THE OPTIMIZATION OF THE STRONTIUM COMPOUNDS PRODUCTION, USING A CELESTINE ORE SAMPLE

Abstract

The direct conversion of celestine (SrSO4) to strontium carbonate as well as its enrichment by hydrometallurgy were investigated. A study was also conducted to investigate whether acid concentration affected the quality of strontium sulfate in celestine concentrates. Based on the results of a laboratory assay, it was determined that 98.04% SrSO4 was leached optimally under agitation. The ground sample of celestine concentrate was then leached by agitation for three hours after the dimensional analysis had determined the appropriate grinding time. To determine the optimal approach for the agitated leaching of strontium carbonate, different approaches were tested. Various factors, including temperature, return water, solid percentage, and sodium carbonate to strontium sulfate ratio, were studied. At 90°C, celestine completely converts into strontium carbonate with a solid percentage of 20% and a sodium carbonate to strontium sulfate ratio of 4:5. As part of the investigation into the possibility of producing strontium oxide, samples of celestine concentrate and strontium carbonate produced under optimal conditions were heated at 500 and 1000°C to determine which phase would form the oxidized phase. An X-ray analysis indicates that the oxidation phase forms at a temperature of more than 750°C.

Keywords

• celestine processing
• strontium compounds
• strontium carbonate
• strontium oxide