NH3 Recovery Plant

Problem

‍The ammonium bicarbonate production process generates aqueous wastewater containing a low concentration of ammonia (about 1% w), representing both an economic loss of raw material and an environmental risk from discharge. The challenge was to design a system capable of recovering this ammonia from the wastewater, concentrating the final product above 12% w, and reducing gas emissions to the atmosphere while complying with strict regulatory limits.

Solution

‍The ammonia recovery plant is designed to concentrate the final product above 12% w and reduce emissions. The wastewater is heated and treated in a stripping column where ammonia is separated from the salts, producing a concentrated top stream and a purified bottom stream. The ammonia vapor is then condensed and further absorbed with water and anhydrous ammonia in an absorption column, generating the final product ready for storage. Residual gases are treated in a scrubber with an acidic solution to meet emission limits, ensuring efficiency, safety and environmental compliance.

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