Phosphogypsum as an alternative to FGD gypsum

The University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen is currently conducting research projects on the topic of resource conservation. For example the separation of different materials with the aim of recycling or utilising them as a source of raw materials / secondary raw materials. The research concentrates on the gypsum recycling and the substitution of natural gypsum with gypsum from industrial productions. This problem is a particular issue in the southern Harz region, where the interests of big mining companies and nature conservation meet. With the end of coal-fired power generation, the German market will lose around 50 % of its gypsum, as this comes from flue gas desulphurisation. Unless other alternatives are found and utilised, the resulting deficit will probably have to be covered by mining natural gypsum. The current research project ‘PhosphoGypsum’ is investigating a quantitatively promising by-product of phosphoric acid production that requires qualitative optimisation. The aim is to develop a phosphogypsum available in Europe for industrial use and to analyse the existing opportunities, risks and challenges. Various treatment methods are to be implemented in the manufacturing process of the by-product in order to optimise the quality requirements of the material.