Synthesis of urea

Urea is synthesized industrially by adapting the Bosch-Meiser process to the gasification and post-gasification environment developed by us.

The Bosch-Meiser process is based on the synthesis of ammonium carbamate, starting from carbon dioxide and ammonia, and on the subsequent decomposition reaction of the carbamate which provides urea and water according to the following formula::

2NH₃ + CO₂ —> H₂N−COONH₄ —> (NH₂)2CO + H₂O

The heat is provided by gasification.

Overall, the formation of urea from the elements is an exothermic process with ΔfH° < 0 (the decomposition is therefore endothermic) and an exergonic one with ΔfG° < 0.

The urea synthesis process is divided into six sections: 

1. High pressure synthesis and recovery.
2. Medium pressure purification and recovery.
3. Low pressure purification and recovery.
4. Vacuum concentration.
5. Treatment of process condensate.
6. Finish: prilling.

The process leads to a urea solution of approximately 70% by weight, which is followed by a finishing phase to obtain the solid, prilling or granular product.

Although simple in itself, the reaction has several complex aspects:

• The reaction is governed by an equilibrium that requires the removal and recycling of the reactants not transformed into urea.
• The temperatures and pressures required are quite high.
• The solutions are very corrosive.
• The physical and chemical characteristics of solid urea are fundamental.
• A poorly managed urea plant can be a source of air and water pollution. 

Thanks to our technology we have completely solved all the problems listed above by providing high quality solutions which are the strengths of the developed process. High process efficiency (low consumption of raw materials, low energy requirement, no need for additional heat for the process).

In essence, with our process we obtain practically zero environmental pollution and a high quality usable product.