Estimating the Equivalent Energy for Single Super Phosphate Production in Iran

Fertilizer is a major factor in expanding food output. Fertilizer production is also highly energy-intensive. The aim of this study is to determine the equivalent energy for Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer production in Iran. This study was carried out in a fertilizer plant in Sanandaj city. The primary energy resources that were utilized in the plant for single superphosphate fertilizer production were natural gas, electrical and human energy. The raw materials that were used in the production were phosphate rock, sulfuric acid, and water. The Diesel fuel was used for transporting the raw materials by trucks. As we were not sure about efficient use of the attained energy in sulfuric acid production industry in Iran, we estimated the equivalent energy for Single Super Phosphate production by two methods. The total energy consumption for single superphosphate production was 465956 MJ in a month, and it was 790677 MJ without estimating the equivalent energy of sulfuric acid. Pursuant to 225000 kg total fertilizer production in a month, the estimated equivalent energy for producing this fertilizer was 2.07 MJ kg-1, and it was 3.5 MJ kg-1 without estimating the equivalent energy of sulfuric acid.