Elimination of ammonia from sugar factory condensates by physico-chemical stripping

The functioning of the ammonia-stripping-plant set up in 1989 at the Offstein sugar factory is described under different working conditions. In 1992 and 1994 the working temperatures normally were < 50 degrees C. In 1995 and 1996 the working temperatures were normally > 50 degrees C. Additional experiments designed to eliminate ammonia from calcium-containing water were carried out during the off-season. At temperatures > 51 degrees C, very good results were found. At a constant high pH value (> 10.5) a correlation between elimination of ammonia and pH value could not be established. The experiments with calcium-containing waters gave only a few good results because of the heavy lime incrustrations which made it difficult to maintain steady working conditions.