MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A WET HEMIHYDRATE PHOSPHORIC-ACID PROCESS

The wet hemihydrate phosphoric acid process was modeled and simulated with some assumptions and simplifications. The process consisted of gr inding unit, reaction section, filtration section, and hydration unit and steady-state operation was assumed. Modeling was based on actual o peration data and models for each unit were combined to form the overa ll closed system. Results of simulations showed that the model develop ed in this study described the behavior of actual plant very well. Var ious sensitivity analyses for the fundamental parameters were performe d using the model. In grinding section, the effect of specific breakag e rate on particle size distribution was examined. It was possible to regulate the temperature of slurry at reaction and hydration stage by using slurry recycle ratio. The effects of the recycle ratio on phosph oric acid concentration were also investigated.