Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have developed a new method for cleaning sylvinite ore, which is used for the production of potash fertilizers. The raw material is often contaminated with clayey sludge, which complicates its processing and worsens the quality of fertilizers. Traditionally, ultrasound is used for cleaning, but its effect on the process has not been fully studied until now.
Researchers have found that ultrasonic treatment not only improves foaming but also increases the efficiency of impurity removal. During flotation, when air is added to the solution, sludge "floats" into the foam. However, clayey impurities make the foam too viscous, which makes it difficult to break down.
Perm scientists conducted experiments and found that ultrasound helps the foam become more voluminous and less viscous, which facilitates its destruction. The results showed that ultrasound increases the foam volume by 11-18% and reduces its moisture content, which significantly improves sludge extraction and simplifies dewatering.
In addition, ultrasonic treatment reduces the viscosity of salt solutions and reduces surface tension, which makes the process more efficient.
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