Abstract

Urea was the first synthesis of an organic compound from an inorganic compound. Urea is prepared by the direct dehydration of ammonium carbamate at elevated temperature and pressure. At this time, 95% of all new urea plant are licensed by Snamprogetti, Stamicarbon, or Toyo Engineering. STAM utilizes the thermal stripping process while STAC and Toyo use CO₂ stripping. These processes are described in detail. Finishing processes, prilling, and granulation, as well as treatment of wastewater, are also discussed. Uses for urea include as a basis for fertilizer, in cattle-feed as a supplement, in the manufacture of resins, glues, solvents and some medicinals. Some economic data is also given.