- The project, valued at PLN 300 million, aims to modernize nitric acid production.
- The fifth line has a capacity of 1,000 tons per day, with the fourth line starting soon.
- The EnviNOx® system cuts NOx emissions by 98% and N₂O by 96.6%.
- Initial completion was planned for 2019-2021, but faced delays and partial suspension.
Project Overview
Grupa Azoty Puławy has completed a significant phase in its nitric acid production expansion by commissioning the fifth line of its installation. This development is part of a broader modernization and construction project valued at PLN 300 million, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and reducing environmental emissions.
Production Capacity and Modernization
The newly launched fifth line boasts a production capacity of 1,000 tons per day at 100% acid concentration. Additionally, the fourth neutralization line, with a capacity of 1,300 tons per day, is scheduled to begin its technological startup later this month. These advancements are expected to increase the production of high-quality granular fertilizers and facilitate the modernization of the existing four nitric acid lines.
Environmental and Efficiency Improvements
The new line incorporates the EnviNOx® system, which significantly reduces emissions, achieving a 98% reduction in NOx and a 96.6% reduction in N₂O. The project also promises improved production efficiency, with reductions in ammonia usage by 3%, electricity by 26%, and steam by 18%.
Challenges and Delays
Originally conceptualized between 2012 and 2014, with key decisions made in 2015, the project faced delays, with initial completion and commercialization planned for 2019–2021. In 2022, certain aspects, including a new fertilizer production line and the modernization of the fourth nitric acid line, were suspended. Despite these setbacks, the expansion aims to prevent plant downtime, eliminate production bottlenecks, and fully integrate production with existing infrastructure.
