Shell Thiogro TSP-S Technology

To meet this challenge, Shell Thiogro offers technology for producers to manufacture fertilizers with customised formulas of both slow-release elemental sulphur and fast-release sulphate. This technology is compatible with a range of other modifications such as incorporation of micronutrients.

Given its success with technologies for MAP-S and DAP-S fertilizers, Shell has been asked to develop technology to include elemental sulphur in TSP. Technology for production of TSP-S is now included in the suite of Shell Thiogro sulphur technologies for fertilizer manufacturers.

About the technology

• Utilises a unique patented sulphur micronization process which avoids the generation of potentially explosive sulphur dust. This wet micronization technology eliminates the risk of dust explosion from the milling process
• Sulphur particle size can be managed and controlled in the 20-200 μm range
• Shell Thiogro technology processes sulphur in any available liquid stream found in the manufacturing process - usually phosphoric acid - feeding a complete additive/elemental sulphur/phosphoric acid slurry to the existing TSP reactor
• Simple batch or semi-batch process
• Sulphur micronization process can also be utilised in the production of sulphur-enhanced MAP, DAP and NPK.

TSP-S Process Advantages

1. Unique process to micronize elemental sulphur and produce sulphur-enhanced TSP with minimal dust
2. Can be used in conjunction with almost any TSP production process; with low initial capital cost for installation and without any substantive change in operating conditions. The technology is supported by extensive research and development at recognized global fertilizer research facilities and universities
3. Easy to control and operate.  Changing sulphur particle size and particle distribution requires adjustment of operational parameters only
4. Can use a wide range of raw materials, from concentrated phosphoric acid to diluted scrubber liquor
5. Can be added to existing installations as a new section of the plant and be operated “on-demand”
6. Few additional personnel requirements with possibility of full automation.

TSP-S Product Advantages

Shell Thiogro announces sulphur micronization process for fertilizer producers.

1. TSP with 12% micronized sulphur: same sulphur content as SSP but with 2 - 2.5 times the P₂O₅ content
2. Premium product able to cost-effectively compete with other sulphur fertilizer products – Ammonium Sulphate, SSP or blends – on basis of higher nutrient density, improved handling properties over incompatible blends, and logistical cost advantages
3. Elemental sulphur particle size and particle size distribution can be custom tailored to different markets and specific agricultural environments (e.g. soil and climatic conditions)
4. Product differentiation in competitive markets
5. An excellent delivery vehicle for plant nutrient sulphur.