STUDY OF THE PROCESSES OF SEPARATION OF SOLID AND LIQUID PHASES IN THE PROCESS OF CONVERSION: STUDY OF THE PROCESSES OF SEPARATION OF SOLID AND LIQUID PHASES IN THE PROCESS OF CONVERSION

Abstract

This research investigates the critical processes involved in solid-liquid phase separation during potassium sulfate production through chemical conversion methods. The study examines the settling and filtration characteristics of suspensions formed during two-stage conversion processes, focusing on the clarification rates and filtration efficiency under various operational conditions. Experimental investigations were conducted using graduated cylinders and Buchner funnel systems to determine optimal parameters for phase separation. The results demonstrate that suspension clarification degrees reach 65.8% to 67.3% within 95 seconds for the first stage, while the second stage achieved maximum clarification of 66.25%. Filtration rates varied significantly between stages, with values of 1000-1200 kg/m²·h for the first stage and 2100-2300 kg/m²·h for the second stage. The influence of molar ratios (KCl:(NH₄)₂SO₄), temperature (20-60°C), and sediment height on filtration performance was systematically analyzed. The study reveals that filtration rates improve with increasing molar ratios and temperature, though the effect diminishes at higher sediment heights. These findings provide valuable insights for industrial scale-up and process optimization in potassium sulfate manufacturing.