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Category: Aktuelles

RePhoR at the 57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft

RePhoR at the 57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft

57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft. © Martin Braun / FiW e. V.
57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft. © Martin Braun / FiW e. V.
57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft. © Martin Braun / FiW e. V.
57th Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft. © Martin Braun / FiW e. V.
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband
Impressions AMPHORE excursion. © Ruhrverband

The 57th Essener Tagung took place from 06-08.03.2024. It provided new impulses with its thematic focus on “Paths to sustainable water management and society”. In the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Thomas Wintgens, ISA of RWTH Aachen University, Dr. Bettina Hoffmann, Parliamentary State Secretary at the BMUV, and Ms. Gunda Röstel, Deputy Chairwoman of the German Council for Sustainable Development, made it clear that the water sector holds three key positions in the sustainability transformation with climate, biodiversity and resource protection. The RePhoR joint projects P-Net and RePhoRM also presented their current work and interim results in the “Sewage sludge/phosphorus” thematic block.

On the last day, the participants of the excursion had the opportunity to visit the phosphorus recovery plant of PhosRec GmbH in beautiful weather. Even before the official inauguration and commissioning, the visitors were welcomed by employees from the AMPHORE project in Bottrop. After a short introductory talk, the visitors were taken on a joint tour of the plant in the multifunctional hall. The PARFORCE® process implemented here and the work planned as part of the project were presented to the visitors on the basis of diagrams and during a tour of the plant. Following completion, the phosphorus recovery plant is now in the commissioning phase and is due to start the two-year trial phase in the middle of the year.

Further information on the joint projects can be found under the following link: https://www.bmbf-rephor.de/en/joint-projects/

RePhoR joint project KlimaPhoNds at “Woche der Umwelt“

RePhoR joint project KlimaPhoNds at “Woche der Umwelt“

© Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)

The “Woche der Umwelt” will take place in Berlin from 4 to 5 June 2024. The RePhoR joint project Klima-PhoNds will be there as an exhibitor.

Together with the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is organising the Environment Week in the park of Bellevue Palace.

This year, the RePhoR joint project KlimaPhoNds will be exhibiting at the event, using the example of the Northeim sewage treatment plant to show that the future phosphorus recovery obligation can be met in a way that is climate-friendly, resource-efficient and cost-effective.

KlimaPhoNds pursues a decentralized phosphate extraction in wastewater treatment plants, and based on this, a centralized refinement of the phosphate precipitation products to high-quality phosphoric acid, ammonia water and magnesium chloride. The climate neutrality is achieved by a nearly heat-neutral drying process with fluidized bed evaporation drying. The result is a fully dried, low-phosphate sewage sludge that can be recycled without residue and used in the cement industry for material and energy generation. A prerequisite for enough P-depletion in the sewage sludge is an optimized bio-P-elimination at the sewage treatment plant. In the first of two phases, the bio-P elimination at the Northeim wastewater treatment plant is maximized. If enough Bio-P fixation is successfully demonstrated, phase 2 will demonstrate the processing of the precipitation products to different raw materials, the almost heat-neutral drying and the utilization of dry sewage sludge as fuel and raw material on a technical scale.

For more information on the event and to register, please visit the following link:
https://www.woche-der-umwelt.de/wdu-aussteller/tu-clausthal-cutec-forschungszentrum/
https://login.dbu.de/veranstaltungen/woche-der-umwelt-2024/

Filming for AMPHORE: A visit to the Bottrop Sewage Treatment Plant

Filming for AMPHORE: A visit to the Bottrop Sewage Treatment Plant

© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.
© FiW e. V.

On Wednesday, 20.03.24, it was time for RePhoR for the 4th time! This time we were able to visit the BMBF-funded joint project AMPHORE at the Bottrop sewage treatment plant. In bright sunshine, project coordinator Hanna Evers from the Ruhrverband stood in front of the camera and explained the course of the project as well as its goals and prospects.

As part of the BMBF funding programme RePhoR (Regional Phosphorus Recycling), the TransPhoR project is producing a total of seven short films about the joint projects. The films provide a lively insight into the different approaches of the projects.

We would like to thank the entire team on site for this great day of filming!

In the AMPHORE joint project, five water boards in North Rhine-Westphalia cooperate with the support of research partners, engineering offices and commercial enterprises. The size of the association with 139 sewage treatment plants and approx. 9% of the German sewage sludge production enables an innovative, region-wide management approach for sewage sludge as well as a targeted production and further treatment of ashes of different qualities. The part of the ashes that is more heavily contaminated with heavy metals is processed in a complex, wet-chemical recovery process with the aim of achieving extensive separation of pollutants and valuable substances by generating precisely fitting phosphoric acid qualities (purity, concentration) for regional customers. It is being examined whether ashes produced in a targeted manner with particularly low pollutant contents can be used in an alternative, possibly more cost-effective phosphorus recovery process. Due to the expected synergy and scale effects, significant advantages for composite solutions can be expected. In the AMPHORE project, therefore, public-law cooperation models are being examined and the cooperation of the participating water associations in the legal form of a limited liability company is being implemented as an example.

