Scale-up for production of ammonium phosphates from sewage sludge ash

Leonardo A. Simesen de Bielke

Research output: ThesisEngD Thesis

Abstract

Phosphorous is a finite and non-renewable resource that is essential for plant growth and agricultural production. It is a key component of fertilizers used in modern agriculture, and its availability is crucial to maintaining global food security. However, the global supply of phosphorous is limited and most of it being found in a few countries. In addition, the extraction and use of phosphorus can have significant environmental impacts, including the depletion of non-renewable resources and pollution of waterways.
Recycling phosphorus is therefore essential to ensure its availability for future generations and to reduce the environmental impacts of its extraction and use. By recycling phosphorus from sources such as wastewater, animal manure, and food waste, we can recover valuable nutrients and reduce the need for new phosphorus extraction. In addition, recycling phosphorus can reduce the amount of phosphorus that enters waterways, which can cause harmful algal blooms and other environmental problems.
Overall, the recycling of phosphorus is critical for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental protection. Countries like Germany will implement laws in the near future, requiring a minimum of 80% phosphorous recovery from waste streams by 2029.
Susphos is a company that has an innovative process to achieve this and has already performed lab and pilot plant tests. The next step is the full scale design to recycle phosphorous from Sewage Sludge Ash.
The goal for this project was to provide a concept design for such a plant by using the information available and by performing new tests whenever critical information was missing. The uttermost priority of Susphos is proving the 80% P recovery, which will facilitate the expansion of the company in other countries through the construction of new plants with higher and/or more efficient recovery. This work delivers an initial process flow diagram, mass balance of the full process, CAPEX and OPEX estimations.
With this information it is possible to go into the next project phase which consists on testing industrial equipment from vendors and selecting the most suitable ones. This will further improve the accuracy of the cost estimate. This work also identifies points for improvement in the process.
Original languageEnglish
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Finotello, Giulia, Supervisor
  • Abma, Wiebe, External supervisor, External person
Place of PublicationEindhoven
Publisher
Publication statusPublished - 16 Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

EngD thesis. - Confidential until 16-3-2033.

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