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Selective extraction of potassium chloride from saskatchewan sylvinite ore
Author(s) -
Taylor J. B.,
Hunt M. R.,
Despault G. J.,
Agyako A. H.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450450210
Subject(s) - potassium , dissolution , chemistry , chloride , sodium , leaching (pedology) , inorganic chemistry , recrystallization (geology) , selective leaching , nuclear chemistry , geology , organic chemistry , soil science , soil water , paleontology
The distribution of potassium chloride in Saskatchewan sylvinite ore samples has been investigated using autoradiography. Saturated or nearly saturated aqueous solutions of sodium chloride have been used in an attempt to selectively leach out the potassium chloride from the ore. Selective leaching can only be achieved in ores having a contiguous association of potassium chloride crystals. Ores richer than 30% potassium chloride can be expected to fulfil this condition. Accompanying the dissolution of potassium chloride is a simultaneous recrystallization of sodium chloride which accumulates on the dissolving face of the potassium chloride and prevents further extraction. Trace amounts of Pb 2+ or Mn 2+ ions prevent the accumulation of recrystallized sodium chloride and ensure that the dissolution of potassium chloride proceeds to completion. The Pb 2+ ion severely retards the dissolution of both sodium and potassium chlorides. Mn 2+ ion has little or no effect on the kinetics of the dissolution process and is accordingly the preferred additive.