CARNALLITE FROTH FLOTATION OPTIMIZATION AND CELL EFFICIENCY IN THE ARAB POTASH COMPANY, DEAD SEA, JORDAN

Abstract

Arab Potash Company (APC) was formed to develop minerals from the Dead Sea. Currently, APC is producing potash for agriculture and industrial potash for the chemical industry, industrial salt, bromine, and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizers. The flotation unit at APC is a significant part of the overall processes, which end up separating halite from the carnallite in the mixture. The Dead Sea is the main and only source for the potash industry in the form of potassium chloride. The Dead Sea salts are converted into a final saleable product in the form of potassium chloride, which is commercially known as potash. The current study aims to provide plantoperators with a better understanding of flotation process. In this investigation, several laboratory experiments were conducted that covered several parameters and the best cell efficiency was achieved in terms of halite removal and carnallite recovery. Agitator speed, pulp density, reagent quantity, conditioning time, temperature effect, pH effect, additives effect, size distribution, and wet screening tests were performed. The conclusion is based on analyses of the obtained results incorporated with direct observation from APC flotation cells. The obtained results indicate that considering certain significant experimental parameters will reduce the loss and the overall cost and, consequently, will increase the overall production.

Keywords:

• carnallite
• crystallization
• Dead Sea
• froth flotation
• Jordan
• potash
• potassium chloride