H₂Retake™ Technology– A Proven Solution for Ammonia Cracking at Scale

As industries scramble to decarbonize, the demand for a non-fossil high-purity energy product has never been greater. And as a multitude of alternative energy solutions flood the market, the search for a high-quality energy vector that checks all the boxes is a highly sought-after commodity.

One such solution gathering increasing attention, particularly from maritime and thermal power generation, is ammonia, specifically green and blue NH₃. This energy-dense hydrogen carrier is easy to store, easy to transport, and has vital transportation infrastructure already in place. And a critical step to unlocking this ultra-low carbon fuel source’s potential remains in ammonia cracking.

H₂Retake™ technology answers the market’s need for an ammonia cracking solution for large-scale single-train capacities. And with 30+ years of operational experience, we are the only company that has a successful and proven track record with large-scale ammonia cracking production.

Our versatile solutions can support both fully green and blue ammonia value chains. No matter the input, the outcome remains a high-quality energy product.

How the H₂Retake™ fired ammonia cracker process works

Our H₂Retake™  ammonia cracking solution incorporates a process that reconverts ammonia into hydrogen in 4 essential steps:

• Ammonia distillation
• Ammonia cracking
• Separation
• Final purification
  

The heart of the process – the cracker

The process begins with preheating distilled ammonia feed in the convection section of the ammonia cracker. The feed then enters the catalyst tubes, loaded with TOPSOE™'s ammonia-cracking catalyst, which cracks the ammonia into a mixture of hydrogen, nitrogen, and uncracked ammonia. All of which is represented by the reaction shown hereunder:

2 NH₃ (+ heat) ↔ N₂ + 3 H₂

Ammonia cracking is an equilibrium process, which is why some uncracked ammonia is present in the outlet gas. This residual ammonia is separated and then recycled into the frontend distillation section. Ensuring complete ammonia conversion to hydrogen.

Purification to match your needs

The purification step for cracked ammonia gas removes the nitrogen present in the compound– achieving a high-quality hydrogen product. The purification section is designed to meet customer requirements with a typical hydrogen recovery rate of 96 -97% at a hydrogen purity of 99.9%. The PSA off-gas containing all remaining hydrogen can then be used as fuel to fire the ammonia cracker, maximizing overall efficiency.

 

 

H₂Retake™ Ammonia Cracking Technology Benefits

• Low power input and plot space required compared to electrolysis units
• A wide single-line capacity range available of 100-2400 MTPD NH₃
• High-efficiency conversion of ammonia feed to high-purity H₂
• H₂ quality as per customer requirement
• Off-gases can be fed back into the cracker as fuel for the endothermic reaction
• Any commercial-grade ammonia feed source can be used

A Proven Catalyst and a Proven Track Record– Fit for Purpose

We are the market's leading and preferred ammonia synthesis technology and catalyst supplier and offer a range of proven highly efficient fit for purpose ammonia cracking catalysts.

 Paired with our extensive experience in ammonia cracking, we provide you with the whole package regarding process design, catalysts, proprietary equipment, and expertise. As a result, we will help you maximize efficiency and develop a solid foundation for your operational future.

Next generation ammonia cracking – fit for the future

The market for ammonia cracking is expected to undergo rapid developments in the coming years. TOPSOE™ supports this development by having a commercially available solution that can be contracted now but also by offering the below IP protected development opportunities

• Developments and project specific optimization of the fired ammonia cracking technology
• Development of autothermal ammonia cracking technology for larger capacities
• Development of electrically heated ammonia cracking technology

If you want to learn more about how H₂Retake™ technology can transform your business or hear more about our current development opportunities and how they may support your future business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experts.