Technology providers Johnson Matthey (JM), London, and KBR, Houston, announced on Sept. 8 that they have signed a global strategic alliance agreement to license a ground-breaking ammonia-methanol coproduction process that combines the company’s ammonia and methanol process technologies.
The two said the coproduction process makes the most of the synergies between the two technologies, maximizing savings while offering the highest levels of safety, flexibility, and reliability.
The coproduction process combines JM’s methanol production process and KBR’s proprietary Purifier™ ammonia process. They said the coproduction of methanol and ammonia in a single plant eliminates duplication of equipment compared to two stand-alone plants, reducing CAPEX.
The companies said the synergies between the two technologies reduce the environmental impact of the plant and its OPEX through shared utilities and lower energy consumption, while the process grants the operator the flexibility to optimize production and adjust to opportunities within the marketplace, as opposed to separate plants tied to one dedicated product.
“Methanol and ammonia hold great promise for continued energy and fuels transition to a greener world,” said John Gordon, JM Managing Director. “This strategic agreement is a powerful combination that provides our customers a comprehensive solution for enhanced asset optimization, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact. Our partnership with KBR takes ammonia-methanol production to the next step with a single point license that delivers innovative operational agility to meet ever changing market demand.”
“I am excited to announce the alliance agreement combining market leading technologies from KBR and JM into a new offering for our clients,” said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology Solutions. “KBR’s ammonia technology is known for its lowest energy consumption resulting in reduced carbon footprint, highest reliability and safety, and outstanding financial performance.”
JM has supplied the methanol industry with technology and catalysts for over 45 years and has licensed over 100 grassroots methanol plants in that time. Since the 1960s, KBR has licensed, engineered, or constructed more than 244 ammonia plants worldwide.