Methods for the production of potassium sulphate from potassium-containing ores at high ambient temperatures
Abstract:
A method for the production of potassium sulphate comprising contacting an aqueous potassium- and sulphate-containing composition with magnesium chloride (MgCl2), thereby obtaining a composition comprising kainite; optionally concentrating the kainite from the composition; reacting the kainite with magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and potassium sulphate (K2SO4) so as to convert the kainite into leonite (K2SO4.MgSO4.4H2O); optionally contacting the leonite with water to remove excess MgSO4; and contacting the leonite with water so as to leach the MgSO4, contained in the leonite, and to at least substantially selectively precipitate potassium sulphate (K2SO4). The method can be operated at higher temperatures, in particular, at temperatures above 35° C., and does not require a cooling step at 20 to 25° C. The method produces potassium sulphate with a low amount of chloride.
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