Reliability through experience
AFA Workshop Low Carbon Initiatives for Fertilizers Plants the 26 – 28 November 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
De Smet Agro (DSAG) will participate at the AFA Workshop Low Carbon Initiatives for Existing & New Fertilizers Plants the 26 – 28 November 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Jan Tytgat and Rodolphe de Meester will participate in this year’s workshop about “Low Carbon Initiatives for Existing & New Fertilizers Plants”, where Jan Tytgat will co-present with Prayon: “JPMC PAP Adaptation to Low-grade Rock”
WORKSHOP ABSTRACT:
JPMC PAP Adaptation to Low-grade Rock
Session Summary:
Over the years, the performance of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) phosphoric acid plant in Aqaba has been declining due to the decreasing quality and increasing humidity of the phosphate ore. These factors have led to reduced plant capacity and diminished filtration performance, presenting significant challenges in achieving the target concentration for Merchant Grade Acid (MGA). The increased viscosity of the acid, coupled with higher impurity levels, has further complicated the production process, impacting overall efficiency and product quality.
To address these challenges, a comprehensive revamping study was conducted by DSA/PRT, aiming to restore the plant’s operational performance to its historical peak levels observed in the mid-1990s when the phosphate rock quality was higher. The study proposed several key improvements while maintaining the current attack-digestion section of the plant. One of the primary upgrades involves the installation of a new rock dryer upstream of the milling facilities to mitigate the effects of high humidity of the phosphate ore. Additionally, a new tilting pan filter will be implemented to compensate for the loss of filtration efficiency, installed in parallel to the existing filter.
To further enhance the concentration process, two new concentration trains identical to the existing ones will be added, increasing the plant’s capacity to handle lower-quality ore. A newly designed recirculation system will also be introduced, enabling the return of concentrated acid to the weak acid settler. This modification aims to reduce the solid content in the final concentrated acid, thereby facilitating the achievement of the required MGA specifications.
In addition, the existing cooling water facilities need to be extended and a new electrical substation is added.
These strategic upgrades are expected to significantly improve the plant’s operational performance, ensuring a more consistent production output and better-quality acid, while also enhancing the plant’s resilience to variations in phosphate ore quality. The proposed measures are crucial for sustaining long-term productivity and competitiveness in the global phosphoric acid market.
Session Presentators:
Presentation by Jan Tytgat (De Smet Agro) and Sébastien Havelange (Prayon Technologies)
Workshop topic: “Low Carbon Initiatives for Existing & New Fertilizers Plants”
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Jan Tytgat is Process Engineering Manager at De Smet Agro (DSAG)
Division in charge of Agro-Nutrients projects development in the fields of Fertilizer base chemicals and Downstream fertilizers.
About De Smet Agro:
De Smet Agro (DSAG) is a subsidiary of De Smet Engineers & Contractors’ (DSEC), resulting from the acquisition of SNC-Lavalin S.A. in 2020. Taking root from over 60 years of experience, we provide the full range of project delivery services, from technical audits and technology solutions to complete EPCM, EPC and turnkey delivery to the Fertilizers Industry, both on phosphate and nitrogen routes.