Processing of the liquid fraction

Calcium phosphate precipitation

Calcium phosphate precipitation

Objective

Recovery of phosphorus compounds with lime grout (CaO) or calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 by precipitation in the form of calcium phosphate (apatites)

Inlets

Liquid streams rich in P and N, products of other processes

Efficiency

High efficiency. The concentration of phosphorus in the clarified liquid can be found below 2 ppm

Weaknesses

Risk of ammonium volatilization in highly aerated reactors or with CO₂ stripping;
The rate of formation of apatite is lower than that of struvite (in fact, it is considered a by-product of the formation of struvite in the presence of calcium ions);

Products

Apatites (calcium phosphate)

Other outlets

Treated liquid effluent

Consumption

Energy: Low
Water: Not applicable
Reagents: Low

Investment

Not available

Operation

Not available

Observations

Depending on the dose of calcium hydroxide, three calcium phosphates can be obtained: calcium monophosphate highly soluble in water (MCP), calcium diphosphate soluble in citric acid (DCP) and almost insoluble calcium triphosphate (TCP);
Energy consumption comes solely from agitation;
A previous degradation of the organic matter could increase the purity of the apatite;

Combination with other technologies

1. Separation -> Acidification -> Precipitation of calcium phosphate;
2. Separation -> nitrification-denitrification -> calcium phosphate precipitation;
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TRL - 9
Status Consolidated
Complexity Medium

Information made by:

BETA Tech Center