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The fertilizer industry transforms basic chemicals—such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium—into crop-boosting compounds essential for global food security. Behind this transformation are high-pressure, high-temperature reactions that require precise control and safety. Pressure vessels are the core of this infrastructure, enabling efficient synthesis, separation, and storage throughout the production cycle.
Here are selected project cases demonstrating our capability in delivering pressure vessels for complex petrochemical units.
| Client | Equipment Name | Spec | Weight / Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xinjiang Zhongneng Luyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. | Ammonia Synthesis Tower Shell | DN2510 × 30+6+11 mm × 28,000 mm | Weight: 368 Tons Material: 14Cr1MoR + Q345R (composite structure) / 14Cr1Mo |
| Anhui Quansheng Chemical Co., Ltd. | Ammonia Synthesis Converter | Φ2520 × (30+6+11×12) × 27361 mm | Weight: 370T Material: Q345R + 14Cr1MoR + 12Cr2Mo1R |
| Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co., Ltd. | Methanol Synthesis Tower | Φ4200 × 80 × 15322 mm | Weight: 311.46T Material: Q345R + 14Cr1MoR with S.S.347 / S22053 Overlay Welding |
| Shandong Lianhe Chemical Co., Ltd. | Urea Scrubber Tower | Φ3000 × 22 × 33000 mm | Weight: 139.2T Material: 316L Stainless Steel |
Fertilizer manufacturing—particularly nitrogen-based (ammonia, urea, nitric acid)—relies heavily on pressure vessels at each major stage, from synthesis to scrubbing. These vessels must operate continuously under extreme pressures and in highly corrosive environments.
| Process Stage | Pressure Vessel Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Feedstock Preparation | Gas desulfurization, compression, drying | Desulfurizer, Knockout Drum, Drying Tower |
| Ammonia Synthesis | High-pressure catalytic reaction | Ammonia Converter, Primary Reformer Drums |
| Urea Production | Carbamate reaction and recovery | Urea Reactor, Carbamate Condenser |
| Nitric Acid Production | Oxidation, absorption, and cooling | Oxidation Column, Absorber, Cooler Drums |
| Phosphate Processing | Slurry agitation, phosphoric acid purification | Agitated Tanks, Clarifiers, Vacuum Vessels |
| Utility & Storage | Compressed air/gas and intermediate product storage | Air Receiver, Ammonia Storage Sphere |
Pressure vessels are tailored to specific fertilizer types. Each production route has unique temperature, pressure, and chemical requirements.
Operating Pressure: 10–30 MPa
Key Vessels: Primary Reformer, Waste Heat Boiler, Ammonia Converter, HP Separator
Operating Pressure: 15–25 MPa
Key Vessels: Urea Reactor, Carbamate Condenser, MP/LP Decomposers
Operating Pressure: 0.8–2 MPa
Key Vessels: Oxidation Tower, Absorption Columns, Heat Exchangers
Operating Pressure: Atmospheric or slightly pressurized
Key Vessels: Granulator Drums, Coating Tanks, Rotary Dryers
Fertilizer processes involve ammonia, urea, nitric acid, CO₂, NH₄NO₃, and other corrosive compounds. Pressure vessel materials must endure:
| Material | Key Attributes | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 16MnR / Q345R | General carbon steel, economical and weldable | Urea storage, LP separators |
| 15CrMoR / 12Cr2Mo1R | High-temp strength for synthesis and reformer vessels | Ammonia converter, HP drums |
| 316L / 317L Stainless | Superior corrosion resistance in acidic environments | Urea reactor, nitric acid absorbers |
| Duplex Stainless 2205 | Excellent chloride and nitrate resistance | Nitric acid and ammonium nitrate zones |
| Ti Cladding / Zr Alloy | Ultimate acid resistance (e.g., HNO₃ > 60%) | High-purity nitric acid absorbers |
✅ Common linings & coatings: rubber lining, PTFE lining, glass-fused coating, and stainless steel overlay (E309L/E347).
Here are representative vessels commonly used across nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer facilities:
| Vessel Type | Function | Design Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia Converter | Catalytic reaction under HP & high temperature | Alloy creep resistance, shell thickness |
| Urea Reactor | Carbamate formation from CO₂ & NH₃ | Severe corrosion, pressure containment |
| Absorber Tower | Capture NOx or acid gases in nitric acid unit | Tower packing support, anti-corrosion |
| Carbamate Condenser | Exothermic heat exchanger | Two-phase service, stress control |
| Ammonia Sphere Tank | Storage under pressure (~1.8 MPa) | Large diameter, spherical welding |
Pressure vessels in fertilizer production must meet strict design codes due to hazardous chemicals and continuous operation:
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASME Section VIII | Global standard for pressure vessel design |
| GB150 / GB151 | Chinese national code for vessels & exchangers |
| API 620 / API 650 | Welded low-pressure tanks & atmospheric tanks |
| NACE MR0175 / ISO15156 | Sour service & ammonia compatibility |
| TEMA | Heat exchanger design |
🛠️ Required QA processes:
PWHT (Post Weld Heat Treatment)
100% RT/UT for critical welds
PMI (Positive Material Identification)
Corrosion mapping
Hydrostatic & pneumatic testing
| Engineering Challenge | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Ammonia stress corrosion | Material selection + internal surface passivation |
| CO₂ & nitric acid corrosion | Lining + overlay welding + exotic alloys |
| Thermal cycling fatigue | Simulation-based stress modeling |
| Heavy wall thickness (>50 mm) | Multi-layer welding + PWHT |
| Transport of large vessels | Modularization + field welding options |
Pressure vessels are the engineered heart of fertilizer production, enabling safe and efficient conversion of basic feedstocks into life-sustaining nutrients. With applications in ammonia synthesis, urea processing, nitric acid absorption, and beyond, these vessels must be durable, corrosion-resistant, and compliant with the highest safety and quality standards.
As fertilizer production continues to expand globally and adopt cleaner technologies, the demand for smart, modular, and high-performance pressure vessels will grow. Whether for green ammonia, blue hydrogen integration, or ultra-high-efficiency plants—our expertise in design and fabrication supports your innovation.
Looking for high-pressure, corrosion-resistant vessel solutions for ammonia, urea, nitric acid or phosphate processing?
Let’s build smarter fertilizer infrastructure—together.
Why Choose Us?
Certified Safety, Reliable Quality, Custom-Engineered Pressure Vessels.
Weihai Shidao Heavy Industry Co., Ltd is a leading manufacturer of heavy equipment specializing in nuclear power components & large pressure vessels.
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