#	Pagina
attuale pagina	/open-h2020/projects/204572/results.html

Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PHOSave (Innovative solution for phosphate recovery from exhausted extinguishing powders)

Teaser

Summary

The aim of the PHOSave project is the recovery of exhausted extinguishing powder (polyvalent powder) via an eco-innovative, chemical/physical, solubilisation process.
In particular, PHOSave aims at developing a system for the recovery of phosphate contained in exhausted extinguishing powder. This will help to develop new products to use in fields such as the agriculture and wood sector. The widespread use of PHOSave technology will maximize profits and environmental aspects. The following goals will be achieved: a solution to the problem of exhausted extinguishing powder (which is a special waste); the reduction of CO2 in the industrial chain and the recovery of raw materials in an almost pure form.
The PHOSave specific objectives are:
1) Developing an innovative eco-compatible method for removing the powder oil component, that is nowadays an unsolved industrial and environmental problem.
2) Implementing a pilot plant for the treatment of the exhausted extinguishing powder and recovering the phosphate.
3) Contributing to the implementation of new eco-sustainable waste management methods and the recovery of a high value, non-renewable, raw material (phosphate).
4) Obtaining fundamental raw materials for the formulation of specialty fertilizers, achieving further environmental benefits in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
5) The recovery of raw material will fit nicely into an already mature market of flame retardant chemicals and chipboard panel for furniture. The acid solution obtained in PHOSave can be used as an acid catalyst for adhesives and the produced granular material can be added during the preparation of the panels. The presence of phosphate confers a positive degree of fire protection.

Work performed

The PHOSave Project is currently at an advanced step. All the work packages foreseen in the first period was done or in progress. The project is continuously monitored by the project manager, who coordinates the actions, using the best resources available both human and material, in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
Procedures suitable for the analysis of both the raw materials and the final products are being developed. These analytical methods provide detailed information about chemical composition and physical properties by quantifying the amount of chemical species as organic and inorganic components with the aim to determine the presence of undesired contaminants and estimate the efficiency of the silicone oil removal process. A lab scale pilot plant was realized to test the treating of the exhausted extinguishing powders and to optimize the process. The site selection and preparation were done. An accurate conceptual design was developed. The engineering was complex due to technical issues and to optimize the entire process. The mechanical and biological treatment plant is already instaled and the components of the chemical treatment plant identified and in some cases bought. A first LCA version was performed, supporting engineering process. New fertilizer and flame retardant formulations were developed. Regarding dissemination, ProPHOS realized a PHOSave dedicated Website (www.phosave.com) and an introductive video that explains the importance of the project. The developing of the idea into a concrete industrial recovery and the production program. ProPHOS participated in events and conferences in Italy and other European Countries.

Final results

Currently the PHOSave method and process demostrated to be able to remove silicone oil from the exhausted fire extinguishing powders.
Raw materials were obtained in an almost pure form.
The project will contribute to urgent needs from the European economy, in terms of phosphate raw materials imports, new skills, job opportunities and new business. A big enviromental contribution will be done in terms of:
1) reduction of pollution (Inappropriate treatments of the exhausted extinguishing powders that often are dispersed in the environment);
2) industrial impact (important raw materials recovery, occupancy, new formulation for agriculture and wood sectors);
3) reduction in CO2 in the industrial chain (based on LCA).
ProPHOS has built a strong reputation among its customers by winning this competition. Workers and employees embraced without hesitation or fear the new challenge, that caused in some cases a philosophical or even personal change in the organization, with some people assuming additional responsibilities and making them a possible candidate for a future promotion. The company hired three permanent people. In January 2018 ProPHOS is going to hire a salesperson, and other two workers as well. This new company environment and knowledge has increased the efficiency of the work processes and encouraged innovation. At the beginning of 2017 ProPHOS won as coordinator, another local competition called â€œAccordi per la Ricerca, Sviluppo e Innovazioneâ€ co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with the project â€œFOODTECHâ€. In the consortium of participants there are three Italian Universities and three companies, and the partners Politecnico of Milan and Biotecnologie BT were subcontractors of the project PHOSave. The other two subcontractors of PHOSave are involved in the new project too. One of the aims of FOODTECH is building a new R&D laboratory. Thanks to this notoriety and experience, in July 2017 ProPHOS was contacted to participate to the European project CINPAD - Circulation of bio-based nitrogen and phosphorus with recyclable adsorbents. The main objective is to improve the sustainability of agriculture by introducing new innovative bio-based fertilizers, which meet the requirements laid down in the new EU fertilizer regulation.
On October 17, 2016 a second Patent Application was filed in Italy by ProPHOS. The invention concerns a process for the recovery of chemical compounds from exhausted extinguishing powders as a development and improvement of the previous European Patent Application. In addition, the development of highly efficient granulated fertilizers using the raw materials obtained by the PHOSave Process resulted in a fruitful collaboration with the A. Costantino spa company (an Italian worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing vegetal and animal hydrolyzed proteins to feed living organisms in the fields of Fermentation, Diagnostics, Animal care, Agriculture, Cosmetics, Food & Beverage). ProPHOS R&D team developed several fertilizer formulations for various crops, adding a natural bio-stimulant obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of an organic matrix. It is a complex mixture of peptides of different chain lengths, free amino acids and oligosaccharides. All these compounds can improve the nutrient use efficiency of the plant, stimulating plant development by allowing the reduction of fertilizers consumption, and enhancing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The bio-stimulant positively affects plant physiology by acting on photosynthesis, protein synthesis and phenolic composition and it can significantly reduce water stress. From the manufacturing point of view, other important commercial agreements are going to be signed with companies such as SOLVAY (extinguishing powder sector) and Gruppo Isagro (Fertilizer sector). In 2018 with the installation of the plant for the recovery of exhausted extinguishing powders, ProPHOS will presumably play a leading role, consolid