More information can be found on the RePhoR homepage at https://www.bmbf-rephor.de/en/joint-projects/amphore/ or on the project homepage https://www.ruhrverband.de/wissen/projekt-amphore/ .

P-Net-partner ISOE featured in a Deutschlandfunk Kultur report on sewage sludge recycling

P-Net with radio feature on Deutschlandfunk Kultur

© Studio_Iris, pixabay.com

On January 30, 2024, Deutschlandfunk Kultur (Dlf Kultur) published a radio report on the topic of “Sewage sludge – from waste to raw material”. Dr. Martina Winker from ISOE, a P-Net partner, explained important details on the process.

Sven Kästner visits the Ruhleben sewage treatment plant near Berlin, which treats and reuses the wastewater of around 2 million Berliners. Toilet, washing and street waste water is treated here. Stephan Natz from Berliner Wasserbetriebe explains how a sewage treatment plant works and what happens to the remaining sludge. This is fed into a secondary clarifier, where the water is removed from the sludge, and then burnt in the sludge incinerator.

Dr. Martina Winker from ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research, a partner in the P-Net project, explained details on the nutrients within the sewage sludge. The report is available to listen to via the following link: https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/klaerschlamm-vom-abfall-zum-rohstoff-dlf-kultur-53f6db00-100.html

In recent years, processes that produce crystalline phosphorus products by means of precipitation and crystallisation have become established in the large-scale implementation of phosphorus recovery. P-Net is researching the open questions of this technology in order to make it fit for the entry into force of the amended Sewage Sludge Ordinance. The aim is to preserve the advantages of these plants in fertiliser production and to make them more widely available. The focus is on establishing a regional network for phosphorus recycling to strengthen this technology line (“struvite line”).

Public relations and science communication is becoming increasingly important in research projects. Especially for complex topics such as phosphorus recycling, which is still little known in the public eye, it is necessary to use different media to present the projects. With the increasing number of podcasts and podcast listeners, it makes sense to take the first steps in this direction of science communication with radio programmes. We congratulate the P-Net team on placing this important topic in such a prominent format!

RePhoR filming continues: SATELLITE in Hannover, Hildesheim and Pattensen

RePhoR-Dreharbeiten gehen weiter: SATELLITE in Hannover, Hildesheim and Pattensen

Interview with Prof. Stefan Köster. © Hupp-Dobusch
Interview with Prof. Stefan Köster. © Hupp-Dobusch
Main building of Leibniz University Hannover. © FiW e. V.
Main building of Leibniz University Hannover. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot at the Hildesheim sewage treatment plant. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot at the Hildesheim sewage treatment plant. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot at the Hildesheim sewage treatment plant. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot at the Hildesheim sewage treatment plant. © FiW e. V.

The next RePhoR filming continues: this time at the SATTELITE joint project in Hildesheim and Nienburg. After the last two filming dates at DreiSATS and P-Net, we were able to continue together with the team from Hupp-Dobusch in Lower Saxony. Together with the coordinator from ISAH Leibniz Universität Hannover we visited the LUH test facility and the semi-technical test facility. Prof. Stefan Köster answered our questions in front of the camera about the aims of the project, while Dr.-Ing. Erwin Voß, CEO of Stadtentwässerung Hildesheim, and Dr.-Ing. Jens Manthey, Managing Director of KNRN, provided insights into the further processes on site in Hildesheim. The filming was prepared and accompanied by Dr.-Ing. Maike Beier, coordinator of the SATELLITE project, Johannes Reiter and Torben Martens from ISAH and Miriam Müller from SeHi. A big thank you to the entire team for a great day of filming!

As part of the BMBF funding programme RePhoR (Regional Phosphorus Recycling), the TransPhoR project is producing a total of seven short films about the joint projects. The films provide a lively insight into the different approaches of the projects.

The Satellite project offers a concept for the implementation of a comprehensive intermunicipal network for the joint planning and management of plants in regional centres (treatment plants with more than 50,000 inhabitants) and their satellites (treatment plants with less than 50,000 inhabitants) for regions with a strong agricultural character. In addition to the treatment of sewage sludge, the aim is also to integrate relevant agricultural nutrient sources (liquid manure, biogas plants). The project is coordinated by the ISAH at the Leibniz University of Hannover and is carried out together with the partner institutions BIORESTEC, Göttinger Entwässerungsbetriebe, Kommunale Nährstoffrückgewinnung Niedersachsen GmbH, Kreisverband für Wasserwirtschaft Nienburg, Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen, PARFORCE GmbH, Raiffeisen Agil Leese eG, R-E-Pro Ingenieurbüro Dr Sabrina Breitenkam, SF-Soepenberg GmbH, Stadtentwässerung Hildesheim and the town of Pattensen.

