Large-scale demonstration – AMPHORE
The plant set up in Bottrop as part of the AMPHORE project is used for the large-scale demonstration of phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge ash. The conversion is carried out using the wet-chemical PARFORE® process, in which the phosphorus is recovered from the ashes in the form of phosphoric acid.
Background information on the project
Description of the plant
The phosphorus recovery plant was built at the Bottrop wastewater treatment plant of the Emschergenosschenschaft. The plant was planned and built by PARFORCE-Technology Cooperation GmbH (PTC) using the wet-chemical PARFORCE® process. PTC was commissioned to do this by the plant operator, PhosRec Phosphor-Recycling GmbH. PhosRec GmbH is the joint subsidiary of the five water boards involved in AMPHORE, which was founded specifically to participate in the project.
The BImSchG permit required for construction and operation was prepared jointly by PhosRec, Emscherwassertechnik and PTC and applied for by PhosRec with the Münster district government. The permit was granted by the district government in March 2023.
Implementation status
The plant construction in Bottrop was completed at the end of 2023 and the work was transferred to the commissioning measures from the beginning of 2024. In September 2024, the first continuous, two-week operation of the plant started, which serves as proof of function for the plant constructor regarding the process and the plant in Bottrop. Following the successful verification, the plant will be handed over to PhosRec GmbH, which will register the start of operation and begin demonstration operation.
Outlook
The aim of the two-year investigation period is to gain experience in operating the plant and to optimize the process technology for the ashes used from the project area. The focus will also be on the phosphoric acid obtained as well as the by-products. Together with potential customers and disposal companies, possible utilization and disposal methods will be determined on the basis of product sample tests. The findings from the demonstration plant are incorporated directly into an assessment based on ecological and economic criteria. Together with the operating and optimization results and the findings on product utilization and possible disposal routes, these are incorporated into the decision-making and strategy process of the five water boards, for which phosphorus recovery has been made mandatory from 2029 or 2032 following the amendment of the Sewage Sludge Ordinance.
