Improvements in the Manufacture of Potassium Chloride from Natural Silicates, Rocks, Minerals, Residues or Wastes containing Potash.

摘要

Potassium salts, obtaining from complex silicates. Potassium chloride is obtained from silicates such as feldspar, leucite, &c., by treatment of the crushed material with fused sodium chloride or alkaline earth chloride. The invention is described with reference to the use of sodium chloride. The reaction may be effected in batches in closed crucibles or retorts, or the fused salt may be caused to percolate through the crushed silicate, most of the potash being found in the salt which collects at the bottom. In any case, air and moisture must be excluded. When percolation is employed, some of the salt may be mixed with the silicate, for instance by mixing with the silicate the salt solution obtained by leaching the solid residue, and drying at a temperature too low to cause any reaction. Suction may be employed to assist the percolation and some magnesium chloride may be added to make the salt more fluid.