Magazine: 502 May-June 2021

Developments in sulphuric acid technology and engineering know-how are highlighted by recent project case studies from DuPont Clean Technologies, Metso Outotec and thyssenkrupp Uhde.

What lessons can be learnt from the successful commissioning and start-up of major fertilizer industry construction projects? Recent case studies from the nitrogen, phosphate and potash industries provide some interesting answers.

Magnesium, a key constituent of chlorophyll, plays a vital role in plant photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. Commercial sources of this essential crop nutrient include Epsom salt, kieserite, langbeinite, magnesium chloride and magnesium nitrate.

As recently as five years ago, decarbonising fertilizer production was little more than an aspiration.

More than 560 delegates participated in CRU’s Phosphates 2021 Virtual Conference, 23-25 March 2021. To highlight this successful event, we report on keynote and selected commercial and technical presentations.

We compare and contrast the 2020 financial performance of selected major fertilizer producers, following the publication of fourth-quarter results.

Filters can be a common bottleneck in overall plant operations. Jerold Johnson and Brad Bentley of WesTech outline how upstream modernisation or upgrades to the thickener can have significant benefits for the efficiency of filter operations downstream. Results are applicable to the dewatering of phosphate tailings and other fine particle tailings.

Vacuum filtration is a key process step in phosphoric acid production. We highlight the main equipment options and recent project installations.

CF Industries has signed an agreement with thyssenkrupp to develop a commercial-scale green ammonia project at its Donaldsonville production complex in Louisiana.

Mayo Schmidt , the former chair of Nutrien, became its president and CEO on 18th April. He succeeds Chuck Magro who is stepping down to pursue new opportunities outside the company. In a coordinated move, Nutrien also announced that Russ Girling , TC Energy’s former president and CEO, would replace Mr Schmidt as the new chair of its board. Mr Magro made himself available to Nutrien until 16th May to allow a smooth transition.