New method in phosphorus recovery by SF-Soepenberg

Measurement Technology Cleverly Recover Phosphorus Using Modern Sensor Technology

2025-12-19 Source: Jumo | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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The recovery of vital raw materials is increasingly coming into focus—not only for ecological reasons but also due to legal regulations. A current example of this is the new mobile phosphorus recovery plant of SF-Soepenberg GmbH in Hünxe. The company relies on its specially developed chemical process iPhos for dissolving iron phosphates from sewage sludge—supported by precise and robust measurement technology from Jumo.

As a system and solution provider, Jumo not only supplies individual measuring devices but also offers a holistic concept for process monitoring connected to the implemented process control in one of the two truck trailers.(Image: Jumo) — As a system and solution provider, Jumo not only supplies individual measuring devices but also offers a holistic concept for process monitoring connected to the implemented process control in one of the two truck trailers.
(Image: Jumo)

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and thus a cornerstone of global food production. Since natural phosphorus reserves are limited and geopolitically unevenly distributed, phosphorus recovery is becoming increasingly important. Germany is entirely dependent on imports, which creates dependencies. The federal government responded with a clear directive: the revised Sewage Sludge Ordinance requires operators of larger sewage treatment plants to recover phosphorus from 2029 onwards, provided the phosphorus content in sewage sludge exceeds 2% in the dry substrate. The aim is to close nutrient cycles, ease environmental burdens, and ensure long-term supply security.

The Process—Mobile, Modular, And Resource-Conserving

The mobile phosphorus recovery plant from SF-Soepenberg is based on an innovative process that is used directly at the wastewater treatment plant—without complex transport or energy-intensive incineration. Through targeted chemical reactions, the phosphorus bound in the sludge is extracted from insoluble iron phosphates and made available for further use.

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The powerful pressure transmitter Jumo Delos S02 reliably measures pressure at critical points in the process, such as pumps or reaction vessels.(Image: Jumo)

With its capacitive measuring method, the compact new level detector Jumo Zelos C01 LS reliably detects levels of liquids or other media.(Image: Jumo)

In the SF-Soepenberg plant, various sensors are installed throughout the entire recovery process to ensure additional safety and accuracy. Pictured: Andree Flach (right), project manager at SF-Soepenberg GmbH, and Björn Seling, field sales representative at Jumo.(Image: Jumo)

The rotatable display of the pressure transmitter Jumo Delos S02 allows for flexible alignment – ideal in confined spaces or varying installation positions. In addition, direct connection to cloud systems is possible, supporting easy integration into modern Industry 4.0 environments.(Image: Jumo)

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The process is divided into several steps:

Sludge extraction: The excess sludge is taken directly from the secondary clarifier or the digester.
Acid dosing: Sulfur-based reducing agents lower the pH value, dissolving the phosphorus.
Reduction phase: The phosphorus is mobilized into the liquid phase in a mixer or reaction pipe.
Reaction phase: The pH value is raised again by adding sodium sulfite. Flocculation aids then support the separation of solids and liquid.
Solid-liquid separation: A belt thickener separates the phosphate-rich filtrate from the solid content.
Phosphate precipitation: In the final step, the dissolved phosphorus is selectively precipitated as struvite or calcium phosphate.

The entire process is designed to recover up to 90 percent of the phosphorus contained in the sewage sludge. This method not only offers ecological advantages but also significantly reduces disposal costs compared to thermal mono-incineration—while simultaneously lowering the CO₂ footprint through shorter transport routes and reduced energy consumption.

Measurement Technology That Enables Processes

Such a precise chemical process requires reliable and intelligent sensors. As a system and solutions provider, Jumo not only supplies individual measuring devices but also offers a holistic concept for process monitoring integrated into the process control system in one of the two truck trailers. In SF-Soepenberg's plant, various sensors are installed along the entire recovery process—including two new products that provide additional safety and accuracy.

Delos S02—The New Pressure Transmitter

This powerful pressure transmitter reliably measures pressure at critical points in the process, such as pumps or reaction containers. The Jumo Delos S02 impresses with highest measurement accuracy, excellent long-term stability, and intuitive operation via Bluetooth. Its rotating display allows for flexible alignment—ideal for confined spaces or variable installation positions. Additionally, direct connection to cloud systems is possible, supporting easy integration into modern Industry 4.0 environments. This makes the device perfect for use under demanding conditions, providing maximum process reliability while ensuring high user-friendliness.

Zelos C01 LS—The New Level Detector

With its capacitive measuring method, the compact Jumo Zelos C01 LS reliably detects liquid or other media levels. It offers high chemical resistance, flexible installation positions, and utilizes modern IO-Link technology for easy integration into the digital process environment. Media-contacting parts are made of PEEK, ensuring excellent resistance to aggressive media. Additional features include a unique auto-calibration function, short-circuit and reverse polarity protection, as well as a 360° status indicator according to NE107 as standard. Communication is supported via IO-Link or PNP, NPN, Push-Pull. The sensor is designed for media temperatures ranging from -40 to 392 °F, depending on the specific version.

Other Jumo components used include pH and redox sensors for monitoring chemical reactions, temperature sensors, level sensors, and transmitters for signal conversion. Jumo thus provides the key sensor technology for stable and efficient plant operation—tailored to the individual requirements of the mobile recovery solution.

Recovery With System—Sustainable And Efficient

The innovative phosphorus recovery plant of SF-Soepenberg GmbH demonstrates how a technically demanding challenge can be transformed into an ecologically and economically compelling concept. Thanks to precise sensor technology and smart measurement systems, the path is clear for a secure, modular, and future-proof solution in the spirit of a sustainable circular economy. The combination of innovative process engineering and intelligent sensor technology illustrates what modern environmental technology looks like today: flexible, efficient, digital—and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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