SBIR-STTR Award

This project will investigate the reduction of excessive phosphorus and ammonia in deep-pit swine applications using an integrated phosphorus and ammonia recovery solution with an emphasis on the use of OMRI listed consumables. This investigation will accomplish the following objectives: This proposal has the following 6 primary objectives:1. Develop and perform bench-scale evaluations/demonstrations of an integrated process that allows for the recovery of both nitrogen (NH) and phosphorus4 2. Develop models (1) kinetic model for phosphorus recovery and (2) mass transfer model for ammonia recovery - that can be used to further scale-up the integrated process3. Confirm the ability to reduce high total phosphorus levels in swine manure operations through its recovery as a valued well-balanced product with a goal of 95% recovery4. Confirm the ability to reduce ammonium levels in a QW-P treated stream after removal of the recovered phosphorus precipitate the goal is 90% recovery5. Identify potential market values of the phosphorus and ammonium recovered products to serve as a cost recovery mechanism as well as the fully treated water and6. Evaluate process economics to include annual operating costs estimated capital costs and Net Present Value assuming a 5% discounted rate and 10-year life. These estimates will be developed with and without potential market value of recovered phosphorus and ammonium nutrients. The goal is to be competitive to land application costs in the greater Mercer County (OH) region. In pursuit of the above objectives laboratory bench testing will be conducted to develop process flux characteristics on swine manure that has been first treated for phosphorus recovery. Once identified additional laboratory bench testing will be conducted to investigate and optimize various flow strategies for both the post-phosphorus treated stream and acid receptor stream. Initial efforts will consider the use of sulfuric acid to produce ammonium sulfate and citric acid to produce ammonium citrate for potential use in the organic market. At the conclusion of the investigations a detailed techno-economic analysis will be conducted to establish initial annual operating costs estimated capital costs and net present value (10-year life) with and without consideration of the potential co-product stream values.AES Confidential