2026/02/04
There is no single best phosphate fertilizer produciton proscess; the choice depends on the phosphate rock grade, product positioning, environmental considerations, and cost. The main options are summarized below:
The slurry process for ammonium phosphate is the preferred choice for large-scale production in China. It is suitable for medium-to-low-grade phosphate rock and can co-produce monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, and compound fertilizers. It has moderate energy consumption and investment costs, and the by-product phosphogypsum is easy to handle. With balanced nutrients and broad market applicability, it is the most cost-effective and mature process.
The traditional ammonium phosphate process is suitable for high-grade phosphate rock and large-scale facilities. It produces high-purity products with good granule strength, meeting the needs of high-end agricultural applications and export markets. However, it has higher investment and energy consumption costs, and the environmental treatment costs for phosphogypsum are also higher.
The triple superphosphate process produces high-concentration phosphate fertilizer with P₂O₅ content of 42%-46%. It has a high proportion of water-soluble phosphorus and no chloride ions, making it suitable for chloride-sensitive cash crops. However, it only produces single phosphate fertilizer and cannot co-produce nitrogen fertilizer.
The single superphosphate process has low investment and a simple process, suitable for small-scale production and acidic soil improvement. However, it has low nutrient content and high transportation costs, and is gradually being replaced by high-concentration processes.
The nitrophosphate process does not consume sulfuric acid and can co-produce calcium fertilizer. It is only suitable for areas with scarce sulfur resources. The process is complex, and the equipment requires high corrosion resistance, resulting in limited large-scale application in China.
Overall, it is recommended to prioritize the slurry process ammonium phosphate production line, considering capacity, environmental protection, and economic benefits. It can be combined with compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer production lines to increase added value.
