D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, Russia

I. A. Pochitalkina, Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, pochitalkina@list.ru
D. Yu. Turaev, Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

Technological conversion of phosphate ores to fertilizers is preceded by processing of the raw material using a combination of physical, mechanical and chemical methods. The separated sludge contains residues of the main component (up to 5 wt. % P₂O₅), impurities of Fe³⁺ and Al compounds, as well as chemical reagents usable for enhancement of flotation efficiency. The lack of a sludge processing technology leads to the loss of P₂O₅, irrational use of land and to the waste disposal fines. To solve the problem, a scientifically based concept of integrated use of phosphorus-containing raw materials (including tailings and waste) with the process solution recycling is proposed, which is relevant in the conditions of high demand for mineral fertilizers and tightening environmental standards. Introduction of the low-grade raw material in production of fertilizes is hindered by the presence of Fe³⁺ impurities (Fe₂O₃/P₂O₅ ≥ 0.12) used by the authors to precipitate FePO₄. After recovery of PO₄^3- by an alkaline extract (97.1 wt%), the residual content of P(V) impurity in Fe(OH)₃ was less than 0.80 wt%. The return of P(V) and Fe³⁺ compounds to the production cycle provides a wastefree technology. The calculated and experimental values of the concentrations of PO₄^3-, Fe³⁺ and Ca²⁺ represent the boundary conditions for the integrated processing of natural and manmade phosphorus-containing raw materials into sodium, ammonium and calcium phosphate salts with by-production of ammonium and calcium nitrates.

The authors express a gratitude to the staff of the Center for Collective Use of the D. I. Mendeleev Russian State Technical University for their help in performing instrumental methods of analysis.

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