The potash ore enrichment process at Uralkali is carried out according to the following two methods: chemical (halurgic) and flotation methods.
- The halurgic method has been deployed by the potash industry since the XIX century. As a result, we are able to produce a chemically pure MOP product, with Potassium chloride (KCl) concentration reaching as high as 98%. This premium MOP is typically used in the agriculture and chemical industries.
- The flotation method has been used to produce potash fertilisers since the 1960’s. As a result of froth flotation, the MOP product contains up to 95% of Potassium chloride (KCl) and is widely used in agriculture.
Halurgic method
- We use the halurgic method to produce White Standard MOP and White Fine MOP. This method is derived from the physicochemical properties of NaCl-KCl-H2O, whereby potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl) have different solubility qualities and dissolve in water at different temperatures. KCl crystallizes when the solution cools down. This processing method produces potash fertilisers containing between 95% and 98% of MOP.
Flotation method
- We use the flotation method to manufacture Pink Standard MOP. The methodology is based on the varying flotability of sylvite and halite minerals in the saturated aqueous solution of potassium chloride and sodium chloride, with addition of chemical reagents. Partially purified potash ore is placed in the flotation machine, where the bubbles stick to potassium chloride particles and push them to the surface of the mixture, leading to its separation from the rest of the minerals. The humidity of the Pink Standard MOP after drying is as low as 0.1%.
Granulation
- The process for making Pink Granular MOP is identical to the production process for Pink Standard MOP up until the final, drying stage of the product. Following the completion of this phase, the dry Pink Standard MOP is compressed into flakes, and granules of a certain size are selected. These granules are treated to remove sharp edges and cracks and are further hardened in special furnaces in order to increase their strength. Following this, the granules are ready for long transportation in an oil treatment blender.
Pelletizing
- The process for making Pelletized Potassium Chloride is identical to the production process for White (halurgic) Potassium Chloride up until the final, drying stage of the product. Following the completion of this phase, the dry White Potassium Chloride is compressed under high pressure into standard size pellets. This high-purity product is produced without anti-caking additives and is intended for making potassium hydroxide by electromembrane process.