Optimization Of Lifetime LTS Catalyst Ammonia Plant PT. Pupuk Iskandar Muda

Abstract PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda, a company operating in the fertilizer sector, produces waste in its production process, so a waste reduction program is needed. The Low-Temperature Shift Converter (LTS) catalyst used in the fertilizer production process at the Ammonia Factory produces catalyst waste classified as hazardous and toxic. Each LTS catalyst has a lifespan of four years before requiring replacement with a new catalyst. Regular replacement of LTS catalysts leads to a substantial hazardous waste generation of 22.25 tons per year, necessitating special handling to prevent environmental pollution. An innovation was carried out using the method of changing the Standard Operating Procedure by changing the operating conditions, which involved adjusting the operating temperature of the LTS catalyst from 195 to 210°C to regulate the flow of boiler feed water supplied to the Heat Exchanger. This innovation aims to reduce the waste of hazardous and toxic materials and the cost of procuring the catalyst. This initiative succeeded in extending the life of the LTS catalyst to nine years (2012-2021). As a result, there was a significant reduction in catalyst waste generation during 2012-2021, namely 12.32 tons per year, accompanied by annual cost savings of IDR 1,531,200,000.