This is the development of a unique online information resource covering technical aspects of fertiliser production. It is called FerTechInform, and Phase 1 is now available for use. This constitutes another element of the Society’s celebration of its 75th anniversary.

You can view a short video about the features and benefits of FerTechInform, while the resource itself is here.

This resource has two complementary parts – an information Knowledge Base and an interactive forum. The Knowledge Base contains introductory level information on processes, chemistry, materials and equipment. This information is augmented by links to more detailed or specific resources and related IFS Proceedings. Thus FerTechInform acts as a convenient ‘one stop shop’ portal for each topic area.

Not only does the forum enable users to interact with each other, but it is supported by a panel of experts who are available to answer questions posted to the forum. This provides another way in which users can find the information they need.

FerTechInform is relevant to everyone working in the fertiliser production industry in a technical or practical capacity – such as plant managers and engineers, plant supervisors and operators, SHE managers, plant designers and developers, and consultants. Staff new to the industry can use the resource as a source of introductory information, while more experienced ones can use it for topics with which they are unfamiliar, or as refresher material. The information in the resource is relevant to fertiliser production in all parts of the world.

For user convenience and flexibility, information in FerTechInform can be found in a variety of ways. It can be browsed, specific terms can be searched for, or the resource can be ‘surfed’ using hotlinks.

The information currently available constitutes Phase 1 of FerTechInform, containing key aspects of fertiliser production and topics of contemporary relevance. This constitutes around a quarter of the complete resource, which will be developed as funding becomes available and we have evaluated the level of usage of the resource. Phase 1 is available to use for free; note that registration is required to post to the forum in order to prevent spurious usage.

Much of the content of the Knowledge Base has been derived from the IFDC’s Fertilizer Manual ‘Green Book’, with other content provided by the European Fertilizer Blenders Association, Fertilizers Europe and the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform. Our thanks go to Hans Reuvers and Kees Langeveld for help with the content, along with experts from the Ammonia Energy Association, EasyMining, OCI Nitrogen, Prayon and Yara.