HOW DO POWER AND STEAM PRICES AFFECT UREA PLANT-DESIGN

The CO//2 compressor is the largest mechanical energy consumer in a urea plant. The type of compresor and its prime mover will have a high impact on the total energy consumption of the plant, as well as on the plant design as a whole. To obtain the optimum plant, the design must be tailored to suit local conditions. Clients should, therefore, closely cooperate with the engineering contractor and process licensor from the outset. This paper describes the way the relation between steam price and power price influences the selection of the carbon dioxide compressor driver and ultimately the plant design.