Process & contact
PHOSPHIX® (Clean TeQ Water)
https://www.cleanteqwater.com/technology/phosphix/
Updated 1/2024
Input materials
Liquor stream with soluble phosphorus < 100 mg/l P-PO4 (including very low P concentrations) and pH in the range 6-8.
Output products
Calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) for use as slow-release fertiliser or in fertiliser production
Treated water with <0.1 mg/l P-PO4
Process description
Phosphate is selectively removed to < 0.1 mg/L using proprietary continuous ion exchange. Phosphate is desorbed using calcium-rich sodium hydroxide into a concentrated stream. Hydroxyapatite is crystallised from this stream.
The recovered regenerant stream is reused for desorption, limiting chemical consumption and waste production
Operating status
Laboratory scale testing complete, using synthetic feeds simulating sewage treatment works (MBBR) effluent. Benchtop trials completed in Ireland to show the efficiency of the technology for the removal and recycling of phosphate from a pharmaceutical client’s wastewater. The initial results are positive and larger scale on-site trials are expected to commence by March 2024. Initial testwork completed for a client in the dairy industry in Ireland for phosphate removal and recovery, with piloting discussions ongoing.