Abstract
A steady state optimization model used to define the optimum salt to carnallite ponds area ratio in a solar pond system was developed. The model is based on material balance analysis using a cascade of complete-mix reactors model (cascade of CFSTR, continuous-flow stirred-tank reactor) prepared for the solar pond system. The basic material balance model shall use the basic phase chemistry relations and physical parameters of the solar pond system under optimization. The Arab Potash solar pond system data was used to examine the developed model where the Arab potash solar system was used as a Case Study. In the course of the model development, calibration and validation of the model is performed. Using this steady state model the optimum salt pond to carnallite pond area ratio is deduced. This optimum ratio is defined as the optimum area ratio that maximizes the carnallite production per the total pond system area. This term, which could be expressed as tons per km2, presents the best pond system efficiency. The results show that a 1.88 ratio of salt to carnallite ponds area is the optimum ratio.
Highlights
Solar ponds are simple pools of saltwater where it acts as a large scale solar thermal energy collector [1] or it is used for minerals extraction such as the production of concentrated brines and salt deposits [2,3,4]
The model is based on material balance analysis using a cascade of complete-mix reactors model prepared for the solar pond system
A steady state optimization model was developed to define the salt to carnallite ponds area ratio in a solar pond system
Summary
Solar ponds are simple pools of saltwater where it acts as a large scale solar thermal energy collector [1] or it is used for minerals extraction such as the production of concentrated brines and salt deposits [2,3,4]. Solar Ponds System considered under this article is a series of evaporation ponds that utilize the sea water or brine as a raw material under the effect of the solar energy to precipitate carnallite salt (MgCl2KCl·6H2O) as a product of the process. The depositing sequence of salts crystallized from the evaporation of sea water is well established from studies on solar ponds bitterns [11], many experimental tests and field observations of existing solar ponds [11]. Carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O) and halite are usually the last salts to crystallize and deposit with small amount of MgSO4·6H2O, this normally represents the end point of sea water evaporation. The above mentioned sequence of crystallization is very dependent on the brine temperature This in turn is determined by the concentration of the sea water bitterns, the ambient day-night temperature cycle, wind conditions, bitterns depth and the evaporation rate.
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