion of residual ammonia contained in the effluent stream from the stripping section, as an aqueous solution of ammonium carbamate, in which said aqueous ammonium carbamate solution is either totally or partially fed to said stripping section. Said process makes it possible a conversion of carbon dioxide into urea to be obtained in the reactor which is higher than 70%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Rescalli