Selection And Optimization Of Concentration Nitric Acid Indirect Production Process For Lanzhou Petrochemical Company

This paper introduces the 15 KTA concentrated nitric acid plant project of Lanzhou petrochemical company, the construction of which was started in 2003. After comparing the domestic process with overseas process, the Concentrated Nitric Acid Plant finally selected the double-pressurizing method for diluted nitric acid, and the magnesium nitrate method for concentrated nitric acid. These methods are used as the main production processes with key equipment and catalyst optimized. This paper has analyzed the problem on some of the China-made machines and hence suggestes to promote the technical level of the plant by importing overseas equipments. As for catalyst, the advanced two-dimentional flat platinum net was used in stead of the three-dimentional flat platinum net. This paper also forecasts the development of materials for future production of nitric acid and analyzes/summarizes the problems occurred during the start-up of the plant. It is a really breakthrough because various new materials (for example, high silicon cast iron) were tried for production of concentrated nitric acid.This plant was proved successful by commissioning and performance test run after completion of construction of this biggest concentrated nitric acid plant in China. The target"Achieve high technical level with low pollutes to the environment"set at the beginning of the project has been fulfilled.