CUSTOMER: Kemira Agro UK Ltd, Ellesmere Port, UK

PROBLEM: Kemira manufactures agricultural fertilisers, involving the production of ammonia, nitric acid and ammonium nitrate. Temperatures reach 1200C in parts of the process and pressures reach 240 barg. The corrosive nature of nitric acid and other solutions on site causes pipeline corrosion, and the high temperatures and pressures involved necessitate a fast response to repairing leaks.

 SOLUTION: Furmanite (already renowned for its expertise in leak-sealing in almost every industry) was contracted to provide a 24/7 call out service when leaks occur.  The contract has so far involved seven leak-sealing projects.  Furmanite specialise in applying leak sealing techniques such as ring clamps, box enclosures and bonnets. Where there is no existing solution a suitable technique can invariably be developed using the company’s in-house compound development, and bespoke clamp design and test facilities. Using the latest materials and compounds, Furmanite's expertise covers steam, water, hydrocarbons, gas and chemical leaks at temperatures from sub-zero to 600°C, and pressures to 350 bar g.

OUTCOME: Todate, Furmanite has made an extremely effective cotribution to the smooth running of the plant, saving Kemigra considerable downtime an on-cost.