Keywords: Sulfuric acid, Energy efficiency, Phosphatic fertilizers, Synergy

Typically in a phosphate fertilizer complex the sulfuric acid plant and the phosphoric acid plant are still owned and operated by the same company. A tendency is being observed for this to gradually change in the future in order to optimise economics. Much of the sulfuric acid required will be produced at locations separate from the fertilizer sites, namely at metallurgical plants. Synergies should and will be developed and utilised in the interest of both industries. Key issues are: product quality and price, energy efficiency, environmental acceptance, availability and reliability, product mix and logistics.

Peter Lüdtke and Hans-Jochen König, Lurgi Metallurgie GmbH, Oberursel, Germany.

24 Pages, 6 Figures, 8 Tables, 6 References.