More information can be found on the RePhoR homepage at https://www.bmbf-rephor.de/en/joint-projects/satellite/ or on the project homepage https://satellite-rephor.de/index.php

Struvite precipitation as an attractive option for phosphorus recovery – short report from a P-Net event

Struvite precipitation as an attractive option for phosphorus recovery - short report from a P-Net event

© ISOE

On February 22, the possibilities of P recovery via struvite precipitation were discussed and classified at an event in Braunschweig. The event entitled “Struvite precipitation as an attractive variant of phosphorus recovery – an offer to exchange process engineering experience” was organized by the research association “P-Net – Regional Network for Resource Efficient Phosphorus Management”.

At the event, it became clear that the advantages of this phosphorus extraction must be made more visible; there are several providers of processes that are almost ready for the market. Struvite fertilizer is also a valuable product for agriculture. In addition, there is still a lot of work to be done by the players: The production volume, for example, has so far been rather small, and wastewater treatment plants would have to adapt their process technology and make investments.

The exchange in Braunschweig helped to discuss the developments and open questions and to drive the research work forward. If you are interested in details and an exchange on the topic, please contact pnet@isoe.de.

You can also find more information on P-Net at https://www.bmbf-rephor.de/en/joint-projects/p-net/.

German Phosphorus Platform DPP e. V. publishes new policy memorandum on phosphorus recovery

German Phosphorus Platform DPP e. V. publishes new policy memorandum on phosphorus recovery

The German Phosphorus Platform DPP e. V. has published a policy memorandum on phosphorus recovery. It analyzes and evaluates how Germany intends to recover phosphorus from sewage sludge by 2029 in order to make the use of resources more sustainable.

The German Phosphorus Platform DPP e. V. recently published its policy memorandum on phosphorus recovery 2023/24. This memorandum provides a thorough analysis of the pressing issues and presents concrete recommendations for action to enable phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge by 2029. By clearly identifying obstacles and recommending solutions, the DPP provides valuable insights for policy makers, industry stakeholders and the public.

A central concern of the memorandum is the link between recovery and use of phosphorus to ensure an efficient economic cycle. Issues such as the Fertilizer Ordinance and the status of waste in the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act are addressed in order to improve the prospects of implementation.

The German Phosphorus Platform DPP e .V. sees the policy memorandum as a starting point for further dialog with various interest groups along the value chain. It offers itself as a constructive platform for discussing the theses and recommendations set out in the memorandum in an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral manner.

Further information and details on the DPP’s recommendations can be found on the website of the German Phosphorus Platform DPP e. V.: https://www.deutsche-phosphor-plattform.de/pressemitteilung-politikmemorandum-zur-phosphor-rueckgewinnung-2023-24-der-deutschen-phoshor-plattform-dpp-e-v/

RePhoR filming continues: P-Net in Brunswick

RePhoR filming continues: P-Net in Brunswick

P-Net project coordinator Dr. Thomas Dockhorn and Andreas Kolb from TU Brunswick © FiW e. V.
P-Net project coordinator Dr. Thomas Dockhorn and Andreas Kolb from TU Brunswick © FiW e. V.
On location: Stefanie Meyer from Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig, Andreas Kolb and Prof. Thomas Dockhorn from TU Brunswick as well as the production team of Hupp-Dobusch and Sophia Schüller (FiW e. V.) from the accompanying project TransPhoR. © Hupp-Dobusch
On location: Stefanie Meyer from Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig, Andreas Kolb and Prof. Thomas Dockhorn from TU Brunswick as well as the production team of Hupp-Dobusch and Sophia Schüller (FiW e. V.) from the accompanying project TransPhoR. © Hupp-Dobusch

RePhoR filming continues: this time at the P-Net joint project in Brunswick. After the great kick-off shoot last December at DreiSATS, we were able to continue last week together with the team from Hupp-Dobusch at the Steinhof sewage treatment plant in Brunswick. Together with the coordinator, the ISWW of the TU Braunschweig, and the Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH, the recordings took place last Tuesday in strong winds, including breakneck drone flights. The P-Net project is coordinated by the TU Brunswick. We would like to thank them for their great and professional cooperation!

As part of the BMBF funding measure RePhoR (Regional Phosphorus Recycling), the TransPhoR transfer project is producing a total of seven short films about the joint projects. The films provide a lively insight into the different approaches of the projects.

