Stamicarbon finalizes urgent urea reactor relining for North American customer
Stamicarbon, together with regional welding and machine shop partners, has successfully engineered, led and supervised the urgent relining of a leaking urea reactor in a non-Stamicarbon plant for a customer in North America. The technically challenging project represents the first full reactor relining in Safurex® super duplex stainless steel and the first relining from zirconium to Safurex® material.
“Stamicarbon directed the job from start to finish, drawing on the knowledge of our specialists in mechanical engineering, materials and inspections – both onsite and at our headquarters in the Netherlands,” said Alex Scheerder, Principal Engineer at Stamicarbon.
Relining of the vessel
Before relining, the vessel was cut in half, and the old zirconium plates were removed. Once the new materials were installed and internal work was completed, the two halves were accurately positioned and welded back together. A Stamicarbon inspector was onsite for the duration of the work to coordinate, advise and inspect the critical welding work carried out by a USA-based partner company and supported by Stamicarbon’s approved machine shop.
“The customer came to us with an urgent problem, and we were in a position to be able to assist, arrange improved delivery from on-stock materials and guide this technically demanding job,” said Julio Padovani, Stamicarbon’s North American Area Sales Director - Services. “The plant is now back in operation, and our customer is satisfied with the outcome, as well as our responsiveness and expertise under pressure.”
The project took place over four months, including the purchase order, procedure draft, delivery of materials, on-site relining and commissioning, and updating the existing leak detection system.
Leak detection and monitoring
The scope included Stamicarbon’s leak detection system, a reliable system that continuously monitors for leaks, ensuring the safe operation of lined high-pressure equipment. Timely detection helps to prevent hazardous situations and reduce damage to equipment, lowering repair costs and production losses.
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