Single Super Phosphate

SSP - Nutritional Solutions to Sustainable Yields

• Sulfur demand of crops can be met by Using Fertilizers like Single Super Phosphate

• DAP is dependent of Global Phos Acid suppliers and availability depends on global swings

• SSP could easily meet P requirement while simultaneously supplying S, Ca and micro–nutrients
to Crops

• SSP also helps to protect the soil from disintegration

• SSP use in Sulphur deficient crops increases the crop yield by 15-25%

SSP MANUFACTURING PROCESS

• Raw Material

• The phosphate rock, imported from Nauru, Jordan and Morocco is mainly Fluor apatite,
Ca5(PO4)3F and is equivalent to 70 - 85% Ca3(PO4)2 by weight.

• The actual composition of the phosphate rock varies with the source.

• The sulfuric acid is produced on the site

• The reactions occurring during the production of single superphosphate are complex and are

• usually summarized as follows:

• 1. Ca5(PO4)3F + 5H2SO4 → 5CaSO4 + 3H3PO4 + HF

• 2. Ca5(PO4)3F + 7H3PO4 + 5H2O → 5Ca(H2PO4)2

• .H2O + HF

• These reactions can be combined to give the overall equation:

• 2Ca5(PO4)3F + 7H2SO4 + 3H2O → 7CaSO4 + 3Ca(H2PO4)2 + H2O + 2HF

• The production of superphosphate consists of three distinct steps.

• Step 1 - Phosphate rock blending and grinding

• Step 2 - Superphosphate manufacturing

• Step 3 - Granulation

Step 1 - Phosphate rock blending and grinding

• Phosphate rock from different sources have different phosphate, fluoride and silica contents.
These rocks are mixed in the blending plant to produce a product with a total phosphate
 concentration of 15%. The phosphate rock mixture is passed through a hammer mill which
reduces the particle size to 0.5cm or less.

• The coarsely ground rock is then passed through an air swept roller mill (Bradley Mill) to attain a
rock grist of approximately 75% less than 75 microns. The powdered rock is stored in a large
hopper. The powder handling system is fitted with a dust collection system.

Step 2 - Superphosphate manufacture

• The ground rock and sulfuric acid are reacted in a horizontal mixer. The feed rates are
approximately:

• Phosphate rock - 25 tonnes/hour

• 98% Sulfuric acid - 14.5 tonnes/hour

• Water - 6 tonnes/hour

• A continuous flow of the sloppy mix drops out of the mixer into the Broadfield Den.

The den consists of a slowly moving floor (approx. 300 mm/min) to enable setting of the cake and
reciprocating sides, which prevent the superphosphate adhering to the walls. The partially matured
superphosphate cake is cut out of the den with a rotating cutter wheel after a retention time of
approximately 30 minutes.

Step 3 – Granulation
• The incline of the drum and the feed rate determine the retention time and bed depth. The
granules are passed out of the end of the drum and through a classifier (wire screen).

• Oversize granules (>6 mm) are recycled through the drum via the pulveriser while the finished
product is conveyed to the product stores.

• The superphosphate continues to cure in the store for about two weeks and the product is
dressed (oversize is passed through a hammer mill after screening) before dispatch.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
• The most significant potential environmental hazards are dust (from the grinding of phosphate
rock) and gaseous hydrofluosilicic acid (from the reaction between hydrofluoric acid and silica or
quartz) emissions. These are both carefully monitored, and a dust catcher and gas scrubber are
used.