In recent years, processes that produce crystalline phosphorus products by means of precipitation and crystallization have become established in the large-scale implementation of phosphorus recovery. P-Net is researching the unresolved issues of this technology in order to make it fit for the entry into force of the amended Sewage Sludge Ordinance. The advantages of these plants in fertilizer production are to be preserved and made more widely usable. The focus is on the establishment of a regional network for the recycling of phosphorus to strengthen this technology track (“Struvite track”). The project is coordinated by the ISWW of the TU Brunswickand is being carried out together with the partner institutions ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Abwasserverband Braunschweig (AVB), Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH (SE|BS), Abwasser- und Straßenreinigungsbetrieb Stadt Gifhorn (ASG), PFI-Planungsgemeinschaft GmbH & Co. KG and SF-Soepenberg GmbH.

More information can be found on the RePhoR homepage at https://www.bmbf-rephor.de/en/joint-projects/p-net/ or on the project homepage https://p-net.tech/.

The 101st Conference of Environment Ministers has called for prompt decisions on phosphorus recycling

The 101st Conference of Environment Ministers has called for prompt decisions on phosphorus recycling

The 101st Conference of Environment Ministers was held in Münster in November. The federal states are urging for increased funding for nature conservation and climate protection.

The Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling has prompted the federal states to urge the government to swiftly create a federal budget for 2024 that complies with the constitution. Additionally, there were concerns raised about potential cuts to nature conservation and climate protection.

The Sewage Sludge Ordinance’s requirement for phosphorus recovery by 2029 was also reaffirmed, with an emphasis on sustainable management, as phosphorus remains a critical raw material. Association President Kurth emphasised the need for dialogue between the federal government, federal states, and industry to address current challenges. Politicians are under great pressure to make quick decisions.

The association president praised the development of technologies in the field of phosphorus recycling.

Read more at https://www.umwelt.nrw.de/presse/detail/ergebnisse-der-101-umweltministerkonferenz-1701431976

Filming started for the short films of the RePhoR projects

Dreharbeiten für die Kurzfilme der RePhoR-Projekte gestartet

Das Drehteam von Hupp-Dobusch, Sophia Schüller (FiW e. V.) vom Begleitvorhaben TransPhoR sowie das Projektteam von VKD von der Pilotanlage in Markranstädt. © Hupp-Dobusch
The filming team from Hupp-Dobusch, Sophia Schüller (FiW e. V.) from the TransPhoR accompanying project and the VKD project team from the pilot plant in Markranstädt. © Hupp-Dobuschnik
Impressionen vom Dreh mit Drohnen in Magdeburg bei Carbotech. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot with drones in Magdeburg at Carbotech © FiW e. V.
Impressionen vom Dreh mit Drohnen in Magdeburg bei Carbotech. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot with drones in Magdeburg at Carbotech © FiW e. V.
Impressionen vom Dreh in Markranstädt. © FiW e. V.
Impressions from the shoot in Markranstädt © FiW e. V.
DreiSATS-Projektleiterin Claudyn Kidszun (Veolia Klärschlammverwertung Deutschland GmbH) erläutert die Hin-tergründe des Projekts. © Hupp-Dousch
DreiSATS project manager Claudyn Kidszun (Veolia Klärschlammverwertung Deutschland GmbH) explains the background to the project. © Hupp-Dousch

The accompanying project TransPhoR, coordinated by FiW, is producing a total of seven short films for the funded joint projects as part of the BMBF funding measure Regional Phosphorus Recycling (RePhoR). The DreiSATS project kicked things off on December 12 in Markranstädt and Magdeburg.

Public relations work is also becoming increasingly relevant in research projects. Particularly in the case of a topic that appears inaccessible at first glance, such as phosphorus recycling, which is still far from reaching the general public, it requires the use of a wide variety of media to generate enthusiasm for the project content – and thus also to justify the funding to the public. As a scientific support and transfer project, TransPhoR sees it as its task to strengthen communication between various stakeholders. To this end, a short film was produced in the summer with the background to the funding measure. In the coming months, short films will also be produced for the individual collaborative projects to provide an insight into the objectives and the outlook beyond the project duration.

The DreiSATS project made the start. On 12.12.23, our employee Sophia Schüller (TransPhoR) and the film crew from Hupp-Dobusch were able to visit the project’s test facility at Veolia Klärschlammverwertung Deutschland GmbH (VKD) in Markranstädt and the pulverized fuel furnace at Carbotechnik in Magdeburg. Project coordinator Claudyn Kidszun (VKD) and her team, Peter Schöfmann from Carbotechnik and Dr. Marc Lincke from Fraunhofer IKTS accompanied the filming of the project with the utmost commitment. We would like to thank them for their great and professional cooperation!