Crystallization and separation of KCl from carnallite ore: Process development, simulation, and economic feasibility

Abstract

Given an increasing demand for potassium in Brazil, the mining and use of carnallite is becoming increasingly important, because the current source of potassium (sylvinite) is being depleted and there is a risk of shortages. Based on theoretical and practical data available in the literature, this work describes the development, simulation, and economic feasibility of a process for dissolution and crystallization of potassium chloride from carnallite ore. Positive results were obtained following application of the Hoffman diagram and determination of the corresponding equation. The proposed process provided over 85% potassium chloride crystallization, demonstrating its superior performance, compared to existing procedures.

Keywords

• Carnallite
• potassium chloride
• crystallization
• process synthesis
• economic assessment