thyssenkrupp Uhde selected by Grupa Azoty for new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant

• Ammonium nitrate production from low pressure ammonia and aqueous nitric acid with a plant production capacity of 1500 mtpd

• uhde^® ammonium nitrate neutralization process ensures extremely low reaction temperature

thyssenkrupp Uhde has been selected by Grupa Azoty S.A. of Poland to supply a new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant. Grupa Azoty S.A. is a key player on the European fertilizer and chemicals market and the second largest EU-based manufacturer of nitrogen and compound fertilizers. The new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant will be based on the natural circulation process and produce liquid ammonium nitrate (AN). The process will ensure precise control of the reaction parameters for highly efficient and sustainable plant operation.

For this project, thyssenkrupp Uhde will be responsible for the licensing, basic engineering and supply of the process equipment as well as for technical consulting services for the detail engineering, construction, and commissioning. The chosen ammonium nitrate solution process is based on proven uhde^® technologies which have already been successfully implemented in over 50 commercial-scale plants around the world. These form the basis of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonium nitrate technology portfolio. The new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant will be constructed in Tarnow, Poland.

Dr. Cord Landsmann, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde: “This project for Grupa Azoty marks another milestone for us and will further strengthen our position as a technology provider in the fertilizer industry. We at thyssenkrupp Uhde are proud to be selected as the partner to provide a most efficient ammonium nitrate neutralization plant. It's a big step towards a more sustainable chemical industry. We are proud to say that we were the only licensor who could offer a referenced technology which is able to use low-pressure gaseous ammonia as feedstock without requiring an ammonia compressor. This project proves that we can offer advanced ammonium nitrate technologies to the market and deliver the best solutions for our customers.”

Tomasz Hinc, President of the Management Board, CEO of Grupa Azoty S.A.: “For us, thyssenkrupp Uhde represents the best possible technology partner for designing the new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant. We have chosen a reliable and trustworthy company with proven technology and long-standing expertise in the global fertilizer market.”

Grupa Azoty S.A.’s selection of thyssenkrupp Uhde as its partner for this ammonium nitrate neutralization plant not only speaks for thyssenkrupp Uhde’s expertise, but also signifies the trust placed in its ability to deliver proven solutions for the fertilizer industry.

Highly efficient ammonium nitrate production: low reaction temperature for high impact

thyssenkrupp Uhde has over 100 years of experience in the fertilizer sector and has engineered uhde^® ammonium nitrate neutralization, a proprietary uhde^® process already implemented in many of the largest fertilizer plants worldwide. The chosen natural draft process tolerates low-pressure feedstock ammonia and is characterized by a high circulation rate and a very low reaction temperature compared to other technologies, which operate at >180°C. With these chosen operating parameters, a very high safety level is achieved by design.

About Grupa Azoty

The Grupa Azoty Group is the undisputed leader of the Polish fertilizer market and a key player on the European market of fertilizers and chemicals. It is the second largest EU-based manufacturer of nitrogen and compound fertilizers, also enjoying a strong position on the melamine, polyamide, oxo alcohols, plasticizers and titanium white markets. Investment projects are an important pillar of the Grupa Azoty Group’s strategy, with Polimery Police, implemented by the special-purpose vehicle Grupa Azoty Polyolefins, being the Group’s largest project. Ranking among the largest chemical industry projects in Poland and Europe, Polimery Police will help diversify the Grupa Azoty Group’s business, while improving Poland’s position on the plastics market and strengthening its independence in terms of energy and raw material supplies.

In 2021, the Grupa Azoty Group announced its business strategy until 2030, a specific action plan driven by the Group’s climate neutrality and energy transition goals. The strategy is the Group’s response to the requirements of the European Union’s climate policy. Specific initiatives, including those focused on environmentally friendly captive energy generation, the need to reduce emissions and decarbonise the business, have been presented in ‘Green Azoty’, the Group’s strategic corporate project. To find out more, visit: https://grupaazoty.com/en/ 

About thyssenkrupp Uhde

thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of fertilizer and chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical and fertilizer industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. To find out more, visit: www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com