Published
2024-04-11
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Nitrogen and syngas are large industrial markets using syngas as a source of hydrogen. The feedstock for plants has traditionally been non-renewable natural gas and coal. The end-products include fertilizers, fuel, and various chemicals.

The rise in population figures is driving forecasts for growth demand for most of the end products. However, the industries face big challenges, including how to integrate more renewable feedstock and how to satisfy the growing demand for hydrogen.

The increasing interest in green ammonia (made from hydrogen produced by renewable energy) and blue low-carbon ammonia makes it essential to focus on accelerating technology in support of the energy transition.

Alleima is moving the nitrogen and syngas industries forward through our world-leading advanced stainless steels and special alloys. It’s how we relentlessly push ourselves and the industries we serve to be more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable.

Using engineering as a force for sustainable good

How to support the environment and the energy transition was a key discussion point at the recent annual Nitrogen + Syngas conference, held in Gothenburg, Sweden. The conference was well attended and is one of the largest gatherings for the global nitrogen and syngas industries. It was a good opportunity to network with new and existing customers and discuss industry trends.

Our experience makes the difference. Our expertise makes it work

At Alleima, we have a long history of developing customized materials for nitrogen and syngas.

Safurex® is a highly corrosion-resistant high-alloy duplex specially developed for the Stamicarbon urea process. Suitable for the severe conditions in strippers in urea production and used in more than 200 plants with zero ruptures, Safurex® is designed to enable an oxygen-free process that increases output and safety.

Bimetallic tubing is widely used to support corrosion reduction in the urea industry, and its popularity in the nitric acid industry is increasing. An acceptable alternative to using tubing made entirely from expensive zirconium is bi-metallic tubing, developed by Alleima, where the inner tube is made of zirconium and the outer tube is made from Alleima® 2RE69, or Alleima® 2RE10 (for nitric acid).

Alleima® 2RE10 is our most common grade used in nitric acid plants. Other alloys such as duplex steels or austenitic stainless steels are recommended where the cooling water contains high concentrations of chlorides, such as in the cooler/condenser or absorption tower. SAF™ 2304 offers very good resistance to stress corrosion cracking and good resistance to general corrosion and pitting. It also offers very high mechanical strength – roughly double the yield strength of ASTM 304L. This enables lighter constructions, a more compact system design, and minor welding. Sanmac® 316/316L can also be used where ASTM304/304L has insufficient corrosion resistance.

Another material in our duplex range, SAF™ 2906, has a highly successful track record in supporting the nitrogen industry and is recommended for nitric acid tubes.

Alongside delivering the absolute best in materials technology, we support our customers through our materials knowledge and service delivery. We combine our industry-leading research and development capabilities with our sales, technical marketing, and production management strengths to engineer the right solutions for each of our customers.

It’s how they can rely on us to always move them forward.