CSIR Technology Portal
CSIR Technology Portal

 Technology Profile

Title:

Potassium Fertilizer from Biomass and Spent Wash Ash

Value Proposition:

This technology offers a sustainable and chemical-free solution, converting waste into valuable resources while tackling ash disposal issues. It produces K-S salt (min 50% K2O, 5% S), a product suitable for agriculture.

Summary Application:

The technology focuses on extracting potash from biomass ash/spent wash ash, transforming it into a sustainable fertilizer. The process involves mixing ash with water in an agitator, followed by filtration to separate leachate and subsequent evaporation to extract potash. Utilizing a counter-current washing technique, it yields eco-friendly potash-rich salt without using any chemicals or acids in the process. This technology not only addresses waste management for distilleries and biomass power plants but also promotes sustainable agriculture by providing a nutrient-rich alternative to synthetic fertilizers. 

Advantages:
  • Utilizes a zero waste and zero liquid discharge process, promoting environmental responsibility.
  • Avoids the use of harmful chemicals or acids, ensuring environment-friendly production and application.
  • Enriches potash (50% K2O) with other essential nutrients like S, Ca, etc.
  • Aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable K fertilizer for use in agriculture.
  • Represents a significant advancement over traditional chemical-dependent methods of fertiliser production from ash. 
  • Converts biomass ash/ spent wash ash, a byproduct of energy production, into valuable agricultural inputs, reducing disposal issues.
Tech. Readiness Level:
CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research
CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research[CSIR-CIMFR]
:  director[at]cimfr[dot]res[dot]in
:91-326-2296023
:https://www.cimfr.nic.in
Industrial Applications: Fertilizers [Agriculture]
Patent(s): IN417820
Photograph(s)